Thinking about opening up your kitchen, replacing floors, or swapping in impact windows in your Hollywood condo? In a shared building, even “simple” upgrades can trigger rules you must follow before work begins. You want your project to go smoothly, avoid fines or stop-work orders, and protect your investment. This guide explains what Hollywood condo boards usually ask for, how Florida law and city permits shape the process, and how to prepare a clean application that gets to yes. Let’s dive in.
What drives board requests in Hollywood
Condo boards do not make it up as they go. Florida’s Condominium Act sets the guardrails on maintenance, common elements, and “material alterations,” and also requires boards to adopt hurricane-protection specifications for shutters and impact glass. If your building’s declaration is silent on material alterations to common elements, state law requires 75% owner approval for those changes. You can review these rules in Section 718.113 of the Florida Condominium Act.
City permitting is a separate layer. Hollywood enforces the Florida Building Code and requires permits for work that affects structure, electrical, plumbing, mechanicals, or the building envelope. Boards expect you or your contractor to pull the correct permits and provide permit numbers and final inspection sign-offs from the City of Hollywood Building Division.
Contractor credentials matter too. Boards typically verify that your contractor holds the proper Florida license category and carries required insurance. You can confirm license types and status through the DBPR’s construction industry guidance.
The board’s checklist: what you will need
- Alteration request or agreement. A completed application that explains the scope, materials, contractor, and timeline. Many buildings use a standard alteration agreement to set conditions and owner obligations, as outlined in industry guidance on common alteration-agreement contents.
- Plans or drawings. Architectural or engineer-stamped plans for structural work, stack changes, or any exterior-facing elements. Boards use plans to protect building systems and safety.
- Permit proof. Copies of permit applications and, later, permit issuance and final inspection reports from the City of Hollywood. Board approval is not a substitute for a building permit.
- Contractor license details. Contractor name, Florida license number, and trade category. Boards often require the contractor to be the permit holder for permitted work.
- Insurance certificates. General liability and, when required, workers’ compensation. Many boards ask that the association be listed as an additional insured for the job.
- Indemnification and hold harmless. Alteration agreements often include owner indemnity that protects the association from damage or code issues arising from your work, as noted in legal guidance on condo alteration risk allocation.
- Engineer sign-off for structural items. Removing walls, altering slabs, or touching building systems usually requires engineered plans and inspections.
- Work hours and logistics plan. Expect rules for noisy work, elevator protection and reservations, debris removal, and worker access. These logistics protect residents’ quiet enjoyment and common areas, a common practice highlighted in resources on alteration logistics and scheduling.
- Construction deposit, if required. Some associations hold a refundable deposit to cover any damage to common areas.
- Good standing confirmation. Many boards require you to be current on assessments and free of violations before they approve new work, a practice discussed in Florida community association updates.
- Appearance conformity for exterior-facing items. Samples or specs for windows, doors, shutters, and balcony finishes may be required. Florida law says a board may not refuse conforming hurricane protection that matches adopted specs under Section 718.113.
- Right to inspect and stop work. Boards often reserve inspection rights and may pause work for noncompliance until issues are corrected.
Hot-button issues in Broward condos
Hurricane protection and windows
If you plan to install impact glass or shutters, the board must follow its adopted hurricane-protection specifications. When your installation conforms to those specs, the board may not unreasonably refuse it under Florida Statute 718.113. Your declaration controls whether the association or the owner is responsible for maintenance of windows and doors.
Balconies and waterproofing
Balconies are often limited common elements or common elements, so expect a close review of waterproofing and appearance. Approvals typically focus on leak prevention and matching finishes, and responsibility is set by your declaration and state rules.
Plumbing, HVAC, and stacks
Relocating plumbing fixtures, altering risers, or changing HVAC penetrations can affect other units and building systems. Boards usually require engineer-stamped plans, city permits, and strict adherence to inspection schedules for these items.
Exterior or structural changes
Anything that alters the exterior look or affects structural/common elements can trigger “material alteration” rules. If the declaration is silent on the process, the default standard under Section 718.113 is approval by 75% of total voting interests.
Permitting and inspections in Hollywood
Hollywood uses an online permitting portal and enforces permit activity and inspections. Your board will generally ask for the permit number before work starts and final inspection sign-off before completion. Find current procedures on the City of Hollywood Building Division site.
Your step-by-step timeline
Review your condo documents. Read the recorded declaration, bylaws, and alteration rules to learn what counts as a unit element, a limited common element, or a common element, and which approvals are required under Section 718.113.
Have a pre-application check-in. Speak with the property manager about the board’s exact checklist, insurance limits, elevator booking rules, and any building-specific requirements. For permit strategy questions, review resources from the City of Hollywood Building Division.
Submit a complete package. Include plans, contractor license and insurance, permit application receipts, schedule, and any required deposits or fees. Incomplete packages slow approvals.
Respond to conditions. Boards often issue conditional approvals that are finalized after permits, engineer sign-offs, or revised materials are submitted.
Pull permits and schedule inspections. Your licensed contractor typically pulls the permit and manages inspections until you receive final approvals from the city.
Close out. Provide final inspection reports, certificate of completion, and any as-built drawings if required. Some associations record alteration agreements when limited common elements are affected.
Typical durations: small cosmetic approvals can take a few weeks. Window replacements, structural changes, or envelope work can take several months due to engineering, permitting, and inspection schedules.
Pro tips to avoid delays
- Hire the right license class for the work and have your contractor pull the permit through their license.
- Ask your manager for the building’s sample insurance certificate to match coverage limits and additional insured language.
- Book the service elevator early and protect common areas as required to avoid fines or delays.
- Lock your scope before you apply since changes can reset reviews.
- Keep all permit and inspection documents in one folder so you can supply updates quickly when the board asks.
Plan your remodel with a local guide
If you are buying or selling a Hollywood condo and planning updates, you want a clear path that aligns with your board’s rules and the city’s permitting timeline. You deserve a smooth process and a trusted advisor who understands how remodels impact value, timing, and marketability. For local insight that blends lifestyle and practical know-how, reach out to Linda DiFabio.
FAQs
Do I need board approval for work inside my unit?
- Many buildings require an alteration request even for interior cosmetic work that does not touch structure, building systems, or the exterior. Always check your declaration and house rules first, and when in doubt, submit the application.
Who should pull the building permit in Hollywood?
- For licensed trades and structural work, the licensed contractor typically pulls the permit and manages inspections with the City of Hollywood; this is the standard approach most boards expect.
What insurance should my contractor provide to the association?
- Request a current Florida license, a certificate of general liability with the correct limits and dates, and workers’ compensation when required. Many boards require the association to be named as an additional insured for the project term.
What happens if the board denies my remodel request?
- Check your declaration and bylaws for the approval standard and any appeal process, then compare your plan to the board’s rules and state law. Some denials can be reconsidered with revised plans, and material alterations may require a higher voting threshold under Florida statute.
Are impact windows treated differently in Florida condos?
- Yes. Boards must adopt hurricane-protection specifications, and an owner’s conforming installation may not be unreasonably refused under state law. Your declaration determines whether the owner or the association maintains the windows.
