Broward County, FL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RS-2 to RM-6 districts
- 2 stories, 35 ft max
- RM-9 to RM-15 districts
- 4 stories, 55 ft max
- RM-24 to RM-25 districts
- 15 stories, 180 ft max
- Applies only in
- unincorporated Broward County
Summary
Unincorporated Broward caps residential building height by zoning district, from 35 feet in single-family RS districts up to 180 feet in the densest RM-24/25 multifamily districts.
With the exception of structures specifically permitted in accordance with Section 39-103, "Exclusions from height limits," no building or structure, or part thereof, shall be erected or altered to exceed the maximum heights specified as follows:
District Number of stories
RS-2 to RS-6 ..... 2, not to exceed thirty-five (35) feet
RD-4 to RD-10 ..... 2, not to exceed thirty-five (35) feet
RM-5 to RM-6 ..... 2, not to exceed thirty-five (35) feet
RM-7 to RM-8 ..... 3, not to exceed forty-five (45) feet
RM-9 to RM-15 ..... 4, not to exceed fifty-five (55) feet
RM-16 to RM-20 ..... 6, not to exceed seventy-five (75) feet
RM-21 to RM-23 ..... 10, not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) feet
RM-24 to RM-25 ..... 15, not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) feet
(Ord. No. 96-15, § 1, 5-28-96; Ord. No. 1997-12, § 1, 3-11-97; Ord. No. 1998-31, § 8, 9-8-97; Ord. No. 2000-36, § 34, 8-22-00; Ord. No. 2020-34, § 30, 9-22-20)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward County's zoning code sets a story count and a hard foot cap for every residential district: RS-2 through RM-6 top out at 2 stories/35 feet, RM-7 to RM-8 at 3 stories/45 feet, RM-9 to RM-15 at 4 stories/55 feet, RM-16 to RM-20 at 6 stories/75 feet, RM-21 to RM-23 at 10 stories/120 feet, and RM-24 to RM-25 at 15 stories/180 feet. The zoning code itself applies only in the unincorporated area. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and Broward's 27 other municipalities each set their own height limits under their own zoning codes.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the district height cap is a zoning code violation referred to Broward County Code Enforcement, which can order the excess portion removed or altered and impose fines under Chapter 8½ until the structure is brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this height limit apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
What is the height limit for a typical single-family home in unincorporated Broward?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida building setbacks & zoning overview
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