Florida Senate - 2014                      CS for CS for SB 1106
       
       
        
       By the Committees on Regulated Industries; and Community
       Affairs; and Senator Simpson
       
       
       
       
       580-04177-14                                          20141106c2
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to building construction; amending s.
    3         120.80, F.S.; providing exceptions to the prohibition
    4         against the Florida Building Commission accepting a
    5         petition for waiver or variance from the Florida
    6         Building Code; amending s. 162.12, F.S.; providing an
    7         additional method for local governments to provide
    8         notices to alleged code enforcement violators;
    9         amending s. 440.103, F.S.; authorizing an employer to
   10         present certain documents electronically or physically
   11         in order to show proof and certify to the permit
   12         issuer that it has secured compensation for its
   13         employees; authorizing site plans or electronically
   14         transferred building permits to be maintained at the
   15         worksite in their original form or by electronic copy;
   16         requiring such plans or permits to be open to
   17         inspection by the building official or authorized
   18         representative; amending s. 514.03, F.S.; requiring
   19         application for an operating permit before filing an
   20         application for a building permit for a public
   21         swimming pool; amending s. 514.031, F.S.; providing
   22         additional requirements for obtaining a public
   23         swimming pool operating permit; amending s. 553.37,
   24         F.S.; specifying inspection criteria for construction
   25         or modification of manufactured buildings or modules;
   26         amending s. 553.721, F.S.; revising the allocation of
   27         funds from the building permit surcharge; amending s.
   28         553.73, F.S.; authorizing an agency or local
   29         government to require rooftop equipment to be
   30         installed in compliance with the Florida Building Code
   31         if the equipment is being replaced or removed during
   32         reroofing and is not in compliance with the Florida
   33         Building Code’s roof-mounted mechanical units
   34         requirements; amending s. 553.77, F.S.; requiring the
   35         Florida Building Commission to provide criteria and
   36         procedures for granting variances from certain
   37         provisions of the Florida Building Code; requiring an
   38         applicant for a variance to meet certain criteria to
   39         receive a variance; requiring the Florida Building
   40         Commission to receive a recommendation from its
   41         Swimming Pool Technical Advisory Committee; requiring
   42         such committee to include certain membership; amending
   43         s. 553.775, F.S.; authorizing building officials,
   44         local enforcement agencies, and the Florida Building
   45         Commission to interpret the Florida Accessibility Code
   46         for Building Construction; specifying procedures for
   47         such interpretations; deleting provisions relating to
   48         declaratory statements and interpretations of the
   49         Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction,
   50         to conform; amending s. 553.79, F.S.; prohibiting a
   51         local enforcing agency from issuing a building permit
   52         for a public swimming pool without proof of
   53         application for an operating permit; requiring
   54         issuance of an operating permit before a certificate
   55         of completion or occupancy is issued; authorizing site
   56         plans or building permits to be maintained at the
   57         worksite in their original form or in the form of an
   58         electronic copy; requiring the permit to be open to
   59         inspection; amending s. 553.80, F.S.; requiring
   60         counties and municipalities to expedite building
   61         construction permitting, building plans review, and
   62         inspections of projects of certain public schools,
   63         rather than certain public school districts; amending
   64         s. 553.841, F.S.; revising education and training
   65         requirements of the Florida Building Code Compliance
   66         and Mitigation Program; creating s. 553.883, F.S.;
   67         authorizing use of smoke alarms powered by 10-year
   68         nonremovable, nonreplaceable batteries in certain
   69         circumstances; requiring use of such alarms by a
   70         certain date; amending s. 553.993, F.S.; revising the
   71         definition of the term “building energy-efficiency
   72         rating system” to require consistency with certain
   73         national standards for new construction and existing
   74         construction; providing for oversight; amending s.
   75         633.202, F.S.; exempting certain tents from the
   76         Florida Fire Prevention Code; amending s. 633.212,
   77         F.S.; removing the requirement that an alternate
   78         member of the Fire Code Interpretation Committee
   79         provide notice to the committee in order to respond to
   80         a nonbinding interpretation when a member is unable to
   81         respond; providing an effective date.
   82          
   83  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   84  
   85         Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subsection (16) of section
   86  120.80, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
   87         120.80 Exceptions and special requirements; agencies.—
   88         (16) FLORIDA BUILDING COMMISSION.—
   89         (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 120.542, the
   90  Florida Building Commission may not accept a petition for waiver
   91  or variance and may not grant any waiver or variance from the
   92  requirements of the Florida Building Code except for
   93  applications to waive the requirements of the Florida
   94  Accessibility Code for Building Construction provided under s.
   95  553.512 and for variances from the public swimming pool and
   96  public bathing places provisions of the Florida Building Code
   97  provided under s. 553.77(7).
