Hollywood, Florida Building Permits
Hollywood, Florida building permit guide covering costs, timelines, zoning, inspections, HVHZ wind design, flood zones and code requirements.
Wind
ASCE 7 ultimate basic wind speed: approximately 170 mph for Risk Category II buildings in Broward County; Hollywood is in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone and wind-borne debris region.
Snow Load
Ground snow load: minimal/0 psf; snow loading is generally not applicable for Hollywood building design.
Flood
Hollywood has significant FEMA flood exposure, especially along Hollywood Beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, canals and low-lying inland areas. Properties may be in AE, VE, Coastal A or X zones. Floodplain review may require elevation certificates, base flood elevation compliance, elevated utilities, flood openings and coastal construction details.
Earthquake
Seismic design category: generally A due to very low seismic hazard in South Florida, subject to code checks for specific structures and nonstructural components.
Wildfire
Wildfire risk is generally low in the urban and coastal portions of Hollywood, though vegetated parks or undeveloped areas can present localized risk. Fire department access, hydrants, alarms, sprinklers and Florida Fire Prevention Code compliance are the primary fire-related permit concerns.
Building Department
City of Hollywood Development Services Department - Building Division
Approval Timeline
Straightforward trade permits and limited-scope residential work may be reviewed in a few business days when complete. Residential reroofs, impact windows and doors, interior renovations and additions commonly take about 2 to 4 weeks for initial review. Commercial tenant improvements, restaurants, multifamily buildings, coastal properties, flood-zone projects and work requiring fire or outside-agency review often take 4 to 8 weeks or longer, especially if resubmittals are needed.
Common Requirements
Common submittals include a completed permit application, contractor license and insurance information, owner authorization or owner-builder affidavit, recorded Notice of Commencement when required, survey or site plan, construction drawings, structural calculations, energy forms, flood elevation information where applicable, product approvals or Miami-Dade NOAs for HVHZ-rated roofing, windows, doors, shutters, louvers and exterior components, fire plans for applicable commercial work, and separate MEP documents. Projects in historic districts, on the barrier island or near the beach may need additional planning, coastal, environmental or floodplain documentation.
Zoning Information
Hollywood zoning is governed by the city Zoning and Land Development Regulations and official zoning map. The city includes single-family, multifamily, commercial, industrial, downtown, transit-oriented, beach, planned development and mixed-use districts. Zoning review evaluates use, setbacks, building height, lot coverage, parking, landscaping, signage, accessory structures and consistency with site plan approvals. Properties in historic areas, downtown districts or along Hollywood Beach may have overlay standards and design review requirements.
Permit Costs
Fees are based on Hollywood’s adopted fee schedule and typically include permit, plan review, inspection, technology, state surcharge and, where applicable, fire, engineering, impact, utility or outside-agency fees. Small trade permits may commonly be about $75 to $250. Reroof, window/door and minor alteration permits often cost several hundred dollars. Additions, multifamily work and commercial tenant improvements can range from several thousand dollars upward, depending on valuation, complexity and number of reviews.
Engineering Requirements
Florida-licensed engineer or architect seals are required for most commercial projects, multifamily work, new buildings, additions, structural repairs, load-bearing modifications, balconies, elevated coastal construction, threshold buildings, engineered trusses, storefronts, curtain walls, canopies, signs, solar attachments and nonprescriptive HVHZ wind designs. Coastal and flood-zone properties may also require elevation certificates, pile/foundation design, breakaway wall details or floodproofing documentation.
Local Code Adoption
Hollywood enforces the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), including Broward County HVHZ requirements, the Florida Fire Prevention Code and applicable Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals amendments and interpretations. Electrical work follows Florida’s adopted National Electrical Code edition.
Typical Projects
Common Hollywood permit projects include impact window and door replacements, reroofs, condo and multifamily renovations, beach-area repairs, interior remodels, kitchen and bath renovations, additions, pools, fences, decks, signage, commercial tenant build-outs, restaurant improvements, fire alarm and sprinkler work, HVAC replacements, generators and solar installations.