There are going to be big changes in Florida’s construction industry. The state just passed one of the most significant permitting reforms in years.
Florida’s new HB 803 law significantly expands the use of private providers for plan review and inspections, creating major implications for builders, developers, contractors, and local governments.
Here’s what’s changing:
Commercial permit fees must be reduced by at least 25% when a private provider is used for either plan review or inspections, and by at least 50% when both services are outsourced.
Local jurisdictions can no longer review plans for building code compliance once a private provider has approved them.
Contractors and property owners now have an explicit statutory right to use private providers at any point in the permitting process.
A new 10-business-day completeness review period replaces the previous 20-day window, potentially accelerating project timelines.
Government relations firm Adams & Reese said this legislation will accelerate the issuance of building permits by limiting local building department oversight and discretion and expanding the role and autonomy of private providers.
It would also mandate local government to provide reductions in their fees on certain commercial construction projects.
Also some changes to Homeowners’ Associations.
These include building permits and less harassment from local HOA’s.
On their website, Adams and Reese said this permitting bill removes a common procedural hurdle imposed by homeowners’ associations.
“Together, these changes are designed to streamline the path from project conception to completion, while reallocating responsibility among owners, contractors, private providers, and local enforcement agencies<’ the group said.
