SB 712 — Construction Regulations

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 a reference thereto;

reenacting ss.

177.073(4)(a), 468.621(1)(i) and (j), 471.033(1)(l), 481.225(1)(l), and 553.80(7)(a), F.S., relating to inspections performed for expedited approval of residential building permits before a final plat is recorded;

disciplinary proceedings against building code administrators and inspectors for performing building code inspection services without satisfying specified insurance requirements;

disciplinary proceedings against engineers for performing building code inspection services without satisfying specified insurance requirements;

disciplinary proceedings against registered architects for performing building code inspection services without satisfying specified insurance requirements;

and the refunding of certain fees due to specified reduced services provided by a local building official, respectively, to incorporate the amendment to s.

553.791, F.S., in references thereto;

Section 125.572, Florida Statutes, is created to read:Page 2 of 11 CODING:

125.572 Regulation of synthetic turf.— (1) As used in this section, the term “synthetic turf” means a manufactured product that resembles natural grass and is used as a surface for landscaping and recreational areas.

(2) The Department of Environmental Protection shall adopt Page 4 of 40 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25578-03099-25 2025712c22025712c1 minimumread: standards for the installation of synthetic turf on single-family residential properties 1 acre or less in size.

The125.572 standardsRegulation mustof takesynthetic intoturf.— account(1) materialAs type,used color,in permeability,this stormwatersection, management,the potableterm water“synthetic conservation,turf” watermeans quality,a proximitymanufactured toproduct treesthat andresembles othernatural vegetation,grass and otheris factorsused impactingas environmentala conditionssurface offor adjacentlandscaping properties.and recreational areas.

(2) The Department of Environmental Protection shall adopt minimum standards for the installation of synthetic turf on single-family residential properties 1 acre or less in size.

The standards must take into account material type, permeability, stormwater management, potable water conservation, water quality, proximity to trees and other vegetation, and other factors impacting environmental conditions of adjacent properties.

SectionPage 2.3 of 11 CODING:

Section 218.755, Florida Statutes, is created to read:

218.755 Prompt processing of change orders.—Beginning on or after July 1, 2025, if a local governmental entity receives from its contractor a price quote for a change order requested or issued by the local governmental entity for construction Page 5 of 40 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25578-03099-25 2025712c22025712c1 services,Section and2. the price quote conforms to all statutory requirements and contractual requirements for the project, the local governmental entity must approve or deny the price quote and send written notice of that decision to the contractor within 35 days after receipt of such quote.

ASection denial218.755, noticeFlorida mustStatutes, specifyis thecreated alleged deficiencies in the price quote and the actions necessary to remedyread: those deficiencies.

If218.755 thePrompt processing of change orders.—Beginning on or after July 1, 2025, if a local governmental entity failsreceives tofrom provideits the contractor with a noticeprice inquote compliancefor witha thischange section,order issued by the changelocal ordergovernmental entity, and the price quote areconforms deemedto approved,all statutory requirements and contractual requirements for the project, the local governmental entity must payapprove theor contractordeny the amountprice statedquote inand thesend pricewritten quotenotice uponof thethat completiondecision ofto the changecontractor order.within 30 days after receipt of such quote.

Any denial notice must specify the alleged deficiencies in the price quote and the actions necessary to remedy those deficiencies.

If the local governmental entity fails to provide such information on a denial notice, it is liable to the contractor for all additional labor, staffing, materials, supplies, equipment, and overhead associated with the change order.

(d) WhenPenalize scoring or evaluating bids for a public works project, penalize a bidder for performing a larger volume of construction work for the state or political subdivision or reward a bidder for performing a smaller volume of construction work for the state or political subdivision.

SectionPage 4.4 of 11 CODING:

Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section 399.035, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

399.035 Elevator accessibility requirements for the Page 6 of 40 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25578-03099-25 2025712c22025712c1 physicallySection handicapped.—4. (1) Each elevator, the installation of which is begun after October 1, 1990, must be made accessible to physically handicapped persons with the following requirements:

(b) Each elevator car interior must have a support rail on at least one wall.

All support rails must be smooth and have no sharp edges and must not be more than 1 1/2 inches thick or 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

At least one support rail Support rails must be continuous and a minimum length of 42 inches overall.

The inside surface of support rails must be 1 1/2 inches clear of the car wall.

The distance from the top of the support rail to the finished car floor must be at least 31 inches and not more than 33 inches.

Padded or tufted material or decorative materials such as wallpaper, vinyl, cloth, or the like may not be used on support rails.

