Broward County, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Broward County Engineering Division
- Construction deadline
- 180 days from approval
- Work-stoppage lapse
- 90 days idle voids permit
- Stacks with
- zoning and building permits (Sec. 21-21)
Summary
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 permit from the Board of County Commissioners.
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to obstruct, interfere with, or to place any object or material on any property under jurisdiction of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County without having first obtained a permit from the board.(b)Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, all power and telephone companies shall be governed by the provisions of § 125.42, F.S. Pursuant to the authority granted to the board of county commissioners under § 125.42(1)(a), F.S. and § 125.42(1)(d), F.S., the board of county commissioners may require power and telephone companies who are applying for a permit under this article to demonstrate in their application for such permit that their proposed obstructions will not unreasonably interfere with the use of sidewalks by wheelchair-bound persons. (Sp. Acts, Ch. 61-1962, § 1; Ord. No. 81-99, § 1, 10-15-81; Ord. No. 85-74, § 1, 11-12-85)
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
Sec. 21-18 bars obstructing or placing any object or material on property under Board of County Commissioners jurisdiction without a permit. Applicants file with the Broward County Engineering Division, pay a fee set by resolution, and describe the obstruction and abutting property. Approval under Sec. 21-20 can carry conditions the board deems essential to protect public property and welfare. Construction must start within 180 days of approval or a new application is required, and work idle 90+ days lapses the permit (Sec. 21-19). The permit is cumulative to other required permits, including the Chapter 39 Zoning Code (Sec. 21-21).
Violations & Fines
Obstructing county-jurisdiction property without a permit, or violating permit conditions, is punishable as provided by law (Secs. 21-18, 21-22, 21-23): prosecuted as a county ordinance violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to place something in a Broward County right-of-way?
How long after approval do I have to start construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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