House Bill 695 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the role of private providers in building inspection services, aiming to streamline the permitting and inspection process for construction projects. The bill mandates that the Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board and the Florida Building Commission include a specific number of members from private provider firms and encourages the Private Provider Association of Florida to recommend candidates for these positions. It also revises operational terms for private providers, allowing agreements instead of written contracts for inspection services and prohibiting local jurisdictions from charging additional fees when private providers are engaged. Furthermore, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of local building officials, limiting their role to reviewing forms for completeness and establishing timelines for issuing permits and certificates of occupancy.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and emphasizes electronic communication, allowing for the electronic submission of documents and notices. It removes previous restrictions on local building officials replicating inspections performed by private providers and requires local jurisdictions to reduce permit fees when private providers are utilized. The legislation also outlines the responsibilities of private providers, including maintaining inspection records and reporting public safety threats, while ensuring local officials are not responsible for the regulatory administration of inspections conducted by private providers. Overall, HB 695 seeks to create a more efficient and consistent permitting process across Florida while maintaining safety and compliance with building codes.

Statutes affected:
H 695 Filed: 468.605, 553.74, 553.791