ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Yes — you need a permit for adu (accessory dwelling unit) work in Fort Lauderdale.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | No size threshold in the code |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | Sec. 47-19.2 (Accessory buildings/dwellings); Sec. 9-1 (FBC adopted) |
| Based on | Florida Building Code adopted by Sec. 9-1 (a new dwelling unit is not exempt); ULDR Sec. 47-19.2 governs accessory dwellings |
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.
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)).
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 | No size threshold in the code |
| Lauderhill | 5 mi | Yes | Building a garage apartment, casita, or other accessory d… |
| Plantation | 7 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Sunrise | 7 mi | Yes | Building a garage apartment, casita, or other accessory d… |
| Tamarac | 8 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Davie | 9 mi | Yes | You need a building permit to build an accessory dwelling… |
See every Florida city on adu (accessory dwelling unit) work
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.