FL H0695

Expands the authority of private providers to serve as the local building official for building code inspection services they are hired to perform, including the ability to issue building permits, authorize utility connections, and interact directly with government officials and service providers

Prohibits local building officials from performing plan reviews or building inspections on work a private provider has determined compliant, restricts job site visits without the private provider's written approval, and bars local jurisdictions from charging reinspection fees, administrative fees, or additional fees when a private provider is used

Increases the Florida Building Commission from 19 to 23 members by adding 2 private provider representatives and 2 licensed contractors who use private providers, and requires the Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board to include private provider members among its building code administrator and inspector seats

Shortens permit review and certificate of occupancy/completion timelines, reducing the local building official's review of private provider submissions to a 10-day completeness check (with permits deemed approved by law if deadlines are missed), and requires certificates of occupancy for single-family/two-family dwellings to be issued within 2 business days

Creates a civil cause of action for damages, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and extraordinary writs against local governments, officials, or personnel who prohibit, discourage, or interfere with the use of private providers, and removes governmental immunity for violations of the private provider statute; effective July 1, 2025