Do You Need Permission to Demolish?

When you usually need a permit

• Demolishing a house, duplex, commercial building, garage or other enclosed structure.
• Removing or altering load-bearing walls, roofs or anything structural.
• Work that disconnects or changes electrical, plumbing or gas systems.
• Demolition that's part of a larger permitted renovation, which is usually covered by the contractor's permit.

When you often don't

Thresholds and exemptions differ from one Broward city to the next, so treat this list as a starting point, not a guarantee.

• Pulling out cabinets, countertops, flooring, tile or drywall with no structural, electrical or plumbing changes.
• Taking down a small shed, a fence, a deck or a play set, depending on your city's size thresholds.
• Removing a hot tub or above-ground pool once it's been safely disconnected.

What Broward County cities commonly ask for

Each city runs its own building department and checklist, but demolition permit applications in Broward commonly include some combination of the items below. The county's Asbestos Compliance Program requires an asbestos survey and notice before demolition of structures covered by its rules; some city checklists treat single-family homes differently, so confirm what applies to your property.

• Demolition permit applicationFiled with the city building department, usually by a licensed contractor.
• Asbestos paperworkAn asbestos survey and Broward County's Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos where required.
• Utility disconnect lettersConfirmation that electric (FPL), water and gas service have been disconnected and capped.
• Pest control reportSome cities ask for proof the property has been treated for rodents before demolition.
• Site plan or surveyShowing what's being removed and what stays.

Other permission you might need

• HOA or condo associationMany associations require written approval before any exterior demolition or before contractors work in a unit.
• Historic preservationProperties in a designated historic district or with historic designation can need board approval before demolition.
• Landlord or ownerTenants need the owner's written permission before removing anything that's part of the property.

What happens if you skip the permit

Unpermitted demolition can bring stop-work orders, fines, required after-the-fact permits at higher fees, and problems when you sell or insure the property. Asbestos rules carry their own penalties. When a job clearly needs a permit, the cost and paperwork are worth handling up front.

How Sunshine Demolition handles it

Most of the light demolition we do, like sheds, fences, decks and interior finish tear-outs, doesn't need its own permit. If a job looks like it does, or touches anything structural, we tell you before we quote, and for permitted renovations we work under your contractor's permit and schedule.

Common questions