   98         Section 2. Section 162.12, Florida Statutes, is amended to
   99  read:
  100         162.12 Notices.—
  101         (1) All notices required by this part must be provided to
  102  the alleged violator by:
  103         (a) Certified mail, and at the option of the local
  104  government return receipt requested, to the address listed in
  105  the tax collector’s office for tax notices or to the address
  106  listed in the county property appraiser’s database. The local
  107  government may also provide an additional notice to any other
  108  address it may find for the property owner. For property owned
  109  by a corporation, notices may be provided by certified mail to
  110  the registered agent of the corporation. If any notice sent by
  111  certified mail is not signed as received within 30 days after
  112  the postmarked date of mailing, notice may be provided by
  113  posting as described in subparagraphs (2)(b)1. and 2.;
  114         (b) Hand delivery by the sheriff or other law enforcement
  115  officer, code inspector, or other person designated by the local
  116  governing body;
  117         (c) Leaving the notice at the violator’s usual place of
  118  residence with any person residing therein who is above 15 years
  119  of age and informing such person of the contents of the notice;
  120  or
  121         (d) In the case of commercial premises, leaving the notice
  122  with the manager or other person in charge.
  123         (2) In addition to providing notice as set forth in
  124  subsection (1), at the option of the code enforcement board or
  125  the local government, notice may be served by publication or
  126  posting, as follows:
  127         (a)1. Such notice shall be published once during each week
  128  for 4 consecutive weeks (four publications being sufficient) in
  129  a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the code
  130  enforcement board is located. The newspaper shall meet such
  131  requirements as are prescribed under chapter 50 for legal and
  132  official advertisements.
  133         2. Proof of publication shall be made as provided in ss.
  134  50.041 and 50.051.
  135         (b)1. In lieu of publication as described in paragraph (a),
  136  such notice may be posted at least 10 days prior to the hearing,
  137  or prior to the expiration of any deadline contained in the
  138  notice, in at least two locations, one of which shall be the
  139  property upon which the violation is alleged to exist and the
  140  other of which shall be, in the case of municipalities, at the
  141  primary municipal government office, and in the case of
  142  counties, at the front door of the courthouse or the main county
  143  governmental center in said county.
  144         2. Proof of posting shall be by affidavit of the person
  145  posting the notice, which affidavit shall include a copy of the
  146  notice posted and the date and places of its posting.
  147         (c) Notice by publication or posting may run concurrently
  148  with, or may follow, an attempt or attempts to provide notice by
  149  hand delivery or by mail as required under subsection (1).
  150         (3) Evidence that an attempt has been made to hand deliver
  151  or mail notice as provided in subsection (1), together with
  152  proof of publication or posting as provided in subsection (2),
  153  shall be sufficient to show that the notice requirements of this
  154  part have been met, without regard to whether or not the alleged
  155  violator actually received such notice.
  156         Section 3. Section 440.103, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  157  read:
  158         440.103 Building permits; identification of minimum premium
  159  policy.—Every employer shall, as a condition to applying for and
  160  receiving a building permit, show proof and certify to the
  161  permit issuer that it has secured compensation for its employees
  162  under this chapter as provided in ss. 440.10 and 440.38. Such
  163  proof of compensation must be evidenced by a certificate of
  164  coverage issued by the carrier, a valid exemption certificate
  165  approved by the department, or a copy of the employer’s
  166  authority to self-insure and shall be presented, electronically
  167  or physically, each time the employer applies for a building
  168  permit. As provided in s. 553.79(19), for the purpose of
  169  inspection and record retention, site plans or building permits
  170  may be maintained at the worksite in the original form or in the
  171  form of an electronic copy. These plans and permits must be open
  172  to inspection by the building official or a duly authorized
  173  representative, as required by the Florida Building Code. As
  174  provided in s. 627.413(5), each certificate of coverage must
  175  show, on its face, whether or not coverage is secured under the
  176  minimum premium provisions of rules adopted by rating
  177  organizations licensed pursuant to s. 627.221. The words
  178  “minimum premium policy” or equivalent language shall be typed,
  179  printed, stamped, or legibly handwritten.
  180         Section 4. Section 514.03, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  181  read:
  182         514.03 Approval necessary to construct, develop, or modify
  183  public swimming pools or public bathing places.—
  184         (1) A person or public body desiring to construct, develop,
  185  or modify a public swimming pool must apply to the department
  186  for an operating permit before filing an application for a
  187  building permit under s. 553.79.
