Windows & Doors Permit Requirements in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale requires a Building Permit for windows and doors, with permit types for both general work and exact replacements in single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses. The city's own guidance says window replacements aren't exempt because windows are part of the building envelope, and windows and doors must be impact resistant unless shuttered.
Verified against official sources · Last verified: September 19, 2026
Do You Need a Permit?
Permit RequiredThe City of Fort Lauderdale requires a Building Permit for windows and doors — its permit types include "Window and Door" and "Window/Door (Exact Replacement) – SFR, Duplex, Townhouse." The city's HB 803 guidance states window replacements are not exempt from permitting because windows are part of the building envelope and are considered structural work. Windows and doors must be impact resistant unless shuttered.
See what applies to your exact property.
Check Your PropertyPermit Type
Building Permit
Documents You May Need
- Building Permit application
- Miami-Dade County Notice of Acceptance (product approvals) obtained from the point of purchase, with the appropriate information circled
- Design wind pressures per the ASCE-7 chart for buildings under 3 stories (otherwise the designer of record must supply the wind pressures)
- Broward County Uniform Retrofit Window & Door Schedule, for a window or door replacement (retrofit)
- Energy calculations, for new additions and new residences
- Recorded Notice of Commencement, if the job cost is over $5,000
- Owner Builder Affidavit, if the homeowner acts as their own contractor
Approvals
- Building
- Flood
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 property is in a historic district or designated as historic: you'll also need: Historical district approval (noted on the permit application), if applicable.
What to Do Next
- 1Gather the required documents listed above.
- 2Complete any required additional approvals.
- 3Contact the building department to submit your application.
- 4Respond to any plan-review comments if issued.
Ready to continue?
Apply for the permit
Open the official government application portal.
Questions about your permit?
Call the Building Department.
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 — Windows and Doors Permit Checklist (Rev. 6, 1/30/2024)
fortlauderdale.gov · Official PDF · verified September 19, 2026
City of Fort Lauderdale — Permitting Services
fortlauderdale.gov · Official page · verified September 19, 2026
Source last checked: September 17, 2026
City of Fort Lauderdale — HB 803 Permitting Updates
fortlauderdale.gov · Official page · verified September 19, 2026
Source last checked: September 17, 2026
City of Fort Lauderdale — Building Permit Application Checklist (Rev. 11, 6/16/2026)
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.