The construction landscape in Florida
The construction landscape in Florida has seen a significant shift with the integration of Private Providers into the building and inspection process. For contractors, understanding the legal framework governing these entities is crucial. This blog post aims to demystify the legal intricacies of Private Providers in Florida, with a special focus on Florida Statute 553.791, providing valuable insights for contractors on their rights and the obligations of building departments.
The Role of Private Providers:
In Florida, Freedom Code Compliance are licensed private providers that perform plan reviews and construction inspections – roles traditionally handled by local government building departments. The enactment of FL 553.791 has been a game-changer, offering contractors an alternative route for these crucial steps in the construction process.
Key Provisions of FL 553.791:
- Permit Application Process: When a contractor opts for a Private Provider, the local building department is notified. The statute mandates a 20-business-day deadline for the building department to issue the permit or request corrections. If no action is taken within this period, the permit must be issued on the 21st day.
- Plan Review Responsibility: If a Private Provider conducts the plan review before the permit submission, this responsibility is shifted away from the building department. Consequently, the permit application bypasses the plan review phase in the municipal process, streamlining the permitting.
- Virtual Inspections and Online Submissions: Many inspections under Private Providers can be conducted virtually or through online submissions of photographs, which accelerates the inspection process.
- Closing the Permit: After the final inspection and submission of necessary documents by the Private Provider, the building department has limited time to close the permit – 2 days for residential and 10 days for commercial projects.
For a detailed understanding of these provisions and the complete legal text, refer to the full statute on the Florida Senate website.
Benefits for Contractors:
- Reduced Wait Times: The statutory deadlines can significantly expedite the permitting and inspection processes.
- Flexibility: The option for virtual inspections and online submissions adds convenience and efficiency.
- Control Over the Process: Contractors gain more control over the timeline of their projects.
Navigating the Legalities:
While the benefits are clear, it’s important for contractors to understand and navigate these legalities proficiently. Ensuring that the chosen Freedom Code Compliance is fully compliant with state regulations is essential.