  188         (2) Local governments or local enforcement districts may
  189  determine compliance with the general construction standards of
  190  the Florida Building Code, pursuant to s. 553.80. Local
  191  governments or local enforcement districts may conduct plan
  192  reviews and inspections of public swimming pools and public
  193  bathing places for this purpose.
  194         Section 5. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
  195  514.031, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  196         514.031 Permit necessary to operate public swimming pool.—
  197         (1) It is unlawful for any person or public body to operate
  198  or continue to operate any public swimming pool without a valid
  199  permit from the department, such permit to be obtained in the
  200  following manner:
  201         (a) Any person or public body desiring to operate any
  202  public swimming pool shall file an application for an operating
  203  a permit with the department, on application forms provided by
  204  the department, and shall accompany such application with:
  205         1. A description of the structure, its appurtenances, and
  206  its operation.
  207         2.1.A description of the source or sources of water
  208  supply, and the amount and quality of water available and
  209  intended to be used.
  210         3.2.The method and manner of water purification,
  211  treatment, disinfection, and heating.
  212         4.3.The safety equipment and standards to be used.
  213         5. A copy of the final inspection from the local
  214  enforcement agency as defined in chapter 553.
  215         6.4. Any other pertinent information deemed necessary by
  216  the department.
  217         Section 6. Paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section
  218  553.37, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  219         553.37 Rules; inspections; and insignia.—
  220         (1) The Florida Building Commission shall adopt within the
  221  Florida Building Code requirements for construction or
  222  modification of manufactured buildings and building modules, to
  223  address:
  224         (c) Minimum Inspection criteria, which shall require the
  225  approved inspection agency to:
  226         1. Observe the first building built, or with regard to
  227  components, observe the first unit assembled, after
  228  certification of the manufacturer, from start to finish,
  229  inspecting all subsystems: electrical, plumbing, structural,
  230  mechanical, or thermal.
  231         2. Continue observation of the manufacturing process until
  232  the approved inspection agency determines that the
  233  manufacturer’s quality control program, in conjunction with the
  234  application of the plans approved by the approved inspection
  235  agency, will result in a building and components that meet or
  236  exceed the applicable Florida Building Code requirements.
  237         3. Thereafter, inspect each module produced during at least
  238  one point of the manufacturing process and inspect at least 75
  239  percent of the subsystems of each module: electrical, plumbing,
  240  structural, mechanical, or thermal.
  241         4. With respect to components, inspect at least 75 percent
  242  of the manufactured building components and at least 20 percent
  243  of the storage sheds that are not designed for human habitation
  244  and that have a floor area of 720 square feet or less.
  245         Section 7. Section 553.721, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  246  read:
  247         553.721 Surcharge.—In order for the Department of Business
  248  and Professional Regulation to administer and carry out the
  249  purposes of this part and related activities, there is created a
  250  surcharge, to be assessed at the rate of 1.5 percent of the
  251  permit fees associated with enforcement of the Florida Building
  252  Code as defined by the uniform account criteria and specifically
  253  the uniform account code for building permits adopted for local
  254  government financial reporting pursuant to s. 218.32. The
  255  minimum amount collected on any permit issued shall be $2. The
  256  unit of government responsible for collecting a permit fee
  257  pursuant to s. 125.56(4) or s. 166.201 shall collect the
  258  surcharge and electronically remit the funds collected to the
  259  department on a quarterly calendar basis for the preceding
  260  quarter and continuing each third month thereafter. The unit of
  261  government shall retain 10 percent of the surcharge collected to
  262  fund the participation of building departments in the national
  263  and state building code adoption processes and to provide
  264  education related to enforcement of the Florida Building Code.
  265  All funds remitted to the department pursuant to this section
  266  shall be deposited in the Professional Regulation Trust Fund.
  267  Funds collected from the surcharge shall be allocated to fund
  268  the Florida Building Commission, and the Florida Building Code
  269  Compliance and Mitigation Program under s. 553.841, and the
  270  Future Builders of America program. Beginning in the 2013-2014
  271  fiscal year, Funds allocated to the Florida Building Code
  272  Compliance and Mitigation Program shall be $925,000 each fiscal
  273  year. Beginning in the 2014-2015 fiscal year, funds allocated to
  274  the Future Builders of America program shall be $250,000 each
  275  fiscal year. The funds collected from the surcharge may not be
  276  used to fund research on techniques for mitigation of radon in
  277  existing buildings. Funds used by the department as well as
  278  funds to be transferred to the Department of Health shall be as
  279  prescribed in the annual General Appropriations Act. The
  280  department shall adopt rules governing the collection and
  281  remittance of surcharges pursuant to chapter 120.
