Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Code Construction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves wide construction bill with mass‑timber, turf and elevator provisions; pool contractors object
Summary
CS for SB 712 — a wide delete‑all that addresses synthetic turf, change‑order timelines, tall mass timber, elevator rails, pool contractor scopes and spaceport building-code exemptions — was amended and reported favorably. Pool and spa contractors opposed parts of the amendment they said expand exceptions too far.
Sen. Jason Graul (sponsor explained his strike‑all amendment) told the committee the CS for SB 712 directs the Department of Environmental Protection and clarifies multiple construction and permitting issues, including: state rules related to homeowners' use of synthetic turf (covering permeability, runoff and drainage), change‑order timelines for local governments, building‑code alignment for tall mass timber, elevator rail rules, scope clarifications for pool and spa contractors, and an exemption for certain spaceport facilities from parts of the Florida Building Code.
A secondary amendment extended a local government change‑order review window from 30 to 35 days and clarified scoring language.
Why it matters: The package touches several sectors of construction and development. Supporters argued it modernizes the code in line with national standards, opens markets for mass‑timber products and streamlines reviews. Cameron Fink of Associated Industries of Florida supported the tall mass timber provision, saying the International Code Council has vetted safety standards and the change would align Florida with other Southeastern states. Rex Lumber and Florida Forestry Association speakers said allowing tall mass timber would support forestry markets and manufacturing investment in Florida.
Opposition, chiefly from Florida Swimming Pool Association and pool contractors, argued that one section would expand narrow exceptions and could let building contractors perform work historically limited to pool contractors; they urged the committee to reject the amendment or rework the language. The sponsor acknowledged the concern and said he expects continued conversations.
The committee adopted the amendment to the amendment and then the strike‑all as amended without recorded objection, and reported CS for SB 712 favorably.
