Historic Preservation

The City of Fort Lauderdale is partnering with Dover Kohl and Partners to engage community members in a dialogue on developing a Vision Plan for the Sailboat Bend Historic District (SBHD). An open house was held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 5pm at the New River Inn. This event was well attended by the community, the consultant team and city staff heard input on opportunities to enhance and revitalize the Sailboat Bend Historic District that could be incorporated through updates to the existing code, activation of the streetscape environment, expansion of access to significant historic sites and structures, creation of connections to adjacent neighborhoods and attractions, and activation of parks while maintaining and respecting the historic character of the area.

The consultant team will be preparing a report to summarize the feedback received that is expected to be shared in early 2025.

The City of Fort Lauderdale has a rich architectural heritage that comprises of three historic districts, 62 individually designated historic landmarks sites, and fifteen sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

What is Historic Preservation?

Historic Preservation is the process of identifying places, sites, and resources that have survived from our past; evaluating the meaning and value they have for us now; and keeping, using, and caring for those significant places, sites, and resources so they will survive into the future.

Fort Lauderdale’s history and sense of place is defined by the presence of these sites. The preservation of this irreplaceable heritage creates a community spirit that connects the past to present-day community life.

Historic Preservation Board and Regulations

Historic Preservation in the City of Fort Lauderdale is regulated through the City’s Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR) and through the Historic Preservation Element(PDF, 539KB) of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. In addition to the ULDR, decisions and recommendations by the Historic Preservation Board and the Historic Preservation Board Liaison are guided by the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

Proposed work that affects an individually designated historic landmark or is within a designated historic district requires review by the City’s Historic Preservation Board Liaison to determine if the request can be approved administratively or requires review by the Historic Preservation Board.

If proposed work includes alterations, an addition, or new construction, the project will require the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness by the Historic Preservation Board. The process for designating new Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts within the City of Fort Lauderdale is outlined in ULDR Sections 47-24.11, 47-32, 47-16, and 47-17.

Historic Designation

Preservation within the City of Fort Lauderdale is further enhanced through the identification and designation of these representations of our past. Applications for designation must be submitted to the Historic Preservation Board, and must qualify under at least one criteria as listed within the ULDR Section 47-24.11.C.7. More information about the historic designation process can be found here along with a list of Historic Designation Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 255KB).

Historic Preservation Incentives

Within the City of Fort Lauderdale there are several incentives for designated Historic Resources. Explore more information on the existing incentives for designated historic resources.