Above-Ground Pool permit in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Yes — you need a permit for above-ground pool work in Fort Lauderdale.
Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep are exempt; deeper pools require a permit, and a barrier/enclosure is required under the FL Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 24 in deep |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | Sec. 9-1 (FBC adopted); FBC 105.2; ULDR Sec. 47-39.A.1.b (pool barrier) |
| Based on | Florida Building Code adopted by Sec. 9-1; FBC 2023, 8th ed. + FL Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (105.2 exempts only prefab pools <24 in deep) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Fort Lauderdale building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
Either of you can pull it. When a contractor does the work, it is normally their job.
If you skip it
Violation of the Florida Building Code is punishable under FBC Section 205 and the city penalty clause (Sec. 9-1(c)); probation and court costs may also be imposed.
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale | — | Yes | Over 24 in deep |
| Lauderhill | 5 mi | Yes | Over 24 in deep |
| Plantation | 7 mi | Yes | Over 24 in deep |
| Sunrise | 7 mi | Yes | Over 24 in deep |
| Tamarac | 8 mi | Yes | From 24 in deep |
| Davie | 9 mi | Yes | Over 24 in deep |
Other work in Fort Lauderdale
Questions people ask
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Fort Lauderdale can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.