This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning building permits and inspections, aiming to streamline processes and clarify regulations. It establishes that building permits for single-family dwellings will expire 180 days after issuance or upon the next edition of the Florida Building Code, whichever is later. The bill exempts certain installations, such as residential hurricane and flood protection walls, from permit requirements if they meet specific criteria. It also limits inspection fees to actual costs incurred by local enforcement agencies and prohibits local governments from requiring permits for projects valued under $7,500, with certain exceptions. Additionally, the bill revises disciplinary actions for contractors proceeding without necessary permits, mandates timely decisions on permit applications, and allows for electronic submission of inspection requests.

Moreover, the bill enhances the role of private providers in building code inspections, allowing fee owners or contractors to select private providers for plans review and inspections, with all applications required to be submitted electronically. It increases the size of residential projects eligible for private provider inspections from 1,000 to 2,500 square feet and clarifies that local building officials cannot review plans deemed compliant by private providers. The bill also establishes a system for verifying compliance with licensure and insurance requirements for private providers, mandates timely submission of inspection records, and outlines the notification process for local building officials when private providers are engaged. Overall, the bill aims to improve efficiency in building code compliance while ensuring that local governments do not impose stricter regulations than those specified. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1234 Filed: 125.56, 489.129, 553.791, 553.792