Quick answer: To hire a general contractor in Broward County, verify their Florida license at myfloridalicense.com, confirm general liability and workers’ compensation coverage, get a written contract with a detailed scope and milestone-based payments, make sure they pull the permit, and collect lien releases before your final payment. Florida law also protects you on deposits and requires specific notices in residential contracts over $2,500.

Hiring the wrong contractor is the most expensive mistake a homeowner can make — and after every hurricane season, South Florida sees a wave of unlicensed operators. This checklist walks you through exactly how to vet a general contractor in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, using the protections Florida law already gives you.

Step 1: Verify the Florida License

Every contractor doing structural or permitted work in Florida must be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Search the contractor’s name or license number at myfloridalicense.com (“Verify a License”). Look for:

• The right license type: Certified General Contractor (CGC), Certified Building Contractor (CBC) or Certified Residential Contractor (CRC) for general work; a roofing license for roofing.
• Status “Current, Active” — and no disciplinary history you aren’t comfortable with.
• A matching business name — the license should belong to the company you’re signing with.

The license number should appear on the contractor’s contract, estimates and vehicles. If someone can’t give you one, stop there.

Step 2: Confirm Insurance

Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability and workers’ compensation (or a valid state exemption). Without workers’ comp, an injured worker on your property can become your problem. For condo projects, most associations require the certificate before work begins — often naming the association as an additional insured.

Step 3: Get a Detailed Written Contract

A good contract protects both sides. It should include:

• A specific scope of work and materials (brands, models, finishes)
• A start date and estimated completion timeline
• A payment schedule tied to completed milestones — not dates
• How change orders are priced and approved, in writing
• Who pulls permits and schedules inspections
• Warranty terms and cleanup responsibilities
• The Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund notice, which state law requires in residential contracts over $2,500

Step 4: Understand Your Deposit Protections

Under Florida law, a contractor who takes a deposit of more than 10% of the contract price must apply for the necessary permits within 30 days and begin work within 90 days after the permits are issued, unless your contract says otherwise. Large deposits demanded before any permit activity are a warning sign.

Step 5: Insist on Permits

Your contractor — not you — should pull the permit. Be wary of anyone who asks you to file as an “owner-builder” for work they are performing; that shifts legal responsibility onto you and can complicate insurance claims and future sales. Permitted, inspected work is also the documentation insurers use, for example on a wind mitigation report after a new roof.

Step 6: Protect Yourself From Liens

In Florida, unpaid subcontractors and suppliers can place a lien on your home even if you paid the general contractor. To protect yourself:

• For improvements over $2,500, a Notice of Commencement is recorded with the county before work starts.
• Keep any Notices to Owner you receive from subcontractors or suppliers.
• Collect lien releases as you pay, and a Contractor’s Final Payment Affidavit before the final payment.

Red Flags to Walk Away From

• No license number, or a license under a different name
• Cash-only payment or pressure to sign the same day
• Door-to-door solicitation right after a storm
• A large upfront deposit with no permit timeline
• A vague, one-line estimate with no materials listed
• Requests that you pull the permit yourself

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

• What is your license number, and is it in your company’s name?
• Have you completed similar projects in Broward County? Can I see photos or speak with a client?
• Do you have experience with High-Velocity Hurricane Zone product approvals?
• Who will be on site day to day, and how will you communicate with me?
• Which parts of the work do you subcontract?

Work With a Licensed Fort Lauderdale Contractor

Vision Build & Development is a licensed and insured general contractor based at 5711 NE 14th Ave in Fort Lauderdale, rated 5.0 on Google. We pull every permit, provide detailed written contracts, and handle everything from home remodeling and additions to kitchens, baths and roofs — across Broward County, including Hollywood. Call (954) 835-4490 or request a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check a contractor’s license in Florida?

Search the contractor’s name or license number at myfloridalicense.com, the Florida DBPR license lookup, and confirm the status is current and active.

What license does a general contractor need in Florida?

A Certified General Contractor (CGC) license covers the broadest scope. Certified Building (CBC) and Certified Residential (CRC) contractors are licensed for narrower scopes of work.

How much deposit should a contractor ask for in Florida?

Florida doesn’t cap deposits, but if a contractor takes more than 10% they must apply for permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days after permits are issued, unless the contract states otherwise.

Who pulls the permit — the homeowner or the contractor?

The licensed contractor performing the work should pull the permit. Owner-builder permits make you legally responsible for the work.

How do I avoid a lien on my house?

Make sure a Notice of Commencement is recorded for larger jobs, keep Notices to Owner, and collect lien releases and a Contractor’s Final Payment Affidavit before paying in full.

