Bolthole Index

Broward County, Florida

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Broward County, Florida

29Index Score / 100
#67 of 67 in Florida

Unincorporated Broward County, Florida, known as the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD), requires building permits for a wide range of construction, including single-family homes1. Broward County Urban Planning Services applies Chapter 39 zoning only inside the BMSD, while cities zone their own land23. Septic permits for every Broward address come from the Florida Department of Health in Broward County45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for a wide range of construction, including single-family homes, in the BMSD16
Zoning
Chapter 39 applies only in the BMSD; cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Davie zone their own land2738910
Septic
A permit, site plan, floor plan, fee and site evaluation through the Florida Department of Health in Broward County45
Owner-builder
Available for a qualifying home for the owner's own use, with direct onsite supervision11
RV living
Not confirmed for private BMSD land; ask Broward County Zoning before relying on it123
Tiny home
No separate BMSD tiny-home rule confirmed; Chapter 39 sets minimum floor areas of 800 to 1,500 square feet for one-family dwellings in the districts listed13143
Private well
A permit is required; Broward's county health department is a delegated well-permitting authority15
Minimum home size
Set by district in Chapter 39: 1,500 square feet in RS-2, A-1, A-2 and Rural and Estate; 800 square feet in RS-3 to RS-6, RD-4 to RD-10 and RM-5 to RM-251314

Who to call

Building permits

Broward County Building Code Services (Building Code Division)

Building permits, code compliance, contractor licensing and elevator safety for the Broward Municipal Services District (unincorporated Broward County) and contract cities

954-765-4400

2307 West Broward Blvd. Suite 300 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Zoning

Broward County Urban Planning Services, Zoning Section

Administers the Broward County Zoning Code (Chapter 39) as it applies to the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD), including historic zoning and general BMSD zoning inquiries

Zoning@broward.org

1 North University Drive, Box 102, Plantation, FL 33324

Septic permits

Florida Department of Health in Broward County, Environmental Public Health Program

Onsite sewage treatment and disposal system (OSTDS/septic) and water-well services for Broward County, under Florida Department of Environmental Protection oversight

954-467-4700

2421A SW 6th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Broward County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Broward County, Florida?

Yes. Unincorporated Broward County, the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD), requires building permits for a wide range of construction, including single-family homes1. Broward County's Building Code Division regulates construction in the BMSD and contract cities under the Florida Building Code6. The statewide code applies without separate local adoption, and the edition in effect on the permit-application date governs that work for the life of the permit and its extensions16. Code enforcement includes mandatory minimum inspections and certificates of occupancy under standards set by the Florida Building Commission1718.

The county's rules apply to unincorporated land. Inside Coconut Creek, the city issues its own building permits19. We could not confirm who issues building permits in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Cooper City or Dania Beach, so ask the city's building office for any parcel inside city limits. Septic stays with the county health department either way4.

Who is the Broward County building department, and how do you reach it?

Broward County Building Code Services, also called the Building Code Division, handles building permits and code enforcement for the BMSD and contract cities20. Reach the division at 954-765-4400 or visit 2307 West Broward Blvd., Suite 300, Fort Lauderdale20. Broward's current instructions direct applicants to download the county's permitting packet; during the county website upgrade, ePermits may be unavailable, so forms, submissions and status questions can go to Building Code Services by phone or an office visit21. The ePermits system supports building permit applications, plan and document uploads, and fee payment, with registration required for a first-time user22.

Does Broward County have zoning?

Yes, but the responsible zoning office depends on the parcel. Broward County administers Chapter 39 zoning only in the BMSD, while incorporated municipalities apply their own zoning rules273. Cities with their own zoning include Fort Lauderdale8, Coral Springs9, Davie10, Deerfield Beach23, Coconut Creek24, Cooper City25 and Dania Beach26. Broward County Urban Planning Services handles BMSD zoning questions at Zoning@broward.org3.

