Frequently Asked Questions Before Starting to Build or Improve a Property in Broward County

1. HOW DO I GET STARTED IF I WANT TO BUILD OR IMPROVE MY RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY?

Before submitting your application for permit to this office, you should contact the Broward County Development and Environmental Regulation Division located at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 954-357-6666, who will determine if you need any sign-offs from other agencies. Obtaining a building permit from the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division is the "last stop" in the permitting process.

2. HOW WILL I KNOW FOR SURE IF I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT FROM THE PERMITTING, LICENSING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION?

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove or demolish any building, structure or part thereof. The need and types of permits required is based on the scope of work you are proposing and you should contact the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protections Division prior to starting a project. Depending on the opinion of the Building Official, a permit may not be required for general maintenance or repairs which do not change the occupancy of the structure and the value of the work does not exceed $800 in labor and material. If you need a building permit, you must hire a licensed contractor or you can apply for an exemption to submit to the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division, to do the work yourself. A licensed contractor is a person who possesses a current Certificate of Competency issued by the Central Examining Boards of the State of Florida. If you wish to apply for an exemption to do the work yourself, complete an "Owner-Builder Affidavit" (available at the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division) for each building permit application being made. 
 
WARNING: If you are allowed the exemption, you take all the responsibilities and liabilities as a contractor. 

3. IF MY PLANNED BUILDING OR IMPROVEMENT REQUIRES A PERMIT FROM THE PERMITTING, LICENSING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION, WHERE CAN I GET THE BUILDING  PERMIT APPLICATION?

You may obtain an application by clicking on the " Permit Applications " button on the main menu or in person at the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division office, located at the Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Rm #309,  Ft. Lauderdale.  The Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M.- 4:30 P.M. and the phone number is 954-765-4400.   
   
4. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE PERMITTING, LICENSING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION FOR THE WORK I WANT TO DO?

After you have routed your plans to the agencies specified by the Development and Environmental Regulation Division for sign-offs, you can submit your application for permit to the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division along with  the following:

1) Two sets of signed and sealed plans (by an architect or engineer) showing all structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical designs and calculations.  
2) Two signed and sealed surveys (if required).
3) All energy calculations.
4) All paperwork showing agency sign-offs (if required).

5. HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE AFTER I SUBMIT MY PLANS AND BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE PERMITTING, LICENSING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION?

This depends on what you are planning to do. The Division has an hourly charge for pre-plan review service which assists in shortening the time frame for plan review of large scale projects, when the final documents are submitted. Small projects such as re-roofs, A/C change outs, burglar alarm installations, etc., do not require a review by other agencies and are reviewed at Building Code Services as "Quick Service". These can usually be done within 1-2 hours after submittal.

6. WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED AT THE PERMITTING, LICENSING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION?

Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division accepts cash, checks and credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover) payments for any permit transaction.  You can also fax or telephone in your payment for reinspection fees when you pay by credit card. The telephone number you can use for telephone payments is 954-765-4400.  If you prefer fax payment the fax number is 954-765-4410.