Section 5.

Paragraphs (j), (k), and (l) of subsection (3) of section 489.105, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

489.105 Definitions.—As used in this part:

(3) “Contractor” means the person who is qualified for, and is only responsible for, the project contracted for and means, except as exempted in this part, the person who, for compensation, undertakes to, submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, demolish, subtract from, or improve any building or structure, including related improvements to real estate, for others or for resale to others;

and whose job scope is substantially similar to the job scope described in one of the paragraphs of this subsection.

For the purposes of regulation under this part, the term “demolish” applies only to demolition Page 7 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 of steel tanks more than 50 feet in height;

towers more than 50 feet in height;

other structures more than 50 feet in height;

and all buildings or residences.

Contractors are subdivided into two divisions, Division I, consisting of those contractors defined in paragraphs (a)-(c), and Division II, consisting of those contractors defined in paragraphs (d)-(q):

(j) “Commercial pool/spa contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work includes involves, but is not limited to, all phases of the construction, repair, renovation, remodel, deconstruction, and servicing of a any swimming pool, or hot tub, or spa, splash pad or other interactive water feature, decorative water feature, public bathing place, or swimming pool or spa appurtenance, whether public, private, or otherwise, regardless of use.

1.

The scope of such work includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

a.

The scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor.

b.

The connection, replacement, disconnection, or reconnection of power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical circuit disconnect means for swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature equipment.

c.

The installation of equipotential bonding;

swimming pool, spa, or hot tub lighting;

light transformers;

light conduit;

and any cleaning or sanitizing equipment that requires at least partial disassembling.

d.

The construction of uninhabitable equipment rooms or housing for swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature equipment for the protection of the equipment from Page 8 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 outside elements or preventing unauthorized access.

e.

The excavation and earthmoving required for the installation of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, or interactive water features and the operation of construction pumps for dewatering purposes for swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature excavation sites and draining swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, or interactive water features.

f.

The installation of rebar or similar support materials for swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature structures, and the shaping and shooting of gunite dry mix and wet mix, concrete, or similar product mix used in the construction of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, or interactive water features.

g.

The installation of fiberglass swimming pool, spa, or hot tub shells and vinyl swimming pool, spa, or hot tub liners.

h.

The application and removal of all interior swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature finishes.

i.

The construction, maintenance, or remodel of decorative or interactive water features, displays, or areas that use recirculated water, including fountains, waterfalls, and spray nozzles.

j.

The installation of all swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature piping, including, but not limited to, drain piping, perimeter piping, and circulation or filter piping used in the construction of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, or decorative or interactive water feature displays or areas.

k.

The construction and installation of retaining walls, concrete flatwork, pavers and bricks, and footings for the construction of a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive Page 9 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 water feature, whether newly constructed or additions to or remodels of existing swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, or interactive water features The installation, repair, or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, the installation of all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and also includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor.

2.

The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines, the installation or upgrade of dedicated electrical disconnect or electrical circuits, or any work inside a main electrical panel.

The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure;

however, 3.

The use usage of swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning does not require licensure unless such use the usage involves installation construction, modification, or replacement of such equipment.

Water treatment that does not require such equipment;

filter media changes;

or the cleaning of a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature, or its associated equipment, which does not affect the structural integrity of the swimming pool, spa, hot Page 10 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 tub, or interactive water feature, does not require a license.

In addition, a license is not required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in a way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment.

(k) “Residential pool/spa contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work is the same as a commercial pool/spa contractor under paragraph (j), except a residential pool/spa contractor may not construct any new commercial swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or public bathing place means a contractor whose scope of work involves, but is not limited to, the construction, repair, and servicing of a residential swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, regardless of use.

The scope of work includes the installation, repair, or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior finishes, the installation of package pool heaters, the installation of all perimeter piping and filter piping, and the construction of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and also includes the scope of work of a swimming pool/spa servicing contractor.

The scope of such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines.

The installation, construction, modification, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa requires licensure;

however, the usage of such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning does not require licensure unless the usage involves construction, modification, or replacement of such equipment.

Page 11 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 Water treatment that does not require such equipment does not require a license.

In addition, a license is not required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in a way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment.

(l) “Swimming pool/spa servicing contractor” means a contractor whose scope of work includes involves, but is not limited to, all aspects of the repair, renovation, remodeling, or and servicing of a swimming pool, or hot tub, or spa, splash pad or other interactive water feature, decorative water feature, public bathing place, or swimming pool or spa appurtenance, whether public or private, or otherwise, regardless of use.

