The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the involvement of private providers in building inspection services. It mandates that the Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board and the Florida Building Commission include a specific number of members who are private providers or employed by private provider firms. The legislation also revises operational terms for private providers, allowing agreements instead of written contracts for inspection services and prohibiting local jurisdictions from imposing additional fees for inspections conducted by private providers. Furthermore, it streamlines the inspection process by ensuring local building officials provide equal access to permitting documents and clarifying their non-responsibility for the regulatory administration of inspections performed by private providers.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and establishes that the Florida Building Commission will oversee necessary forms and documents. It reduces the time frame for local building officials to notify applicants of incomplete forms from 20 days to 10 days, with automatic approval of permit applications if no notice is given. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of private providers, including timely inspections and record-keeping, and establishes a process for resolving disputes between local officials and private providers. Overall, the legislation aims to promote the use of private providers in building inspections while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and improving the efficiency of the permitting process.

Statutes affected:
S 1474 Filed: 468.605, 553.74