A driveway in Fort Lauderdale lasts or fails based on what is under it. We excavate the old surface and the soft soil below, cut out roots, and build a compacted limerock base to the thickness your plans call for. Limerock is the standard road base in South Florida because it is quarried locally and packs into a dense, stable layer. The finish surface, whether pavers, concrete or asphalt, goes on top of that.
Water has to be designed in. Solid paving sheds rain fast, and in a city this flat it has nowhere obvious to go. We set the slope so runoff reaches a swale, a drain or a landscape area on your own lot instead of the garage or the street. Permeable pavers over an open rock base are a good fit here because they let rain soak through into the sand and limestone below.
The part of the driveway that crosses the swale and sidewalk is in the public right of way. Fort Lauderdale's Engineering Permitting Division issues right-of-way permits for roadway, sidewalk and driveway improvements. We also grade and build private roads, parking areas and access drives for larger properties, with the same sequence: clear, excavate, stabilize the subgrade, place and compact base, then hand off for paving.
Driveways & roads in Fort Lauderdale: common questions
Do I need a permit to widen my driveway in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. The driveway apron crosses the city right of way, and driveway improvements there need a right-of-way permit from the Engineering Permitting Division. The city also limits how much of a front yard can be paved, so have the layout reviewed before excavation starts.
Why did my old driveway sink and crack?
Usually the base. Driveways laid over roots, organic soil or loose uncompacted sand settle unevenly, and tree roots lift what is left. We dig down to firm ground, remove roots within the driveway footprint where permitted, and rebuild with compacted limerock.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quote: Scope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & plan: We have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean up: We complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.