1.

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

a.

The installation, repair, or replacement of all swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature equipment, including, but not limited to, pool pumps;

filters;

feeders;

controllers;

and swimming pool, spa, or hot tub heaters, whether electric, gas, or solar.

b.

The connection, replacement, disconnection, or reconnection of power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical circuit disconnect means for swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature equipment.

c.

The repair or replacement of equipotential bonding;

swimming pool, spa, or hot tub lighting;

light transformers;

light conduit;

and any cleaning or sanitizing equipment that requires at least partial disassembling.

d.

The repair of uninhabitable equipment rooms or housing Page 12 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 for swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature equipment.

e.

The repair or replacement of all perimeter piping and filter piping.

f.

The substantial or complete draining of a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub for repair or renovation and the operation of construction pumps for dewatering purposes for drained swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, or interactive water features.

g.

The removal and reapplication of all interior swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature finishes.

h.

The installation, repair, or replacement of all tile and coping for a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature the repair or replacement of existing equipment, any cleaning or equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling, excluding filter changes, and the installation of new pool/spa equipment, interior refinishing, the reinstallation or addition of pool heaters, the repair or replacement of all perimeter piping and filter piping, the repair of equipment rooms or housing for pool/spa equipment, and the substantial or complete draining of a swimming pool, or hot tub or spa, for the purpose of repair or renovation.

2.

The scope of the such work does not include direct connections to a sanitary sewer system or to potable water lines, the installation or upgrade of dedicated electrical disconnect or electrical circuits, or any work inside a main electrical panel.

The installation, construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of equipment permanently attached to and associated with the pool or spa for the purpose of water treatment or cleaning of the pool or spa Page 13 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 requires licensure;

however, 3.

The use usage of swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature such equipment for the purposes of water treatment or cleaning does not require licensure unless such use the usage involves installation construction, modification, substantial or complete disassembly, or replacement of such equipment.

Water treatment that does not require such equipment;

filter media changes;

or the cleaning of a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature, or its associated equipment which does not affect the structural integrity of the swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or interactive water feature does not require a license.

In addition, a license is not required for the cleaning of the pool or spa in a way that does not affect the structural integrity of the pool or spa or its associated equipment.

Section 6.

Paragraph (c) of subsection (3) of section 489.113, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

489.113 Qualifications for practice;

restrictions.— (3) A contractor shall subcontract all electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, swimming pool, and air-conditioning work, unless such contractor holds a state certificate or registration in the respective trade category, however:

(c) A general or building contractor may shall not be required to subcontract structural swimming pool or pool wet deck area work.

All other swimming pool work must shall be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed certified or registered swimming pool contractor.

For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “pool wet deck area” means the 4-foot-wide Page 14 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 unobstructed pool deck area around the outside of the pool water perimeter, curb, ladders, handrails, diving boards, diving towers, pool slides, waterfalls, water features, starting blocks, planters, or lifeguard chairs.

Section 7.

Section 8.5.

553.73 Florida Building Code.— (2)(a) The Florida Building Code shall contain provisions or requirements for public and private buildings, structures, and facilities relative to structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and gas systems, existing buildings, Page 155 of 4011 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25578-03099-25 2025712c22025712c1 (2)(a) The Florida Building Code shall contain provisions or requirements for public and private buildings, structures, and facilities relative to structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and gas systems, existing buildings, historical buildings, manufactured buildings, elevators, coastal construction, lodging facilities, food sales and food service facilities, health care facilities, including assisted living facilities, adult day care facilities, hospice residential and inpatient facilities and units, and facilities for the control of radiation hazards, public or private educational facilities, swimming pools, and correctional facilities and enforcement of and compliance with such provisions or requirements.

This restriction applies to both initial development and amendment of the Florida PageBuilding 16Code. of 40 CODING:

(b) By January 1, 2026, or the next update of the Florida Building Code, whichever occurs first, the commission shall amend the Florida Building Code to be consistent with the 2024 Page 6 of 11 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25578-03099-25 2025712c22025712c1 International Building Code.Code that recognizes tall mass timber as an allowable material for construction types IV-A, IV-B, IV-C, and IV-HT.

(b) By January 1, 2026, or the next update of the Florida Building Code, whichever occurs first, the commission shall amend the Florida Building Code to be consistent with the 2024 International Building Code that recognizes tall mass timber as an allowable material for construction types IV-A, IV-B, IV-C, and IV-HT.

