Permits and Engineering

Deck construction in South Florida is governed by some of the most stringent building codes in the country. Between coastal conditions, wind-load requirements, and municipal oversight, permits and engineering are often required before construction can begin.

Understanding how this process works helps avoid delays, unexpected costs, and frustration later in the project.

One of the most important things to understand is that permit requirements are not uniform across South Florida. Every city and county has its own:

• Review process 
• Fee structure 
• Timeline 
• Documentation requirements
   

A deck that may be permitted quickly in one municipality could take significantly longer in another. This is why experienced contractors verify requirements early and manage expectations throughout the process.

In Florida, permit fees are typically based on the total dollar value of the project. Larger or more complex projects usually carry higher permit costs.

Because permit fees are tied to:

• Final scope of work 
• Engineering requirements 
• Municipal fee schedules
   

…it is often not possible to know the exact permit cost upfront.

• We can usually provide a reasonable estimate based on experience
• Permit fees are not included in our initial proposal because they are outside our control 
• Final permit costs are determined by the municipality, not the contractor
   

This transparency helps avoid surprises once plans are submitted.

While each municipality is different, most structural deck projects in Florida require a permit, including:

• Projects over approximately $500 
• Any deck involving structural framing, footings, or piles 
• Elevated decks 
• Decks attached to a structure 
• Commercial, HOA, or multi-unit properties
   

When a permit is required, engineering is almost always required as well.

Florida’s building code requires many decks to be designed by a licensed professional engineer, particularly when structural loads, elevation, or wind resistance are involved.

Engineering plans address:

• Structural design and load calculations 
• Footings, piles, and foundations 
• Framing details and connections 
• Wind-load and code compliance
   

At Deckmasters of South Florida, we work with multiple licensed engineers and can coordinate the engineering process directly. Clients are also welcome to use their own engineer, provided the plans meet local code and municipal requirements.

Engineering is one of the largest unknown variables early in a project.

• Project size 
• Structural complexity 
• Height and load requirements 
• Waterfront or coastal exposure 
• Municipal review standards
   

Typical engineering costs can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars for large or complex projects.

Even after a proposal is provided, final engineering can affect the overall project cost.
Until engineered plans are completed, it is impossible to know whether:

• Additional structural components are required 
• Footings or piles must be increased 
• Framing sizes or materials must change
   

This is why engineering is handled as a separate phase and discussed transparently with our clients.

Deckmasters of South Florida assists clients by:

• Coordinating with licensed engineers 
• Reviewing engineered plans for constructability 
• Submitting permits to municipalities 
• Responding to plan review comments 
• Scheduling required inspections
   

Our goal is not to shortcut the process—but to navigate it correctly and efficiently, ensuring your project is built safely, legally, and to code.

Permits and engineering are a normal—and necessary—part of building structural decks in South Florida. While timelines and costs can vary, understanding the process upfront helps eliminate confusion and sets realistic expectations.

If you’re planning a deck or outdoor structure and want guidance through the permitting and engineering process, working with an experienced contractor makes all the difference.