This bill introduces several significant changes to Florida's laws regarding commercial construction projects. It creates a new section, 287.05702, which declares that any provisions in public construction contracts that attempt to waive a contractor's rights to recover costs or obtain time extensions for delays caused by the awarding body are void and unenforceable. Additionally, it establishes that such void provisions must be severed from the contract while allowing other provisions to remain effective. The bill also defines "commercial construction project" and mandates local enforcement agencies to reduce permit fees for these projects under certain conditions, including a 50% reduction if a private provider is retained for plans review or inspection services.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Florida Building Commission to develop a uniform commercial building permit application that must be accepted statewide without modification. Local enforcement agencies can request supplemental forms or additional documentation but cannot alter the uniform application. The bill also revises the list of products requiring statewide approval to include mitigation products. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 526 Filed: 553.842