Concrete removal in Broward County requires a Florida 811 utility locate, a structural assessment of post-tension slabs, and licensed C&D debris disposal in accordance with FAC 62-701. The method, cost, and timeline depend on the type of concrete being removed and its location on your Fort Lauderdale property.
Key Takeaways for Safe and Efficient Concrete Removal
The most common concrete removal projects in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County are driveway removal, pool deck demolition, patio slab breaking, foundation removal after a structure teardown, and post-tension slab cutting for redevelopment.
Each project type requires different equipment, a different permit pathway, and a different debris disposal approach. The method a licensed contractor selects depends on slab thickness, reinforcement type, site access, and whether the slab is post-tension.
What is a Post-Tension Slab and Why Does it Require Special Handling in South Florida?
Post-tension slabs contain steel cables under thousands of pounds of tension running through the concrete. Cutting or breaking the cable grid without first mapping it poses safety and structural risks to adjacent areas.
In South Florida, post-tension slabs are standard in residential and commercial construction built after 1980. Before any concrete cutting begins, a licensed structural engineer must assess the slab and map cable locations. This step is non-negotiable and cannot be skipped to reduce project cost.
How to Identify a Post-Tension Slab On Your Fort Lauderdale Property
Post-tension slabs typically have end caps or button anchors visible along the perimeter of the foundation.
Building permits from the Broward County Building Division will also indicate post-tension construction. A structural engineer can confirm the slab type before any removal begins if you are unsure.
Does Florida Law Require a Utility Locate Before Concrete Removal in Broward County?
Yes. Florida Statute 556.105 requires a call to Florida 811 at least two business days before any concrete breaking or excavation. Florida 811 notifies FPL, Florida City Gas, TECO Peoples Gas, and other utility operators who mark underground line locations at no cost.
Utility coordination for a concrete removal project follows the same process as a full residential demolition in Broward County, where all six utility providers must confirm disconnection or marking before any ground penetration begins. Striking an unmarked line creates liability and project delays that far exceed the cost of the two-minute call.
What Concrete Removal Methods are Used for Different Project Types in Fort Lauderdale?
Hydraulic Breaking for Thick Slabs and Foundations
Hydraulic excavators with breaker attachments handle foundation removal and thick commercial slab demolition in Broward County. This method is efficient on standard reinforced slabs and CBS block foundations common in pre-2000 South Florida construction.
Saw Cutting for Controlled Removal
Concrete saw cutting is used when partial removal is required, such as cutting a section of a driveway without disturbing the adjacent intact slab. Saw cutting also separates post-tension slab sections after cable mapping is complete.
Mini Excavators for Tight Access in Fort Lauderdale Neighborhoods
Zero-lot-line properties in Riverside Park, Tarpon River, and Edgewood require mini excavators that fit through standard gate openings. Pool decks and rear patio slabs in these neighborhoods cannot be reached with standard excavation equipment.
How Much Does Concrete Removal Cost in Broward County in 2026?
Standard driveway and patio slab removal runs $2 to $6 per square foot. Pool deck removal runs $1,500 to $5,000 depending on size and thickness. Post-tension slab removal adds $1,500 to $4,000 for the required structural assessment.
CBS block construction, asbestos presence on pre-1981 properties, and tight site access are the three factors that most commonly push concrete removal costs above initial estimates in South Florida. Each is explained in detail in our breakdown of the factors that increase demolition costs in Florida.
Debris disposal costs $45 to $65 per ton at the Broward County C&D landfill, located at 7101 SW 205th Avenue, under FAC 62-701. A standard two-car driveway generates five to ten tons of concrete debris.
How Long Does Concrete Removal Take in Broward County?
A standard residential driveway removal takes 1 to 2 days to break and haul away. Pool deck removal runs two to three days. Foundation slab removal after a full residential teardown takes three to five days, depending on thickness and reinforcement.
If you need a full project timeline from permit application through site clearance, how long concrete removal takes, and a breakdown by project type with South Florida-specific timeline factors, including the seasonal water table and limestone substrate conditions in Broward County.
Does Concrete Removal Require a Permit in Broward County?
Concrete removal as part of a full structural demolition requires a demolition permit from the Broward County Building Division under Florida Building Code Section 105.1. Standalone driveway or patio removal typically does not require a separate permit but may require a right-of-way permit if equipment staging affects a public road or sidewalk.
Pool demolition permits are required in Broward County regardless of whether the pool is fully removed or filled. Your licensed contractor confirms which permits apply before any breaking begins.
What Happens to Concrete Debris After Removal in Broward County?
All concrete debris must be disposed of at licensed facilities under FAC 62-701. Clean concrete and CBS block are accepted at Broward County C&D recycling facilities and processed into recycled aggregate and road base.
Mixed concrete debris containing rebar or tile goes to the Broward County C&D landfill at $45 to $65 per ton. A licensed contractor separates clean concrete from mixed debris during removal to maximize recycling and minimize tipping fees.
FAQ
Do I need to call 811 before concrete removal in Broward County?
Yes. Florida Statute 556.105 requires a Florida 811 utility locate call at least two business days before any concrete breaking or excavation. Florida 811 marks underground utility lines at no cost. Striking an unmarked utility line during concrete removal creates liability and delays that far exceed the cost of the two-minute call.
How much does driveway concrete removal cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Driveway concrete removal in Broward County runs $2 to $6 per square foot for breaking and hauling. A standard two-car driveway costs $1,200 to $3,600 depending on slab thickness, reinforcement, and site access. Disposal at the Broward County C&D landfill adds $225 to $650 for a standard residential project.
What is a post-tension slab and does it cost more to remove in South Florida?
A post-tension slab contains tensioned steel cables that must be mapped before any cutting begins. Post-tension slab removal in Broward County adds $1,500 to $4,000 to the required structural engineering assessment, in addition to standard breaking and disposal costs. Post-tension construction has been standard in South Florida builds since 1980.
Can concrete from a Broward County removal project be recycled?
Yes. Clean concrete and CBS block are accepted at Broward County C&D recycling facilities under FAC 62-701 and processed into road base and aggregate. Recycling clean concrete reduces disposal costs compared to tipping fees for mixed debris at the C&D landfill, which range from $45 to $65 per ton.
How long does pool deck concrete removal take in Fort Lauderdale?
Pool deck removal in Fort Lauderdale typically takes two to three days for breaking, hauling, and site cleanup.
Properties with tight rear-yard access in zero-lot-line neighborhoods require mini-excavator equipment, which may extend the timeline by 1 day. Confirm site access with your contractor before scheduling.
Get a Licensed Contractor Who Handles Assessment, Permit, and Disposal.
Post-tension slab mapping, Florida 811 utility locates, Broward County permits, and FAC 62-701 compliant debris disposal are not optional steps.
Florida Demolition Experts handles every phase of concrete removal across Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach so nothing gets skipped mid-project.
