FL H1077

Amends section 489.129 to authorize the Construction Industry Licensing Board to discipline contractors and financially responsible officers for failing to properly close permits or satisfy permit requirements.

Creates section 553.7905 defining "open permits" (issued for construction not receiving final inspection within specified periods) and "expired permits" (open permits expiring without final approval), with closure requirements based on notice of commencement dates or inspection history.

Allows current property owners to close open or expired permits by hiring licensed contractors, engineers, or architects to complete work and obtain compliance certifications, with new contractors not liable for pre-existing defects after following change-of-contractor procedures.

Prohibits permitting authorities from denying permits or penalizing subsequent arms-length property purchasers solely due to unclosed permits from prior owners, while maintaining enforcement rights against original property owners and contractors.

Requires local building departments to provide mandatory written notices to property owners when issuing permits and to send reminder notices within 1-3 years if permits remain unclosed; effective July 1, 2018.