Broward County, FL Ordinances (2026)

Florida requires DBPR-licensed vacation rentals to maintain liability insurance, and Broward cities commonly require proof of $1 million in liability coverage as a condition of STR…

Broward cities set STR maximum occupancy typically at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, consistent with SB 280 (2024) framework. FL 509.032 prohibits local STR-specific…

Broward County levies a tourist development tax on short-term rentals of six months or less, currently totaling six percent of the rental charge, collected by hosts and remitted to the…

Florida Statute 509.032 preempts local governments from regulating the duration or frequency of short-term rentals, so Broward County cannot impose minimum or maximum night caps…

Broward County applies its general noise ordinance to short-term rentals. Cities within Broward may adopt stricter STR-specific noise rules under FL 509.032, which allows regulation…

Broward County parks operate on posted hours, not a fixed curfew: the Parks and Recreation director can close any park or section at any time for safety or public interest, per County…

Broward County Ordinance Chapter 5 establishes a juvenile curfew prohibiting those under 17 from public places between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM Sunday-Thursday and midnight to 6:00 AM…

Broward County requires every towing and vehicle immobilization company operating countywide to hold a current operating license from the Environmental Licensing and Building…

Broward requires a county license for adult entertainment businesses in unincorporated areas and bars them within 1,000 feet of another adult business, house of worship, child care…

Broward requires every massage establishment to keep a state-licensed masseur or masseuse on duty full-time whenever open, and bars opposite-sex contact or clothing-removal requests…

Broward's zoning code confines vehicle repair on residential property to a garage, bars body work and painting outright, and caps carport or driveway work to tire, battery, spark plug…

Broward County's zoning code permits tattoo shops only in B-4 Commercial Redevelopment Overlay and C-1 Commercial Warehouse districts, and only in the unincorporated area: the rule…

Broward County requires every pawnbroker to hold a $150 annual business tax receipt for each place of business before operating under Code Sec. 20-43.

Broward County adopts Florida's secondhand dealer law countywide and adds stricter local rules: a 30-working-day resale holding period and mandatory buyer ID recording, enforced…

Unincorporated Broward County requires dumpsters or dumpster enclosures on residential plots with four or more dwelling units, unless each unit has an attached garage or carport used…

Broward's zoning code requires unincorporated-area residents to place bulk waste, yard waste, and trash cans at the curb no more than 24 hours before pickup and to remove them within…

In unincorporated Broward County, trash cans can go to the curb no more than 24 hours before pickup and must come back in within 12 hours after collection.

Unincorporated Broward County residents must recycle designated materials in county-issued bins under the Mandatory Residential Recycling Ordinance, with weekly curbside pickup on the…

In unincorporated Broward County, yard waste set out for collection can't go to the curb more than 24 hours before pickup and must be gone within 12 hours after, under the county…

Unincorporated Broward County requires curbside recycling for all residential and multifamily units, with exemptions granted only by permit.

Unincorporated Broward County requires garbage and rubbish removal from every property, collected only by county-authorized haulers: residents who want to self-haul need a health…

Dumping, burying, or burning solid waste anywhere in Broward County without authorization is a misdemeanor and a declared public nuisance the county can abate.

In unincorporated Broward County, garbage and bulk receptacles may go to the curb no more than 24 hours before pickup and must come back in within 12 hours after collection. Recycling…

Broward County requires construction sites in the unincorporated area to remove or secure all solid waste and building materials once a hurricane or tropical storm warning is declared.

Broward County bars keeping hurricane shutters mounted or closed on occupied buildings for more than 15 consecutive days after a declared hurricane watch or warning ends, and the clock…

Unincorporated Broward County requires a floodplain development permit and elevation compliant with ASCE 24 for construction in a FEMA-mapped flood hazard area, with accessory…

Cats four months and older must be registered with a rabies tag countywide, but Broward has no leash or at-large law for cats, and colony-managed community cats are exempt.