Page(h) 17Storage sheds that are not designed for human habitation and that have a floor area of 40720 CODING:square feet or less are not required to comply with the mandatory wind-borne-debris- impact standards of the Florida Building Code.

In addition, such Page 7 of 11 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25578-03099-25 2025712c22025712c1 (h)buildings Storage sheds that are not400 designedsquare forfeet humanor habitationless and that haveare aintended floorfor areause ofin 720conjunction squarewith feetone- orand lesstwo-family residences are not requiredsubject to comply with the mandatorydoor wind-borne-debris-height impactand standardswidth requirements of the Florida Building Code.

In addition, such buildings that are 400 square feet or less and that are intended for use in conjunction with one- and two-family residences are not subject to the door height and width requirements of the Florida Building Code.

Is not connected to an offsite electric power or water Pagesupply. 18 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 supply.

(m) Any system or equipment, whether affixed or movable, which is located on property within a spaceport territory pursuantPage to8 s.of 11 CODING:

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words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 712 578-03099-25 2025712c1 pursuant to s.

PageSection 196. of 40 CODING:

WordsParagraph stricken(f) areof deletions;subsection (1) of section 553.79, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 Section 9.

Paragraph (f) of subsection (1) of 553.79, Florida Statutes, is amended, and subsection (11) of that section is reenacted, to read:

inspections.— (1) (f)Page A9 local government may not require a contract between a builder and an owner, any copies of such11 contract,CODING: or any associated document, including, but not limited to, letters of intent, material costs lists, labor costs, or overhead or profit statements, for the issuance of a building permit or as a requirement for the submission of a building permit application.

(11) Any state agency whose enabling legislation authorizes it to enforce provisions of the Florida Building Code may enter into an agreement with any other unit of government to delegate its responsibility to enforce those provisions and may expend public funds for permit and inspection fees, which fees may be no greater than the fees charged others.

Inspection services that are not required to be performed by a state agency under a federal delegation of responsibility or by a state agency under the Florida Building Code must be performed under the alternative plans review and inspection process created in s.

553.791 or by a local governmental entity having authority to enforce the Florida Building Code.

Section 10.

Paragraphs (l) and (q) of subsection (1) and subsections (5) through (8) of section 553.791, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

553.791 Alternative plans review and inspection.— (1) As used in this section, the term:

(l) “Permit application” means a properly completed and Page 20 of 40 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25578-03099-25 2025712c22025712c1 submitted(f) applicationA local government may not require a contract between a builder and an owner, any copies of such contract, or any associated document, including, but not limited to, letters of intent, material costs lists, labor costs, or overhead or profit statements, for the requestedissuance of a building permit or constructionas permit,a including:requirement for the submission of a building permit application.

1.Section 7.

The plans reviewed by the private provider, or in the case of a single-trade plan review where a private provider uses an automated or software-based plans review system pursuant to subsection (6), the information reviewed by the automated or software-based plans review system to determine compliance with one or more applicable codes.

2.

The affidavit from the private provider required under subsection (6).

3.

Any applicable fees.

4.

Any documents required by the local building official to determine that the fee owner has secured all other government approvals required by law.

(q) “Single-trade inspection” or “single-trade plans review” means any inspection or plans review focused on a single construction trade, such as plumbing, mechanical, or electrical.

The term includes, but is not limited to, inspections or plans review of door or window replacements;

fences and block walls more than 6 feet high from the top of the wall to the bottom of the footing;

stucco or plastering;

reroofing with no structural alteration;

solar energy and energy storage installations or alterations;

HVAC replacements;

ductwork or fan replacements;

alteration or installation of wiring, lighting, and service panels;

water heater changeouts;

sink replacements;

and repiping.

(5) After construction has commenced and if either the local building official is unable to provide inspection services in a timely manner or the work subject to inspection is related Page 21 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 to a single-trade inspection for a single-family or two-family dwelling, the fee owner or the fee owner’s contractor may elect to use a private provider to provide inspection services by notifying the local building official of the owner’s or contractor’s intention to do so by 2 p.m.

local time, 2 business days before the next scheduled inspection using the notice provided for in paragraphs (4)(a)-(c).

(6) A private provider performing plans review under this section shall review the plans to determine compliance with the applicable codes.

For single-trade plans reviews, a private provider may use an automated or software-based plans review system designed to determine compliance with one or more applicable codes, including, but not limited to, the National Electrical Code and the Florida Building Code.