In the BMSD, Chapter 39 sets minimum floor areas by district: a one-family dwelling needs 1,500 square feet in the RS-2 district and in the Agricultural Estate A-1, General Agricultural A-2 and Rural and Estate districts, and 800 square feet in RS-3 to RS-6, RD-4 to RD-10 and RM-5 to RM-25 districts1314. We could not confirm minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height, so ask the Zoning Section for the parcel's district and current standards before designing.

Broward also regulates subdivision and platting countywide: the Land Use Plan gives general rules for when platting is required, municipalities can be stricter, and vacating platted easements, travelways or parts of a plat takes a formal application27. Published development-permit materials include forms and fees, but they do not establish every building, inspection or utility charge28.

How do septic permits work in Broward County?

A permit is required before anyone constructs, repairs, modifies, abandons or operates a septic system in Broward County, and it comes from the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, inside the BMSD or a city54. The local office is at 2421A SW 6th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, 954-467-470029. The application package is the application form, a site plan, the building floor plan and the fee, and a site evaluation must determine property conditions before approval4. The evaluation may be done by the health department for a fee or by a qualified private professional30.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has overseen the program since July 1, 2021, but county health departments still permit and inspect5. Since July 1, 2022, owners, or contractors with owner authorization, may hire a private provider for septic inspections5. Operating permits apply only to aerobic treatment units, performance-based systems and commercial, industrial or manufacturing systems, and only where the county uses operating permits; we could not confirm whether Broward does5.

Broward's soil survey rates 0% of county soils as free from severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so plan for a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system31. If sewer later becomes available, a working septic system generally must connect within 365 days after written notice, subject to waivers and exceptions32.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Broward County?

We could not confirm that residential RV use or private-land camping is allowed in the BMSD. Florida's permit rules for RV parks and recreational camps govern licensed parks and camps, not a person's occupancy of an RV on a private parcel1233. Ask Broward County Urban Planning Services how the parcel's zoning treats the proposed use before buying or moving an RV onsite3. We also could not confirm a separate BMSD tiny-home category, and Chapter 39's minimum floor areas of 800 to 1,500 square feet per one-family dwelling in the districts above mean a very small home may not qualify1314. A manufactured or other off-site-built home is permitted as of right where single-family detached homes are allowed, but it must still meet generally applicable zoning, setbacks, permitting, installation, health and utility requirements34. Florida lets a county or municipality, Broward included, adopt an ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for single-family residential use; we could not confirm that the BMSD has done so35. The practical question is therefore how Broward classifies the unit and whether that use fits the parcel's zoning3.

How do you build a home in Broward County, step by step?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is in the BMSD, a contract city or another municipality, then identify the correct building and zoning offices67.
  2. Ask the responsible zoning office for the allowed use and parcel-specific dimensional standards3.
  3. Resolve any subdivision or platting issue, including vacating platted easements, before final design; municipalities may be stricter than the county's Land Use Plan27.
  4. Download Broward's permitting packet and submit the building application, plans and documents; ePermits may be unavailable during the website upgrade21.
  5. If using septic, submit the application, site plan, floor plan and fee to the Florida Department of Health in Broward County and obtain the site evaluation4.
  6. Complete the required building inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy under the applicable commission standards1718.

What should you check before buying land in Broward County?

Start with jurisdiction: BMSD parcels use Broward County zoning, while incorporated parcels may have different municipal rules7. Confirm the zoning district, legal access, utilities, flood constraints and whether a proposed split triggers platting before closing; Broward regulates subdivision countywide, and municipalities can be stricter27. For septic land, obtain a site evaluation early because 0% of mapped county soils are rated free from severe limitations for a conventional drain field314. For a private well, Florida requires permitting through the responsible water-management district or delegated authority, and Broward's county health department is listed as a delegated permitting authority15. In Broward, any water well 12 inches in diameter or smaller, including irrigation and monitoring wells, needs a permit from the Florida Department of Health in Broward County36. Typical homeowner insurance is about $6,148 a year, while the effective property-tax rate is about 0.9% and the median annual bill is about $3,610373839.

