Hollywood Building Code and Permit Guide
In Hollywood, Florida, property owners, contractors, and tenants must follow local building codes and secure required permits before construction, renovations, or changes of use. This guide explains how the City of Hollywood handles permits, inspections, code enforcement, and appeals so you can plan projects with compliance and avoid fines. For official procedures and forms contact the Building Division or review the City Code.
Building code overview
The City of Hollywood enforces the Florida Building Code together with local amendments and the City Code of Ordinances. Local requirements cover permits, inspections, licensed contractor responsibilities, and zoning-related approvals. When in doubt, contact the Building Division for authoritative direction and application checklists Building Division[1].
When permits are required
Permits are generally required for new construction, structural repairs, major electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, and changes in occupancy. Minor repairs or cosmetic work may be exempt but definitions and thresholds are set locally.
- New construction and additions
- Structural repairs and alterations
- HVAC, electrical, and plumbing work
- Change of occupancy or significant interior reconfiguration
Permits & applications
Permit applications typically require plans, licensed contractor information, and applicable fees. The City publishes permit application instructions and the online permitting portal on its Permits and Licensing pages Permits & Licensing[3].
Applications & Forms
Standard forms include building permit application packages, trade permit forms, and contractor licensing documentation. For specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission methods consult the Building Division and the online portal. If a particular form or fee schedule is not listed on the cited pages, it is "not specified on the cited page" and you must request it from the Building Division.
- Building permit application — plans and contractor information required
- Fees — see current fee schedule on the Building Division page
- Submission — online portal or Building Division office
Inspections and compliance
Approved permits require scheduled inspections at key stages (footing, framing, mechanical/electrical, final). Inspectors verify compliance with plans and applicable codes. If work fails inspection, corrections are required and reinspection fees may apply. The Building Division schedules inspections and posts guidelines on its official pages Building Division[1].
- Schedule inspections through the permit portal or by phone
- Follow required inspection checklist items to avoid reinspection
- Stop-work orders may be issued for unsafe or unpermitted work
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of building and construction rules is administered by the Building Division and Code Enforcement. Typical enforcement steps include notices of violation, stop-work orders, administrative orders, fines, and referral to court for unresolved violations. Specific monetary fines and escalation rules depend on the ordinance or code section cited; where exact amounts or escalation schedules are not listed on the cited pages this guide states that they are "not specified on the cited page" and provides the official source for inquiry City Code of Ordinances[2].
- Monetary fines — not specified on the cited page for each violation; consult the Code
- Escalation — first offence, repeat, and continuing violations are handled per ordinance; amounts or ranges are not specified on the cited page
- Non-monetary sanctions — stop-work orders, corrective orders, permit revocation, lien placement, and court actions
- Enforcer & inspection — Building Division and Code Enforcement handle investigations and inspections
- Appeals/review — procedures and time limits for administrative appeals or hearings are set in the ordinance; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page
Common violations and typical responses:
- Unpermitted construction — stop-work order and required retroactive permits or removal
- Work without licensed contractor — fines and corrective orders
- Failure to pass inspections — reinspection fees and required corrections
Applications & Forms
The primary applications are the building permit application and trade permit forms available via the Building Division and the online permitting portal; the Code of Ordinances includes enforcement procedures but does not list every form or current fee amount on a single consolidated page. For forms, fees, and submission instructions use the Building Division portal or contact the office directly Building Division[1].
FAQ
- Do I always need a permit to remodel?
- No — cosmetic work may be exempt, but structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or occupancy changes typically require a permit; confirm with the Building Division.
- How long does a permit take to be approved?
- Review times vary by project scope and completeness of submission; current processing times are not specified on the cited pages and are posted on the permit portal or provided by the Building Division.
- What happens if I start work without a permit?
- You may receive a stop-work order, fines, and be required to obtain retroactive permits and inspections.
How-To
- Determine whether your project needs a permit by reviewing the Building Division guidance or calling the office.
- Prepare plans and documentation, and hire a licensed contractor if required.
- Submit the permit application and required documents via the online portal or at the Building Division.
- Pay applicable fees and respond to review comments promptly to avoid delays.
- Schedule inspections at required stages and obtain final sign-off before occupying or continuing work.
Key Takeaways
- Always confirm permit requirements with the Building Division before starting work.
- Use the official permit portal and follow inspection checklists to avoid reinspection fees.
- Unpermitted work can trigger stop-work orders, fines, and court action.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Hollywood - Building Division
- City of Hollywood - Code Compliance
- City of Hollywood - Permits & Licensing
- City Code of Ordinances (Municode)