Upon determining that the plans reviewed comply with the applicable codes, the private provider shall prepare an affidavit or affidavits certifying, under oath, that the following is true and correct to the best of the private provider’s knowledge and belief:

(a) The plans were reviewed by the affiant, who is duly authorized to perform plans review pursuant to this section and holds the appropriate license or certificate.

(b) The plans comply with the applicable codes.

Such affidavit may bear a written or electronic signature and may be submitted electronically to the local building official.

(7)(a) No more than 20 business days, or if the permit application is related to a single-trade plans review for a single-family or two-family dwelling, no more than 5 business days, after receipt of a permit application and the affidavit Page 22 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 from the private provider required pursuant to subsection (6), the local building official shall issue the requested permit or provide a written notice to the permit applicant identifying the specific plan features that do not comply with the applicable codes, as well as the specific code chapters and sections.

If the local building official does not provide a written notice of the plan deficiencies within the prescribed time 20-day period, the permit application must shall be deemed approved as a matter of law, and the permit must shall be issued by the local building official on the next business day.

(b) If the local building official provides a written notice of plan deficiencies to the permit applicant within the prescribed time 20-day period, the time 20-day period is shall be tolled pending resolution of the matter.

To resolve the plan deficiencies, the permit applicant may elect to dispute the deficiencies pursuant to subsection (15) or to submit revisions to correct the deficiencies.

(c) If the permit applicant submits revisions, the local building official has the remainder of the tolled time 20-day period plus 5 business days after from the date of resubmittal to issue the requested permit or to provide a second written notice to the permit applicant stating which of the previously identified plan features remain in noncompliance with the applicable codes, with specific reference to the relevant code chapters and sections.

Any subsequent review by the local building official is limited to the deficiencies cited in the written notice.

If the local building official does not provide the second written notice within the prescribed time period, the permit must shall be deemed approved as a matter of law, and the Page 23 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 local building official must issue the permit on the next business day.

(d) If the local building official provides a second written notice of plan deficiencies to the permit applicant within the prescribed time period, the permit applicant may elect to dispute the deficiencies pursuant to subsection (15) or to submit additional revisions to correct the deficiencies.

For all revisions submitted after the first revision, the local building official has an additional 5 business days after from the date of resubmittal to issue the requested permit or to provide a written notice to the permit applicant stating which of the previously identified plan features remain in noncompliance with the applicable codes, with specific reference to the relevant code chapters and sections.

(8) A private provider performing required inspections under this section shall inspect each phase of construction as required by the applicable codes.

Such inspection, including a single-trade inspection, may be performed in person in-person or virtually.

The private provider may have a duly authorized representative perform the required inspections, provided all required reports are prepared by and bear the written or electronic signature of the private provider or the private provider’s duly authorized representative.

The duly authorized representative must be an employee of the private provider entitled to receive reemployment assistance benefits under chapter 443.

The contractor’s contractual or legal obligations are not relieved by any action of the private provider.

Section 11.

Page497.271 24Standards for construction and significant alteration or renovation of 40mausoleums CODING:and columbaria.— (3) The licensing authority shall transmit the rules as adopted under subsection (2), hereinafter referred to as the “mausoleum standards,” to the Florida Building Commission, which shall initiate rulemaking under chapter 120 to consider such mausoleum standards.

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 497.271 Standards for construction and significant alteration or renovation of mausoleums and columbaria.— (3) The licensing authority shall transmit the rules as adopted under subsection (2), hereinafter referred to as the “mausoleum standards,” to the Florida Building Commission, which shall initiate rulemaking under chapter 120 to consider such mausoleum standards.

Such local enforcement agency shall consider and inspect for compliance with such mausoleum standards as if they were part of the local building code, but shall have no continuing duty to inspect after final approval of thePage construction10 pursuantof to11 theCODING: local building code.

Any further amendments to the mausoleum standards shall be accomplished by the same procedure.

Such designated mausoleum standards, as from time to time amended, shall be a part of the State Minimum Building Codes under s.

553.73 until the adoption and effective date of a new statewide uniform minimum building code, which may supersede the mausoleum standards as provided by the law enacting the new statewide uniform minimum building Page 25 of 40 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25578-03099-25 2025712c22025712c1 the construction pursuant to the local building code.

SectionAny 12.further amendments to the mausoleum standards shall be accomplished by the same procedure.

