HB 803, Building Permits and Inspections
HB 803, Building Permits and Inspections, was signed by the Governor on May 6, 2026 (Chapter 2026-63) and took effect July 1, 2026. It passed both chambers without a single no vote. Here is what it means for building departments, inspectors, plans examiners and contractors.
EFFECT
Effective July 1, 2026. Amends ss. 125.56, 287.056, 468.634, 489.129, 553.77, 553.79 and 553.792, Florida Statutes.
Key changes
5-business-day permits
A new tier in s. 553.792: when the local government reviews plans for an existing single-family home and the work is valued under $15,000, the permit decision is due within 5 business days. This covers structural, accessory structure, alarm, electrical, gas, irrigation, landscaping, mechanical, plumbing and roofing permits. Local governments cannot require applicants to waive these timeframes.
Permit exemption under $7,500
Single-family owners (or their contractors) are exempt from a building permit for work valued under $7,500, with a written exemption request. The exemption does not cover electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical or gas work, or work in a flood hazard area, and projects cannot be split to fit under the limit.
Temporary flood barriers
Temporary residential hurricane and flood barriers on single-family, two-family and townhouse properties are exempt from permits if they are nonhabitable and non-load-bearing, installed by a licensed contractor, meet local zoning and setback rules, and are not in a flood hazard area.
Permit expiration
A county-issued single-family dwelling permit expires one year after issuance or on the effective date of the next Florida Building Code edition, whichever is later. Counties may send a 30-day expiration notice and may still extend permits.
Emergency staffing
For one year after a declared state of emergency, people holding a state term contract, qualified in a mutual-aid state, or licensed for 5 years in any state can work as inspectors and plans examiners under a local building official’s direction. DMS must set up state term contracts for inspection services.
Uniform permit applications
By July 1, 2027, the Florida Building Commission must adopt statewide uniform commercial and residential building permit applications by rule.
Relying on the building official
A contractor does not violate s. 489.129 when relying on a building official’s code interpretation, absent fraud, deceit or specified negligence.
Read the law
Bill history and enrolled text: flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/803
This summary is general information for COEA members, not legal advice. Check the enrolled bill and your department’s policies for exact requirements.