Fort Lauderdale, FL · Broward County
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage in Fort Lauderdale, FL: Cost & Permits
What pool enclosure / screen cage actually costs in Fort Lauderdale, whether you need a permit, which inspections apply, and how long the job takes.
Model reviewed August 2026
Typical local cost
$23,100
$11,600 – $54,000
per sq ft of enclosure
$23 – $51.50
Permit fee
$235 – $910
Modeled — actual fee is valuation-based
vs national
+28%
local labor & materials
Looking for pricing detail? The full pool enclosure / screen cage cost breakdown for Fort Lauderdale covers cost by size and material, the local cost model and nearby markets.
Do you need a permit for pool enclosure / screen cage in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Yes
Yes — a permit is required for pool enclosure / screen cage in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The work must be inspected before it can be closed out, and a licensed contractor generally has to pull the permit.
Broward County is also inside the HVHZ, so wind-borne debris protection is required for most exterior work.
Cost breakdown in Fort Lauderdale
| Low endSimple scope, competitive bid | $11,600 |
|---|---|
| TypicalMost homeowners land here | $23,100 |
| High endComplex access, premium materials | $54,000 |
| per sq ft of enclosure | $23 – $51.50 |
| Permit fee | Based on declared project valuationSee the department's adopted fee schedule. Typical range for this scope: $235–$910. |
| Permit authority | City of Fort Lauderdale Development ServicesConfirmed department |
| Timeline | 1-2 weeks of work, 4-10 weeks including engineering and permitting |
Math: national median $18,000 × 1.283 = $23,100 in Fort Lauderdale — +28% versus the national model. The multiplier blends local labor and material costs with this project's labor share, so it is not the same as the city's overall cost index (1.14). Permit fees use a 1.30 local multiplier. Estimates, not quotes.
What drives your price here
- Enclosure footprint and height
- Mansard versus gable roof style
- Screen type including no-see-um and pet screen
- Design wind speed for the parcel
- Existing deck footing capacity
Permit process and inspections
| Permit required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Who pulls it | Licensed contractor |
| Inspections | Footing / anchor inspection, Framing inspection, Final inspection |
| Documents | Permit application, Engineered structural plans, Survey with setbacks, Wind-load calculations |
| Apply | Fort Lauderdale permit portal |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a pool cage?
Yes. Screen enclosures are engineered structures in Florida and require a building permit with signed and sealed plans plus wind-load calculations.
Do I need a permit for pool enclosure / screen cage in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
In most jurisdictions this work is permitted and inspected. Requirements are set locally, so confirm the current application and inspection checklist with your building department before work starts.
How long does pool enclosure / screen cage take?
1-2 weeks of work, 4-10 weeks including engineering and permitting. Permit review and inspection scheduling are usually the largest source of variation.
What changes the price the most?
The largest cost drivers are enclosure footprint and height; mansard versus gable roof style; screen type including no-see-um and pet screen.
Pool Cage costs in nearby cities
Sources
Sources & verification
- City of Fort Lauderdale Development Services
- Fort Lauderdale permit portal
- Florida Building Commission
Model vintage August 2026. The links above are the issuing agencies' own pages — we publish them so you can confirm the current rule yourself, not as evidence that each fact on this page was re-checked with them today. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing, not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.