Staff Reports
Good news might be coming soon for people in Florida who build houses or need home repairs.
A new proposed law (HB 683) aims to make the process of getting building permits for smaller jobs faster and easier. On Friday, the House passed it unanimously, 114-0.
Sponsored by Panama City Beach Republican Rep. Griff Griffitts and presented by the Commerce Committee, Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee, and Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee, the bill now heads to the Senate floor for a final vote.
Under current regulations, securing building permits can be slow and cause headaches. HB 863 aims to fix that. Builders and homeowners often get exasperated by delays — waiting costs time and money.
Sometimes, builders must wait an extended time to hear back about a minor but necessary change. Other times, cities ask for extra paperwork that doesn’t really make buildings safer — it just slows everything down.
Key parts of HB 863 will address this frustrating situation. For example, local governments, such as cities and counties, will be required to respond to builders about project changes within 30 days.
The bill also prevents builders from requesting unnecessary documents, such as copies of business deals or profit numbers, to obtain a permit.
If passed, HB 863 will expand the use of private inspectors to check smaller jobs, such as installing an HVAC system or repairing a roof.
Supporters say that relaxing burdensome regulations can give builders more choices and help them finish work faster. This bill aims to help builders keep up with the influx of new Floridians — estimated at 1,000 people a day — by eliminating slow government rules, often derided as “red tape.”
Since the bill received strong support from both parties in the House, HB 863 is now ready for the Senate. If it passes and Gov. Ron DeSantis signs it into law, it should help improve the vital building process in Florida. This will allow the state to grow and maintain a strong economy.