Written by the Vision Build & Development team — a licensed and insured Florida Certified General Contractor (license #CGC1537007) at 5711 NE 14th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, rated 5.0 on Google. This article is general information, not legal advice. Last updated October 2026.

Quick answer: In Florida, insurers must offer premium discounts for verified wind-resistant features. A new, code-compliant roof in Broward County can document several of them — roof covering, roof-deck attachment and secondary water resistance — on a wind mitigation inspection (Form OIR-B1-1802). That report, valid for five years, is what your insurer uses to lower the wind portion of your premium.

For many Fort Lauderdale homeowners, the most immediate payoff of a new roof isn’t the look — it’s the insurance bill. Broward County sits in the Florida Building Code’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), and Florida law ties homeowners insurance discounts to specific, verifiable construction features. Here is how wind mitigation works and how to make sure a re-roof earns every credit it can.

What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection documents how well your home resists hurricane winds, using the state’s Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802). It must be completed by a qualified professional — such as a licensed general, building or residential contractor, a building code inspector, a qualified home inspector, an engineer or an architect. Insurers use the form to rate your policy, and a completed form is generally valid for five years.

The Seven Features on the Form

1. Building code: whether the home or roof was built to a qualifying code. In Broward and Miami-Dade, permits under the South Florida Building Code after 1994 or the Florida Building Code generally qualify.
2. Roof covering: whether the roof covering meets current code with documented product approval.
3. Roof-deck attachment: how the plywood deck is fastened to the trusses — nail size and spacing matter.
4. Roof-to-wall attachment: toe nails, clips, single wraps or double wraps holding the roof structure to the walls.
5. Roof geometry: hip roofs resist wind better than gable roofs.
6. Secondary water resistance (SWR): a sealed roof deck that keeps water out if the roof covering is lost.
7. Opening protection: impact-rated windows and doors or approved shutters on all openings.

How a New Roof Improves Your Report

A properly permitted re-roof is the best moment to upgrade several of these features at once, because the deck is exposed:

• Roof covering is brought to current code with documented product approval.
• Deck attachment is upgraded by re-nailing the existing deck to the current fastening schedule.
• Secondary water resistance is added with a sealed deck — a self-adhered underlayment or taped seams.
• In some homes, roof-to-wall connections can be improved while the edges are open.

Combined with impact windows and doors for opening protection, these features can make a large difference in the wind portion of a premium. Discounts vary by insurer and home, so ask your agent to re-rate your policy with the new form once the roof is finished.

HVHZ Product Approvals

In the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, roofing products must carry an approval that is valid for HVHZ use — typically a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or a Florida Product Approval rated for HVHZ. A contractor working in Broward should specify approved products and keep the approval documents with your permit records; inspectors and insurers may ask for them.

Florida Roof Rules Every Homeowner Should Know

The “25% rule” changed in 2022

Florida previously required a full roof-section replacement if more than 25% of it was repaired within 12 months. Since 2022, if your existing roof was built or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, only the repaired portion must meet current code.

Roof age and insurance

Under Florida law passed in 2022, insurers may not refuse to write or renew a homeowners policy solely because the roof is less than 15 years old. For older roofs, the insurer must allow an inspection before refusing coverage based on roof age.

Permits and Inspections

Every roof replacement in Fort Lauderdale requires a permit and multiple inspections, including an in-progress inspection before the roof is dried in. That permit history is the documentation your wind mitigation inspector and insurer rely on. Unpermitted roofing leaves you with nothing to prove.

Plan Your Roof Around Your Policy

Vision Build & Development installs and replaces roofs across Broward County to the current Florida Building Code, with documented product approvals and full permitting. Learn more about our roofing services in Fort Lauderdale, call (954) 835-4490, or request a free roof inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wind mitigation inspection in Florida?

An inspection that documents your home’s wind-resistant features on Form OIR-B1-1802. Insurers use it to apply premium discounts that Florida law requires them to offer.

How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost?

Typically about $75–$150 when done on its own, and it is often bundled with a four-point inspection.

Does a new roof lower homeowners insurance in Florida?

Often, yes. A code-compliant re-roof can document roof covering, deck attachment and secondary water resistance, which commonly reduces the wind portion of the premium.

How long is a wind mitigation report valid?

A completed form is generally valid for five years, as long as the home’s features haven’t changed.

Is Broward County in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone?

Yes. Broward and Miami-Dade counties are the HVHZ under the Florida Building Code, which sets stricter requirements for roofing products and installation.

Written by the Vision Build & Development team — a licensed and insured Florida Certified General Contractor (license #CGC1537007) at 5711 NE 14th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, rated 5.0 on Google. This article is general information, not insurance or legal advice; confirm discounts with your insurer. Last updated October 2026.

