The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning building regulations, particularly focusing on continuing education exemptions, definitions, and the establishment of internship programs for building code inspectors and plans examiners. It specifies that certain regulated professionals, including building code administrators and inspectors, are not eligible for continuing education exemptions. Additionally, the Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board is tasked with creating a voluntary application for plans examiners, revising eligibility criteria for inspector certifications, and developing specific internship programs. The bill also modifies the exemptions for property owners acting as their own contractors, allowing them to submit building permit applications both in person and virtually, while clarifying the definition of "change of contractor" and outlining owners' responsibilities in submitting information to building officials.

Moreover, the bill introduces significant changes to the permitting process for solar projects, allowing electronic submission of owner-builder permit applications without notarized signatures, provided the owner certifies the application electronically. It raises the threshold for requiring a notice of commencement from $5,000 to $7,500 and clarifies the responsibilities of new qualifying agents when changing contractors. The new qualifying agent is not liable for previous work but must address any corrective and new work. These amendments aim to streamline the permitting process, enhance the qualifications of building professionals, and protect the interests of property owners and contractors, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 707 Filed: 455.2124, 468.609