Proposed Amended Statute Would Allow Permits to be Issued in 5 Days for Work on Single Family Residences Valued at Less Than $15,000.00
HB 803 (2026) has passed both houses of the Florida Legislature, and if signed into law by the Governor, will make changes to a lot of statutes related to building permits and inspections. One of those changes will be to 553.792, Florida Statutes, that governs building permit applications to local governments and the timelines for review, approval and denial of permit applications. HB 803, add a new paragraph to 553.792, Florida Statutes, as follows:
(1)(a) A local government must approve, approve with conditions, or deny a building permit application after receipt of a completed and sufficient application within the following timeframes, unless the applicant waives such timeframes in writing:
1. Within 5 business days after receiving a complete and sufficient application, for an applicant using a local government plans reviewer to obtain the following building permits for an existing single-family residential dwelling if the value of the work is less than $15,000: structural, accessory structure, alarm, electrical, gas, irrigation, landscaping, mechanical, plumbing, or roofing.
The change provides for a 5 day turn around for permits relating to single family residences where the value of the work is less than $15,000.00.
If signed by the Governor, these changes would take effect July 1, 2026. You can click here to view a full copy of HB 803 (2026).
About the Author
Jason Lambert is a Florida Board Certified Construction Attorney and Partner in the Construction Industry Practice Group at Hill Ward Henderson, in Tampa, Florida. He is also the founder and chief contributor to the Hammer & Gavel construction law blog. Jason focuses his practice on representing contractors, subcontractors, and materials suppliers throughout the state of Florida. Before law school, Jason spent a decade working in the construction industry, primarily as a project manager and operations director for both new construction and remodeling. He can be reached at jason.lambert@hwhlaw.com or 813-227-8495.