Quick answer: A bathroom remodel in Fort Lauderdale typically costs $9,000 to $30,000 in 2026. A cosmetic refresh runs about $9,000–$15,000, a full mid-range remodel $15,000–$30,000, and a luxury primary-suite bathroom $30,000–$60,000 or more. Tub-to-shower conversions usually land between $8,000 and $18,000. Tile scope, glass, moving drains and proper waterproofing drive most of the difference.

Bathrooms work harder in South Florida than almost anywhere else. Year-round humidity, salt air and heavy daily use mean a remodel here has to be built differently — and priced accordingly. This guide explains what bathroom remodels actually cost in Broward County, where the money goes, and which details are worth paying for in our climate.

Bathroom Remodel Costs in Fort Lauderdale (2026)

These are typical Broward County ranges. We provide a fixed written quote after seeing the space, because tile layout and what’s behind the walls change the number.

What Drives Bathroom Remodel Costs

Tile: how much and what kind

Tile is usually the biggest variable. A floor-to-ceiling shower in large-format porcelain costs more in material and labor than a tub surround in standard ceramic. Natural stone needs sealing and more careful installation.

Moving drains on a slab

Relocating a toilet, shower drain or vanity on a slab-on-grade home means cutting concrete — a significant add. Keeping fixtures in place keeps costs predictable.

Shower glass

A frameless glass enclosure can run several thousand dollars on its own, depending on size and hardware. Semi-frameless and sliding options cost less.

What’s behind the walls

In older Fort Lauderdale homes we often find cast-iron drains, galvanized supply lines or hidden water damage. Budget a 10–15% contingency for these discoveries.

Built for South Florida: The Details Worth Paying For

• Real waterproofing: a continuous membrane (sheet or liquid-applied) behind and under every wet area — not just green drywall. This is the difference between a shower that lasts and one that rots from the inside.
• Mold-resistant backer board in the shower and around the tub.
• A correctly sized exhaust fan: the common guideline is at least 1 CFM per square foot of bathroom floor area for rooms up to 100 sq ft, vented to the outside. Undersized fans are the most common reason bathrooms mildew in our climate.
• Corrosion-resistant fixtures — solid brass and quality stainless hold up to salt air near the coast.

Permits, Condos and HOAs

Bathroom remodels that change plumbing, electrical or walls require a permit from the City of Fort Lauderdale or your Broward municipality. Condo buildings — especially along Galt Ocean Mile and the beach — usually require association approval, proof of license and insurance, and work-hour limits. Many Pembroke Pines and western Broward communities require HOA review as well. Your contractor should handle the permit and inspections.

How Long Does It Take?

A standard bathroom remodel usually takes 2–3 weeks of construction once materials are on site. A full gut renovation or primary suite with layout changes typically takes 4–6 weeks including inspections.

Planning for Accessibility

If you plan to stay in your home long-term, a curbless shower, blocking for future grab bars, a comfort-height toilet and a wider doorway cost little to add during a remodel — and a lot more to retrofit later.

Get a Fixed Quote for Your Bathroom

Vision Build & Development handles bathroom remodeling in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County, including bathroom remodeling in Pembroke Pines. If water damage or mildew is part of the story, see our restoration services. Call (954) 835-4490 or request a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Fort Lauderdale?

Most bathroom remodels cost between $9,000 and $30,000. Luxury primary suites can reach $60,000 or more.

How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?

Typically $8,000 to $18,000, depending on shower size, tile and the type of glass enclosure.

Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Broward County?

Yes, if you change plumbing, electrical or walls. Cosmetic updates may not need one — confirm with your city’s building department.

How do I prevent mold in a new bathroom?

Use a continuous waterproofing membrane in wet areas, mold-resistant backer board, sealed grout and an exhaust fan sized for the room and vented outside.

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

About 2–3 weeks for a standard bathroom and 4–6 weeks for a full gut or primary suite.

Written by the Vision Build & Development team — a licensed and insured Florida Certified General Contractor (license #CGC1537007) at 5711 NE 14th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, rated 5.0 on Google. Last updated October 2026.

Quick answer: Most kitchen remodels in Fort Lauderdale cost between $20,000 and $60,000 in 2026. A cosmetic refresh (refacing, new counters, backsplash) typically runs $12,000–$25,000, a full mid-range remodel $25,000–$60,000, and a high-end custom kitchen with layout changes $60,000–$120,000 or more. Moving plumbing on a concrete slab, removing walls and condo building rules are the biggest cost drivers.