  282         Section 8. Subsection (15) of section 553.73, Florida
  283  Statutes, is amended to read:
  284         553.73 Florida Building Code.—
  285         (15) An agency or local government may not require that
  286  existing mechanical equipment located on or above the surface of
  287  a roof be installed in compliance with the requirements of the
  288  Florida Building Code except when until the equipment is being
  289  required to be removed or replaced or moved during reroofing and
  290  is not in compliance with the provisions of the Florida Building
  291  Code relating to roof-mounted mechanical units.
  292         Section 9. Subsection (7) is added to section 553.77,
  293  Florida Statutes, to read:
  294         553.77 Specific powers of the commission.—
  295         (7) The commission shall provide criteria and procedures
  296  for granting variances from the provisions in the Florida
  297  Building Code relating to public swimming pools and public
  298  bathing places. After receiving a request for a variance from a
  299  pool owner or his, her, or its representative to relieve a
  300  hardship, the commission may grant a variance only if it is
  301  shown that the hardship was not caused intentionally by the
  302  action of the applicant, that no reasonable alternative exists,
  303  and that the health and safety of pool patrons is not at risk.
  304  Applications must be approved, approved with conditions, or
  305  denied based on a majority vote of the commission. Before
  306  voting, the commission must receive a recommendation from its
  307  Swimming Pool Technical Advisory Committee. The advisory
  308  committee membership must include a representative of the
  309  Department of Health who has knowledge and understanding of
  310  swimming pool regulations.
  311         Section 10. Section 553.775, Florida Statutes, is amended
  312  to read:
  313         553.775 Interpretations.—
  314         (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Florida
  315  Building Code and the Florida Accessibility Code for Building
  316  Construction be interpreted by building officials, local
  317  enforcement agencies, and the commission in a manner that
  318  protects the public safety, health, and welfare at the most
  319  reasonable cost to the consumer by ensuring uniform
  320  interpretations throughout the state and by providing processes
  321  for resolving disputes regarding interpretations of the Florida
  322  Building Code and the Florida Accessibility Code for Building
  323  Construction which are just and expeditious.
  324         (2) Local enforcement agencies, local building officials,
  325  state agencies, and the commission shall interpret provisions of
  326  the Florida Building Code and the Florida Accessibility Code for
  327  Building Construction in a manner that is consistent with
  328  declaratory statements and interpretations entered by the
  329  commission, except that conflicts between the Florida Fire
  330  Prevention Code and the Florida Building Code shall be resolved
  331  in accordance with s. 553.73(11)(c) and (d).
  332         (3) The following procedures may be invoked regarding
  333  interpretations of the Florida Building Code or the Florida
  334  Accessibility Code for Building Construction:
  335         (a) Upon written application by any substantially affected
  336  person or state agency or by a local enforcement agency, the
  337  commission shall issue declaratory statements pursuant to s.
  338  120.565 relating to the enforcement or administration by local
  339  governments of the Florida Building Code or the Florida
  340  Accessibility Code for Building Construction.
  341         (b) When requested in writing by any substantially affected
  342  person or state agency or by a local enforcement agency, the
  343  commission shall issue a declaratory statement pursuant to s.
  344  120.565 relating to this part and ss. 515.25, 515.27, 515.29,
  345  and 515.37. Actions of the commission are subject to judicial
  346  review under s. 120.68.
  347         (c) The commission shall review decisions of local building
  348  officials and local enforcement agencies regarding
  349  interpretations of the Florida Building Code or the Florida
  350  Accessibility Code for Building Construction after the local
  351  board of appeals has considered the decision, if such board
  352  exists, and if such appeals process is concluded within 25
  353  business days.
  354         1. The commission shall coordinate with the Building
  355  Officials Association of Florida, Inc., to designate panels
  356  composed of five members to hear requests to review decisions of
  357  local building officials. The members must be licensed as
  358  building code administrators under part XII of chapter 468 and
  359  must have experience interpreting and enforcing provisions of
  360  the Florida Building Code and the Florida Accessibility Code for
  361  Building Construction.
  362         2. Requests to review a decision of a local building
  363  official interpreting provisions of the Florida Building Code or
  364  the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction may be
  365  initiated by any substantially affected person, including an
  366  owner or builder subject to a decision of a local building
  367  official or an association of owners or builders having members
  368  who are subject to a decision of a local building official. In
  369  order to initiate review, the substantially affected person must
  370  file a petition with the commission. The commission shall adopt
  371  a form for the petition, which shall be published on the
  372  Building Code Information System. The form shall, at a minimum,
  373  require the following:
  374         a. The name and address of the county or municipality in
  375  which provisions of the Florida Building Code or the Florida
  376  Accessibility Code for Building Construction are being
  377  interpreted.
