Demolition Permits in Broward County: Complete Guide (2026)

If you’re planning to tear down a structure in Broward County, the permit process is your first hurdle. It’s not just a matter of paying a fee; it’s a multi-stage coordination effort between the city building department, the county environmental agency and several utility providers. At South Florida Demolition Services, we’ve been navigating this red tape since 1992. Here is what you need to know to get your project legally permitted in 2026.

Why You Can’t Skip the Permit

In Broward County, performing structural demolition without a permit is a fast way to get hit with massive fines and a “Stop Work” order that can freeze your project for months. A legal permit ensures that:

Utilities are safely killed: Preventing gas leaks, electrical fires or water main breaks.
Environmental hazards are managed: Making sure asbestos or lead isn’t released into the neighborhood.
The property record is updated: Ensuring you aren’t paying taxes on a building that no longer exists.

The Step-by-Step Permit Process

1. The Pre-Demolition Asbestos Survey

Before any city in Broward County will issue a demo permit, you must have an asbestos survey performed. This is a requirement from the Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department. A licensed inspector will take samples of drywall, flooring, roofing and insulation. If asbestos is found, you must hire a licensed abatement contractor to remove it and provide a “Clearance Letter” before structural work can begin.

2. Utility Termination (The “Kill” Letters)

This is often the longest part of the process. You must obtain written proof from each utility provider that the service has been disconnected and the lines have been capped at the street.

FP&L (Florida Power & Light): You must request a “service retirement.” They will remove the meter and the line from the pole to the house.
Water & Sewer: Most cities in Broward (like Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood) require you to hire a licensed plumber to cap the sewer line at the property line and have it inspected by the city.
Gas (TECO or City Gas): If the property has a gas line, the provider must cap it and pull the meter.

3. The City Permit Application

Once you have your asbestos clearance and your utility letters, you can file the application with your specific city building department (Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, etc.). You will need:

A signed and notarized permit application.
A site plan showing the structure to be removed and any protected trees.
A copy of your contractor’s license and insurance.
The permit fee (calculated based on the value of the demo or the square footage).

City-Specific Nuances in Broward

While the county handles the environmental side, each city has its own local rules.

Fort Lauderdale

The City of Fort Lauderdale Development Services is one of the busiest in the county. They require a specific “Sewer Cap Permit” that must be closed before the main demolition permit is issued. They are also very strict about tree protection. If you have a canopy tree near the demo zone, expect to install robust fencing and possibly provide an arborist report.

Hollywood

The City of Hollywood Building Division requires a “Notice of Commencement” to be filed with the Broward County Records Division for any project over $2,500. Coastal cities like Hollywood have specific rules about dust control, especially for properties near the beach or the downtown core.

Pompano Beach & Deerfield Beach

The Pompano Beach building department — and neighboring Deerfield Beach — often requires a “Tree Removal Permit” even if you aren’t planning on taking down trees — just to prove that the demo won’t impact any protected species.

The Role of the Notice of Commencement (NOC)

In Florida, a Notice of Commencement is a legal document that protects the property owner and the contractor. For most Broward demo projects, you must record an NOC with the county and post a certified copy at the job site before your first inspection. Without this, the city inspector won’t sign off on your work, which can delay your final permit closure.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

In 2026, the typical timeline for a residential demo permit in Broward County is 4 to 8 weeks.

Weeks 1-2: Asbestos survey and utility kill requests.
Weeks 3-5: Utility providers physically disconnect services; plumber caps the sewer.
Weeks 6-8: City review and permit issuance.

Commercial permits can take longer, often 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the structure and the environmental requirements.

Closing the Permit: The Final Step

Your project isn’t “done” when the debris is hauled away. You must have a final inspection from the city. They will check that the site is properly graded, the utility caps are secure and no debris remains. Once the inspector signs off, the permit is “closed.” This is a critical step — an open permit can prevent you from getting a building permit for your new home or selling the property in the future.

Work With the Experts

Navigating the Broward County building departments is what we do every day. South Florida Demolition Services handles the entire permit process as part of our turnkey service. We know the inspectors, we know the rules and we know how to keep your project moving.

Call 954-853-4293 or [Get a Free Estimate] to get started on your Broward demo project.

FAQ: Broward Demo Permits

Q: Can I pull a “homeowner-builder” demo permit? A: In some cases, yes, if it’s your primary residence. However, you are then personally liable for any accidents, environmental violations or utility damage. Most cities strongly recommend using a licensed and insured contractor for structural removal.

Q: How much do permits cost in Fort Lauderdale? A: Permit fees vary by municipality and project scope. Every city in Broward has its own fee structure — Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Pompano Beach each calculate differently. We handle permit applications as part of our service and include all fees in your estimate.

Q: Does the permit cover the new construction? A: No. A demolition permit is strictly for the removal of the existing structure. You will need a separate building permit for your new home or commercial project.

Q: What happens if I have an open permit from a previous owner? A: It must be closed or “expired” properly before a new demo permit can be issued. We can help you research and resolve old permit issues.