Watch-outs

  • Broward's Building Code Division serves the BMSD and contract cities; do not assume it is the permit office for every incorporated parcel, since Coconut Creek issues its own building permits619.
  • An owner-builder must directly supervise work not performed by licensed contractors, and a qualifying home must be for the owner's use rather than offered for sale or lease11.
  • The ePermits service may be unavailable during Broward County's website upgrade, so use the permitting packet and contact Building Code Services for submission or status help21.
  • Septic permits do not move to the city: the Florida Department of Health in Broward County issues them for every address, and 0% of county soils rate free from severe limits for a conventional drain field431.

Sources

  1. Broward County Building Permits (2026 county census)
  2. Urban Planning Services, quoted and re-checked
  3. Broward County Urban Planning Services, Zoning Section (broward.org)
  4. Onsite Sewage FAQ - Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  5. Onsite Sewage Disposal - Florida Department of Health in Broward County, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  7. Urban Planning Services, quoted and re-checked
  8. Fort Lauderdale: ULDR Sec. 47-34.4 Prohibited parking or storage of commercial vehicles or commercial watercraft (Broward County), quoted and re-checked
  9. Coral Springs: Coral Springs LDC Ch. 25 Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 250178 Minimum floor area (A-1) (Broward County), quoted and re-checked
  10. Town of Davie: Davie Code Sec. 12-33 General regulations (Broward County), quoted and re-checked
  11. 2025 Florida Statutes, Section 489.103 — Exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  12. Florida Statutes Chapter 513: Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Parks (Florida statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Broward County Code, Sec. 39-288, Minimum floor area of dwelling units, quoted and re-checked
  14. Broward County Code, Sec. 39-270, Minimum floor area for dwellings, quoted and re-checked
  15. Well Construction in Florida (Florida statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Florida Statutes § 553.73, Florida Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  17. Florida Statutes § 553.73, Florida Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  18. Florida Statutes § 553.73, Florida Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  19. Coconut Creek: Coconut Creek Code Sec. 13-38 Building permits (Broward County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Broward County Building Code Services (Building Code Division) (broward.org)
  21. ePermits Online, quoted and re-checked
  22. ePermits Online, quoted and re-checked
  23. Deerfield Beach: Deerfield Beach LDC Sec. 98-45 RS-5 residence, single-family (Broward County), quoted and re-checked
  24. Coconut Creek: Coconut Creek Code Sec. 13-331 General provisions (Broward County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Cooper City: Cooper City Code Sec. 25-10 Parking of commercial vehicles, RVs and boats (Broward County), quoted and re-checked
  26. Dania Beach: Dania Beach Code Sec. 303-90 NBHD-RES, Neighborhood Residential District (Broward County), quoted and re-checked
  27. Urban Planning Services, quoted and re-checked
  28. Urban Planning Services, quoted and re-checked
  29. Florida Department of Health in Broward County, Environmental Public Health Program (broward.floridahealth.gov)
  30. Onsite Sewage FAQ - Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  31. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  32. leg.state.fl.us (Florida statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Florida Statutes Chapter 513: Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Parks (Florida statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. Florida Statutes § 553.385, Zoning of off-site constructed residential dwellings; parity (Florida statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  35. Florida Statutes § 163.31771 — Accessory dwelling units, quoted and re-checked
  36. Water Well Construction, quoted and re-checked
  37. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 16, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Broward County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleBroward CountyPalm Beach CountyMiami-Dade CountyCollier CountyHendry CountyMartin CountyGlades County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsFL Dept. of Health in Broward CountyFL Dept. of Health in Palm Beach CountyFL Dept. of Health in Miami-Dade CountyFL Dept. of Health in Collier CountyFL Dept. of Health in Hendry CountyFL Dept. of Health in Martin CountyFL Dept. of Health in Glades County