  378         b. The name and address of the local building official who
  379  has made the interpretation being appealed.
  380         c. The name, address, and telephone number of the
  381  petitioner; the name, address, and telephone number of the
  382  petitioner’s representative, if any; and an explanation of how
  383  the petitioner’s substantial interests are being affected by the
  384  local interpretation of the Florida Building Code or the Florida
  385  Accessibility Code for Building Construction.
  386         d. A statement of the provisions of the Florida Building
  387  Code or the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction
  388  which are being interpreted by the local building official.
  389         e. A statement of the interpretation given to provisions of
  390  the Florida Building Code or the Florida Accessibility Code for
  391  Building Construction by the local building official and the
  392  manner in which the interpretation was rendered.
  393         f. A statement of the interpretation that the petitioner
  394  contends should be given to the provisions of the Florida
  395  Building Code or the Florida Accessibility Code for Building
  396  Construction and a statement supporting the petitioner’s
  397  interpretation.
  398         g. Space for the local building official to respond in
  399  writing. The space shall, at a minimum, require the local
  400  building official to respond by providing a statement admitting
  401  or denying the statements contained in the petition and a
  402  statement of the interpretation of the provisions of the Florida
  403  Building Code or the Florida Accessibility Code for Building
  404  Construction which the local jurisdiction or the local building
  405  official contends is correct, including the basis for the
  406  interpretation.
  407         3. The petitioner shall submit the petition to the local
  408  building official, who shall place the date of receipt on the
  409  petition. The local building official shall respond to the
  410  petition in accordance with the form and shall return the
  411  petition along with his or her response to the petitioner within
  412  5 days after receipt, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal
  413  holidays. The petitioner may file the petition with the
  414  commission at any time after the local building official
  415  provides a response. If no response is provided by the local
  416  building official, the petitioner may file the petition with the
  417  commission 10 days after submission of the petition to the local
  418  building official and shall note that the local building
  419  official did not respond.
  420         4. Upon receipt of a petition that meets the requirements
  421  of subparagraph 2., the commission shall immediately provide
  422  copies of the petition to a panel, and the commission shall
  423  publish the petition, including any response submitted by the
  424  local building official, on the Building Code Information System
  425  in a manner that allows interested persons to address the issues
  426  by posting comments.
  427         5. The panel shall conduct proceedings as necessary to
  428  resolve the issues; shall give due regard to the petitions, the
  429  response, and to comments posed on the Building Code Information
  430  System; and shall issue an interpretation regarding the
  431  provisions of the Florida Building Code or the Florida
  432  Accessibility Code for Building Construction within 21 days
  433  after the filing of the petition. The panel shall render a
  434  determination based upon the Florida Building Code or the
  435  Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction or, if the
  436  code is ambiguous, the intent of the code. The panel’s
  437  interpretation shall be provided to the commission, which shall
  438  publish the interpretation on the Building Code Information
  439  System and in the Florida Administrative Register. The
  440  interpretation shall be considered an interpretation entered by
  441  the commission, and shall be binding upon the parties and upon
  442  all jurisdictions subject to the Florida Building Code or the
  443  Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction, unless it
  444  is superseded by a declaratory statement issued by the Florida
  445  Building Commission or by a final order entered after an appeal
  446  proceeding conducted in accordance with subparagraph 7.
  447         6. It is the intent of the Legislature that review
  448  proceedings be completed within 21 days after the date that a
  449  petition seeking review is filed with the commission, and the
  450  time periods set forth in this paragraph may be waived only upon
  451  consent of all parties.
  452         7. Any substantially affected person may appeal an
  453  interpretation rendered by a hearing officer panel by filing a
  454  petition with the commission. Such appeals shall be initiated in
  455  accordance with chapter 120 and the uniform rules of procedure
  456  and must be filed within 30 days after publication of the
  457  interpretation on the Building Code Information System or in the
  458  Florida Administrative Register. Hearings shall be conducted
  459  pursuant to chapter 120 and the uniform rules of procedure.
