Land Clearing and Lot Preparation in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Complete land clearing and lot preparation services for construction projects across Broward County
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Who This Service Is For
Our land clearing and lot preparation services in Broward County serve developers, custom home builders, general contractors, and property owners who need to prepare raw land or overgrown properties for construction throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Weston, Plantation, and other communities.
Whether you're developing a new subdivision in Plantation, building a custom home on a wooded lot in Victoria Park, or preparing a commercial site in Fort Lauderdale, we coordinate contractors with the right equipment and expertise to clear your site efficiently and safely, navigating Broward County Development & Environmental Review (DER), Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, tree protection standards, and environmental protection requirements with specialized knowledge of SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits and regulatory compliance.
Typical Project Sizes in Broward County
Land clearing projects in Broward County typically start around $25,000 for residential lots and can range from $50,000 to $200,000+ for large commercial sites, subdivisions, or heavily wooded properties requiring extensive clearing and debris removal. Projects requiring tree protection standards, wetland protection measures, or extensive environmental permits often cost more due to additional permit requirements and specialized techniques. Projects involving development work as described in Florida Statute 380.04 require a development permit prior to the issuance of a building permit.
What Land Clearing and Lot Preparation Includes in Broward County
Our comprehensive land clearing services cover all aspects of lot preparation in Broward County:
Vegetation and Tree Clearing
Removal of trees, shrubs, and vegetation to prepare sites for construction, meeting Broward County tree protection standards including barriers, hand clearing, and double replacement for damaged trees. Coordination with Development & Environmental Review (DER) through ePermits OneStop for permit review.
Stump Removal and Grubbing
Complete removal of tree stumps and root systems, ensuring all organic material is removed from the site. Grubbing operations must comply with Broward County Natural Resource Protection Code requirements and may require SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for wetland impacts.
Debris Hauling and Site Cleanup
Removal and disposal of cleared vegetation and debris, meeting Broward County regulations for proper disposal. Some materials may be recycled or mulched, while others require disposal at approved facilities, with compliance with local regulations and Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos (SRRA) requirements where applicable.
Rough Grading After Clearing
Initial rough grading to establish site elevations after clearing, meeting Broward County building code requirements and storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots). Rough grading prepares sites for subsequent construction activities, with consideration of high water table conditions and flood zone requirements.
Demolition Coordination
Coordination with demolition contractors for structure removal, meeting Broward County building permit requirements including Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos (SRRA) forms. Demolition coordination ensures proper structure removal and site preparation, with compliance with Natural Resource Protection Code requirements.
Site Access Preparation
Clearing and preparation of access roads and staging areas, meeting Broward County requirements. Site access preparation ensures proper equipment access and staging areas for construction activities, with consideration of environmental protection requirements and Natural Resource Protection Code compliance.
Broward County Land Clearing Considerations
Land clearing in Broward County requires specialized knowledge of local regulations and environmental considerations. Our coordinated network of licensed contractors understands the specific requirements for working in Broward County:
- Tree Protection Standards: Broward County has implemented tree protection standards including barriers, hand clearing, and double replacement for damaged trees. Tree removal and clearing activities must comply with these standards, with proper protection measures in place during construction activities. We help coordinate tree protection measures and ensure compliance with county requirements.
- Development Permits: Projects involving development work as described in Florida Statute 380.04 require a development permit prior to the issuance of a building permit. This is a critical prerequisite for land clearing and lot preparation projects in Broward County.
- Development & Environmental Review (DER): Land clearing and lot preparation typically requires Development & Environmental Review through ePermits OneStop for applicable building permits. All DER submittals are only accepted electronically. Broward County's Planning and Development Management Division ensures that proposed developments comply with the Broward County Land Development Code and Natural Resource Protection Code.
- Natural Resource Protection Code: Broward County's Natural Resource Protection Code (Chapter 27) regulates environmental activities and enforces requirements for development in environmentally sensitive areas, including wetlands and tree protection. Land clearing projects must comply with these requirements, with proper environmental protection measures.
- SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits: Land clearing activities may require SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for wetland impacts, especially for projects involving significant land disturbance or wetland areas. We coordinate all required SFWMD permits.
- Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos (SRRA): For demolition or renovation projects, Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos (SRRA) forms may be required. These forms ensure proper handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials, with compliance with Broward County requirements.
- Wetland Delineation: Properties with wetlands require special permits and may have restrictions on clearing activities. Wetland Delineation may be required to identify wetland boundaries and determine permit requirements. SFWMD and Broward County regulate wetland impacts, with Natural Resource Protection Code compliance required.
- Debris Disposal: Proper disposal of cleared vegetation and debris must comply with Broward County regulations. Some materials may be recycled or mulched, while others require disposal at approved facilities. We coordinate proper disposal methods that meet county requirements.
- Erosion Control: After clearing, sites are vulnerable to erosion, especially important given Broward County's frequent heavy rains and storm event protection requirements. Temporary erosion control measures may be required until permanent drainage and stabilization systems are installed, meeting Natural Resource Protection Code requirements.