County locator

Broward County in Florida

29
County map
Broward County highlighted among the Florida counties · colored by Index score

How Broward County scores

Seclusion9100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2896% ev.
Admin Boringness44100% ev.
Durability78100% ev.
Property Autonomy91100% ev.
Carry Cost42100% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$424kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$35,434Land / acre
59.9"Annual rain
6% of yrsSevere drought
0.5 / yr (+0.5)Mid-century 100°F days
13.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2.14" (+1.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.03×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$6,148Home insurance / yr
-0.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.26%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
7,612,020People within 2 hr
1,549,176Radius comparison (15 mi)
1,631.7People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
99.5%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
0.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
75.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Broward County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Hallandale Beach · Village of Lazy Lake · Lighthouse Point · Pembroke Pines · Village of Sea Ranch Lakes

Answers from the rulebook for Broward County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Broward County rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction regulated by Broward County in the BMSD and unincorporated Broward County.

    • The page also references contract cities; incorporated municipalities may administer their own permitting arrangements.
    “The Building Code Division regulates construction in unincorporated Broward County and cities we contract with, conform to the Florida Building Code and all other laws, ordinances, resolutions and regulations regarding construction, code enforcement, unsafe structure/minimum housing regulations, and elevator safety.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Broward County zoning administered in the Broward Municipal Services District, a county-administered unincorporated area.

    • The source states that county zoning applies only to the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD), not countywide municipal territory.
    “as it applies only to the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Broward County zoning in the Broward Municipal Services District and unincorporated area.
      “applies only to the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD).”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Broward County, including county zoning in the Broward Municipal Services District and municipal zoning in incorporated areas.

    • The county page states that county zoning administration applies only to the Broward Municipal Services District.
    • Municipal zoning rules may apply in incorporated municipalities.
    “as it applies only to the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD).”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    One-family dwellings in Agricultural Estate A-1, General Agricultural A-2, and Rural and Estate zoning districts.

    • The cited provisions require a 1,500-square-foot minimum floor area for a one-family dwelling.

    minimum floor area: 1500 square feet (Applies to a one-family dwelling.)

    “The minimum floor area of a one-family dwelling shall be 1,500 square feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwelling units in RS, RD, and RM residential zoning districts.
      “The following minimum floor areas per dwelling unit shall be provided: District Minimum Floor Area per Dwelling Unit RS-2 1,500 square feet RS-3 to RS-6, RD-4 to RD-10 800 square feet RM-5 to RM-25 800 square feet (1-family) 600 square feet (multiple-family) 400 square feet (efficiency apt.) 200 square feet (hotel and motel room)”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems in Broward County.

    • DEP is responsible for implementing the applicable Florida statutes and regulations effective July 1, 2021.
    • The Broward County health department continues permitting and inspecting septic tanks.
    “DEP is responsible for implementing the Florida Statutes and regulations”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local — OSTDS permitting in Broward County.
      “the county health department offices will continue to do the permitting and inspection for septic tanks”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Septic tanks and onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems in Broward County administered through the Florida Department of Health in Broward County.

    • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for implementing the applicable Florida Statutes and regulations effective July 1, 2021.
    • County health department offices continue to perform permitting and inspection for septic tanks.
    • Owners or contractors with owner authorization may hire a private provider to perform OSTDS inspections starting July 1, 2022.
    • Operating permits are required for aerobic treatment units, performance-based treatment systems, commercial septic systems, and industrial or manufacturing zoned (or equivalent) septic systems, but the page states that operating permits only apply to counties that use operating permits.

    state regulatory responsibility effective date: 2021-07-01 · private provider OSTDS inspections available starting: 2022-07-01 (Owners or contractors with owner authorization may use a private provider.)

    “A person may not construct, repair, modify, abandon, or operate an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system without first obtaining a permit approved by the department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — OSTDS construction in Broward County.
      “To apply for a permit, download and complete an Application Form (DEP4015, page 1) and submit it”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic tanks and OSTDS inspection in Broward County.

