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Committee reports bill to allow private providers for building permits, sponsors say it preserves local control
Summary
House Bill 803, as amended, would allow homeowners to use licensed private providers to perform plan review and inspections while preserving local government authority; supporters said it will speed permitting, critics urged safeguards for small projects and local amendments.
Representative Chibalsi explained that House Bill 803 (with a strike-all amendment) is intended to modernize Florida's building permit and inspection process while preserving life-safety standards and local authority.
Courtney Mooney of the Florida Association of Counties testified for information only, urging caution on the bill's $7,500 threshold to ensure large projects are not broken into smaller ones to avoid local review and asking for protections so local amendments remain effective. Industry witnesses (including the Florida Chamber and Storm Smart Industries) waived in support.
Committee members debated preemption concerns and the role of private providers. Representative Henson asked whether the bill would preempt local code; the sponsor said it does not and described private providers as licensed engineers, architects, or inspectors who can be hired by homeowners to review plans and certify work to the Florida Building Code. Representative Oberdorf and Representative Sapp described delays and permitting backlogs in their communities and supported the bill as a way to speed projects by using experienced private providers.
The sponsor closed by emphasizing safety, licensing oversight and potential relief of inspection backlogs in counties with rapid growth. The subcommittee took a roll call and the chair announced the bill passes and will be shown favorable.
The bill was reported favorable and will move on for further legislative consideration.