  460  Decisions of the commission are subject to judicial review
  461  pursuant to s. 120.68. The final order of the commission is
  462  binding upon the parties and upon all jurisdictions subject to
  463  the Florida Building Code or the Florida Accessibility Code for
  464  Building Construction.
  465         8. The burden of proof in any proceeding initiated in
  466  accordance with subparagraph 7. is on the party who initiated
  467  the appeal.
  468         9. In any review proceeding initiated in accordance with
  469  this paragraph, including any proceeding initiated in accordance
  470  with subparagraph 7., the fact that an owner or builder has
  471  proceeded with construction may not be grounds for determining
  472  an issue to be moot if the issue is one that is likely to arise
  473  in the future.
  474  
  475  This paragraph provides the exclusive remedy for addressing
  476  requests to review local interpretations of the Florida Building
  477  Code or the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction
  478  and appeals from review proceedings.
  479         (d) Upon written application by any substantially affected
  480  person, contractor, or designer, or a group representing a
  481  substantially affected person, contractor, or designer, the
  482  commission shall issue or cause to be issued a formal
  483  interpretation of the Florida Building Code or the Florida
  484  Accessibility Code for Building Construction as prescribed by
  485  paragraph (c).
  486         (e) Local decisions declaring structures to be unsafe and
  487  subject to repair or demolition are not subject to review under
  488  this subsection and may not be appealed to the commission if the
  489  local governing body finds that there is an immediate danger to
  490  the health and safety of the public.
  491         (f) Upon written application by any substantially affected
  492  person, the commission shall issue a declaratory statement
  493  pursuant to s. 120.565 relating to an agency’s interpretation
  494  and enforcement of the specific provisions of the Florida
  495  Building Code or the Florida Accessibility Code for Building
  496  Construction which the agency is authorized to enforce. This
  497  subsection does not provide any powers, other than advisory, to
  498  the commission with respect to any decision of the State Fire
  499  Marshal made pursuant to chapter 633.
  500         (g) The commission may designate a commission member who
  501  has demonstrated expertise in interpreting building plans to
  502  attend each meeting of the advisory council created in s.
  503  553.512. The commission member may vary from meeting to meeting,
  504  shall serve on the council in a nonvoting capacity, and shall
  505  receive per diem and expenses as provided in s. 553.74(3).
  506         (h) The commission shall by rule establish an informal
  507  process of rendering nonbinding interpretations of the Florida
  508  Building Code and the Florida Accessibility Code for Building
  509  Construction. The commission is specifically authorized to refer
  510  interpretive issues to organizations that represent those
  511  engaged in the construction industry. The commission shall
  512  immediately implement the process before completing formal
  513  rulemaking. It is the intent of the Legislature that the
  514  commission create a process to refer questions to a small,
  515  rotating group of individuals licensed under part XII of chapter
  516  468, to which a party may pose questions regarding the
  517  interpretation of code provisions. It is the intent of the
  518  Legislature that the process provide for the expeditious
  519  resolution of the issues presented and publication of the
  520  resulting interpretation on the Building Code Information
  521  System. Such interpretations shall be advisory only and
  522  nonbinding on the parties and the commission.
  523         (4) In order to administer this section, the commission may
  524  adopt by rule and impose a fee for filing requests for
  525  declaratory statements and binding and nonbinding
  526  interpretations to recoup the cost of the proceedings which may
  527  not exceed $125 for each request for a nonbinding interpretation
  528  and $250 for each request for a binding review or
  529  interpretation. For proceedings conducted by or in coordination
  530  with a third party, the rule may provide that payment be made
  531  directly to the third party, who shall remit to the department
  532  that portion of the fee necessary to cover the costs of the
  533  department.
  534         (5) The commission may render declaratory statements in
  535  accordance with s. 120.565 relating to the provisions of the
  536  Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction not
  537  attributable to the Americans with Disabilities Act
  538  Accessibility Guidelines. Notwithstanding the other provisions
  539  of this section, the Florida Accessibility Code for Building
  540  Construction and chapter 11 of the Florida Building Code may not
  541  be interpreted by, and are not subject to review under, any of
  542  the procedures specified in this section. This subsection has no
  543  effect upon the commission’s authority to waive the Florida
  544  Accessibility Code for Building Construction as provided by s.
  545  553.512.
  546         Section 11. Present subsections (11) through (18) of
  547  section 553.79, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as
  548  subsections (12) through (19), respectively, a new subsection
  549  (11) is added to that section, and present subsection (18) is
  550  amended, to read:
  551         553.79 Permits; applications; issuance; inspections.—
  552         (11) The local enforcing agency may not issue a building
  553  permit to construct, develop, or modify a public swimming pool
  554  without proof of application for an operating permit under s.
