Hollywood Floodplain and Wetland Building Rules

Land Use and Zoning Florida 4 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Florida

Hollywood, Florida regulates construction and development in floodplains and wetlands to reduce risk to life, property, and natural resources. This guide summarizes where to find the controlling city code and department contacts, how permits and variances work, common compliance steps for builders and homeowners, and what to expect from enforcement and appeals. It is focused on municipal requirements and official city procedures so property owners, contractors, and planners can prepare documentation, secure required permits, and avoid penalties.

Overview of Rules and Scope

The City of Hollywood applies floodplain and wetland rules through its municipal code and development regulations and enforces requirements via the Building Division and Planning and Development Services. Major topics include elevation and floodproofing standards, prohibited fill or disturbance in wetlands, buffer setbacks, and conditions for variances or mitigation. For the controlling ordinance text consult the city code and the Building Division permit rules [1].

Permits, Variances, and Approvals

Most building, grading, and site-work activities in mapped floodplains or designated wetland areas require a permit and may require additional documentation such as elevation certificates, FEMA forms, and wetland delineation reports. Contact the Building Division for permit applications and the Planning Department for variances or conditional-use approvals [2].

  • Apply for a building permit when altering elevations, foundations, or drainage in floodplain areas.
  • Provide elevation certificates or engineered floodproofing plans when requested by the Building Division.
  • Submit a wetland delineation and mitigation plan for work in or adjacent to protected wetlands.
Certain routine repairs may still trigger permit requirements when they affect structural elevation or drainage.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permit application forms and submittal checklists through the Building Division; some specialized permits (elevation certificates, floodplain development permits) may require attachments from licensed professionals. Specific form names and fees are available on the Building Division permit pages or the municipal code; where a fee or form number is not shown on the cited page, it is noted as not specified on the cited page [2].

  • Building permit application — see Building Division permit packet for required attachments and stamps.
  • Floodplain development documentation — elevation certificates, FEMA forms, engineered plans.
  • Permit fees — see fee schedule or contact Building Division; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited page.
If a required form or fee amount is not listed, contact the Building Division before starting work.

Penalties & Enforcement

The city enforces floodplain and wetland rules through inspections, stop-work orders, notices of violation, and administrative or legal action. The primary enforcing departments are the Building Division and Planning and Development Services; complaints and inspection requests are processed through those offices [2]. Specific penalty figures and escalation rules are not fully listed on a single cited page and are noted below where absent.

  • Monetary fines: specific dollar amounts for violations are not specified on the cited municipal code page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offense ranges are not specified on the cited page; the city may issue continuing penalties or daily fines where authorized by ordinance.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, demolition or restoration orders, revocation of permits, and court enforcement are used by the city as needed.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: contact Building Division or Planning and Development Services to report violations or request inspections [2].
  • Appeals and review: the municipal code and departmental rules describe appeal routes, often to an administrative board or city commission; time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: permits, approved variances, or emergency repairs may be valid defenses; the city may exercise discretion based on permits or mitigation plans.

Common violations and typical consequences:

  • Unpermitted fill or grading in wetlands — may trigger stop-work and restoration orders plus fines (amount not specified on the cited page).
  • Failure to elevate or floodproof structures in mapped flood zones — may lead to corrective orders and permit denial for future work.
  • Removing vegetation or disturbing buffers without authorization — restoration orders and penalties possible.

Applications & Forms

To contest a notice or appeal a decision, follow the appeal procedure published by the department that issued the notice; if the appeal timeframe or form is not posted, contact the issuing department directly. Specific appeal form names or deadlines are not specified on the cited pages [2].

Start appeals promptly because administrative time limits often apply.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to raise my home in a flood zone?
Yes—most elevation work requires a building permit and supporting documentation such as elevation certificates; contact the Building Division to confirm submittal requirements [2].
Can I fill a wetland on my property?
Filling a wetland typically requires review and mitigation and may be prohibited; consult Planning and Development Services and the municipal code for restrictions and required permits [1].
What happens if I work without a permit?
The city may issue a stop-work order, require restoration, and seek fines or legal action; exact penalties are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Check whether your property is in a floodplain or wetland by consulting the city maps and municipal code.
  2. Contact the Building Division early to confirm permit types and required documents, including elevation certificates or engineered plans.
  3. Prepare and submit the permit application with professional attachments as required by the Building Division or Planning Department.
  4. Arrange inspections and address any corrective items promptly to avoid enforcement actions.
  5. If denied or cited, follow the published appeal procedure and submit any appeal within the stated time limit or contact the issuing department if no timeframe is shown.
Start the permit review process before contracting construction to avoid delays and possible penalties.

Key Takeaways

  • Work in floodplains and wetlands is tightly regulated and often requires multiple documents and professional reports.
  • Contact Building and Planning early; some penalties and appeals timelines are not fully listed online and require departmental guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances - Municode
  2. [2] City of Hollywood Building Division
  3. [3] Planning and Development Services - City of Hollywood

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