Bond Forms

Right-of-Way (ROW) Bond Requirements

Bonds are required for ROW permits related, but not limited 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. Apply for the permit
  2. Determine the required bond amount
    • Engineering Reviewer will post the required bond amount to the permit comments and/or conditions
  3. Hand deliver ORIGINAL bond
    • Deliver Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
      Development Services Department (DSD)
      Engineering Division
      700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
      • Pull a ticket for ‘Engineering’ – ‘Bond’
      • Note: Call ahead for deliveries between 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.: 954-828-6159

Accepted Bond Types

  1. Cash Bond
    • Paid by check (payable to City of Fort Lauderdale)
    • Check must include payer name, address and phone number
    • Enter ROW permit number in memo field of check
    • ROW_Bonds_Cash_Bond_Hold_Harmless_Affidavit.pdf(PDF, 166KB) - Required when paid by a person or company other than the Prime or Sub-Contractor signing the permit.
  2. Surety Bond

Important Notices to Applicants

  1. Submit the original bond only - no copies.
  2. If the permit is ‘Awaiting Issuance’, notify PermitIntake@fortlauderdale.gov that the bond has been paid. 
  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’ online.
    • The City will use bond funds to cover any outstanding liabilities of the permitted work.

Bond Applicability and Refund / Release Criteria

Bond Type Bond Refund / Release Eligibility
Dewatering discharge offsite (ROW-DEW) Refund eligible upon master permit completion and successful bond inspection.
Commercial Erosion and Sediment Control (ROW-SITE) Refund eligible upon master permit completion and successful bond inspection.
Public Sidewalk (ROW-SW) for Single-Family Residence (SFR) or Duplex only  Refund eligible 30 days after master permit completion and successful bond inspection.
Equipment placement on public right-of-way (e.g. crane, lift) (ROW-Crane) Refund eligible 30 days after master permit completion and successful bond inspection.
Any other bond types not listed above Refund eligible 1 year after master permit completion and successful bond inspection.

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 online refund request is received. Processing times may vary based on the volume of requests and required reviews.

To Request a Refund

  1. Confirm eligibility above.
  2. Submit Request via LauderBuild
    1. Login to LauderBuild.
    2. Select 'Home' from the top menu bar.
    3. Choose 'Fees/Refunds', then 'Refund Request', then 'Engineering Refund Request'
    4. Upload the required receipt as document type 'Receipt'.
    5. 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. Incomplete documentation will delay processing.
  4. Ensure all related fees were accessed and paid, including 'Plus Inspection Fees'.

Pay Bond Processing Fee

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 reviews and approvals. If additional information is needed, you will be notified through comments posted to the request record. You can check the status of your request anytime, 24/7, via LauderBuild.

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