    • The county health department continues septic-tank inspections.
    • Beginning July 1, 2022, an owner or authorized contractor may use a private provider for OSTDS inspections.
    “private provider to perform inspections of OSTDS.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Water wells in Broward County that are 12 inches in diameter or smaller, including irrigation and monitoring wells.

    • DOH-Broward permits wells 12 inches or smaller before construction, abandonment, repair, or modification.
    • AC drainage, air sparging, and vapor extraction wells are excluded and processed by DEP.
    • Wells larger than 12 inches are permitted by SFWMD.
    • A well construction permit requires the required SFWMD water-use permit, except wells serving a single-family home, duplex, fire well, and monitoring well do not need a water-use permit.
    • Each well must be constructed or abandoned by a licensed water-well driller.

    well diameter threshold: <= 12 inches (Wells larger than 12 inches are permitted by SFWMD.)

    “All water wells 12 inches in diameter or smaller [...] shall require a permit from Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward)”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and platting of property in Broward County.

    • Broward County's Land Use Plan provides general rules for when platting is required.
    • Municipalities can have stricter standards.
    • Platting may involve formal applications for vacation of certain platted easements, travelways, or portions of plats.
    “Broward County's Land Use Plan provides general rules for when platting is required”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and platting review under Broward County's land-use and development-management functions.
      “Broward County's Land Use Plan provides general rules for when platting is required”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Broward County development-permit fee information and forms.

    • The official planning page refers to forms and fees for development permits; it does not establish every building, inspection, or utility fee.
    “Application forms for Development and Environmental Review, Land Development Code requirements, fees for development permits, school impact, recreational impact, road impact, standard and agreement templates”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Broward County ePermits submission process.

    • Users must register if they are first-time users and obtain access before signing in.
    • The system requires JavaScript and session cookies.
    “apply for a permit, upload plans and documents, and pay fees.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Broward County ePermits process.
      “used to apply for a permit, upload plans and documents, and pay fees.”
  • Building permitRequired

    In unincorporated Broward County a permit is required for a wide variety of construction, including single-family homes, per the Florida Building Code administered by Broward County Building Code Services.

    Broward County Building Permits ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Florida rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Property owners acting as their own contractor for qualifying construction in Broward County.

    • The owner must provide direct, onsite supervision of all work not performed by licensed contractors.
    • The exemption covers farm outbuildings and one-family or two-family residences for the owners' occupancy or use and not offered for sale or lease.
    • Commercial buildings are covered only when construction cost does not exceed $75,000 and the building is for the owner's occupancy or use and not offered for sale or lease.
    • Sale or lease, or offering for sale or lease, within 1 year after completion creates a presumption that construction was undertaken for sale or lease.
    • The exemption does not cover a person employed by or contracted with the owner who acts as a contractor; the owner may not delegate direct supervision except to a person registered or certified under Part I and working within that person's license scope.
    • The owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application and satisfy local permitting-agency requirements proving understanding of the owner's obligations, subject to the statute's electronic-signature exception for qualifying solar projects.
    • Violations may result in withholding final approval, permit revocation, or an action or remedy for unlicensed activity.

    commercial construction cost ceiling: <= 75000 USD (Commercial building must be for the owner's occupancy or use and not offered for sale or lease.) · sale or lease presumption period: 1 year after completion (Sale or lease, or offering for sale or lease, creates a presumption of construction for sale or lease.)

    “Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing direct, onsite supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner acting as the owner's own contractor for construction, improvement, maintenance, repair, alteration, or addition to a one-family or two-family residence in Florida for the owner's own use and occupancy.
      “one-family or two-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New construction, or repair or restoration that modifies the structural system or structural loading, of a Florida threshold building.

