FEMA flood zone rules in Fort Lauderdale, FL — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Fort Lauderdale participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and has comprehensive floodplain management under Chapter 14. The low-lying coastal city faces significant flood risk from sea level rise, storm surge, king tides, and heavy rainfall.
Fort Lauderdale's floodplain management ordinance (Chapter 14) regulates development in FEMA flood zones. The city faces major flood risk from multiple sources: Atlantic hurricane storm surge, king tides, heavy rainfall flooding, and long-term sea level rise. Much of the city is at or near sea level, and significant portions are in Special Flood Hazard Areas. New construction must have the lowest floor at or above the base flood elevation, with many areas requiring additional freeboard above BFE. Substantial improvements (over 50% of market value) trigger full compliance. The city's Stormwater Master Plan addresses infrastructure adaptation. Flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages in SFHAs. Fort Lauderdale's canal system, which earned it the 'Venice of America' nickname, also creates flood vulnerability.
Building in flood zones without proper permits and elevation certificates results in fines, insurance denial, and dramatically increased flood insurance rates.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale's Chapter 17 noise ordinance strictly regulates amplified sound with specific dBA and dBC limits that vary by day of week and time. Residenti...
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale restricts construction noise to specific hours. Construction is generally permitted 7 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday. Weekend and holiday...
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a major source of aircraft noise. The airport operates under FAA noise abatement procedures and the ...
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale has a comprehensive noise control ordinance (Chapter 17) with specific decibel limits by zone and time of day. Residential zones have a 55 dB...
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale addresses abandoned vehicles under Chapter 26 (Traffic and Parking) and Chapter 18 (Nuisances). Vehicles left unattended on public property f...
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale regulates retaining walls under the ULDR and the Florida Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require building permits with s...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Broward County.
See how other cities in Broward County handle flood zones.
See how Fort Lauderdale's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.