Florida’s Building Code is entering one of its most dynamic update cycles in recent years. With House Bill 267 taking effect in January 2025, new condominium inspection rules going live mid-2025, and the 9th Edition of the Florida Building Code (2026) already in development, change is on the horizon.
These adjustments will directly affect permitting processes, inspection schedules, and compliance strategies, making it essential for developers, contractors, and homeowners to prepare now.
At All Florida Permits, we specialize in guiding clients through these exact challenges, helping you save time, avoid delays, and stay compliant. Let’s break down the major changes and what they mean for you.
1. HB 267 (Effective Jan 1, 2025): Permit Simplification & Private Providers
House Bill 267, signed in May 2024, brings sweeping reforms to Chapter 553 of Florida Statutes, the backbone of the state’s building code framework.
Key Highlights:
- Streamlined Permit Issuance
Local governments must now approve permits for single-family dwellings within 5 business days for projects valued under $15,000, or the permit is deemed approved. In declared emergency zones, architect- or engineer-signed applications must be issued within 2 days. - Extended Permit Expirations
Permits for single-family homes now remain valid for at least 180 days from issuance or until the effective date of the next building code edition, whichever is later. - Private Provider & Audit Transparency
Work performed by private providers must follow standardized auditing protocols, with procedures and results made publicly available.
💡 How All Florida Permits Helps: Our team works daily with permitting departments across Florida, ensuring your applications are complete, properly documented, and pushed through quickly, minimizing delays even as the rules evolve.
2. Milestone Structural Inspections for Condos (Post-Surfside)
After the tragic Surfside condominium collapse, Florida law now requires milestone inspections for condos at:
- 30 years of age (or 25 years in coastal areas), and
- Every 10 years thereafter.
Starting July 1, 2025, new legislation provides relief by allowing associations to access loans, extended deadlines, and selective exemptions, reducing financial strain while still prioritizing safety.
💡 How All Florida Permits Helps: We coordinate with engineers, boards, and city reviewers to ensure condo associations stay on track with milestone inspections, helping avoid penalties and unexpected delays.
3. 2026 Code Development: Extended Timeline & Public Input
The Florida Building Commission (FBC) is currently drafting the 9th Edition (2026) Florida Building Code. Here’s what’s ahead:
- Phase 1 (Spring 2025): First 45-day public comment period.
- Phase 2 (Summer 2025): TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) meetings for feedback.
- Phase 3 (Fall 2025): Second comment period, followed by Commission review.
- Final Steps (Late 2025): Rulemaking and official adoption.
This extended timeline offers greater transparency and opportunities for stakeholders to shape Florida’s future building standards.
💡 How All Florida Permits Helps: We track every stage of the code update and keep our clients informed. This means you’ll know early about changes affecting your projects—whether it’s roofing, resilience, or zoning rules.
4. Roofing Code Flexibility Updates
Proposed roofing updates could save both money and materials. Changes include:
- Allowing partial recover of roofing systems.
- Preserving lower-system insulation.
- Using lightweight insulating concrete (LWIC) over existing roofs.
These updates aim to promote cost-efficient and resilient renovation practices.
💡 How All Florida Permits Helps: We simplify roofing permit approvals and help contractors leverage new code flexibilities while maintaining compliance.
Implications for Permitting & Compliance
| Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| Permit timelines & expirations | Faster approvals reduce project delays; longer validity keeps projects moving. |
| Condo inspections | Developers and boards must budget and plan for milestone studies and follow-ups. |
| Code development | Contractors should stay engaged to advocate for favorable rules on design, resilience, and materials. |
| Roofing updates | Flexible compliance pathways can lower costs and boost efficiency. |
Take Action Now
To stay ahead of these code shifts:
- Update workflows to account for quicker approval windows and extended permit validity.
- Plan with condo boards for milestone inspections and financial readiness.
- Engage in public comment periods to influence the 2026 Code.
- Train your teams on roofing flexibilities and private provider audit transparency.
The 2025–2026 cycle is reshaping Florida’s construction landscape, bringing both opportunities and new responsibilities. From streamlined permitting to mandatory inspections and evolving roofing standards, preparation is the key to success.
That’s where All Florida Permits comes in. Whether you’re a developer, contractor, or association board, we provide expert guidance and hands-on support to help you navigate permitting efficiently, stay compliant, and keep projects moving without costly delays.
👉 Ready to get ahead of Florida’s building code changes? Contact us today at 786.883.1883 to see how we can help with your next project.