Broward County Roofing Permits and Florida CILB Licensing in Fort Lauderdale
Every roof replacement in Fort Lauderdale requires a permit and a properly licensed contractor, and skipping either step can jeopardize insurance coverage and resale value. This guide explains how Broward County permitting works and how to verify a roofing contractor CILB license before signing a contract.
By Jason Green · Roofing & Gutters · Published February 11, 2026 · 9 min read
Who issues roofing permits in Fort Lauderdale
Projects within city limits go through the City of Fort Lauderdale Building Services Division, while projects in unincorporated Broward County are permitted through the Broward County Building Code Services Division.
Both offices enforce inspections tied to the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals, which administers local amendments to the Florida Building Code addressing the high-velocity hurricane zone that covers all of Broward County.
What the permit process typically involves
Your contractor submits permit documents including product approval numbers for the roofing materials, a signed and sealed truss or wind uplift calculation when applicable, and the scope of work for tear-off and replacement.
Most projects require at least a mid-roof dry-in inspection to confirm underlayment and fastening before covering, followed by a final inspection once the roof covering is complete, and the permit is not considered closed until both pass.
Understanding Florida CILB roofing licenses
The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, issues the Certified Roofing Contractor license that allows a contractor to perform roofing work statewide.
Some contractors instead hold a local Broward County registered roofing license, which restricts them to working within the county; either license type should be verified before signing a contract.
How to verify a contractor before hiring
Search the contractor name or license number through the Florida DBPR online license lookup to confirm the license is active, confirm the license type matches roofing work, and check for any disciplinary history.
Also confirm the contractor carries current general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage, and ask to see a copy of the actual permit once it is pulled in your name or the contractor of record status.
Why skipping permits is a costly mistake
Unpermitted roofing work can complicate a home sale, since buyers and their inspectors routinely check permit history with the city or county, and insurers may deny claims tied to unpermitted work.
For help finding a properly licensed, permitted roofing contractor in Fort Lauderdale, see our Fort Lauderdale roofing page.
Typical cost ranges
| Permit application fee | $200 - $600 |
| Mid-roof dry-in inspection | Included in permit fee |
| Final roof inspection | Included in permit fee |
| Reroof certification | $100 - $250 |
| License verification (self-service) | Free via DBPR |
| Unpermitted work remediation (if discovered) | $1,000 - $5,000+ |
Ranges are general estimates gathered from homeowner-reported quotes, not an offer or a quote for your project.
Common questions
Where do I get a roofing permit in Fort Lauderdale?
City properties are permitted through the City of Fort Lauderdale Building Services Division, and unincorporated Broward County properties go through the Broward County Building Code Services Division.
What license does a roofer need in Florida?
Most roofers hold a Certified Roofing Contractor license issued by the Florida CILB under the DBPR, or a local Broward County registered roofing license for county-only work.
How do I check if a roofing contractor is licensed?
Use the Florida DBPR online license lookup to search by contractor name or license number and confirm the license is active and matches roofing work.
What inspections are required for a roof replacement in Broward County?
Most permits require a mid-roof dry-in inspection before the roof covering is applied and a final inspection once the roof is complete.
Is it risky to hire an unlicensed roofer in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, unpermitted or unlicensed work can void insurance coverage, complicate a future home sale, and leave you without recourse if the work fails or causes damage.
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