ForSuch thedesignated purposemausoleum ofstandards, incorporatingas thefrom amendmenttime made by this act to sectiontime 489.105,amended, Floridashall Statutes,be in a referencepart thereto, paragraph (b) of subsectionthe (4)State ofMinimum sectionBuilding 489.107,Codes Floridaunder Statutes,s. is reenacted to read:

489.107553.73 Constructionuntil Industrythe Licensingadoption Board.—and (4)effective Thedate boardof shalla benew dividedstatewide intouniform twominimum divisions,building Divisioncode, Iwhich andmay Divisionsupersede II.the mausoleum standards as provided by the law enacting the new statewide uniform minimum building code.

(b)Section Division8. II is comprised of the roofing contractor, sheet metal contractor, air-conditioning contractor, mechanical contractor, pool contractor, plumbing contractor, and underground utility and excavation contractor members of the board;

one of the members appointed pursuant to paragraph (2)(j);

and one of the members appointed pursuant to paragraph (2)(k).

Division II has jurisdiction over the regulation of contractors defined in s.

489.105(3)(d)-(p).

Section 13.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 489.105, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 489.113, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

489.113 Qualifications for practice;

restrictions.— (2) A person must be certified or registered in order to engage in the business of contracting in this state.

However, for purposes of complying with the provisions of this chapter, a subcontractor who is not certified or registered may perform construction work under the supervision of a person who is certified or registered, provided that the work is within the scope of the supervising contractor’s license, the supervising contractor is responsible for the work, and the subcontractor Page 26 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 being supervised is not engaged in construction work that would require a license as a contractor under any of the categories listed in s.

489.105(3)(d)-(o).

This subsection does not affect the application of any local construction licensing ordinances.

To enforce this subsection:

(a) The department shall issue a cease and desist order to prohibit any person from engaging in the business of contracting who does not hold the required certification or registration for the work being performed under this part.

For the purpose of enforcing a cease and desist order, the department may file a proceeding in the name of the state seeking issuance of an injunction or a writ of mandamus against any person who violates any provision of such order.

(b) A county, municipality, or local licensing board created by special act may issue a cease and desist order to prohibit any person from engaging in the business of contracting who does not hold the required certification or registration for the work being performed under this part.

Section 14.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 489.105, Florida Statutes, in references thereto, paragraph (a) of subsection (1), paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2), and paragraphs (a), (d), and (e) of subsection (4) of section 489.117, Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read:

489.117 Registration;

specialty contractors.— (1)(a) A person engaged in the business of a contractor as defined in s.

489.105(3)(a)-(o) must be registered before engaging in business as a contractor in this state, unless he or she is certified.

Except as provided in paragraph (2)(b), to be Page 27 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 initially registered, the applicant must submit the required fee and file evidence of successful compliance with the local examination and licensing requirements, if any, in the area for which registration is desired.

An examination is not required for registration.

(2)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), the board may not issue a new registration after July 1, 1993, based on any certificate of competency or license for a category of contractor defined in s.

489.105(3)(a)-(o) which is issued by a municipal or county government that does not exercise disciplinary control and oversight over such locally licensed contractors, including forwarding a recommended order in each action to the board as provided in s.

489.131(7).

For purposes of this subsection and s.

489.131(10), the board shall determine the adequacy of such disciplinary control by reviewing the local government’s ability to process and investigate complaints and to take disciplinary action against locally licensed contractors.

(b) The board shall issue a registration to an eligible applicant to engage in the business of a contractor in a specified local jurisdiction, provided each of the following conditions are satisfied:

1.

The applicant held, in any local jurisdiction in this state during 2021, 2022, or 2023, a certificate of registration issued by the state or a local license issued by a local jurisdiction to perform work in a category of contractor defined in s.

489.105(3)(a)-(o).

2.

The applicant submits all of the following to the board:

a.

Evidence of the certificate of registration or local Page 28 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 license held by the applicant as required by subparagraph 1.

b.

Evidence that the specified local jurisdiction does not have a license type available for the category of work for which the applicant was issued a certificate of registration or local license during 2021, 2022, or 2023, such as a notification on the website of the local jurisdiction or an e-mail or letter from the office of the local building official or local building department stating that such license type is not available in that local jurisdiction.

c.

Evidence that the applicant has submitted the required fee.

d.

Evidence of compliance with the insurance and financial responsibility requirements of s.

489.115(5).

An examination is not required for an applicant seeking a registration under this paragraph.

(4)(a)1.

A person whose job scope does not substantially correspond to either the job scope of one of the contractor categories defined in s.