- Brownfield Designation: Broward County offers Brownfield designation incentives for properties with environmental concerns. Brownfield designation can provide tax incentives and streamlined permitting for redevelopment projects. We can help assess whether your property qualifies for Brownfield designation.
The Land Clearing Process in Broward County
Our coordinated approach ensures your land clearing project is completed efficiently and in compliance with all Broward County regulations:
- Site Assessment: We assess your site to identify vegetation, trees, and structures to be removed, and identify any environmental concerns or permit requirements specific to Broward County conditions including wetland areas, tree protection standards, and protected species.
- Development Permit Coordination: We help identify required development permits as described in Florida Statute 380.04, which must be obtained prior to the issuance of building permits for land clearing and lot preparation projects in Broward County.
- Broward County Permit Coordination: We help identify required permits including Uniform Building Permit Applications (updated November 14, 2025), Development & Environmental Review (DER) through ePermits OneStop, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for wetland impacts, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, tree protection standards, Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos (SRRA) forms for demolition projects, and coordinate with regulatory agencies. All DER submittals are only accepted electronically. Permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. Permits ensure compliance with environmental protection requirements.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment (excavators, bulldozers, mulchers) and experience for your specific clearing needs in Broward County, including expertise with tree protection standards, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and environmental protection requirements.
- Clearing Execution: Contractors perform vegetation clearing, tree removal, stump removal, and grubbing according to project specifications and permit conditions, meeting Broward County requirements. Clearing operations comply with tree protection standards and Natural Resource Protection Code requirements where applicable.
- Debris Removal: All cleared vegetation, stumps, and debris are removed from the site and disposed of or recycled according to Broward County regulations. Proper disposal ensures compliance with county requirements and environmental protection, with Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos (SRRA) compliance where applicable.
- Site Preparation: After clearing, contractors perform rough grading and site cleanup to prepare for subsequent construction activities, meeting Broward County building code requirements and storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots). Erosion control measures are installed as required by Natural Resource Protection Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits are required for land clearing in Broward County?
Land clearing in Broward County requires development permits (Florida Statute 380.04) obtained prior to building permit issuance, Uniform Building Permit Applications from Broward County Building Code Division, Development & Environmental Review (DER) through ePermits OneStop for applicable projects, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for wetland impacts, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, tree protection standards, and Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos (SRRA) forms for demolition projects. All DER submittals are only accepted electronically. Permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.
What are Broward County's tree protection standards?
Broward County has implemented tree protection standards including barriers, hand clearing, and double replacement for damaged trees. Tree removal and clearing activities must comply with these standards, with proper protection measures in place during construction activities. These standards ensure that trees are protected during development and that damaged trees are replaced at double the number, maintaining the county's tree canopy and environmental benefits.
How much does land clearing cost in Broward County?
Land clearing costs in Broward County vary significantly based on vegetation density, tree sizes, site access, and permit requirements. Typical costs range from $2,000 to $10,000 per acre for light clearing to $10,000 to $30,000+ per acre for heavy clearing with large trees. Projects typically start around $25,000 for residential lots and can range from $50,000 to $200,000+ for large commercial sites or subdivisions. Factors affecting cost include permit complexity (SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance), debris disposal requirements, tree protection standards, and environmental protection measures. Projects requiring tree protection standards, wetland protection measures, or extensive environmental permits often cost more due to additional permit requirements and specialized techniques. Broward County permit processing, including DER review through ePermits OneStop, can add time and costs.
What is the difference between clearing and grubbing in Broward County?
Clearing refers to removing above-ground vegetation including trees and shrubs, requiring compliance with Broward County tree protection standards. Grubbing refers to removing below-ground root systems and stumps, which may require SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for wetland impacts and Natural Resource Protection Code compliance. Complete lot preparation typically includes both clearing and grubbing to ensure all organic material is removed, with compliance with Broward County environmental protection requirements.
Can trees be preserved during clearing in Broward County?
Yes, selective clearing can preserve desirable trees when possible, especially important given Broward County's tree protection standards including barriers, hand clearing, and double replacement for damaged trees. We coordinate with contractors to identify trees worth preserving and plan clearing activities to protect them, with consideration of tree protection standards. However, some trees may need to be removed due to construction requirements, disease, or safety concerns, requiring proper permits and compliance with tree protection standards.
Sub-Services
Explore our specialized land clearing and lot preparation services in Broward County:
Vegetation and Tree Clearing
Removal of trees, shrubs, and vegetation to prepare sites for construction in Broward County
Stump Removal and Grubbing
Complete removal of tree stumps and root systems in Broward County
Debris Hauling and Site Cleanup
Removal and disposal of cleared vegetation and debris in Broward County
Rough Grading After Clearing
Initial rough grading to establish site elevations after clearing in Broward County
Demolition Coordination
Coordination with demolition contractors for structure removal in Broward County
Site Access Preparation
Clearing and preparation of access roads and staging areas in Broward County