Florida Legislature Considers Statewide Building Code Overhaul

TALLAHASSEE — A package of legislation moving through the Florida Legislature would make the most comprehensive revision to the Florida Building Code in two decades, consolidating outdated amendments, adopting 2024 International Building Code provisions, and creating a new expedited review track for critical infrastructure projects.

Senate Bill 1247, sponsored by Sen. Travis Hutchinson (R-Ocala), passed the Commerce and Tourism Committee on a 7-2 vote last week and is headed to the Appropriations Committee. The companion House bill, HB 889, has cleared two committees with bipartisan support.

The legislation directs the Florida Building Commission to complete a full harmonization of Florida’s building code with the 2024 edition of the International Building Code by January 2028. Current Florida code is based on the 2018 IBC with Florida-specific amendments that industry groups say have created confusion and added cost to projects crossing county lines.

“A contractor building a hospital in Hillsborough County and one in Pinellas County is dealing with different permit requirements for the same type of structure,” said Florida Surety Association Executive Director Carlos Mendez. “That makes no economic sense, and SB 1247 fixes it.”

The bill also creates a Building Code Advisory Panel, an industry-government body that would provide ongoing technical guidance to local building departments. The panel would include licensed architects, structural engineers, electrical engineers, general contractors, and code administrators.

The Florida League of Cities has expressed concerns about provisions that would limit local government authority to adopt stricter code provisions, arguing they conflict with home rule powers guaranteed in the Florida Constitution.

Author: James Rivera

Infrastructure Reporter. Covers FDOT contracts, highway expansion, and transit projects across Florida. Former civil engineer with 12 years in highway design before transitioning to construction journalism.