After-the-Fact Permit in Broward and Palm Beach Counties
How property owners can legalize renovations, additions, electrical work, plumbing, air-conditioning installations, and other improvements completed without proper permits.
Can Unpermitted Work Be Legalized?
Yes. An after-the-fact permit in Broward and Palm Beach Counties may legalize qualifying work that was completed without the required permit or final inspections. The property must still satisfy current municipal requirements, complete corrections, and pass all required inspections.
The After-the-Fact Permit Process
Research the Property
Confirm the governing municipality and review open permits, expired permits, inspection history, violations, liens, and the work identified by the building or code officer.
Document the Existing Work
Existing-condition or as-built drawings may be required. Depending on the work, plans may need structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing details prepared by qualified professionals.
Submit the Correct Permit
Submit the permit application, plans, contractor information, product approvals, applicable violation notice, and other jurisdiction-specific documents. Additional fees may apply because construction started before approval.
Correct and Expose Work
If concealed construction cannot be verified, portions of walls, ceilings, floors, or finishes may need to be opened. Any noncompliant work must be corrected before approval.
Pass Inspections and Close the Case
Schedule all required inspections, obtain final approval, close the permit, and provide the compliance documentation needed by Code Enforcement.
Palm Beach County Requirement
For a Palm Beach County property already under Code Enforcement, the notice of violation may need to accompany the permit application. As-built drawings should identify existing conditions, code deficiencies, and proposed corrections.
Why You Should Not Ignore Unpermitted Work
Unresolved work can delay a sale, refinancing, insurance claim, rental approval, renovation, or future permit. Continued noncompliance may also lead to inspections, hearings, fines, or liens.
123 Permit Solutions helps coordinate after-the-fact permits and plans, professional drawings, corrections, inspections, and closeout support. We serve both Broward County and Palm Beach County.
Property owners may also review Palm Beach County’s official code-violation permit process.
After-the-Fact Permit FAQ
Do I need plans for work that is already finished?
Often, yes. As-built plans or professional drawings may be necessary to show what was constructed and whether it meets current requirements.
Will finished walls have to be opened?
Possibly. Inspectors must be able to verify concealed structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or fastening work.
Does the permit automatically remove the violation?
No. The permit must generally be issued, required corrections completed, inspections passed, and compliance confirmed before the violation can be closed.
Exact requirements and fees vary by municipality, property type, and project scope. This information is not legal or engineering advice.
Legalize Unpermitted Work Correctly
Get help identifying the plans, permits, inspections, and corrections your property requires.
Call (754) 364-0718 Request a Case Review