The bill establishes new regulations for the installation of synthetic turf on single-family residential properties, defining synthetic turf as a manufactured product that resembles natural grass. The Department of Environmental Protection is assigned the responsibility of creating minimum standards for the installation of synthetic turf, which will take into account material type, stormwater management, and water quality. Furthermore, local governments are prohibited from enacting ordinances that would hinder property owners from installing compliant synthetic turf or impose regulations that conflict with the established standards. The bill also streamlines the permitting process by prohibiting local governments from requiring copies of contracts or related documents for building permit applications.

In addition to the synthetic turf regulations, the bill modifies the permit application process for construction projects, mandating local building officials to respond to permit applications within specified timeframes—20 business days for general permits and 5 business days for single-trade plans related to single-family or two-family dwellings. If officials fail to respond within these timeframes, the application is automatically approved. The bill also allows for a tolling of the response period if deficiencies are identified. It further permits private providers to conduct inspections either in person or virtually, while clarifying that contractors' obligations remain unchanged. Lastly, the bill requires the Florida Building Commission to adopt mausoleum standards as part of the State Minimum Building Codes if they are deemed acceptable, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 683 Filed: 553.79
H 683 c1: 553.79
H 683 c2: 489.505, 553.79, 497.271
H 683 c3: 399.035, 489.505, 553.79, 497.271
H 683 e1: 399.035, 489.505, 553.79, 497.271
H 683 er: 399.035, 489.505, 553.79, 497.271