Usually, yes. In most of Broward County, a backyard shed needs a building permit, and it always has to be anchored to hold in a hurricane. A shed that isn't tied down properly can turn into a 300-pound projectile, which is why Broward takes sheds more seriously than most of the country.
Some cities exempt very small sheds from the building permit. But even then, zoning rules about where it can sit, and the wind rules about how it's anchored, still apply.
Quick answer
- Most sheds in Broward need a building permit. The size cutoff for exemptions, if any, depends on the city.
- Every shed must meet High-Velocity Hurricane Zone anchoring, permit or not.
- Prefab sheds usually come with a product approval and a tie-down plan from the manufacturer.
- Electricity, plumbing or AC in the shed means extra permits, always.
- Setbacks and zoning decide where the shed can go, and many cities don't allow sheds in required yards.
Why are sheds a big deal here?
Broward and Miami-Dade make up Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), with design wind speeds far above most of the country. A shed is a lightweight box with a lot of surface area. Without proper anchors, a strong storm can lift it, roll it, or launch it through a neighbor's window.
That's why Broward cities typically ask for:
- A product approval for prefab sheds, showing the shed was tested for HVHZ wind loads
- A tie-down or anchoring plan, usually signed and sealed by an engineer. Manufacturers often provide a standard one
- A site plan or survey showing exactly where the shed sits and how far it is from property lines
Is there a size limit below which no permit is needed?
Sometimes. Some Broward cities exempt small, detached sheds with no utilities from the building permit. The size limit and the conditions vary by city. Even in cities with an exemption, it typically does not waive:
- The wind and anchoring requirements
- Zoning setbacks and placement rules
- HOA rules
- Permits for any electrical, plumbing or mechanical work
Also note: Florida's 2026 small-project exemption (HB 803) excludes structural work and anything in a flood zone, and it needs written approval from the city. A new shed is generally not something to count on it for. Check with your building department before you buy.
What about zoning?
This is where many shed projects go wrong. A shed can be built perfectly and still be in the wrong place. Cities usually control:
- Setbacks: how far the shed must be from rear and side property lines
- Placement: many cities don't allow sheds in front yards or required yards
- Height and size: maximum dimensions for accessory structures
- Lot coverage: how much of the lot can be covered by buildings
- Easements: you usually can't build over a utility easement
Check your survey. Easements are marked on it, and putting a shed on one can mean taking it down later.
What does the permit process look like?
Step 1. Pick the shed and get its product approval and tie-down plan.
Step 2. Mark the location on your survey with distances to property lines.
Step 3. Submit the building permit application with those documents.
Step 4. Zoning reviews placement; the building reviewer checks the anchoring.
Step 5. Inspections, usually of the anchoring and a final. Add electrical inspections if the shed has power.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a shed on wheels or skids?
In Broward, "portable" doesn't mean exempt from wind rules. Most cities still treat a shed sitting in your yard as an accessory structure that must be anchored. Ask your city.
Can I run electricity to my shed?
Yes, with an electrical permit and a licensed electrician (or a qualifying owner-builder permit). This is never exempt.
What happens if I already put up a shed without a permit?
You can usually permit it after the fact, though you may pay a penalty and need to show the anchoring. Read how to permit work already done.
Need a shed permitted?
We prepare building permits for sheds and other accessory structures across Broward and Palm Beach County, including the site plan details zoning asks for. Call us or request a callback.