Beekeeping is protected by FL 586.10, which preempts local bans. Broward County cannot prohibit beekeeping. Hives must be registered annually with FDACS and follow best management…

Unincorporated Broward County prohibits keeping horses, cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, pigs, and poultry as pets in residential zoning districts; the county's A-1 and A-2 agricultural…

Broward County's Animal Care Ordinance bans hoarding of dogs or cats and deems it animal cruelty, enforced countywide by the Animal Care Division through civil citations.

Broward County bans owning or harboring any wild animal as a pet unless the owner holds the required state wildlife permit; zoos, circuses, and licensed animal exhibitions are exempt…

Broward County lets pet stores sell dogs and cats, but only if the seller holds a County Breeder or Pet Trader Permit: there is no adoption-only mandate for retail sellers.

Broward doesn't require microchipping for all pets, but registered dogs and cats with a microchip get a discounted rabies tag fee, while dogs classified dangerous and all guard dogs…

Broward County sets a wastewater design-flow fee of 200 gallons per day for every wash basin at a pet grooming parlor tied into the county sanitary sewer system, excluding retail space.

Broward County requires the Division's veterinarian to sterilize any intact dog or cat impounded more than once, billing the cost to the owner at a fee set by the County Commission.

Broward County bans feeding wildlife in any county park area under the parks and recreation code's nuisance provisions, alongside rules against releasing exotic animals and controlling…

Unincorporated Broward bars veterinary hospitals from sites touching residential zoning, or separated from it only by a street, alley, or canal.

Broward County's park code bans molesting, harming, killing, trapping, or capturing wild birds, and removing eggs, nests, or young, anywhere on county park property, with violators…

Broward County bans dogs from roaming loose on any public street, sidewalk, park, or private property without the owner's consent; on public property dogs must stay under the owner's…

FL 767.14 (SB 942, effective October 1, 2023) preempts local breed-specific legislation. Broward County cannot ban any dog breed. Dangerous dog classification under FL 767 is based on…

Broward County's noise nuisance ordinance exempts ordinary vehicle operation from its "Unreasonably Loud Noise" standard at all times, so stereo, muffler, and engine noise from a…

In unincorporated Broward County, power blowers and outdoor cleaning equipment are exempt from the noise code only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Concerts and festivals with amplified music in unincorporated Broward need a Section 39-238 outdoor event permit, capped at 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-midnight…

Broward County's unincorporated-area noise ordinance exempts helicopter and aircraft noise from its 'Unreasonably Loud Noise' standard at all times, so long as the flight follows…

Broward's property-maintenance nuisance code names barking dogs as a banned noise source when it becomes "Unreasonably Loud Noise": audible inside a neighbor's home with doors and…

Broward's only numeric decibel rule caps vessel noise at 90 dBA measured 50 feet from the boat on county waters, with an 80 dBA cap on the New River Canal and Intracoastal Waterway…

In unincorporated Broward County, construction, repair, alteration, testing, drilling, and demolition tool noise is exempt from the county nuisance-noise ban only between 7:00 a.m. and…

In unincorporated Broward County, outdoor grills and cooking equipment can't sit in the front yard and must stay at least 5 feet from any side or rear property line.

Broward County lets residents build a campfire, bonfire, or open fire for recreation or outdoor noncommercial food preparation without a permit, as long as it avoids excessive smoke or…

Unincorporated Broward caps window signs at one per window and no more than 20% of the window's area, for homes and businesses alike: no permit needed, but the sign must be secured…

Broward County allows electronic message signs on permitted permanent signs but requires auto-dimming, an 8-second minimum display, and bans scrolling or flashing effects.