  555  514.031. A certificate of completion or occupancy may not be
  556  issued until such operating permit is issued.
  557         (19)(18) For the purpose of inspection and record
  558  retention, site plans or building permits for a building may be
  559  maintained in the original form or in the form of an electronic
  560  copy at the worksite. These plans and permits must be open to
  561  inspection by the building official or a duly authorized
  562  representative, as required by the Florida Building Code.
  563         Section 12. Paragraph (b) of subsection (6) of section
  564  553.80, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  565         553.80 Enforcement.—
  566         (6) Notwithstanding any other law, state universities,
  567  community colleges, and public school districts shall be subject
  568  to enforcement of the Florida Building Code under this part.
  569         (b) If a state university, state community college, or
  570  public school district elects to use a local government’s code
  571  enforcement offices:
  572         1. Fees charged by counties and municipalities for
  573  enforcement of the Florida Building Code on buildings,
  574  structures, and facilities of state universities, state
  575  colleges, and public school districts may not be more than the
  576  actual labor and administrative costs incurred for plans review
  577  and inspections to ensure compliance with the code.
  578         2. Counties and municipalities shall expedite building
  579  construction permitting, building plans review, and inspections
  580  of projects of state universities, state community colleges, and
  581  public schools school districts that are subject to the Florida
  582  Building Code according to guidelines established by the Florida
  583  Building Commission.
  584         3. A party substantially affected by an interpretation of
  585  the Florida Building Code by the local government’s code
  586  enforcement offices may appeal the interpretation to the local
  587  government’s board of adjustment and appeal or to the commission
  588  under s. 553.775 if no local board exists. The decision of a
  589  local board is reviewable in accordance with s. 553.775.
  590  
  591  This part may not be construed to authorize counties,
  592  municipalities, or code enforcement districts to conduct any
  593  permitting, plans review, or inspections not covered by the
  594  Florida Building Code. Any actions by counties or municipalities
  595  not in compliance with this part may be appealed to the Florida
  596  Building Commission. The commission, upon a determination that
  597  actions not in compliance with this part have delayed permitting
  598  or construction, may suspend the authority of a county,
  599  municipality, or code enforcement district to enforce the
  600  Florida Building Code on the buildings, structures, or
  601  facilities of a state university, state community college, or
  602  public school district and provide for code enforcement at the
  603  expense of the state university, state community college, or
  604  public school district.
  605         Section 13. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 553.841,
  606  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  607         553.841 Building code compliance and mitigation program.—
  608         (1) The Legislature finds that knowledge and understanding
  609  by persons licensed or employed in the design and construction
  610  industries of the importance and need for complying with the
  611  Florida Building Code and related laws is vital to the public
  612  health, safety, and welfare of this state, especially for
  613  protecting consumers and mitigating damage caused by hurricanes
  614  to residents and visitors to the state. The Legislature further
  615  finds that the Florida Building Code can be effective only if
  616  all participants in the design and construction industries
  617  maintain a thorough knowledge of the code, code compliance and
  618  enforcement, duties related to consumers, and changes that
  619  additions thereto which improve construction standards, project
  620  completion, and compliance of design and construction to protect
  621  against consumer harm, storm damage, and other damage.
  622  Consequently, the Legislature finds that there is a need for a
  623  program to provide ongoing education and outreach activities
  624  concerning compliance with the Florida Building Code, the
  625  Florida Fire Prevention Code, construction plan and permitting
  626  requirements, construction liens, and hurricane mitigation.
  627         (2) The Department of Business and Professional Regulation
  628  shall administer a program, designated as the Florida Building
  629  Code Compliance and Mitigation Program, to develop, coordinate,
  630  and maintain education and outreach to persons required to
  631  comply with the Florida Building Code and related provisions as
  632  specified in subsection (1) and ensure consistent education,
  633  training, and communication of the code’s requirements,
  634  including, but not limited to, methods for design and
  635  construction compliance and mitigation of storm-related damage.
