City of Fort Lauderdale Building Codes
Building a new home or other structure, or making repairs or additions to an existing structure, is a process that has many requirements. The Florida Building Code lays our these requirements for structure, energy conservation, fuel line installations, plumbing, mechanical, test protocols, accessibility and more. Each of the requirements must be satisfied and inspected. Being located in South Florida means that Fort Lauderdale property owners need to follow additional regulations. In 2012, Broward County made amendments to the 2010 Florida Building Code to address concerns related to hurricanes, our low elevation, sustainability and other issues. (These enforce the amended 1970 Dade County Edition of the South Florida Building Code.)  The South Florida Building Code and the Florida Building Code serve as the foundation of decisions made by the building officials, inspectors and code enforcers in the City of Fort Lauderdale. There are also a number of municipal ordinances, such as those related to stormwater drainage, waste and landscaping, which should be followed to ensure the most sustainable building possible.

When implementing green building ideas, it is important to note that all code requirements supersede green building recommendations. If you have questions about planned changes to your property, our Department of Sustainable Development Building Services can answer them. 

Permit Forms and Applications for City of Fort Lauderdale FL

Click on the links below to access or permit forms and applications for City of Fort Lauderdale by dicipline, find inspection contacts, submit a permit application online, or renew your contractor registration.

• Structural Forms & Applications
• Electrical Forms & Applications
• Engineering Forms & Applications
• Flood Forms & Applications
• Landscaping Forms & Applications
• Mechanical Forms & Applications
• Plumming Forms & Applications
• Zoning Forms & Applications
• Building Inspector Contacts
• Building Admin Contacts
• Building Permit Status
• Building Permit Locator
• E-Permitting
• Contractor Registration Renewal
• 40-Year or Older Building Safety Program
• Expedited Plan Review Program
• Alarm Registration
• Permit Fees

Customer Service and Office Hours

The Business Tax Office is located at:

City Hall
100 North Andrews Avenue, 1st Floor
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: 954-828-5195
E-mail: BusinessTax@fortlauderdale.gov

Online Payments

You can use our secure Business Tax Search and Online Payments system to pay any fees associated with your Business Tax.

Vacation Rentals

Visit our Vacation Rental page for more information about the vacation rental ordinance, resolution, registration progress and to download required application forms.

Overview and Payment Information

1. What is a Business Tax?

The Business Tax is a tax for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession or occupation within the city limits. You will need to pay a business tax to operate a business based in the City of Fort Lauderdale A business tax is required, pursuant to local and state laws, to operate a business from a commercial or residential location. A business tax receipt is valid from October 1 through September 30 of the following year. Courtesy reminders are mailed, prior to expiration, to remit payment for renewal. A tax receipt is mailed once payment is received. The tax receipt must be posted in a conspicuous place and visible to public inspection.

2. Who needs to pay a Business Tax?

A business needs to pay a business tax, prior to operating a business from a commercial or residential location. Please contact the Business Tax Office for more details.

3. Where can I obtain Business Tax forms?

Forms can be downloaded from the below links or obtained at our office at 100 North Andrews Avenue.

• Business Tax Application Checklist and Information 
  
• Business Tax Application 
• Business Tax Application - Application for State-Licensed Professionals 
  
• Supplemental Business Tax Application for Extended Hours 
  (DO NOT COMPLETE UNLESS YOUR BUSINESS SELLS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES)
• Apartment Motel Hotel Lodging Social Service Facility Supplemental Application 
• Medical Office Doctor's Office Pain Clinic Supplemental Application 
• Restaurant Cocktail Lounge Bar Nightclub Supplemental Application
• Retail Wholesale Supplemental Application 
• Application for Business Tax Exemption
• Home-Based Business Affidavit 

4. If I have a home-based business, do I need to pay the Business Tax?

Yes. The City issues restricted business tax receipts out of the home. To operate a home-based business, a completed Business Tax Application and the Home-Based Business Affidavit is required. A Business Tax Receipt will be issued if the business meets the City requirements.

5. Do I need a permit for street vending?

Yes. It is unlawful to sell, or offer for sale, any food, beverage, service or merchandise on any street, alley, sidewalk, or public park within the City of Fort Lauderdale from any wagon, truck, auto, pushcart, vehicle or by any other means upon the streets, sidewalks, or alleys of the City until the proper permit has been issued by the Business Tax Office.

Street Vendor Forms

• Vendors Information
• Vendor Application
• Street Vendors Affidavit
• Certificate_of_Liability
• Mobile Vendor Map

6. Do I need to pay a City Business Tax if I pay a Broward County Local Business Tax?

Yes. Businesses located within the City limits will need to pay for a City of Fort Lauderdale Business Tax Receipt prior to obtaining a Broward County Local Business Tax Receipt.

7. How can I pay the fees for my Business Tax?

Fees can be paid online with a Visa or MasterCard, by mail, or in our office.

To pay online, first find your business tax ID # using the search function. If there are any outstanding fees, a secure online payment option will be offered. Only payments in full can be accepted via the web site.

8. If I change my business address or sell my business, what do I need to do?

If any of the following events occur, resubmit an updated Business Tax Application:

• The name of the business changed.
• The business address changed.
• The business owner's address changed.
• The owner of the business changed.
• The business is sold.

If you have questions, please e-mail BusinessTax@fortlauderdale.gov or call 954-828-5195.

9. Can you provide me with some information about Sidewalk Cafés?

• Sidewalk Cafe Information
• Sidewalk Cafe Permit Application
• Sidewalk Cafe Permit Renewal

10. Do you have information on the outdoor sales of Holiday Related Merchandise?

• Holiday Related Merchandise

The detailed municipality information displayed on this page is not a property of America's Building Records (ABR). This information is complied for your convenience from the municipality's official website. For the most up-to-date information please visit their official website.