The bill amends section 553.80 of the Florida Statutes, which governs the enforcement of the Florida Building Code, specifically addressing how local governments manage excess funds derived from fees, fines, and investment earnings related to building code enforcement. It stipulates that local governments must use these funds solely for activities related to enforcing the Florida Building Code, including building inspections and permit processing. The bill introduces a provision allowing local governments that established a Building Inspections Fund Advisory Board by January 1, 2019, to carry forward excess funds beyond the average of their operating budget for the previous four fiscal years, contingent upon the advisory board's recommendation.

Additionally, the bill specifies that any excess funds that cannot be carried forward must be used to rebate and reduce fees, upgrade technology systems, or fund training programs for building officials. It removes previous provisions that allowed excess funds to be used for constructing buildings for local government enforcement agencies. The bill also clarifies that owners or builders with valid permits can bring civil actions against local governments for enforcement of these provisions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1614 Filed: 553.80
S 1614 c1: 553.80
S 1614 c2: 553.80
S 1614 c3: 553.80
S 1614 er: 553.80