📋 Key Rules
Broward County sits between Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County on Florida's Atlantic coast. The county has 31 municipalities, each with their own building departments. The Florida Building Code under-6-foot exemption is the floor, but Broward's extensive flood zone coverage means a substantial portion of Broward homeowners will need a permit regardless of fence height.
Permit Thresholds — Fort Lauderdale Area
| City / Jurisdiction | Backyard Threshold | Front Yard | Fee | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $75–$130 | (954) 828-5932 |
| Hollywood | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $65–$110 | (954) 967-4200 |
| Pembroke Pines | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $65–$100 | (954) 431-4800 |
| Coral Springs | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $60–$95 | (954) 344-1130 |
| Miramar | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $60–$95 | (954) 602-3000 |
| Plantation | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $65–$100 | (954) 797-2200 |
| Unincorporated Broward | Over 6 ft (flood zone = any height) | Over 4 ft | $55–$90 | (954) 765-4400 |
| Any AE or VE flood zone | Any height requires permit | Always | $55 + review | (954) 765-4400 |
Key Rules for Broward County Fl
Broward County's coastal location means AE and VE flood zones cover extensive residential areas, particularly east of I-95 and near the Intracoastal Waterway. If your property is in a VE zone (coastal high hazard), fence requirements include structural engineering standards for wave action. Broward County Development and Environmental Regulation Division at (954) 765-4400 handles unincorporated areas. South Florida HOAs commonly require aluminum or CBS walls — wood fences are rare and often specifically prohibited.
How to Apply
- Identify your jurisdiction — Confirm whether your address falls under city, county, or township rules. Use your county's online parcel viewer.
- Get HOA approval first — If you're in an HOA, obtain written architectural approval before applying for any government permit.
- Prepare documents — Completed application, site plan with setback measurements, property survey or plat, HOA approval letter.
- Submit and pay — Broward Dev.: (954) 765-4400. Fee: $55–$130 depending on municipality.
- Build and inspect — Post permit at job site. Schedule final inspection after fence is complete.
Setback Rules
Standard residential setbacks in Florida allow fences at the rear and side property lines (0 ft setback) in most residential zones. Front yard fences must sit behind the right-of-way line — not at the curb or sidewalk. Corner lots face sight triangle restrictions at intersections. Use our Setback Calculator for estimates, or confirm with your building department.
HOA Rules in the Fort Lauderdale Area
The Fort Lauderdale metro has significant HOA coverage in newer suburban developments. HOA approval and a building permit are separate requirements — get written HOA approval first, then apply for the permit. See our HOA Rules guides for homeowner protections in Florida. Use our HOA Dispute Decision Tree if you’ve received a denial.
Free: Fence Permit Application Checklist
Every document and step for your permit application in the Fort Lauderdale area.
⬇ Download Free PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Standard residential fence permits typically take 3–10 business days in most Fort Lauderdale area jurisdictions. Applications in flood zones or requiring variance consideration take 3–6 weeks. Always apply before ordering materials or scheduling your contractor.
Yes, if both apply. They are entirely separate processes. Get written HOA approval first, then apply for the building permit. One does not substitute for the other.
In most Florida jurisdictions, homeowners may pull their own building permits for work on their primary residence. You do not need a licensed contractor to obtain the permit, though any contractor doing the work must be licensed to operate in that city or county. Confirm with your specific building department.