summary
Introduced
12/18/2025
12/18/2025
In Committee
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to home backup power systems; amending s. 553.73, F.S.; prohibiting a local government from adopting a technical amendment to the Florida Building Code which requires a permit or any functionally equivalent local review or approval for certain backup power systems; amending s. 553.79, F.S.; prohibiting a local government that issues building permits from requiring an owner of a single-family dwelling or such owner’s contractor to obtain a building permit to perform work on the single-family lot valued at less than a specified sum; providing exceptions; requiring a contractor who performs work that does not require a permit to keep a written record of certain information; creating s. 553.7923, F.S.; prohibiting a local enforcement agency from requiring a permit or any functionally equivalent local review or approval for the installation, relocation, replacement, or repair of an eligible residential backup power system; defining the term “backup power system”; providing applicability; prohibiting a county, municipality, or special district from adopting or enforcing any ordinance, rule, or measure that regulates the installation of backup power systems beyond the standards of the Florida Building Code or the Florida Fire Prevention Code; authorizing a local enforcement agency to conduct inspections of a backup power system to verify compliance with the Florida Building Code or the Florida Fire Prevention Code; providing construction; authorizing the owner or installing contractor to hire a private provider to perform such inspections; authorizing such inspections to be conducted in person or virtually; requiring the local enforcement agency to issue a written correction notice for noncompliance; authorizing the local enforcement agency to issue a stop-work order to address certain hazards; requiring the local enforcement agency to offer a reinspection date within a specified timeframe; authorizing the owner or installing contractor to submit a completed private provider inspection report if the local enforcement agency fails to reinspect the property within such timeframe; providing that such a private provider inspection report submission constitutes acceptance of the inspection report by the local enforcement agency; providing that the failed inspection of a backup power system may not be the sole basis for withholding or revoking a certificate of occupancy for existing occupied dwellings; providing a remedy for such failed inspections; authorizing a private provider to complete the inspection and complete a certificate of compliance; providing construction; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes new regulations for home backup power systems in Florida, making it easier for homeowners to install and maintain these systems with minimal bureaucratic interference. The bill prohibits local governments from requiring permits or extensive reviews for backup power systems that meet specific criteria, defining such systems as equipment capable of providing up to 50 kilowatts of power or having up to 100 kilowatt-hours of energy storage for residential use. Local governments are barred from creating additional regulations beyond the existing Florida Building Code and Fire Prevention Code, though they may conduct inspections to ensure compliance. The bill also allows contractors to perform work valued under $7,500 on single-family dwelling lots without obtaining a building permit, with the exception of electrical, plumbing, or structural work. Contractors must maintain written records of such work and are required to be licensed. The legislation provides flexibility for inspections, allowing them to be conducted in-person or virtually, and establishes a process for addressing any compliance issues, including provisions that prevent a failed backup power system inspection from being the sole reason for withholding a certificate of occupancy. The bill aims to streamline the installation and maintenance of backup power systems while maintaining basic safety standards, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Now in Regulated Industries (on 02/04/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/968 |
| Analysis - Community Affairs (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/968/Analyses/2026s00968.ca.PDF |
| Analysis - Community Affairs (Pre-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/968/Analyses/2026s00968.pre.ca.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/968/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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