Committee advances bill to standardize commercial permit applications, cap fees for private reviewers

Representative Griffiths (sponsor) told the committee CS/HB 405 aims to reduce construction costs by clarifying how "no damages for delay" clauses apply on public projects, requiring a statewide uniform commercial-permit application, and establishing mandatory building-department fee reductions when private providers are used. "One of the areas where we seek to make things more affordable is with construction," Griffiths said while explaining the bill’s intent to cut regulatory-driven costs.

The committee considered and adopted a strike-all amendment (barcode 782825) that reduced the administrative-fee deduction to 25% when one private service is used and 50% when two services are used; extended the Florida Building Commission’s deadline to create a uniform permit application to 2027; required permit fees be limited to actual, reasonable costs proportional to the scope of work; and limited the percentage of glazing local jurisdictions may mandate on private businesses. The amendment passed with no recorded objections.

Multiple industry and municipal witnesses waived in support. Steven Beckman, a building official for the City of Naples, said standardized forms eased review and permitted electronic implementations, but urged any fee discount be tied to documented, local cost savings so other permit holders are not disproportionately charged. "Costs and how building departments are structured are different in different jurisdictions," Beckman said, asking that discounts be based on cost savings rather than a flat percentage.

Representative Griffiths closed by saying regulatory burden contributes substantially to housing costs and urged support. The committee then recorded a roll-call vote and reported the bill favorably.

The committee did not record amendments opposing the measure; the next steps are referral to additional committees or scheduling on the House floor per regular legislative process.