Fort Lauderdale issues its own building permits, separate from Broward County. If you're upgrading a panel, adding an EV charger, installing a generator or remodeling, here's how the electrical permit process generally works in the city — and what changes for condos and historic homes.
Who issues electrical permits in Fort Lauderdale?
Inside city limits, electrical permits are issued by the City of Fort Lauderdale's Building Services Division, part of the city's Development Services Department. Applications, documents and inspection requests are handled online through the city's permitting portal, LauderBuild. Work must meet the Florida Building Code, which adopts the National Electrical Code.
Not sure your address is inside city limits? Some addresses with a "Fort Lauderdale" mailing address are actually in neighboring cities or unincorporated Broward County, which have their own permit offices. A licensed contractor confirms the correct jurisdiction before filing.
Electrical work that typically needs a permit
- Panel replacements and service upgrades (for example, 100A to 200A)
- New circuits — EV chargers, appliances, pool and spa equipment, dock lighting circuits
- Standby generators and transfer switches
- Rewiring, remodels, additions and commercial build-outs
Small like-for-like repairs, such as replacing a damaged receptacle or switch, may not need a permit. When in doubt, ask before the work starts.
How the process works
- Scope and documents: the licensed electrical contractor prepares the application — and, for larger jobs, load calculations or drawings.
- Submission: the application is filed online through LauderBuild and reviewed by the city.
- Permit issued: work can begin once the permit is approved and posted.
- Inspections: larger jobs may have a rough-in inspection before walls are closed and a final inspection at the end.
- FPL coordination: when the service or meter changes, the contractor coordinates the disconnect and reconnection with Florida Power & Light.
- Closeout: after the final inspection passes, the permit is closed.
Review times and fees depend on the type of project and the city's current workload, so ask your contractor for a realistic timeline.
Condos: two approvals, not one
In a condo, you usually need your association's approval as well as the city permit. Associations often ask for the contractor's license, proof of insurance, a scope of work and approved work hours. EV chargers in condo garages have their own rules — see our guide to EV chargers in Fort Lauderdale condos.
Historic districts
Fort Lauderdale has designated historic districts and landmarks, such as Sailboat Bend. Interior electrical work is usually a normal building permit, but exterior changes — like relocating a meter or adding visible equipment — may require additional historic preservation review. Check before you plan the project.
Why permits matter when you sell or insure
- Open or missing permits often surface during a sale and can delay closing.
- Unpermitted work can complicate insurance claims and 4-point inspections.
- A permit means the work was inspected for safety.
Buying an older home? You can look up a property's permit history through the city before closing.
We handle it for you
Xlectrical (Florida License EC 13014052) files electrical permits with the City of Fort Lauderdale, schedules inspections and coordinates with FPL for panel upgrades, EV chargers, generators, rewiring and commercial work. Call 754-289-8993 or request an estimate. For the rest of the county, read our Broward County permit guide.
Note: this guide is general information for Fort Lauderdale property owners, not legal or engineering advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — confirm the details for your property with the City of Fort Lauderdale, your association and, where required, a licensed engineer.
Co-Owner · Xlectrical
Elías Sierra is Co-Owner of Xlectrical in Sunrise, FL, with more than 17 years of electrical experience — including serving as electrical manager at power generation plants and leading installations in the petrochemical, plastics and oil industries. Every Xlectrical guide is written to help South Florida homeowners make safe, informed decisions.