Bathroom Remodel Permit Requirements in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has no bathroom-specific checklist, but its HB 803 guide separates cosmetic work from trade work: electrical, plumbing, and structural work needs a permit whatever it costs, while interior painting, flooring, or cabinet replacement in a single-family home may qualify for a written exemption if the job costs under $7,500. The exemption isn't automatic — the Building Official must approve it before work begins.
Verified against official sources · Last verified: September 19, 2026
Do You Need a Permit?
Conditional — More Information NeededFort Lauderdale does not publish a bathroom-specific checklist, so this rule follows the city's general permitting guidance and its Florida HB 803 guide. The city states that electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas and structural work still requires a permit regardless of job cost, as does work in a Special Flood Hazard Area, on multifamily properties, condominiums or apartments, and on commercial properties. Cosmetic, non-structural work on a single-family home — such as interior painting, flooring replacement, cabinet replacement, or drywall repair — may qualify for an exemption only if the job costs less than $7,500 and the Building Official approves a written Residential Permit Exemption Request (HB 803) before work starts; the exemption is not automatic. A bathroom remodel that moves or adds plumbing, adds or moves electrical work, or changes structural walls therefore needs a permit; other scopes — such as swapping fixtures or replacing a shower or tub — should be confirmed with Building Services.
Additional verification needed for some scenarios
PermitAhead has verified Fort Lauderdale's requirements for the specific scenario described above. Other bathroom remodel scenarios fall outside the official checklist we've verified — use the checker to see which applies to your project, or confirm directly with the building department.
See what applies to your exact property.
Check Your PropertyPermit Type
Building Permit
Documents You May Need
- Permit application reflecting the total job value and square footage, signed and sealed by a Notary Public — all sub permits submitted with the master permit
- Plans drawn to scale (signed and sealed by the designer as required by Code)
- Owner Builder Affidavit, if applying as the homeowner (the owner must personally appear, complete the affidavit, and sign the building permit)
- Permitting Job Cost Breakdown
- Recorded Notice of Commencement (Broward County Records), provided at permit issuance or before the first inspection
- Statement of Responsibility Asbestos form (approval by the Broward County Natural Resources Division)
- Residential Permit Exemption Request (HB 803) Form with supporting documentation such as a contract, proposal, estimate or invoice, submitted through LauderBuild — only when requesting the small-project exemption
Conditions That Can Affect This Result
This isn't a flat rule — the outcome can depend on details specific to your project. Use the checker to get a result based on your own answers, or see the verified scenarios below.
- If the work moves or adds plumbing fixtures or pipes: a permit is required.
- If the work adds or moves lights, outlets, circuits, or an exhaust fan: a permit is required.
- If the work changes structural walls or framing: a permit is required.
What to Do Next
- 1Confirm which scenario applies to your project with the building department.
- 2Once confirmed, gather the required documents for that scenario.
- 3Contact the building department for how to submit your application.
Ready to continue?
Apply for the permit
Open the official government application portal.
Questions about your permit?
Call the Building Department.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Fort Lauderdale?
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas and structural work needs a permit regardless of job cost. Cosmetic, non-structural work — such as interior painting, flooring or cabinet replacement — may qualify for an exemption if the job costs under $7,500.
Is the HB 803 exemption automatic?
No. You must submit the Residential Permit Exemption Request (HB 803) Form through LauderBuild and wait for the Building Official's written determination before starting work.
Does the exemption apply to a condominium?
No. The city lists condominiums, multifamily properties, and properties in a Special Flood Hazard Area as still requiring a permit regardless of job cost.
Permit Fees
Fees vary based on project scope and permit valuation. See the official city fee schedule.
Review Time
Varies by project and plan-review workload
Building Department
Development Services Department — Building Services
Phone: 954-828-3160Email: PermitSolutions@fortlauderdale.govAddress: 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Official Sources
City of Fort Lauderdale — Permitting Updates: Florida House Bill 803 Quick Guide
fortlauderdale.gov · Official page · verified September 19, 2026
Source last checked: September 17, 2026
City of Fort Lauderdale — HB 803 Permitting Updates (Building Services)
fortlauderdale.gov · Official PDF · verified September 19, 2026
City of Fort Lauderdale — Building Permit Application Checklist
fortlauderdale.gov · Official PDF · verified September 19, 2026
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PermitAhead provides informational guidance based on official government sources. Final permitting decisions are made by the applicable local authority.