    • The enforcing agency must require a special inspector to perform structural inspections pursuant to a structural inspection plan prepared by the engineer or architect of record.
    • The structural inspection plan must be submitted to and approved by the enforcing agency before issuance of the building permit.
    • The fee owner selects and pays the special inspector, who must be an engineer or architect qualified under the cited statutes.
    • This threshold-building requirement is in addition to minimum inspections required by the Florida Building Code.
    “shall require a special inspector to perform structural inspections on a threshold building”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Mandatory building-code inspections applicable to Florida Building Code enforcement, including Broward County.
      “All entities authorized to enforce the Florida Building Code under s. 553.80 shall comply with applicable standards for issuance of mandatory certificates of occupancy, minimum types of inspections, and procedures for plans review and inspections as established by the commission by rule.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Projects using Florida’s private-provider building-code inspection process after completion of required inspections.

    • The applicant must submit a request for a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion, the private provider’s certificate of compliance, all other government approvals required by law, and outstanding fees.
    • The local building official must issue the certificate or identify incomplete forms or documents within 10 business days, or within 2 business days for a permit relating to a single-family or two-family dwelling.
    • If the official does not provide timely notice of incomplete forms or documents, the request is automatically granted and deemed issued on the next business day; the written certificate must then be provided within 10 days.

    local official response deadline: 10 business days (2 business days for a permit relating to a single-family or two-family dwelling) · automatic issuance timing after missed deadline: next business day · written certificate after automatic issuance: 10 days

    “the local building official shall issue the certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Mandatory certificates of occupancy under Florida Building Code enforcement.
      “All entities authorized to enforce the Florida Building Code under s. 553.80 shall comply with applicable standards for issuance of mandatory certificates of occupancy, minimum types of inspections, and procedures for plans review and inspections as established by the commission by rule.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping conducted as a recreational camp regulated under Florida Statutes Chapter 513.

    • The operator must obtain a Florida Department of Health permit before establishing or maintaining the recreational camp.
    • The camp must satisfy statutory and Department of Health requirements and inspection standards.
    • This claim does not resolve camping on private land outside a regulated recreational camp.

    permit renewal: annually · permit fee per space: 3.50-6.50 USD (Until rules setting fees are adopted, the fee is $3.50 per space.) · total permit fee: 50-600 USD (A recreational camp fee is based on an equivalency rate for which two camp occupants equal one space.)

    “recreational camp in this state without first obtaining a permit from the department.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    An off-site-constructed residential dwelling, including a manufactured home constructed in whole or in part off site and treated as real property, in a zoning district where single-family detached dwellings are allowed.

    • The dwelling must be permitted as of right in a district where single-family detached dwellings are allowed.
    • Local governments may apply generally applicable architectural, aesthetic, design, setback, height, or bulk standards only when those standards are applied uniformly to all single-family dwellings in the same district.
    • Compatibility or design standards must be reasonable, may not exclude off-site-constructed residential dwellings, and must apply equally to single-family site-built dwellings.
    • The statute does not authorize occupancy without compliance with applicable building, permitting, installation, health, utility, or other generally applicable requirements.
    “An off-site constructed residential dwelling must be permitted as of right in any zoning district where single-family detached dwellings are allowed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of a manufactured/mobile home installed in Florida.
      “each mobile home shall be issued a certificate of occupancy if the mobile home complies with department rules regarding the installation of mobile homes.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units in Florida areas zoned for single-family residential use, where the applicable county or municipality adopts an ordinance allowing them.

    • Florida law authorizes but does not itself require every county or municipality to allow accessory dwelling units under this section.
    • The unit must be an ancillary or secondary living unit with a separate kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, within the same structure or on the same lot as the primary dwelling.
    • A building permit application must include an affidavit that the unit will be rented at an affordable rate to an extremely-low-income, very-low-income, low-income, or moderate-income person or persons.

    affordable rent and utilities: <= not more than 30 percent of applicable median adjusted gross annual income

    “A local government may adopt an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in any area zoned for single-family residential use.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Accessory dwelling units in Florida, including local governments defined as counties or municipalities such as Broward County.
      ““Local government” means a county or municipality. [...] A local government may adopt an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in any area zoned for single-family residential use. An application for a building permit to construct an accessory dwelling unit must include an affidavit from the applicant which attests that the unit will be rented at an affordable rate to an extremely-low-income, very-low-income, low-income, or moderate-income person or persons.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Existing onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems when an available publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system exists.

