In Broward County, sheds under 120 sq ft with no utilities may be exempt from a building permit — but Florida's hurricane wind code and anchoring requirements apply to all sheds. A permit is required for all sheds in many Broward municipalities.
Broward County: Stricter Than Most of Florida
Broward County sits in South Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) — the zone with the strictest wind resistance requirements in the United States. The HVHZ covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties and imposes more stringent structural requirements than the rest of Florida. This means:
- All permitted shed structures must meet HVHZ wind design standards (design wind speed of 170+ mph in some areas)
- Florida Product Approvals (FPAs) for sheds sold elsewhere in Florida may not be sufficient for Broward — the FPA must specifically cover the HVHZ
- Engineer-stamped plans are almost always required for permitted sheds in Broward
Permit Rules: Broward County (Unincorporated)
| Shed Size | Permit Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 120 sq ft, no utilities, no foundation | VERIFY | Broward County may exempt small temporary storage sheds — verify with Broward County Permitting, Licensing & Consumer Protection at (954) 765-4400. The HVHZ adds requirements even on exempt structures. |
| 120 sq ft or over | YES | Full building permit with HVHZ-compliant engineer plans required. |
| Any size with electricity | YES | Separate electrical permit required. |
| Any permanent structure in flood zone | YES | FEMA floodplain requirements apply across much of Broward County. |
The HVHZ and What It Means Practically
For homeowners, the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone requirement means:
- Standard national shed brands may not qualify: Many sheds sold at Home Depot, Lowe's, or Costco are not rated for HVHZ wind speeds. Ask specifically for the product's HVHZ Florida Product Approval number — not just a general Florida Product Approval.
- Anchoring is critical: Even permit-exempt sheds must be anchored to resist HVHZ wind speeds. An unanchored shed in a hurricane is a dangerous projectile. Proper anchoring typically means helical tie-down anchors or concrete anchor bolts with rated straps.
- Engineer cost: For permitted sheds in Broward, expect to pay $400–$1,000 for a licensed Florida architect or engineer to prepare HVHZ-compliant plans unless your shed model has an HVHZ-specific Florida Product Approval.
Broward Municipality Variation
Broward County contains 31 incorporated municipalities — Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, and more. Each has its own building department. Many Broward cities require permits for ALL sheds regardless of size, citing HVHZ wind code requirements. Contact your specific city's building department for current rules.
Notice of Commencement
Like all Florida counties, Broward requires a Notice of Commencement (NOC) recorded with the Broward County Records Division before your first inspection. File at the courthouse (115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale) or through the Broward County Records online portal. Bring a certified copy to your first inspection.
How to Apply: Broward County
- Confirm your jurisdiction is unincorporated Broward County (most residential areas are in incorporated cities)
- Apply through the Broward County CSS (Citizen Self Service) portal at broward.org/building
- Upload HVHZ-compliant engineer plans or Florida Product Approval documentation
- File Notice of Commencement with County Records
- Schedule foundation anchoring and final inspections
- Contact: (954) 765-4400