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This article summarizes Florida Statutes §553.791 as amended through 2026 (Chapter 2026-63, effective July 1, 2026). It is general information, not legal advice. Every project is different. Talk to our team about yours.
If you’ve waited weeks for a plan review or days for an inspection slot, you already understand the problem Florida’s private provider law was written to solve. Florida Statutes §553.791 lets a property owner, or the owner’s contractor with the owner’s written authorization, hire a licensed private provider to perform plan review and required building inspections in place of the local building department.
Who can be a private provider?
Under the statute, a private provider is a person licensed in Florida as a:
- Building code administrator (Chapter 468, Part XII)
- Professional engineer (Chapter 471)
- Architect (Chapter 481)
For residential additions and alterations of 1,000 square feet or less, a person holding a standard inspector certificate may also inspect as a private provider. Private providers may only work within the disciplines covered by their license, and they can’t inspect a building their own firm designed or built.
What can a private provider do?
- Plan review. Reviews your plans for compliance with the Florida Building Code and signs an affidavit that they comply.
- Required inspections. Inspects each phase of construction, in person or virtually, including after hours, weekends and holidays.
- Closeout. Issues a certificate of compliance so the building official can issue your certificate of occupancy or completion.
You can use a private provider for plan review, inspections, or both.
What does the building department still do?
You still get your permit, certificate of occupancy and certificate of completion from the local building department. The building official may still review your project for local ordinances, floodplain management, site requirements and other approvals unrelated to building code compliance. Fire prevention and firesafety codes adopted under Chapter 633 are not part of the private provider process (see Florida Statute 553.791 Explained).
Why owners and contractors use private providers
- Speed. The statute gives building officials fixed deadlines once a private provider is involved. If the deadline passes without a written notice, the permit is deemed approved.
- Scheduling. Inspections happen when your project is ready, not when a municipal slot opens.
- Lower permit fees. Jurisdictions must reduce permit fees for the services they no longer perform (see permit fee reductions).
- A consistent team. You work with the same reviewers and inspectors from plans to closeout.
Next steps
See how the private provider process works step by step, or compare a private provider vs. the building department.
Talk to a licensed private provider
Florida Private Providers offers 3-day plan review, same-day inspections where available, and service in all 67 Florida counties. Start your project or call (941) 210-1420.