    • A properly functioning OSTDS, excluding an approved onsite graywater system, must connect within 365 days after written notification that the sewerage system is available.
    • The sewerage system must provide at least one year’s advance notice of anticipated availability and notify the owner that connection will be required within one year of actual availability.
    • An OSTDS needing repair or modification to function sanitarily or comply with applicable law must connect within 90 days after written notification from the department.
    • In hardship cases, the department may approve one extension of not more than 90 days.
    • A sewerage system may waive mandatory connection with department approval when connection is not required in the public interest due to public-health considerations.
    • A local government or water-and-sewer district may grant a variance for a properly functioning, department-permitted performance-based OSTDS, but is not required to do so in the listed protected areas.

    connection deadline for properly functioning system: 365 days (After written notification of availability.) · connection deadline for system needing repair or modification: 90 days (One hardship extension of not more than 90 days may be approved.) · advance notice of anticipated availability: >= 1 year · maximum installment period for prepaid connection charges: <= 2 years · maximum hardship installment period for investor-owned sewer connection fee: <= 5 years (Requires local governing body determination of financial hardship.)

    “The owner of a properly functioning onsite sewage treatment and disposal system, excluding an approved onsite graywater system, must connect the system or the building’s plumbing to an available publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system within 365 days after written notification by the owner of the publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system that the system is available for connection.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Existing properly functioning OSTDS when a publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system becomes available, and systems needing repair or modification.
      “The owner of a properly functioning onsite sewage treatment and disposal system, excluding an approved onsite graywater system, must connect the system or the building’s plumbing to an available publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system within 365 days after written notification by the owner of the publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system that the system is available for connection.”
    • Conditional — Existing properly functioning OSTDS when an available publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system becomes available.
      “The owner of a properly functioning onsite sewage treatment and disposal system, excluding an approved onsite graywater system, must connect the system or the building’s plumbing to an available publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system within 365 days after written notification by the owner of the publicly owned or investor-owned sewerage system that the system is available for connection.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Nonresidential farm buildings, farm fences, and farm signs located on lands used for bona fide agricultural purposes in Florida.

    • The land must be used for bona fide agricultural purposes.
    • The exemption does not apply to lands used for urban agriculture.
    • The exemption is from the Florida Building Code and county or municipal code or fee.
    • Floodplain-management code provisions remain applicable, including local, state, or federal provisions.
    • A farm sign on a public road remains subject to the standards listed in Florida Statutes § 479.11(4), (5)(a), and (6)-(8).
    • A nonresidential farm building is not intended to be used as a residential dwelling.
    • The statutory definition includes temporary or permanent buildings or support structures used primarily for agricultural purposes and located on land integral to a farm operation or classified as agricultural land under § 193.461; examples include a barn, greenhouse, shade house, farm office, storage building, or poultry house.
    “any nonresidential farm building [...] is exempt from the Florida Building Code and any county or municipal code or fee”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Nonresidential farm buildings, farm fences, and farm signs located on lands used for bona fide agricultural purposes statewide in Florida.
      “any nonresidential farm building, farm fence, or farm sign [...] is exempt from the Florida Building Code and any county or municipal code or fee”
    • Available (with conditions) — Nonresidential farm buildings, farm fences, and farm signs located on lands used for bona fide agricultural purposes in Florida.
      “any nonresidential farm building, farm fence, or farm sign [...] is exempt [...] except for code provisions implementing local, state, or federal floodplain management regulations.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Vacation rentals in Florida.

