The bill amends section 553.80 of the Florida Statutes, which governs the enforcement of the Florida Building Code. It revises the requirements for local governments regarding the management of excess funds collected from fees associated with building code enforcement. Specifically, it stipulates that any unexpended balances must be carried forward for future allowable activities or refunded at the local government's discretion. However, local governments that established a Building Inspections Fund Advisory Board by January 1, 2019, may carry forward excess funds beyond the average of their operating budget for the previous four fiscal years, provided they receive a recommendation from the advisory board.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that excess funds, which cannot be carried forward, must be used to rebate and reduce fees, upgrade technology systems, or for training programs related to the enforcement of the Florida Building Code. The bill removes provisions that previously allowed excess funds to be used for constructing buildings for local enforcement agencies and sets forth that owners or builders with valid permits can take civil action against local governments for enforcement issues. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1169 Filed: 553.80
H 1169 c1: 553.80
H 1169 c2: 553.80