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Building Division

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1. What is the address for the Building Division?

8800 SW 36 ST, DAVIE, FL 33328

2. Why do I need a permit?

In simplest terms, you should obtain a permit to ensure that any work done on your home or business is done safely and correctly. Per Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code Sec. 105.1 and section 553.79 (1), Florida Statutes: Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure, or any outside area being used as part of the building’s designated occupancy (single or mixed) or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit for the work.

3. Do plans need to be digitally sealed?

Please see Signing and Sealing Guidelines for information on digital signatures on plans. 

4. How long does it take to get a permit?

Approval times vary based on complexity and work load but we generally attempt to review permit applications within 30 working days (per FBC 105.3.1).

5. What is my permit status?

Your permit status can be obtained from the permitting system Project-dox under "Status" tab, "View Report". Or you may use our E suite page, enter either permit number or address to search for your building permits.

6. How long is a permit valid?

• A permit application is valid for 60 days after notification is sent that it is ready for pick up (per FBC 105.3.1.1).
• Once a permit is issued, it remains valid as long as work begins within 180 days from the date issued and continues in a substantial manner until completion of the job (per FBC 105.3.2.1). 
• A permit will expire if work does not start within 180 days or if work starts and then stops or is abandoned for 90 days or no inspection is called in within 90 days from the last inspection (per FBC 105.3.2.1).

7. Can i get a permit card replacement?

If your permit card is lost or damaged, you may obtain a replacement at the Building Division for a fee of $28.00.

8. Do you offer walk-through permitting and what are the hours?

Walk-thru Permits will be accepted on Wednesdays 8am-11am. Please see here for requirements and permits accepted.

9. What time is my inspection?

• Inspections are conducted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• To request a specific time accommodation, please contact an inspector of the applicable discipline between 7:30 and 8 a.m., the morning of your inspection. Contact info.
• For after hours inspections, an additional fee is assessed. Please contact the Chief of the applicable discipline. Contact Info.

10. How do I cancel an inspection?

If you wish to cancel an inspection that is scheduled for the same day, you must reach the operator at 954-797-1111 or inspectors between 7:30-8:00am. Otherwise you may reach us throughout our hours of operation 7:30am-3:30pm. Contact Info.

11. How do i update/register as a contractor?

The following credentials are needed for update/registration, you may email them to [email protected]

• State License or Broward County Certificate of Competency
• Occupational License (Business Tax Receipt)
• General Liability
• Workman's Comp

12. Can I renew my permit and is there a limit to the number of times a permit can be renewed?

Yes, a permit can be renewed once, beyond that it is the decision of the Building Official. If a permit is renewed within 90 days of expiration, you will be assessed a fee of 50 percent of the original permit fee.  If the permit is renewed after 90 days of expiration, you will be assessed 100 percent of the original permit fee.

13. Do I need a permit to install a shed?

Yes, a building permit is required.  All sheds must have any of the following to qualify for installation within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ):  

1. Signed and sealed shop drawings from a Florida Licensed Engineer or
2. State of Florida product approval or 
3. Miami-Dade County  Notice of Acceptance.

14. Can I pull my own permit? What work can I do as an owner?

As the owner of a one or two family dwelling you may act as your own contractor and do the work yourself, provided that the home is for your own use, and is not for sale or lease. You must also do the work yourself, or provide direct on site supervision. If you are the owner of a commercial property, you are required to hire a contractor for any work that requires a permit and inspection. You will need to complete and sign an Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement and acknowledge that you understand your legal responsibilities (per Sec. 9-28 of the Fort Lauderdale Code of Ordinances).

15. I have a question about a permit; can I speak with the Building Official?

You are always welcomed to contact the Building Official, however, it may be quicker to contact the Chief Inspector of the discipline that you have questions about. Most times, you can receive a quicker response from the Chief of Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical.  There are other disciplines that will also review your drawings, such as Landscaping, Zoning, and Engineering. Fire will also review the drawings for all buildings other than 1 and 2 family dwellings. Contact Info

16. What is a Notice of Commencement?

• If your contract exceeds $2,500.00, a Notice of Commencement must be filed by the homeowner or contractor (per FBC 105.8).

• In accordance with Section 713.13 (1) (h) of the Florida Statutes, a “Notice of Commencement” must be filed with the Clerk of the Court (County Records Division) prior to commencement of construction of a project, and a certified copy or affidavit attesting to the recording of the Notice of Commencement, must be posted at the job site.  This notice contains detailed information about the project such as property owner, financial institution, job site address, contractor, etc., and protects the property owner’s title to the property.
• Failure to record a Notice of Commencement may result in paying twice for improvements to the property. If you intend to obtain financing, consult with your lender or an attorney before recording your Notice of Commencement. A recorded copy of the Notice of Commencement must be posted on the job-site.

17. Where do I have the Notice of Commencement recorded?

Governmental Center West
 1 N. University Drive
 Plantation, FL 33324

or 

Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division
 Broward County Governmental Center Room 114
 115 S. Andrews Ave.
 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 

18. Where do I go to submit for Broward County Approvals?

Governmental Center West
 1 N. University Drive, Building A - Suite 102
 Plantation, FL 33324 

19. At what stage of construction can I get my power turned on?

Power will not be released under most circumstances until the building has received all required inspections and all fees due are paid. We do issue what is known as a 30-day temporary power  that is required prior to final electrical inspection.