489.105(3)(a)-(o), or the job scope of one of the certified specialty contractor categories established by board rule, is not required to register with the board.

A local government, as defined in s.

163.211, may not require a person to obtain a license, issued by the local government or the state, for a job scope which does not substantially correspond to the job scope of one of the contractor categories defined in s.

489.105(3)(a)-(o) and (q) or authorized in s.

489.1455(1), or the job scope of one of the certified specialty contractor categories established pursuant to s.

489.113(6).

A local government may not require a state or local license to Page 29 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 obtain a permit for such job scopes.

For purposes of this section, job scopes for which a local government may not require a license include, but are not limited to, painting;

flooring;

cabinetry;

interior remodeling when the scope of the project does not include a task for which a state license is required;

driveway or tennis court installation;

handyman services;

decorative stone, tile, marble, granite, or terrazzo installation;

plastering;

pressure washing;

stuccoing;

caulking;

and canvas awning and ornamental iron installation.

2.

A county that includes an area designated as an area of critical state concern under s.

380.05 may offer a license for any job scope which requires a contractor license under this part if the county imposed such a licensing requirement before January 1, 2021.

3.

A local government may continue to offer a license for veneer, including aluminum or vinyl gutters, siding, soffit, or fascia;

rooftop painting, coating, and cleaning above three stories in height;

or fence installation and erection if the local government imposed such a licensing requirement before January 1, 2021.

4.

A local government may not require a license as a prerequisite to submit a bid for public works projects if the work to be performed does not require a license under general law.

(d) Any person who is not required to obtain registration or certification pursuant to s.

489.105(3)(d)-(o) may perform contracting services for the construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of single-family residences, including a townhouse as defined in the Florida Building Code, without Page 30 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 obtaining a local license if such person is under the supervision of a certified or registered general, building, or residential contractor.

As used in this paragraph, supervision shall not be deemed to require the existence of a direct contract between the certified or registered general, building, or residential contractor and the person performing specialty contracting services.

(e) Any person who is not certified or registered may perform the work of a specialty contractor whose scope of practice is limited to the type of work specified under s.

489.105(3)(j), (k), or (l) for the construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of commercial or residential swimming pools, interactive water features as defined in the Florida Building Code, hot tubs, and spas without obtaining a local license or certification as a specialty contractor if he or she is supervised by a contractor who is certified or registered under s.

489.105(3)(j), (k), or (l);

the work is within the scope of the supervising contractor’s license;

the supervising contractor is responsible for the work;

and the work does not require certification or registration under s.

489.105(3)(d)- (i), (m)-(o), or s.

489.505.

Such supervision does not require a direct contract between the contractor certified or registered under s.

489.105(3)(j), (k), or (l) and the person performing the work, or for the person performing the work to be an employee of the contractor certified or registered under s.

489.105(3)(j), (k), or (l).

This paragraph does not limit the exemptions provided in s.

489.103 and may not be construed to expand the scope of a contractor certified or registered under s.

489.105(3)(j), (k), or (l) to provide plumbing or electrical Page 31 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 services for which certification or registration is required by this part or part II.

Section 15.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 489.105, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 489.118, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

489.118 Certification of registered contractors;

grandfathering provisions.—The board shall, upon receipt of a completed application and appropriate fee, issue a certificate in the appropriate category to any contractor registered under this part who makes application to the board and can show that he or she meets each of the following requirements:

(1) Currently holds a valid registered local license in one of the contractor categories defined in s.

489.105(3)(a)-(p).

Section 16.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 489.105, Florida Statutes, in references thereto, subsections (10) and (11) of section 489.131, Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read:

489.131 Applicability.— (10) No municipal or county government may issue any certificate of competency or license for any contractor defined in s.

489.105(3)(a)-(o) after July 1, 1993, unless such local government exercises disciplinary control and oversight over such locally licensed contractors, including forwarding a recommended order in each action to the board as provided in subsection (7).

Each local board that licenses and disciplines contractors must have at least two consumer representatives on that board.

If the board has seven or more members, at least three of those members must be consumer representatives.

The Page 32 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 consumer representative may be any resident of the local jurisdiction who is not, and has never been, a member or practitioner of a profession regulated by the board or a member of any closely related profession.

(11) Any municipal or county government which enters or has in place a reciprocal agreement which accepts a certificate of competency or license issued by another municipal or county government in lieu of its own certificate of competency or license allowing contractors defined in s.