Broward County caps yard sale signs at 2 square feet, exempts them from permits, and requires removal at the end of the sale, but the rule only reaches unincorporated Broward, not its…

Broward County bans outdoor advertising signs within 660 feet of any limited-access highway countywide, unless the sign identifies an on-premise business, under the Expressway Outdoor…

Broward County exempts holiday lights from its outdoor lighting standards, but only if each bulb is under 10 watts and 70 lumens: brighter displays must meet the county's full cutoff…

Broward County will only issue a building permit to a contractor holding a current state or county certificate of competency, proof of workers' compensation coverage, and a paid…

Unincorporated Broward County treats rooftop photovoltaic solar systems as permitted accessory equipment in every zoning district, removing zoning barriers to installing them on…

Pre-1978 housing in Broward County is subject to federal EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Rule and HUD disclosure requirements. Contractors must be EPA RRP certified for lead-safe…

Broward County issues building permits for plumbing work only to applicants holding a current state or Central Examining Board certificate of competency, a paid business tax receipt…

In unincorporated Broward's RSO transitional district, no single-family home or office building can run longer than 80 feet, on top of plot-coverage and height caps.

Broward County requires every licensed child care facility to screen electric fans, ban portable heaters, keep an operable flashlight for outages, and fit exits with alarms or fenced…

Broward County requires registered elevator companies to give building owners a signed Record of Visit after every service call and keep copies on file for at least one year.

Before doing any electrical work in Broward County, contractors and journeymen must hold a certificate of competency from Division II of the Central Examining Board, valid for permits…

Broward's Housing and Urban Planning Division may inspect dwellings under the Minimum Housing Code, but inspectors need occupant consent or a court warrant to enter absent an…

Placing any object or material on property under Broward County's jurisdiction, sidewalks, canals, easements and rights-of-way, is unlawful without first obtaining an encroachment…

Broward County requires a permit from its Engineering Division before anyone obstructs, interferes with, or places objects on county-jurisdiction property, including rights-of-way and…

Unincorporated Broward County places the duty to notify the county of damaged sidewalks on the abutting property owner, while the county inspects, sets specs and performs the repair…

Broward County exempts restaurant, bar, and nightclub business operations from its noise nuisance standard at all times, so ordinary nightlife noise can't be cited as an Unreasonably…

In unincorporated Broward County, loading and unloading noise from delivery trucks is exempt from the county's noise-nuisance rule only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; outside those hours…

Broward County exempts engines, pumps, and generators used for emergency purposes from its unreasonably loud noise standard at all times, but routine or non-emergency generator noise…

Unincorporated Broward deems rooftop solar panels permitted accessory equipment, but a building permit acknowledging HOA covenants is still required.

Unincorporated Broward deems rooftop solar panels a permitted accessory use in every zoning district, skipping discretionary zoning review for the permit.

Florida Statute 163.04 prevents Broward County HOAs from prohibiting solar collectors or unreasonably restricting placement that would reduce efficiency by more than 20 percent or…

Broward County home-based businesses cannot generate vehicle traffic substantially greater than a typical residence. Florida HB 1451 sets this as the statewide standard and allows…

Florida cottage food law (FL 500.80) allows home kitchen food sales up to $250,000 gross per year without a permit. Broward County cannot impose additional licensing, following 2021…

Family day care homes in Broward County must register or be licensed under Florida Statute 402.313. The Broward County Child Care Licensing and Enforcement agency handles local…

Broward County allows home occupations in residential zones with conditions preserving neighborhood character. Florida HB 1451 (2021) preempts local bans on home-based businesses…

Broward's home-based business ordinance grants no special sign allowance: Sec. 39-237(i) requires all signage tied to a home business to comply with the same local and state sign…

Broward County HOA disputes must generally use pre-suit mediation under FL 720.311 before court filing. Condo election and recall disputes go to DBPR arbitration.

Broward County HOAs routinely require architectural review committee approval before exterior changes including paint, roofing, fences, pools, and hurricane shutters.

Broward County HOAs set assessments through a budget adopted by the board with 14-day member notice. Condos face mandatory reserve funding under post-Surfside law.

