Broward County, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- NWS hurricane or tropical storm warning
- Who it binds
- Construction sites, unincorporated Broward only
- First-offense fine
- $250
- Repeat-offense fine
- $500
- Enforcer
- Broward County Code Enforcement
Summary
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.
Construction site debris and materials storage. Upon the declaration of a hurricane or tropical storm warning by the National Weather Service, all solid waste and construction materials stored upon a construction site shall be removed from the site or adequately secured in such a manner as to prevent such waste or construction materials from becoming windborne objects.(b)Storm shutter placement. Consistent with the provisions of the Florida Building Code, Broward County Edition, as may be amended, it is prohibited to maintain hurricane or storm protective devices or shutters on occupied buildings in a mounted or closed position, thereby impeding egress, light, and/or ventilation, for periods in excess of fifteen (15) consecutive days after a declared hurricane watch or warning has ended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a hurricane watch or warning is issued or if a hurricane is predicted to occur within forty-eight (48) hours after expiration of the fifteen (15) day period, the fifteen (15) day period begins anew the day after the last declared hurricane watch or warning has ended. (Ord. No. 2020-34, § 19, 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
Under Sec. 39-113(a) of the Broward County Zoning Code, once the National Weather Service declares a hurricane or tropical storm warning, every construction site in unincorporated Broward must remove its solid waste and construction materials from the site or secure them so they cannot become windborne. The rule targets loose jobsite debris, lumber, roofing scraps, dumpster contents, building supplies, that turns into projectiles in hurricane-force wind. Code Enforcement cites violations under the Chapter 8½ civil penalty schedule, which lists this specific offense at $250 for a first violation and $500 for a repeat. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and Broward's other 27 municipalities enforce their own building codes for this instead.
Violations & Fines
First offense $250, repeat violation $500 civil penalty under the Chapter 8½ code enforcement schedule for failing to remove or secure jobsite solid waste/construction materials after a hurricane or tropical storm warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule cover Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood construction sites?
What counts as debris that must be secured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida hurricane preparedness overview
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