Right-of-Way (ROW) Bond Requirements

Bonds are required for Right-of-Way (ROW) permits related to the following activities:

• Mitigation, site preparation, and erosion control

• Public sidewalk, concrete curb and gutter, and ADA ramp construction

• Paving restoration

• Placement of equipment in the ROW (e.g., cranes, lifts)

• Dewatering discharge offsite

• Water, sewer, and sewer lateral work

• Stormwater drainage improvements

Note: Additional bond requirements may apply depending on project scope and permit conditions.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Determine required bond amount
   •  The Engineering Reviewer will post the bond amount in permit comments or conditions
2. Apply for the permit
   • Reference: Engineering Permit Type
3. Hand Deliver Original Bond
   • Deliver to:
   • Development Services Department (DSD)
   • Engineering Division
   • 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
     • Pull a ticket for ‘Engineering’ – ‘Bond’
     • For deliveries between 12:00-1:00 PM, call ahead: 954-828-6159

Accepted Bond Types

1. Cash Bond

• Paid by check (payable to City of Fort Lauderdale)

• Cash Bonds Affidavit - Required if the bond is not paid by the Permittee Qualifier who signed the permit application.

2. Surety Bond

• Shall be issued only by the Permittee Qualifier who signed the permit application.
• Must use latest City Template Performance Bond (in Pdf)

Important Notices to Applicants 

1. Submit the original bond only - no copies.

2.  If the permit is ‘Awaiting Issuance’, notify that the bond has been paid to: PermitIntake@fortlauderdale.gov

3. Refunds are issued only to the original ‘Depositor’.

• It shall be the responsibility of the “Depositor” or authorized person to meet all bond conditions and to submit a ‘Bond Refund Request’
• The City may use bond funds to cover any outstanding liabilities by the Depositor.

Bond Applicability and Refund / Release Criteria

Master Permit Completion: Refers to the final status of the primary permit associated with the work.

Special Conditions: Specific projects may have unique requirements or timelines as determined by the City Land Development Manager. These conditions may override the general eligibility periods listed above.

Timeline: Cash bond refunds involve multiple City divisions and may take up to twelve weeks to process from the date the applicant’s complete refund request is received. Processing times may vary based on the volume of requests and required reviews.

1. Confirm eligibility (see above). 

2. Submit Request via LauderBuild

     a. Login to LauderBuild.

     b. Select 'Home' from the top menu bar.

     c. Choose 'Fees/Refunds', then 'Refund Request', then 'Engineering Refund Request'

     d. Upload receipt as type 'Receipt' - Required to continue

Tip: Can't find your receipt? - Download it from ROW permit - (Record Info - Attachments)

     e. Follow online instructions to complete the request and 'Finish' to submit.

3. Address/Name Change: Upload official verification clearly identifying the change from the previous to the new information. Incomplete or unclear documentation may delay processing.

4. Pay Bond Processing Fee

• Fee is paid online via LauderBuild under the ROW permit number.
• Refer to Engineering Fee Schedule
• Ensure all related fees were accessed and paid, including 'Plus Inspection Fees'.

DSD Engineering Administration will review your request and may provide comments or schedule the required bond inspection. Once the request is accepted, it will be routed internally for management review and approval. If additional information is needed, you will be notified through comments posted in the request record. You can check the status of your request anytime, 24/7, through LauderBuild.

Helpful Forms and Links

• Cash Bonds Affidavit
• Performance Bond 
• Combined Bond Payment Acknowledgement Form
• City Ordinance Chapter 25-112-Construction Bond