Do I need a Notice of Commencement in Fort Lauderdale?

Florida law requires a recorded Notice of Commencement when the contract price is greater than $5,000 ($15,000 for repair or replacement of an existing heating or air conditioning system). Timing can vary, so confirm with the Fort Lauderdale building department whether it is due at application or before the first inspection.

What gets a building application rejected in Fort Lauderdale?

Only signatures may be in standard blue ink — all other entries must be BLACK INK. NOA (Notice of Acceptance) required for windows, doors, louvers, shutters, pre-manufactured items — must be approved by designer of record if part of full plan set. CIRCLE relevant info on NOA documents — do NOT highlight. Highlighted NOAs are REJECTED.

Fort Lauderdale Building Permit Requirements (2026 Checklist)

Building Permit checklist for Fort Lauderdale

Submit via LauderBuild (https://aca-prod.accela.com/FTL/) — 100% digital, NO paper applications accepted
Broward County / Fort Lauderdale Uniform Building Permit Application — completed in BLACK INK, values/SF/quantities required
Fort Lauderdale Building Permit Application (city-specific supplement to Broward uniform app)
Application must be signed by BOTH Owner AND Contractor
GotchaOnly signatures may be in standard blue ink — all other entries must be BLACK INK
Two (2) sets of plans signed and sealed by Florida licensed design professional (3 sets if using private expedited review)
Plans must show scope of work, dimensions, structural details per FBC requirements
GotchaNOA (Notice of Acceptance) required for windows, doors, louvers, shutters, pre-manufactured items — must be approved by designer of record if part of full plan set
GotchaCIRCLE relevant info on NOA documents — do NOT highlight. Highlighted NOAs are REJECTED
Contractor must be registered with City of Fort Lauderdale via LauderBuild
Registration requires: (1) Contractor Registration Form, (2) State License OR County Certificate of Competency, (3) Liability Insurance, (4) Workers' Comp Exemption Letter OR Certificate
Insurance certificate holder MUST read exactly: 'City of Fort Lauderdale, 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311'
GotchaLP/Contractor updates/renewals only accepted through LauderBuild — no email or physical mail
GotchaContractors with expired credentials cannot be issued permits or pay fees
Notice of Commencement (NOC) required if contract exceeds $5,000 (per city FAQ)
NOC must be recorded with Broward County Clerk of Court and certified copy posted at job site
GotchaNOC required at job site PRIOR TO FIRST INSPECTION — not required at time of application per FL Statutes
NOC recording: Governmental Center West (1 N. University Dr, Plantation 33324) OR Broward County Records (115 S. Andrews Ave, Rm 114, FTL 33301)
Current signed and sealed survey required for ALL exterior work, plus site plan locating all proposed work
Interior-only work does NOT require survey
Zoning Affidavit available for certain permit types (fences, driveways, walks, patios, site walls, decks, docks, seawalls, sheds, sidewalks) in lieu of new survey
Energy calculations required for: change of occupancy, change in space conditioning, and renovations ≥ 30% of assessed value — 2 copies required
No energy calculations required for interior-only work
Structural calculations signed/sealed required for ALL new residential structures per FBC 107.3
Buoyancy calculations required for tanks in Special Flood Hazard Areas
Special Inspection Forms must be signed/sealed by engineer AND signed by owner and permit holder
Special inspector may be required per FBC 110.10 — city has updated form available online
Development Review Committee (DRC) approved original stamped/signed plans required for exterior work
Not required for interior-only work
Flood certifications required for new construction, substantial improvements, and additions in flood zones
Floodproofing Certificate for non-residential in flood zones
V-Zone Certificate for V-Zone work
Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Worksheet available on city website
Owner-Builder Affidavit required if homeowner pulling own permit
Owner-builder allowed for 1-2 family dwellings, own use, not for sale/lease, must do work yourself or provide direct on-site supervision
Commercial property owners MUST hire a contractor for permitted/inspected work
Permit fee: minimum $131 OR 1.75% of construction cost — 50% due at application
Premium fee (Engineering, Landscaping, Zoning plan review): $93 or 0.12% of construction cost
State surcharges: DBPR (1%), BCAI (1.5%), Construction Lien Law ($5), BORA ($0.52/$1,000 construction cost)
Application abandoned after 180 days if not pursued or permit not issued
Renewal before expiry: 50% of total fee. After expiry: 100% of total fee. One renewal only — beyond that is Building Official's decision.
Authorized Agent Form required if someone other than owner is acting as agent — requires notarized signatures from both owner and agent
Job Cost Breakdown form available on city website
Construction Debris Mitigation Letter may be required
NoteSeparate permits required for each trade — electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, etc.
NoteAny work in right-of-way requires separate Engineering (ROW) permit application
NoteFire Department reviews plans for ALL buildings except 1-2 family dwellings
NotePower NOT released until ALL inspections passed and ALL fees paid
GotchaFor revisions — need new Permit App, Architect's Narrative, clouds/deltas, 'Extra' stamped set, owner signature, voided sheets removed, revised date and revision # on each sheet
NoteHB 735 (effective 9/1/2025) — non-licensed contractors now eligible for minor construction work permits via LauderBuild per FBC 105.18.1
NEW RESIDENTIAL
New Residential Construction Permitting Checklist (city-specific form)
Foundation Permit Checklist (city-specific form — foundation may be separate permit)
Foundation Hold Harmless Affidavit (if applicable)
Broward County Uniform Building Permit Application
Two (2) sets of plans signed/sealed by FL licensed design professional
Structural calculations signed/sealed — required for ALL new residential per FBC 107.3
Energy calculations — 2 copies
Soil Bearing Capacity Affidavit (city-specific form)
Park Impact Fee Supplemental Form for New Residential Construction
Blower Door Test Requirement and Form
Special Inspector Form and Statement of Intent
Reinforced Unit Masonry Inspection Plan (if applicable)
All HVHZ product approvals (NOAs) for windows, doors, roofing, etc.
Current signed/sealed survey and site plan
DRC-approved original plans if required
Tree survey and Tree Protection Barricade Detail
Flood certifications if in flood zone
NOC required if job value exceeds $5,000
Insurance certificate holder MUST read: 'City of Fort Lauderdale, 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311'
CHANGE OF USE
Two (2) sets of plans showing proposed use changes
Energy calculations required for change of occupancy
Fire Department review required for all commercial change of use
Business Tax License required — apply at LauderBuild
GotchaAlways ensure business is licensed to operate in Fort Lauderdale even after commercial permit
Zoning verification required for proposed use
CONSTRUCTION TRAILER
Temporary Structure Affidavit (city-specific form)
Site plan showing trailer location
Zoning review required
BOARD UP
Vacant Structure Affidavit (city-specific form)

Requirements change. Confirm the current checklist with the Fort Lauderdale building department before you submit. See every permit type on the Fort Lauderdale permit requirements page.

Fort Lauderdale Building Permit Requirements

Check your building package.