Hollywood, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Hollywood, FL, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Hollywood Code Ch. 154
- Floodplain Administrator
- Director, Dept. of Public Utilities
- Flood map basis
- 2014 Broward County FIS/FIRM
- Permit expiration
- 180 days if work not started
- Appeals
- Variance/appeal under § 154.07
Summary
Any development in a Hollywood flood hazard area, from grading and utility work to buildings exempt from the Florida Building Code, needs a floodplain development permit from the Floodplain Administrator before work starts, under Chapter 154 of the Code of Ordinances.
§ 154.02 APPLICABILITY. (C) Basis for establishing flood hazard areas. The Flood Insurance Study for Broward County, Florida and Incorporated Areas dated August 18, 2014, and all subsequent amendments and revisions, and the accompanying flood insurance rate maps (FIRM), and all subsequent amendments and revisions to such maps, are adopted by reference as a part of this chapter and shall serve as the minimum basis for establishing flood hazard areas. ... § 154.04 PERMITS. (A) Permits required. Any owner or owner's authorized agent (hereinafter "applicant") who intends to undertake any development activity within the scope of this chapter, including buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code, which is wholly within or partially within any flood hazard area shall first make application to the Floodplain Administrator, and the Building Official if applicable, and shall obtain the required permit(s) and approval(s).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 154, the Floodplain Management Ordinance, applies citywide to development wholly or partially within a flood hazard area, including subdivision of land, filling and grading, utility installation, construction or demolition of buildings and structures exempt from the Florida Building Code, manufactured homes, tanks, recreational vehicles, and swimming pools. 02(D). 04 for activity not otherwise covered by a Florida Building Code permit. A floodplain permit becomes invalid if work is not started within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended for 180 days, though the Administrator can grant extensions of up to 180 days each on written request.
Permits carry a standing condition that other state and federal approvals, from the South Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Health, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, be obtained before work begins. 07.
Violations & Fines
Section 154.08 deems any regulated development performed without a permit, in conflict with an issued permit, or otherwise noncompliant a violation; a building lacking documentation of its lowest-floor elevation or other required certifications is presumed to be in violation until that documentation is produced. The Floodplain Administrator can issue a notice of violation or a stop work order, and continuing work after either is served exposes the responsible person to penalties under the Code's general penalty section, § 10.99, up to a $500 fine or 60 days imprisonment, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in a Hollywood, FL flood zone?
Who administers Hollywood's flood damage prevention rules?
What happens if I build in a Hollywood flood zone without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hollywood
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hollywood to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle flood zones.