Common rejection reasons in Fort Lauderdale
35 documented. Our analysis checks your package against these.
1Paper applications are NO LONGER ACCEPTED — 100% digital via LauderBuild only. Previously submitted paper apps CANNOT be digitized.
2LP/Contractor updates and renewals no longer accepted through email or physical mail — must use LauderBuild Contractor Registration Renewal application.
3Walk-through permit types are ONLY offered through the online portal — no in-person walk-throughs.
4Forms must be completed in BLACK INK — only signatures may be in standard BLUE INK.
5Insurance certificate holder MUST read EXACTLY: 'City of Fort Lauderdale, 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311' — wrong name, wrong address, or abbreviations = REJECTION.
6When uploading insurance documents to LauderBuild, each document must be uploaded as a SEPARATE PDF to the correct category — do NOT combine multiple documents into one file.
7NOC is required for jobs over $5,000 (per FAQ). Recorded NOC must be posted at job site prior to FIRST INSPECTION — FL Statutes do NOT require it at application time.
8On NOA documents, relevant information must be CIRCLED — do NOT use highlighter. Highlighted NOAs are REJECTED.
9NOAs must be approved by designer of record if part of a full set of plans. Required for windows, doors, louvers, shutters, and pre-manufactured items (sheds, etc.).
10Permit fee is minimum $131 or 1.75% of construction cost — 50% due at application.
11Permit applications are deemed ABANDONED after 180 days if not pursued in good faith or permit not issued.
12Permit renewal before expiry = 50% of original fee. After expiry = 100% of original fee. Can only be renewed ONCE — beyond that is Building Official's decision.
13Work without permit — separate permits must be secured for EACH trade (electrical, plumbing, signs, wells, pools, furnaces, boilers, heaters, tanks, AC, driveways, roofs, etc.).
14Reinspection fee is $164 — do NOT fail your inspection.
15All exterior work requires a current signed/sealed survey AND a site plan locating all proposed work.
16For fences, driveways, walks, patios, site walls, decks, docks, seawalls, sheds, and public sidewalks — can use COPIES of a current valid survey with a completed Zoning Affidavit.
17Energy calculations required for change of occupancy, change in space conditioning, AND renovations ≥ 30% of assessed value of structure — 2 copies required.
18Structural calculations must be signed/sealed for ALL new residential structures per FBC 107.3.
19Buoyancy calculations required for installation of tanks in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
20For revisions — need new Permit Application, Architect's Narrative, clouds and deltas, 'Extra' stamped set, owner signature on Application. All voided sheets must be removed. Revised date and revision # must be on each revised sheet.
21DRC-approved original stamped/signed plans required for exterior work — none required for interiors only.
22Flood certifications required for new construction, substantial improvements, and additions. Floodproofing certificate for non-residential. V-Zone Certificate for V-Zone work.
23All sheds require HVHZ compliance — must have either: (1) signed/sealed shop drawings from FL Licensed Engineer, OR (2) State of FL product approval, OR (3) Miami-Dade County NOA.
24Private Provider projects must be approved by Assistant Building Official BEFORE submitting permit application. Contact AnnMarie Lopez at 954-828-6184.
25Contractors with expired credentials will NOT be issued permits and cannot pay fees. All documents must remain current.
26Expired licenses are NOT searchable in LauderBuild — if your LP search returns nothing, your license may be expired.
27Buildings 25+ years old (except SFR/duplexes ≤3 stories and structures <3,500 SF) require Building Safety Inspection — $375 fee, submitted digitally via LauderBuild only.
28Properties in Sailboat Bend or Himmarshee Historic Districts require Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before any exterior work.
29As of September 1, 2025 (HB 735), non-licensed contractors can register and apply for minor construction work permits — this is NEW.
30Any work done in the right of way requires a SEPARATE engineering permit application — this is in addition to the building permit.
31Tree survey and appraisal required for existing trees on-site for any exterior work involving landscaping.
32Fire will review drawings for ALL buildings OTHER THAN 1 and 2 family dwellings — plan for fire review time on commercial projects.
33Power will NOT be released until building has received ALL required inspections and ALL fees are paid.
34Broward County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) approval must be obtained BEFORE building department submittal if required. EPD process changes must be verified directly with EPD.
35Elevator submittals require Broward County approval PRIOR TO building department submittal — submit plans only for review.