Broward County HOAs may levy fines up to 100 dollars per day capped at 1,000 dollars per violation, suspend use rights, and record liens. Fines over 1,000 dollars may be liened after…

Broward's zoning code limits unincorporated residential lots to one boat and one RV parked outside a garage or carport, bars street encroachment, and forbids hookups except briefly…

In unincorporated Broward County, residential vehicles must park on a paved surface and stay in operable condition: dirt, grass, or gravel parking is not allowed.

Unincorporated Broward bans parking or storing commercial vehicles over 5,000 pounds in residential zoning districts, with narrow exceptions.

Broward County licenses every tow truck and booting operator that works anywhere inside the county, incorporated cities included, and Chapter 20, Article VII, Division 2 of the County…

In unincorporated Broward County, vehicles in a marked freight curb loading zone may only load or unload materials, and must clear out within thirty minutes.

On streets posted to prohibit all-night parking in unincorporated Broward County, vehicles cannot sit longer than 30 minutes between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., with an exception for…

In unincorporated Broward County, cars must park on the right-hand side of two-way streets, not block private driveways without consent, and stay off sidewalks and alleys' clear paths.

Broward County treats an openly stored junk or derelict vehicle on unincorporated residential property as a public nuisance; it may only be kept inside a fully enclosed building, and…

Unincorporated Broward caps residential fences, walls, and hedges at 6 feet, 8 feet next to commercial or industrial land, and 30 inches near corner intersections.

Broward County caps fences on residential lots at six feet, eight feet next to commercial or industrial land, bans barbed and razor wire, and limits corner-lot fences to 30 inches near…

In Central County Community neighborhoods, Broward bans chain-link, solid wood, solid concrete, and solid block front-yard fences.

Broward County requires a Public Works and Environmental Services Department license before constructing any stormwater or surface water management works, with citations up to $500 and…

Unincorporated Broward County ties new construction to FEMA's base flood elevation, requiring accessory structures and their utilities to sit at least one foot above BFE under the…

Unincorporated Broward caps private docks at 5 feet past the property line into a waterway and 10 feet from a neighbor's plot line.

Filling, grading, or draining land in a flood hazard area of unincorporated Broward County requires a floodplain development permit from the county Floodplain Administrator before any…

Any development in a Broward flood hazard area needs a floodplain development permit before work starts, under the county's Floodplain Management Ordinance.

Unincorporated Broward requires a certificate of use, annual renewal, and $300,000 liability coverage before a mobile food unit can sell on private property.

Broward County limits mobile food units on private property in unincorporated business districts to one hour per stop, no more than three visits per location every twelve hours, and…

Mobile food units get one hour on private property before they must move, can't repeat a location more than three times in twelve hours, and need an annual county certificate of use…

Broward County bans regularly camping or sleeping on any public property countywide, requires a verbal and written warning before citation, and channels adults into a civil citation…

Unincorporated Broward bans noise from a party or gathering that's plainly audible inside a neighbor's home with doors and windows closed and disrupts their peace.

Broward County limits smoking at its airports to areas the Aviation Director specifically designates, banning it entirely inside terminal buildings under the Florida Clean Indoor Air…

Broward County makes urinating or spitting at county mass transit facilities and buses a disorderly conduct offense, prosecuted as a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 and up to 60 days…

Broward County limits skateboard facilities to indoor operations in B-2 and B-3 commercial zoning districts, unincorporated area only.

Broward County makes it a crime to loiter or prowl anywhere in a manner that causes reasonable alarm for the safety of people or property, with due-process protections before arrest.

Broward County bans drinking alcohol on sidewalks, streets, and parking lots next to any establishment that sells it, plus drinking inside package stores meant for off-premise sales…

Broward County lets officers issue a civil citation instead of a criminal charge for possessing 20 grams or less of cannabis in public. Section 21-6 names it an Eligible Offense under…

Unincorporated Broward lets single-family homeowners on one acre or less install synthetic turf that meets state DEP standards, under the county's landscaping code.

