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CS/CS/HB 667 — Building Inspections
by Local Administration and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee; Regulatory Reform Committee; Rep. Mooney and others (CS/CS/CS/SB 1382 by Appropriations Committee; Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee; Community Affairs Committee; and Senator Perry)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Community Affairs Committee (CA)
The Florida Building Codes Act provides a mechanism for the uniform adoption, updating, interpretation, and enforcement of a single, unified state building code. The Florida Building Code (Building Code) must be applied, administered, and enforced uniformly and consistently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Current law requires local governments to enforce the Building Code and issue building permits. Current law also requires state agencies, state universities, Florida College System institutions, and public school districts to enforce the Building Code in certain situations. It is unlawful for a person or corporation to construct, alter, repair, or demolish a building without obtaining a permit from the enforcing agency. Construction work that requires a building permit requires inspections to ensure the work complies with the Building Code.
The bill authorizes any government entity with the authority to enforce the Building Code to perform virtual building inspections, with the exception of certain structural inspections. The bill defines “virtual inspection” as an inspection that uses visual or electronic aids to allow a building official or inspector to perform an inspection without having to be physically present at the job site during the inspection.
The bill also requires local building code enforcement agencies to allow requests for inspections to be submitted to the local agency electronically via e-mail, electronic form, or mobile application.
Finally, the bill requires a building code enforcement agency to refund 10 percent of the permit and inspection fees if:
- The inspector or building official determines the work, which requires the permit, fails an inspection; and
- The inspector or building official fails to provide a reason that is based on compliance with the Building Code, the Florida Fire Prevention Code, or local ordinance, indicating why the work failed the inspection within 5 business days.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2021.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 118-0