    • A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate their duration or frequency.
    • The preemption does not apply to local laws, ordinances, or regulations adopted on or before June 1, 2011.
    • The preemption does not apply to a local law, ordinance, or regulation exclusively relating to property valuation as a criterion for vacation rental when approval by the state land planning agency is required under an area of critical state concern designation.
    • Local governments retain authority to inspect public lodging establishments for Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code compliance.

    grandfather date: June 1, 2011 (local law, ordinance, or regulation adopted on or before this date)

    “A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of rental of vacation rentals. This paragraph does not apply to any local law, ordinance, or regulation adopted on or before June 1, 2011.”
  • Campground & park staysAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of recreational vehicles as transient accommodations in Florida recreational vehicle parks and recreational camps regulated by Chapter 513.

    • The park or camp must obtain a permit from the Florida Department of Health before establishment or operation.
    • The permit must be renewed annually.
    • This claim does not establish statewide private-land zoning permission outside regulated parks or camps.

    park/camp permit renewal: annually

    “a recreational vehicle park that rents to transient guests”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Florida counties' authority to establish, coordinate, and enforce zoning, including zoning of unincorporated county areas, subject to general and special law.

    • The county power is subject to general or special law.
    • The zoning and business regulations may not include the prohibitions in Florida Statutes § 377.8161.
    • This statewide authority grant does not identify a population threshold, named-county limitation, lake, military-base, reservoir, or similar geographic limitation.
    “Establish, coordinate, and enforce zoning and such business regulations as are necessary for the protection of the public”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Florida counties adopting and enforcing zoning regulations for county territory, including unincorporated areas.
      “Establish, coordinate, and enforce zoning and such business regulations as are necessary for the protection of the public, to the extent such zoning and business regulations do not include the prohibitions in s. 377.8161.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Florida counties requiring building permits and enforcing the Florida Building Code for residential and other construction within county territory outside incorporated municipalities.

    • The board of county commissioners may enforce the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code and may adopt local technical amendments at its discretion.
    • The authority described in § 125.56(1) applies within county territory outside the corporate limits of any municipality.
    • After adoption of the applicable code or amendment, construction, erection, alteration, repair, securing, or demolition requires a permit from the appropriate county authority, subject to reasonable fees.
    • An adopted amendment remains in force throughout the county's unincorporated area until otherwise notified by the Florida Building Commission or State Fire Marshal.
    • A county may provide a schedule of reasonable inspection fees and employ building-code inspectors and other necessary personnel.
    “The board of county commissioners of each of the several counties of the state may enforce the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as provided in ss. 553.80, 633.206, and 633.208 and, at its discretion, adopt local technical amendments to the Florida Building Code as provided in s. 553.73(4) and local technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code as provided in s. 633.202 to provide for the safe construction, erection, alteration, repair, securing, and demolition of any building within its territory outside the corporate limits of any municipality.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Zoning districts — Zoning districts under Broward County Chapter 39 in BMSD.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in BMSD or other county-administered areas.
  • Setbacks — Setbacks in BMSD or other county-administered areas.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage requirements in BMSD or other county-administered areas.
  • Building height — Building-height requirements in BMSD or other county-administered areas.
5 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Tiny homes
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Broward County, Florida

Is Broward County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Broward County scores 29/100 on the Bolthole Index, a weak county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and a durable current and mid-century hazard profile. Watch-outs: little seclusion — roughly 1,549,176 people within 15 miles and strong self-sufficiency basics: 59.9″/yr rainfall with little drought.

Do you need a building permit in Broward County, Florida?

Broward County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Florida Department of Health in Broward County. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Broward County, Florida?

Land in Broward County runs about $35,434 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Broward County?

Broward County gets about 59.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6% of years.

How remote is Broward County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,549,176 people within 15 miles and 8,351,492 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Broward compares in Florida

Compare side-by-side →See all 67 Florida counties ranked →