  636  The program shall also operate a clearinghouse through which
  637  design, construction, and building code enforcement licensees,
  638  suppliers, and consumers in this state may find others in order
  639  to exchange information relating to mitigation and facilitate
  640  repairs in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
  641         Section 14. Section 553.883, Florida Statutes, is created
  642  to read:
  643         553.883 Smoke alarms in one-family and two-family dwellings
  644  and townhomes.—One-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes
  645  undergoing a repair, or a level 1 alteration as defined in the
  646  Florida Building Code, may use smoke alarms powered by 10-year
  647  nonremovable, nonreplaceable batteries in lieu of retrofitting
  648  such dwelling with smoke alarms powered by the dwelling’s
  649  electrical system. Effective January 1, 2015, a battery-powered
  650  smoke alarm that is newly installed or replaces an existing
  651  battery-powered smoke alarm must be powered by a nonremovable,
  652  nonreplaceable battery that powers the alarm for at least 10
  653  years.
  654         Section 15. Subsection (3) of section 553.993, Florida
  655  Statutes, is amended to read:
  656         553.993 Definitions.—For purposes of this part:
  657         (3) “Building energy-efficiency rating system” means a
  658  whole building energy evaluation system that provides a reliable
  659  and scientifically-based analysis of a building’s energy
  660  consumption or energy features and allows a comparison to
  661  similar building types in similar climate zones where
  662  applicable. Specifically, the rating system shall use standard
  663  calculations, formulas, and scoring methods; be applicable
  664  nationally; compare a building to a clearly defined and
  665  researched baseline or benchmark; require qualified
  666  professionals to conduct the rating or assessment; and provide a
  667  labeling and recognition program with specific criteria or
  668  levels. Residential program benchmarks for new construction must
  669  be consistent with national building standards. Residential
  670  building program benchmarks for existing construction must be
  671  consistent with national home energy rating standards. The
  672  building energy-efficiency rating system shall require at least
  673  one level of oversight performed by an organized and balanced
  674  group of professionals with subject matter expertise in energy
  675  efficiency, energy rating, and evaluation methods established by
  676  the Residential Energy Services Network, the Commercial Energy
  677  Services Network, the Building Performance Institute, or the
  678  Florida Solar Energy Center.
  679         Section 16. Subsection (15) of section 633.202, Florida
  680  Statutes, is amended to read:
  681         633.202 Florida Fire Prevention Code.—
  682         (15)(a) For one-story or two-story structures that are less
  683  than 10,000 square feet, whose occupancy is defined in the
  684  Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as
  685  business or mercantile, a fire official shall enforce the wall
  686  fire-rating provisions for occupancy separation as defined in
  687  the Florida Building Code.
  688         (16)(a)(b) A structure, located on property that is
  689  classified for ad valorem purposes as agricultural, which is
  690  part of a farming or ranching operation, in which the occupancy
  691  is limited by the property owner to no more than 35 persons, and
  692  which is not used by the public for direct sales or as an
  693  educational outreach facility, is exempt from the Florida Fire
  694  Prevention Code, including the national codes and Life Safety
  695  Code incorporated by reference. This paragraph does not include
  696  structures used for residential or assembly occupancies, as
  697  defined in the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
  698         (b) A tent up to 30 feet by 30 feet is exempt from the
  699  Florida Fire Prevention Code, including the national codes
  700  incorporated by reference.
  701         Section 17. Subsection (1) of section 633.212, Florida
  702  Statutes, is amended to read:
  703         633.212 Legislative intent; informal interpretations of the
  704  Florida Fire Prevention Code.—It is the intent of the
  705  Legislature that the Florida Fire Prevention Code be interpreted
  706  by fire officials and local enforcement agencies in a manner
  707  that reasonably and cost-effectively protects the public safety,
  708  health, and welfare; ensures uniform interpretations throughout
  709  this state; and provides just and expeditious processes for
  710  resolving disputes regarding such interpretations. It is the
  711  further intent of the Legislature that such processes provide
  712  for the expeditious resolution of the issues presented and that
  713  the resulting interpretation of such issues be published on the
  714  website of the division.
  715         (1) The division shall by rule establish an informal
  716  process of rendering nonbinding interpretations of the Florida
  717  Fire Prevention Code. The division may contract with and refer
  718  interpretive issues to a third party, selected based upon cost
  719  effectiveness, quality of services to be performed, and other
  720  performance-based criteria, which has experience in interpreting
  721  and enforcing the Florida Fire Prevention Code. It is the intent
  722  of the Legislature that the division establish a Fire Code
  723  Interpretation Committee composed of seven persons and seven
  724  alternates, equally representing each area of the state, to
  725  which a party can pose questions regarding the interpretation of
  726  the Florida Fire Prevention Code provisions. The alternate
  727  member may respond to a nonbinding interpretation if a the
  728  member notifies the Fire Code Interpretation Committee that he
  729  or she is unable to respond.
  730         Section 18. This act shall take effect July 1, 2014.