This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning building construction, particularly focusing on the certification and regulation of building code administrators and inspectors. It establishes internship programs and eligibility criteria for one- and two-family dwelling inspector certifications, along with a revised application process. The Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board is tasked with creating rules for these programs, which will require enrollees to hold specific certifications and complete on-the-job training. Additionally, the definitions of building code administrators and inspectors are updated to clarify their roles and responsibilities.

The bill also introduces significant changes to the process for obtaining building permits, allowing owners or their agents to sign applications both personally and virtually. It raises the threshold contract value for filing a notice of commencement from $5,000 to $7,000 and adds a requirement for heating or air-conditioning permits to have a signed application when the contract exceeds $15,000. A new subsection is added to outline the process for designating a new qualifying agent for business organizations, ensuring that the new agent is not held responsible for the previous agent's work. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the efficiency and clarity of building construction regulations in Florida, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1298 Filed: 455.2124, 468.609, 489.103