In fiscal years 2018 and 2023, Congress approved funding for the construction of a 255,000-gross-square-foot federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to better meet the space and security needs of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The new courthouse will include twelve courtrooms and seventeen judges’ chambers and will provide workspace for several other federal agencies, including the U.S. Court of Appeals, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Probation Office.
Design began in March 2023 and finished in October 2024. We separated site preparation and installation of a new seawall along the Tarpon River to allow an early start of limited construction work, which began January 2024, with full construction starting September 2024. Additionally, AT&T and the City of Fort Lauderdale moved existing utilities from the site in December 2023.
Project details
Total authorized funding: $245 million for site acquisition, design and construction services
Project delivery method: Design-Build Bridging
Awarded contracts:
Brasfield & Gorrie LLC — Design-BuildAPSI Construction Management — CMaSkidmore, Owings, & Merrill — Bridging A/E)
Unique site considerations:
Mangroves along the Tarpon River will be preservedSeawall construction carefully designed around existing vegetationArborist recommendations incorporated into design
For more information, peruse our frequently asked questions [PDF – 49 KB].
Project timelinePlanningDesignConstruction
Site preparation and new seawall complete
October 2024
Design-Build award
January 2023
Design complete
October 2024
Bridging A/E award
April 2021
CMa award
April 2021
Full construction start
September 2024
Anticipated completion
Fall 2026
Project news
Feb. 01, 2023
GSA awards design-build contract for new Fort Lauderdale Courthouse
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Current status
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As of April 1, 2026, construction is approximately 80% complete. As well:
Pavilion steel erection is finished, including column concrete pour backs, with all trades working toward the end date.Gypsum installation and finish paint are nearing completion on Level 3, and the gypsum crew is now focused on Level 1 to allow subcontractors to move offices into the building, facilitating the removal of Conex and GC office trailers.Multiple crews continue framing (nearing completion on Level 10), shaft liners (nearing completion), and finishing on various levels.Courtroom installations (millwork, access flooring, painting, carpet, and electrical) are complete on Levels 5 and 6, with Level 7 in process. Millwork for Level 9 has been received, and Grand Jury room millwork is installed, enabling overhead work like acoustical ceiling installation. Other millwork, including break rooms, continues.Masonry is complete except for minor finishes.Electrical work is ongoing, with closets being energized and lighting completed in courtrooms.Permanent lighting installation and energizing are starting on Level 2 and moving up.HVAC installation continues; chillers and cooling towers are started and programmed, and conditioned air is being supplied to three floors. Duct work is nearing completion on Level 8 and for DOAS units.Both penthouses are framed and closed, improving watertightness (finalized after buck hoist removal).Elevator machinery has arrived and is set, with TK now on site.Approximately 225 tradesmen are on the job, accounting for about 9,000 man-hours per week. Metal decking is installed on the roof, with roofing scheduled for next month. Internal Pavilion components, such as HVAC hangers and overhead drain lines, are being roughed in. Pre-cast panel installation is complete.