If you’re preparing for a kitchen remodel in Fort Lauderdale, you’ve probably already thought about design, layout, and finishes. But have you considered whether your new island needs an electrical outlet? Or that your countertop outlets must be spaced just right?
As a licensed cabinet maker and kitchen renovation team, we at Italvave know that the permitting process in Fort Lauderdale comes with more than a few surprises—especially if you’ve never renovated before. Missing even one small detail can delay your project, trigger costly change orders, or lead to failed inspections.
That’s why we handle permitting and code compliance as part of every kitchen remodel. Here are some of the most commonly overlooked requirements that homeowners don’t realize they need—until it’s too late.
1. Your Kitchen Island Needs an Electrical Outlet
This one surprises most homeowners, but yes—if you’re adding a fixed island or peninsula, you’re required to install at least one GFCI-protected outlet in the unit.
According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), any countertop area wider than 12 inches and deeper than 24 inches must have accessible power. This allows you to safely plug in small appliances and comply with safety standards.
We account for this during the design phase and work closely with licensed electricians to place outlets where they’re both code-compliant and discreetly integrated into your custom cabinetry.
2. There Are Rules About How Far Apart Your Countertop Outlets Can Be
You can’t just throw an outlet wherever it looks good—spacing matters. The NEC requires outlets to be placed no more than 4 feet apart along countertops. That means you can’t have long stretches of uninterrupted counter space without power access.
In addition, any countertop wider than 12 inches needs at least one outlet, and corners or awkward transitions may require special attention. We handle all of this during our planning and layout review, ensuring your kitchen passes inspection without last-minute changes.
3. Cabinetry Can’t Block Electrical Panels or Shutoff Valves
Thinking about hiding that unsightly breaker box behind a wall of beautiful new cabinets? You may want to think again. Building codes require clearance and accessibility for:
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Electrical panels
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Gas shutoff valves
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Water supply valves
If your remodel obstructs access to these, your permit may be denied or your inspection may fail. At Italvave, we carefully design your cabinetry layout around these critical access points—sometimes adding built-in access panels or creative trim solutions to meet both form and function.
4. Your Range Hood May Require Outside Venting
Many kitchen remodels involve upgrading to a new range hood—but not all hoods are created equal. In Fort Lauderdale, local code may require ducted ventilation to the outside depending on your appliance's BTU output, location, or kitchen size.
Recirculating range hoods (which just filter and release air back into the kitchen) aren’t always acceptable for higher-end stoves or larger kitchens. We work with mechanical specialists and contractors to determine whether ducting is required—and how to run it cleanly and effectively in your home or apartment.
5. Lighting Plans Must Meet Energy Code Requirements
Florida follows strict energy efficiency guidelines, which means your lighting layout must comply with both brightness and energy use standards.
This includes:
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Using LED lighting or other high-efficacy fixtures
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Including dedicated lighting zones (under-cabinet, task, ambient, etc.)
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Ensuring switches and dimmers are correctly placed and labeled
We incorporate lighting into your cabinet design from day one, whether it's under-shelf LEDs or overhead pendants—and we make sure it’s all compliant with energy codes and permit specs.
6. Plumbing Fixtures Must Be Low-Flow & EPA-Certified
Yes, even your faucet can affect your permit approval. Any new kitchen sink or dishwasher installed as part of a permitted remodel must meet current water conservation standards, including:
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Low-flow aerators on faucets
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EPA WaterSense certification where applicable
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Proper drain and vent sizing for dishwashers and garbage disposals
Because we work closely with local plumbers on every project, we make sure your plumbing upgrades don’t get flagged during inspection—and that they match your style and daily needs.
7. You’ll Need a Permit Even for “Simple” Layout Changes
Some homeowners think that as long as they’re keeping their plumbing in the same location, they don’t need a permit. But in Fort Lauderdale, any work involving electrical, plumbing, or permanent cabinetry installation will likely trigger the need for a building permit.
This includes:
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Changing the shape or layout of your kitchen
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Moving or adding cabinets
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Adding lighting, outlets, or water lines
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Installing a new sink or range hood
That’s why we handle the entire permitting process for you—from the moment we draft your layout to the final inspection. You can read more about how we manage it in our full guide:
👉 Navigating Kitchen Permit Approvals in Fort Lauderdale
8. Your Condo or Apartment May Have Extra Rules
If you live in a high-rise or condo building in Fort Lauderdale, your building management may have its own permitting and renovation requirements—completely separate from the city.
Common requirements include:
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Submitting detailed construction plans and schedules
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Restricted work hours or noise policies
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Proof of contractor licensing and insurance
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Specific approved vendors or materials
At Italvave, we’ve handled dozens of condo and apartment kitchen renovations across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. We’re happy to work directly with your HOA or property manager to get the necessary approvals and paperwork sorted before construction begins.
How Italvave Makes Kitchen Design Simple
Most homeowners aren’t expected to know every building code or permit requirement—that’s our job. At Italvave, we act as your contractor, cabinet maker, designer, and project lead—all in one.
We:
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Review your space and plan every detail for compliance
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Submit permit applications through Fort Lauderdale’s LauderBuild portal
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Coordinate with licensed electricians, plumbers, and inspectors
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Handle condo board submissions and special access requests
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Keep your renovation on schedule and up to code from start to finish
That means fewer surprises, faster approvals, and a kitchen remodel that’s as smooth as it is stunning.
Ready to Remodel Your Kitchen the Right Way?
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Fort Lauderdale, let us help you do it right—from the very first drawing to the final inspection. Don’t risk delays, red tags, or compliance issues—trust a team that understands what it takes to build in South Florida.
🔹 Start your project today by submitting your measurements for a quote
🔹 Or visit our Fort Lauderdale showroom to speak with our design and permitting team in person
Let’s create a kitchen that meets code—and exceeds expectations.
