Bill > H1477

This bill modifies the Florida Building Code enforcement regulations by requiring local governments to use excess fees collected from building code enforcement for specific purposes. Specifically, if a local government has excess funds beyond its average operating budget for building code enforcement, it must use those funds to perform necessary services or repairs on its stormwater management systems. If the local government determines its stormwater systems do not need improvements, it can alternatively use the excess funds to rebate fees, upgrade technology systems, construct a building for its building code enforcement agency, or fund training programs for building officials. The bill prohibits local governments from receiving state funds through local funding initiatives if they have such excess funds, and adds a provision that local governments become ineligible for additional state funds if they have been subject to a legislative committee audit within the past year or fail to submit required documentation. The bill also maintains existing restrictions on how building code enforcement fees can be used, ensuring they are only spent on direct building code-related activities and not on general government operations or unrelated programs. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to increase transparency and efficiency in how local governments manage building code enforcement revenues.

Government Affairs

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1477