Enforcement of the Florida Building Code

Limits on Florida building permit fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida limits how local governments collect, save, and spend building-code enforcement money. Estimated annual revenue from fees, fines, and related investment earnings cannot exceed estimated annual costs of allowed activities. Fees must reflect services provided, apply consistently, and allow refunds or credits for qualifying reduced services under state law. Allowed costs include plan reviews, permits, inspections, reinspections, code enforcement, and fire inspections tied to new construction. Reasonable indirect costs and code-enforcement training are also allowed, but training cannot be paid twice through different user fees. Unspent money must be carried forward for allowed activities or refunded at the local government's discretion. Carryforward is capped at the average enforcement operating budget for the previous four fiscal years, excluding reserves. An exception covers governments with a five-member construction-industry advisory board established by January 1, 2019; excess balances need board recommendation. Money that cannot be carried forward can fund rebates, lower fees, service-improving technology, or training—not buildings for enforcement agencies. Owners, builders, and their associations with valid permits can sue the issuing government to enforce excess-fund refund or fee-reduction rules. Enforcement money cannot fund unrelated planning, zoning, general government work, public information requests, community functions, boards, or programs. It also cannot subsidize free or reduced-fee public-building inspections or unrelated local ordinances; valid code-related local rules remain allowed. Local governments must use recognized management, accounting, and oversight practices to protect these funds. Enforcement agencies and districts cannot charge extra for license proof or filing, workers' compensation insurance evidence, or unrelated surcharges.