CS/CS/CS/HB 535 - Building Codes Bill Summary

• Revises building code inspector and plans examiner certification requirements, allowing provisional certificates valid for up to 3 years and reducing experience requirements for certain applicants with fire safety inspector licenses.

• Exempts apartment maintenance technicians from electrical contractor licensing requirements when making minor repairs to existing water heaters and HVAC systems under specified conditions (not exceeding $1,000 per repair, holding specific certifications).

• Modifies the Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund by establishing different claim limits ($50,000 for Division I and $15,000 for Division II contracts) and changing eligibility requirements for pre-July 1, 2016 contracts.

• Requires counties and local enforcement agencies to post all building permit applications on websites and accept electronic submissions of completed applications, with effective date of October 1, 2017.

• Establishes two task forces: the Calder Sloan Swimming Pool Electrical-Safety Task Force (expires December 31, 2016) and the Construction Industry Workforce Task Force within the University of Florida (expires July 1, 2017) to address training and certification issues in construction.