Broward County exempts backyard composting from its solid waste management license as long as the pile doesn't create a nuisance or violate health and environmental rules.

Broward County caps grass and weeds at 6 inches in developed unincorporated areas, 18 inches in rural, estate, and agricultural districts, and requires owners to clear overgrown hedges…

Broward County's tree preservation ordinance bans removing or abusing any tree, or a historical tree, without PWESD approval, and applies countywide unless a municipality holds valid…

Broward County bans lawn watering from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day and limits irrigation to two set days a week based on whether your address is even or odd-numbered, year-round under…

Broward County bans hatracking, topping, flush cuts, and non-ANSI pruning cuts as "tree abuse" countywide, whether or not a tree removal permit is otherwise required, enforced by PWESD…

Unincorporated Broward's landscaping code makes native plants the default, not an option. Section 39-83(a)(2) requires that fifty percent of all vegetation required to be planted…

Hot tubs and spas in Broward County require electrical permits and must comply with barrier requirements of FL 515.27 unless equipped with a locked, rigid safety cover meeting ASTM…

Residential pool construction in Broward County requires a building permit, barrier inspection, and compliance with the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL 515.27) which…

Unincorporated Broward requires full cutoff fixtures and strict glare/light-trespass limits on all outdoor lighting; motion-detecting security lights are exempt only from the automatic…

Broward County's zoning code caps sign lighting to internal, back-lit, or fully shielded spotlight methods, requires shielded fixtures for external illumination, and bans hazardous…

Unincorporated Broward requires full cutoff outdoor fixtures, caps color temperature at 3000K, and sets footcandle light-trespass limits at property lines.

Landlords in unincorporated Broward must register rental units and meet minimum habitability standards, working plumbing, hot water, sound structure, under the county's BMSD Landlord…

Unincorporated Broward landlords must register each residential rental unit with the Housing and Urban Planning Division before leasing it, and renew annually for a $75 fee.

Broward County's Board of County Commissioners designates historical trees under Code § 27-412, and § 27-405 bans removing any designated historical tree without prior Board approval…

Unincorporated Broward requires any tree planted near power lines to follow the Right Tree, Right Place Guidelines, giving violators 60 days to remove a noncompliant tree before code…

Broward County protects any tree with an 18-inch trunk diameter and a 60% condition rating as a specimen tree, requiring a PWESD removal license or Board approval before it can be cut…

Broward County requires an advance permit for organized gatherings, demonstrations, performances, and youth campouts in county parks, with all reservations and fees paid before the…

Carnivals, festivals and commercial promotion events on unincorporated Broward land need a zoning permit, cap out at seven days, and must end by 10 p.m. weeknights or midnight on…

Broward County requires a Film Commissioner permit before shooting a Production on county-owned or Participating Municipality property, with narrow carve-outs for handheld personal use…

Unincorporated Broward County sets aside A-1 Agricultural Estate and A-2 General Agricultural zoning districts to protect crop raising, livestock, nurseries, equestrian operations and…

Broward County runs an administrative farm-status determination under its Right to Farm Act criteria, letting owners prove agricultural use to Public Works and Environmental Services…

Developments within a quarter mile of a Broward County reclaimed water main must extend the line and connect, and are then bound by strict limits on where reclaimed water may be used.

Unincorporated Broward County requires residential lots to keep 10 to 35 percent of their area in turf or groundcover, scaled by lot size, but allows DEP-compliant synthetic turf to…

Broward levies a tourist development tax of up to 6% on hotel, motel, apartment and short-term rental stays of six months or less, on top of state sales tax.

