The state of Florida as a whole has experienced a population boom in recent years, and Fort Lauderdale is no exception. Located near Miami and the beautiful upscale area of Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale holds an appeal for people and businesses alike. The numbers reflect this, too. Fort Lauderdale led the metro area in job gains in a variety of industries. This makes it an excellent place for businesses to thrive and grow. However, getting Fort Lauderdale building permits for commercial projects can be a challenging task. That’s why we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to walk you through the basic process!
The Key Players in Fort Lauderdale
When applying for Fort Lauderdale building permits, you’ll mostly be interacting with the Building Services Division (BSD), which is responsible for handling all permitting projects in the city. Within the BSD, the Development Services Department is the main point of contact. They are the ones that will issue permits and conduct inspections once the review has been completed.
The Process of Getting Fort Lauderdale Building Permits for Commercial Projects
Step 1: Gather All Necessary Documents
The first step in applying for Fort Lauderdale building permits is to gather all the necessary documentation. The specifics of this will vary based on the type and scope of your project. Unfortunately, the official Fort Lauderdale website does not offer many details in this regard to help you prepare.
In general, though, you’ll want to be sure you have the following:
- Plans that have been digitally signed and sealed, drawn to scale, in a PDF format
- Scanned drawings
Be sure to follow formatting guidelines laid out on the city’s official website. You may also need supporting documents such as energy calculations, a seawall survey, and geotechnical reports.
Your Scout Services expediter will be able to tell you which plans and supporting documents apply to your specific project.
Step 2: Submit Plans and Supporting Documentation
Next, it’s time to fill out your permit application. In Fort Lauderdale, this is a digital process done via the LauderBuild platform. You’ll need to create an account and complete the application on a desktop, as the platform is not supported on mobile.
After submitting the application and completing the payment process, you can upload your plans and documents directly on the platform. Scout will help ensure this is done correctly the first time so your application is not rejected.
Step 3: Review
Once everything has been submitted and accepted, your application will enter the review process. Fort Lauderdale aims to have this process completed within 30 business days of receipt. However, remember that the actual time may vary based on the volume of applications the city is handling and the complexity of your project.
Your Scout Services expediter will be able to help you set timeline expectations, track your application, follow up with the Development Services Department, and ensure your application moves forward as quickly as possible.
Step 4: Addressing Comments and Resubmitting
It’s a reality of the permitting world that most applications will come back to you with comments. Your Scout Services expediter will help you address these comments in a timely manner and prepare your application package for resubmittal.
At that point, it’s time for a second review. The timeline for this can vary widely depending on the number and severity of the comments—again, your Scout expediter will be able to help set expectations and manage your timeline throughout this process.
Step 5: Permit Issuance
Finally, after everything has been approved, your permits will be issued. You and/or your contractor will receive an email with a link to download your approved plans and permits. Be sure to make note of any conditions that might be attached to your approved plans.
Fort Lauderdale Building Permits FAQs
Q: Which codes apply in Fort Lauderdale?
A: As of the date of publication, Fort Lauderdale abides by the 2023 Florida Building Code 8th Edition. As with many other cities throughout the U.S., there are also local regulations to be aware of. Scout Services will be able to provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of what applies to your project.
Q: How long does commercial permitting take in Fort Lauderdale?
Again, the city aims to complete the initial review for all applications within 30 business days. However, follow-up reviews to address comments, the volume of applications, and other factors can all impact this.
Your Scout Services expediter will be able to inform you early-on of any obstacles or timing conditions that might impact your project so you can plan accordingly.
At Scout Services, We Simplify the Process of Obtaining Fort Lauderdale Building Permits
At Scout Services, we’ve been expediting permits for commercial projects nationwide for years. We’ve worked in thousands of municipalities across the country, including Fort Lauderdale and other locations throughout Florida. Our years of experience have allowed us to build up industry connections with officials throughout the U.S. And, because we specialize in working with commercial projects, we have the know-how to keep your project on schedule.
Do you have a project coming up in Fort Lauderdale? Get in touch with us today and we’ll get started.
Disclaimer: While we strive to provide the latest and most relevant information, the codes and laws that regulate commercial construction projects are always evolving. If you have a project coming up in Fort Lauderdale, get in touch with our team at Scout Services for assistance.
