Selling your Weston home soon? One small permit issue can stall your closing, lower your price, or spook a lender. You want a smooth sale, clean title, and strong offers from day one. In this guide, you’ll learn how to do a quick pre-listing permit check in Weston, what to look for, how to fix problems, and the timelines to expect so you avoid delays. Let’s dive in.
Why a permit check matters
Florida sellers must disclose known, non-obvious material defects. Courts have enforced this duty, which means you should identify and address permit-related issues early to avoid surprises for buyers and lenders. See the seller disclosure duty explained in Johnson v. Davis. Read the case summary.
Weston enforces the Florida Building Code and local rules. The City highlights that unpermitted work can lead to fines, insurance problems, or orders to remove or retrofit improvements. Review the City’s guidance on why permits matter and potential penalties. See Weston’s permit requirements.
Lenders and appraisers also pay attention. Appraisers must report unpermitted additions and may adjust value or flag issues that affect financing. See Fannie Mae’s appraisal guidance.
Where to search in Weston
City permit records
Start with the City of Weston’s Building Code Services pages to understand local permits, inspections, and records. The City handles plan reviews, inspections, and Certificates of Occupancy. For many routine items, Weston offers quick permits with faster review. Explore Weston permitting services.
Quick permits and review times
Many common trade permits qualify for Weston’s quick permit path. The City states a review cycle of about 3 to 5 business days for complete submissions. This can help you clear simple items before buyers see your home. Check Weston’s quick permits.
Broward ePermits OneStop
Use the countywide portal to search your address for permit history, applications, and statuses across participating agencies. Create an account and run your address search to see what is on record. Use Broward ePermits OneStop.
Older property records
If your home is older and records do not appear online, plan on a public records request for archived plans. Weston directs owners to Broward County Records for certain older buildings. See how to obtain building plans.
Estoppels and lien searches
Order the City’s Estoppels and Lien Search early. This paid report can surface open permits, code liens, and utility status that title companies ask for. If your home is in an HOA, request the HOA estoppel separately. Request a Weston estoppel.
Common red flags in Weston
- Pools and pool heaters
- Pool cages and screen enclosures
- Re-roofing and roof repairs
- Windows and doors
- Electrical service or panel upgrades
- A/C changeouts and generators
- Fences, sheds, pergolas, driveway pavers, patio or pool decks
Many of these are quick-permit items in Weston. Missing permits create problems with appraisal, financing, and insurance, and can trigger code penalties. Review quick-permit items and why permits are required. Title companies may also add exceptions or require cures when they find issues. See Florida’s title affidavit and exception rules for context. Review the statute.
If you find unpermitted work
You usually have a few paths:
- Obtain an after-the-fact permit and pass inspections.
- Hire a licensed contractor or engineer to prepare plans and complete corrective work.
- Remove the item if it cannot meet code.
- Disclose and negotiate with the buyer, possibly using an escrow or price adjustment.
Weston notes that work done without required permits can be subject to a penalty equal to 100 percent of the permit fee, plus the normal fees. See City guidance on penalties. Always verify contractor licensing before you start. Verify a Florida license.
Timelines and cost basics
- Quick permits. For complete applications, Weston states a 3 to 5 business day review cycle. Corrections can add time. View Weston quick-permit info.
- Standard permits. Additions or structural changes can take weeks or months, especially if design professionals or outside agency reviews are involved. See Weston’s application process.
- Fees and penalties. Costs vary by scope. Budget for permit fees, potential penalties for past unpermitted work, plan review, inspections, and professional services.
Pre-listing checklist
- Run permit searches. Check the City of Weston and Broward ePermits for your address. Search on Broward ePermits.
- Order estoppels early. Request the City’s estoppel and your HOA estoppel if applicable. Order a City estoppel.
- Gather documents. Collect receipts, contractor names and license numbers, inspection reports, final sign-offs, and any Certificates of Occupancy.
- Verify contractors. Confirm active licenses and keep proof for buyers and insurers. Use the DBPR lookup.
- Plan remedies. For routine items, submit quick permits and schedule inspections. For structural work, consult an architect or engineer and the City.
- Prepare disclosures. If you know of unpermitted work, disclose it consistent with Florida law. See Johnson v. Davis.
Sample timeline before listing
- Week 0. Order the City estoppel, request the HOA estoppel, and run your permit searches. City estoppel details.
- Week 1 to 2. Submit quick permits for routine items and resolve simple corrections. Expect about 3 to 5 business days for complete quick-permit reviews. Quick-permit overview.
- Week 2 to 6+. For standard or after-the-fact permits, allow several weeks or more, especially if plans or outside reviews are needed. Planning and zoning process.
A targeted permit check in Weston helps you prevent last-minute price cuts, escrow holdbacks, or closing delays. If you want a streamlined plan tailored to your home and timeline, connect with a top Weston real estate agent like Teresa Santana for local guidance.
FAQs
What is a pre-listing permit check in Weston?
- It is a review of your property’s permit history, open permits, and HOA and City estoppels to confirm that past work was permitted and closed out before you list.
How do unpermitted improvements affect my sale?
- Appraisers report unpermitted additions and lenders may add conditions, which can delay closing or reduce value until issues are cured.
Can I get an after-the-fact permit in Weston?
- Yes, but you may need documentation, plan review, and inspections, and the City can assess penalties along with normal fees.
How fast can I clear simple items?
- Many routine trade items qualify for Weston’s quick permit path, which the City states typically reviews in about 3 to 5 business days for complete submissions.
Do I have to fix every issue before listing?
- Not always. For minor items, you may obtain a quick permit or disclose and negotiate. For major structural work, plan to cure or negotiate terms that satisfy the lender and title company.
