Request Traffic Calming in Fort Lauderdale - Ordinance Steps

Transportation Florida 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida residents can ask the city to consider traffic calming measures such as speed humps, curb extensions, or signage to reduce speed and improve safety. This guide explains the municipal process, who enforces rules, how to submit a request, typical timelines, and what to expect after a study. Use the official Traffic Engineering and city code pages cited below to confirm current rules and any required petitions or signatures.

Start by documenting speeds, volumes, and safety concerns before you submit a request.

How traffic calming requests are handled

The Transportation and Mobility Department's Traffic Engineering Division evaluates requests, conducts speed and volume studies, and recommends countermeasures. Final installation of physical devices follows engineering review, public notification, and any required council or administrative approval. For details on the responsible division and process, see the Traffic Engineering page [1].

Requesting traffic calming

Typical steps a resident should follow include gathering data (photos, incident records), contacting the city to file a service request, and completing any petition or application the city requires. The city may require neighborhood support or signatures for street-level measures. To submit an initial report or request a study use the city service request system [3] and consult the municipal code for legal authority governing traffic control devices [2].

  • Document dates and times of concerns before filing a request.
  • File a service request with the city so the issue is logged and tracked [3].
  • Provide photos, speed observations, and any crash reports to support the study.
  • If required, circulate and submit a neighborhood petition per city guidance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Traffic calming installations and traffic control devices on city streets are governed by municipal ordinance and enforced by the Traffic Engineering Division in coordination with Public Safety. Specific monetary fines or fee schedules for unauthorized installation, damage, or removal of city traffic control devices are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the municipal code for applicable offenses and procedures [2]. Enforcement action may include orders to remove unauthorized devices, repair obligations, civil penalties, or referral to code compliance or court.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code and Traffic Engineering for current penalties [2].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences and daily fines are not specified on the cited page; see official ordinance text [2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions may include removal orders, repair mandates, and referral to court or code compliance; exact remedies are set by ordinance and administrative rules [2].
  • Enforcer: Traffic Engineering and city code compliance; complaints begin via the service request portal or the Traffic Engineering contact page [1][3].
  • Appeals/review: specific time limits for appeals or requests for review are not specified on the cited pages; the municipal code and Traffic Engineering provide appeal routes when published [2][1].
Do not install any device on the street without city approval; unauthorized work may trigger removal orders or penalties.

Applications & Forms

The Traffic Engineering Division may publish a Traffic Calming Request form or petition for neighborhood measures and will explain required signatures, fees, and submission method. A directly published form or a form number is not specified on the cited city pages; contact Traffic Engineering or file a service request to request the current application materials [1][3].

How decisions are made

Engineers use speed, volume, crash history, and physical street characteristics to score locations. Measures are prioritized based on safety benefit, cost, and impact to emergency vehicles and drainage. Community support, maintenance responsibility, and funding availability also affect whether speed humps or alternative measures are installed.

FAQ

How long does a traffic calming study take?
Typical study timelines vary; the city does not specify a universal timeline on the cited pages. Contact Traffic Engineering for current estimates [1].
Can the city install speed bumps on a main collector or arterial?
Major collectors and arterials are less likely to receive vertical deflections; final decisions depend on engineering review and city policy as reflected in Traffic Engineering guidance [1].
Is there a cost to the neighborhood for installation?
Installation costs, cost-sharing, or special assessments are not specified on the cited pages; ask Traffic Engineering about funding or assessment policies [1][2].

How-To

  1. Document the issue: record dates, times, photos, and any crash reports.
  2. Search the city Traffic Engineering and municipal code pages to review policy and guidance [1][2].
  3. File a formal service request describing the problem and attaching evidence [3].
  4. If required, gather neighborhood signatures or a petition per Traffic Engineering instructions.
  5. Respond to city requests for additional information and attend any public meetings related to the project.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with data: speeds, volumes, and photos strengthen requests.
  • Use the official service request system to log and track your issue [3].
  • Official approvals are required before any physical traffic calming is installed.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Fort Lauderdale - Traffic Engineering Division
  2. [2] Fort Lauderdale Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
  3. [3] City of Fort Lauderdale - Report a Problem / Service Request

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