489.105(3)(a)-(o), shall file a certified copy of such agreement with the board not later than 60 days after July 1, 1993, or 30 days after the effective date of such agreement.

Section 17.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 489.105, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 489.141, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

489.141 Conditions for recovery;

eligibility.— (2) A claimant is not qualified to make a claim for recovery from the recovery fund if:

(a) The claimant is the spouse of the judgment debtor or licensee or a personal representative of such spouse;

(b) The claimant is a licensee who acted as the contractor in the transaction that is the subject of the claim;

(c) The claim is based upon a construction contract in which the licensee was acting with respect to the property owned or controlled by the licensee;

(d) The claim is based upon a construction contract in which the contractor did not hold a valid and current license at the time of the construction contract;

Page 33 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 (e) The claimant was associated in a business relationship with the licensee other than the contract at issue;

or (f) The claimant had entered into a contract with a licensee to perform a scope of work described in s.

489.105(3)(d)-(q) before July 1, 2016.

Section 18.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 489.105, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (3) of section 514.0315, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

514.0315 Required safety features for public swimming pools and spas.— (3) The determination and selection of a feature under subsection (2) for a public swimming pool or spa constructed before January 1, 1993, is at the sole discretion of the owner or operator of the public swimming pool or spa.

A licensed contractor described in s.

489.105(3)(j), (k), or (l) must install the feature.

Section 19.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 489.105, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, section 514.075, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

514.075 Public pool service technician;

certification.—The department may require that a public pool, as defined in s.

514.011, be serviced by a person certified as a pool service technician.

To be certified, an individual must demonstrate knowledge of public pools which includes, but is not limited to:

pool cleaning;

general pool maintenance;

source of the water supply;

bacteriological, chemical, and physical quality of water;

and water purification, testing, treatment, and Page 34 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 disinfection procedures.

The department may, by rule, establish the requirement for the certification course and course approval.

The department shall deem certified any individual who is certified by a course of national recognition or any person licensed under s.

489.105(3)(j), (k), or (l).

This requirement does not apply to a person, or the direct employee of a person, permitted as a public pool operator under s.

514.031.

Section 20.

Section 21.9.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 553.791, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of section 177.073, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

177.073 Expedited approval of residential building permits before a final plat is recorded.— (4)(a) An applicant may use a private provider pursuant to Page 35 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 s.

553.791 to expedite the application process for building permits after a preliminary plat is approved under this section.

Section 22.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 553.791, Florida Statutes, in references thereto, paragraphs (i) and (j) of subsection (1) of section 468.621, Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read:

468.621 Disciplinary proceedings.— (1) The following acts constitute grounds for which the disciplinary actions in subsection (2) may be taken:

(i) Failing to lawfully execute the duties and responsibilities specified in this part and ss.

553.73, 553.781, 553.79, and 553.791.

(j) Performing building code inspection services under s.

553.791 without satisfying the insurance requirements of that section.

Section 23.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 553.791, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, paragraph (l) of subsection (1) of section 471.033, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

471.033 Disciplinary proceedings.— (1) The following acts constitute grounds for which the disciplinary actions in subsection (3) may be taken:

(l) Performing building code inspection services under s.

553.791, without satisfying the insurance requirements of that section.

Section 24.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 553.791, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, paragraph (l) of subsection (1) of section 481.225, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

Page 36 of 40 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 712 601-03616-25 2025712c2 481.225 Disciplinary proceedings against registered architects.— (1) The following acts constitute grounds for which the disciplinary actions in subsection (3) may be taken:

(l) Performing building code inspection services under s.

553.791, without satisfying the insurance requirements of that section.

Section 25.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 553.791, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, paragraph (a) of subsection (7) of section 553.80, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

553.80 Enforcement.— (7)(a) The governing bodies of local governments may provide a schedule of reasonable fees, as authorized by s.

125.56(2) or s.

166.222 and this section, for enforcing this part.

These fees, and any fines or investment earnings related to the fees, may only be used for carrying out the local government’s responsibilities in enforcing the Florida Building Code.

When providing a schedule of reasonable fees, the total estimated annual revenue derived from fees, and the fines and investment earnings related to the fees, may not exceed the total estimated annual costs of allowable activities.

Any unexpended balances must be carried forward to future years for allowable activities or must be refunded at the discretion of the local government.

A local government may not carry forward an amount exceeding the average of its operating budget for enforcing the Florida Building Code for the previous 4 fiscal years.

For purposes of this subsection, the term “operating budget” does not include reserve amounts.

Any amount exceeding Page 37 of 40 CODING:

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