Kitchen remodeling is the most common project we’re asked to price in Fort Lauderdale, and the most common question is simply “what will it cost?” The honest answer depends on scope, but costs follow predictable patterns in Broward County. This guide breaks down real price ranges, what pushes a budget up or down in South Florida specifically, and how to plan a remodel that holds its value.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Ranges in Fort Lauderdale (2026)

These ranges reflect typical projects in Broward County. Every home is different, which is why we give a fixed written quote after an in-home consultation rather than a per-square-foot guess.

Where the Money Goes

On a typical mid-range kitchen, the budget breaks down roughly like this:

• Cabinets and hardware: about 30% — the single biggest line item
• Labor and installation: about 20%
• Appliances: about 15%
• Countertops: about 10%
• Flooring and backsplash tile: about 10%
• Plumbing, electrical and lighting: about 10%
• Design, permits and contingency: about 5%

Always hold back a 10–15% contingency. Older Fort Lauderdale homes regularly reveal surprises once the walls are open.

What Drives Kitchen Remodel Costs Up in South Florida

Moving plumbing on a concrete slab

Most South Florida homes are built slab-on-grade. Moving a sink or dishwasher to an island means cutting and trenching concrete to reroute the drain line, then patching the slab. Keeping your sink where it is is one of the easiest ways to protect your budget.

Removing or opening walls

Opening a closed 1960s or 1970s kitchen to the living area is a popular upgrade in neighborhoods like Coral Ridge and Imperial Point. If the wall is load-bearing, it needs an engineered beam and a permit — real money, but often the change that transforms the whole home.

Aging wiring and drains in older homes

Many CBS homes from the 1950s–70s still have original wiring, undersized panels or cast-iron drains. A licensed contractor will flag these when walls are open; fixing them during the remodel costs far less than reopening finished walls later.

Condo building requirements

High-rise condos along Galt Ocean Mile, Las Olas and the beach corridor often require association approval, proof of license and insurance, restricted work hours and elevator reservations. These add time to the schedule, so plan for them up front.

Material choices

Stock cabinets cost a fraction of custom; quartz and porcelain slabs vary widely by brand and thickness. Moisture-stable materials — plywood cabinet boxes, sealed stone, stainless or brass hardware — cost a little more but hold up far better in our humidity and salt air.

Do You Need a Permit?

In Fort Lauderdale, a kitchen remodel that relocates plumbing, adds or changes electrical circuits, or alters walls requires a building permit from the City of Fort Lauderdale (or your own municipality elsewhere in Broward). Purely cosmetic work — painting, cabinet refacing, swapping a countertop in place — often does not, but confirm with the building department before you start. A licensed general contractor should pull the permit and schedule inspections; unpermitted work can create problems with insurance claims and when you sell.

How Long Does It Take?

• Design and quote: 1–2 weeks
• Permitting: varies by city and scope — plan for a few weeks
• Cabinet lead time: 2–8 weeks depending on stock, semi-custom or custom
• Construction: 4–8 weeks for most full remodels

How to Save Without Cutting Corners

• Keep the existing layout and plumbing locations.
• Reface or repaint solid cabinet boxes instead of replacing them.
• Choose semi-custom cabinets with a few custom accents.
• Spend on what you touch daily (counters, faucet, drawer hardware) and save on what you don’t.
• Order materials early so the crew isn’t waiting on deliveries.

National Cost vs. Value data consistently shows that modest, well-executed kitchen updates recoup a larger share of their cost at resale than full luxury overhauls — something to weigh if you plan to sell within a few years.

Get an Exact Price for Your Kitchen

Ranges help you plan, but a real number comes from seeing the space. Vision Build & Development provides free in-home consultations and fixed written quotes for kitchen remodeling in Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County, including kitchen remodeling in Boca Raton. Call (954) 835-4490 or request a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Fort Lauderdale?

Most projects fall between $20,000 and $60,000. Cosmetic refreshes start around $12,000, while custom kitchens with layout changes can exceed $120,000.

Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes, if the work relocates plumbing, changes electrical circuits or alters walls. Cosmetic work often doesn’t require one, but confirm with the City of Fort Lauderdale building department.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Construction typically takes 4–8 weeks, plus time for design, permitting and cabinet lead times.

Is it cheaper to keep my kitchen layout?

Yes. On a slab foundation, moving the sink or adding an island sink means cutting concrete to reroute drains — keeping fixtures in place is one of the biggest savings available.

Can I remodel a condo kitchen in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes, but most associations require approval, proof of a licensed and insured contractor, and set work-hour rules. A contractor experienced with high-rise condos will handle the paperwork.

Written by the Vision Build & Development team — a licensed and insured Florida Certified General Contractor (license #CGC1537007) at 5711 NE 14th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, rated 5.0 on Google. Last updated October 2026.