Storing, handling or using LP gas or other compressed gases in unincorporated Broward County without an approved fire permit draws a $200 civil fine for a first violation and $400 for…

Broward County allows backyard campfires and bonfires for recreational, ceremonial or cooking use without a PWESD permit, but the fire must sit at least 300 feet from any occupied…

Broward County bans most open burning countywide, including all residential yard trash and household paper burning, with narrow exceptions for recreational campfires, agricultural…

Broward County cites smoke detector defects under its Fire Code civil penalty schedule: a missing, non-functioning, blocked, inaccessible, or tampered-with smoke detector, whether a…

Consumer fireworks are legal in Broward County on July 4, Dec 31, and Jan 1 under FL §791.08 state preemption. Outside those dates, only sparklers and novelties are legal without a…

In unincorporated Broward County, owners of undeveloped lots one net acre or smaller must keep the land and swale free of overgrown hedges and groundcover, with civil fines for eyesore…

Broward's Minimum Housing Code lets the county order emergency vacate action and perform repairs itself on any dwelling or structure meeting the Florida Building Code's…

Broward's Aviation Department can restrict or permit drone (UAS) use at FLL and North Perry Airport, one of nine listed aeronautical operations it controls under the county airport…

Filming a Production on county-owned or county-controlled Specified Property in Broward requires a permit from the Film Commissioner before shooting starts, covering movies…

Broward County requires a filming permit once a handheld production creates noise that is frequent, habitual, or long and audible 25 feet away, per County Code Sec. 20-261.

Filming on Broward County roads, rights-of-way, or other county property requires a Film Commissioner permit, and applicants must request and pay for any police or fire road-closure…

A solo student filming a class project with one handheld camera on county-controlled property needs no permit, but any crew, prop use, or paid shoot on that property requires a Film…

Broward inspects registered rental units in the unincorporated area only after receiving a minimum standards complaint, per Code Sec. 39-426.

Broward County requires landlords in the unincorporated area to register every residential rental unit annually and pass minimum-standards inspections, with a $75 fee, mandatory…

Uber, Lyft, taxis and limos picking up at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport must use the officially signed Ground Transportation Area; stopping elsewhere to load a…

Broward County uses speed detection cameras to enforce 15 mph school zone limits in unincorporated areas, ticketing drivers going 10+ mph over the posted limit near two initial school…

Broward County authorizes a countywide sterile needle and syringe exchange program under state law, requiring the contracted operator to maintain written security procedures for safe…

Pest control in Broward County is regulated by FDACS. Licensed operators handle termites, rodents, and mosquitoes, with tent fumigations coordinated with the fire department.

Every business, profession, or occupation operating in Broward County must obtain an annual business tax receipt from the county Tax Collector, sorted into classifications such as…

In unincorporated Broward County, accessory buildings like sheds must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, stay one story on single-family lots, and cannot exceed 5%…

An accessory dwelling on unincorporated Broward land isn't just a size question, it's a rental-affordability commitment. Section 39-272 caps an ADU at fifty percent of the main house…

Broward County permits accessory dwelling units in several zoning districts, typically capped at 800 square feet or 40 percent of the primary home, with owner-occupancy and one…

Broward County's Historic Preservation Board designates historic and archaeological cultural resources, and no building permit for construction, demolition, or alteration is issued…

Broward's Zoning Code caps unincorporated residents at two yard sales a year, three days each, with no permit needed for the sale itself.

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.

Every one- and two-family lot in unincorporated Broward's residential districts carries three numeric yard minimums that shrink as density rises. Sections 39-285 through 39-287 set…

Unincorporated Broward caps how much of a residential lot buildings can physically cover, separate from the county's broader impervious-surface limit. Section 39-282 sets maximum plot…

A density increase above what unincorporated Broward's comprehensive plan otherwise allows isn't available through a zoning variance: Section 39-39(a) expressly bars the hearing…

Unincorporated Broward bars landscaping with FLEPPC-listed invasive plants and makes removal of existing ones mandatory.

Broward County code inspectors cite common violations, from unscreened pools to illegal signs, under a set fine schedule ranging $50 to $500 per offense, doubling for repeat…

When a Broward County code inspector finds a violation in unincorporated Broward, the inspector must set a correction window of no fewer than five days and no more than thirty days…