When should I hire a private provider?

Hire one before construction starts when you want faster approvals, dedicated attention, or flexible scheduling, from initial plan review through the final inspection. Once work has begun, a provider can be added only for single-trade inspections on one- and two-family homes.

How much does it cost to use a private provider?

Fees vary by provider and project scope and are established directly with the provider. The local jurisdiction must reduce its permit fee to reflect the services it no longer performs, and under HB 803 (effective July 1, 2026) commercial permit fees must be reduced by at least 25 percent when a private provider performs plan review or inspections, and by at least 50 percent when a private provider performs both. Local governments may offer larger reductions.

Are private providers licensed and approved?

Yes. Private providers must hold an active Florida license identified in the statute (building code administrator, engineer, or architect) and must carry professional liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in the aggregate, rising to $2 million per occurrence and $4 million in the aggregate for projects with a construction cost over $5 million.

How do I schedule an inspection?

You schedule building-code inspections directly with your private provider, on your project's timeline rather than the county's. Inspections by other departments, such as zoning, fire, or utilities, are still requested from those departments. As of July 1, 2026, private providers no longer need to give the building department advance notice of inspection dates and times.

NewHB 803 took effect July 1, 2026. Read what changed →

Florida's Private Provider Rules, Made Simple

Learn how private-provider plan review and inspection services work under Section 553.791, Florida Statutes.

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Streamlined Project Approval Process

Here is a general overview of how the private-provider process typically works. Requirements and procedures may vary by project and jurisdiction.

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1. Check Applicability

Determine if a private provider is appropriate for your project.

2. Submit Notice

Submit the Notice to Building Official (NTBO) at permit application or before inspections begin. It is signed by the fee owner, or by the contractor with the owner's written authorization.

3. Conduct Reviews

Have the applicable plans reviewed and inspections performed by the private provider.

4. Documentation

Maintain thorough records of all inspections and findings.

5. Final Approval

The local building official reviews the final submission and issues the applicable certificate or identifies any statutory deficiencies.

Understanding the Purpose and Importance of Private Providers

Why Florida created an alternative pathway for code compliance, and what it means for construction statewide.

Maintain Standards

Ensure building code standards are consistently upheld.

Alternative Pathway

Provide an alternative method for building-code plan review and inspections. Reviews by other departments, such as zoning, fire, and engineering, remain with those departments.

Support Construction

Help projects move through plan review and inspections more efficiently while maintaining code-compliance requirements.

Manage Workload

Help distribute the inspection workload efficiently.

Private Providers: Who They Are & What They Do

What is a private provider?

A private provider is a qualified professional hired by a property owner or the owner's contractor to perform building-code plan reviews, inspections, or both. When the contractor engages the provider, the owner must authorize it in writing.

Private providers are authorized under Section 553.791, Florida Statutes, and must carry professional liability insurance, maintain active state licensure, and submit their work to the local building department, which retains final authority over the permit and certificate of occupancy.

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Proven Performance You Can Rely On

From coverage to compliance, the private provider framework brings trusted, statute-backed flexibility to construction projects statewide.

Florida counties subject to Section 553.791

25% / 50%

Minimum commercial permit fee reduction: 25% when a private provider performs plan review or inspections, 50% when it performs both (HB 803)

2002

Year Section 553.791 was created (Chapter 2002-293)

$1M

Minimum professional liability insurance per occurrence ($2M for projects over $5M in construction cost)

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Two construction professionals reviewing plans at a building site

Newly framed residential interior under construction

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Who Can Use or Provide Private-Provider Services?

Essential guidance for property owners, developers, and professionals on eligibility, responsibilities, and compliance.

Property Owners & Developers

Understand when to engage a private provider, your responsibilities throughout the project, and the documentation required to ensure a smooth and compliant construction process.

01When to use a private provider
02Owner responsibilities
03Required documentation

01Eligibility requirements
02Registration process
03Compliance obligations

Professionals

Learn the eligibility criteria, registration process, and compliance obligations for licensed professionals authorized to perform plan review and building inspections.

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Find a Qualified Provider

We are building a directory of licensed private providers, searchable by county, service, and project type. It is under construction and listings are not yet verified.

Coming Soon

The statewide provider directory launches soon

Are you a licensed professional offering private-provider services? Join the waitlist to be listed at launch, including featured placement options for your firm.

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Not building in Florida?

Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and others allow third-party plan review and inspections too. See how your state's program works.

Browse States

A Community for Florida's Building Industry

Beyond education: spaces to connect owners, providers, and building officials are part of the roadmap.

Forum

Ask experts & discuss

Spotlights

Building Official Recognition

Wins Board

Celebrate milestones

Careers

Job opportunities

Learn Everything About Private Providers

A centralized platform designed to educate, connect, and support everyone involved in the private provider process across Florida.

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Private Provideris built to simplify the private provider process for property owners, contractors, and professionals. Whether you're looking to understand how private providers work or need to find a qualified firm in your area, this platform gives you everything in one place.

Faster Turnaround

Private providers offer more responsive plan-review and inspection scheduling, helping projects reduce avoidable delays.

Dedicated Attention

Get one-on-one support for your project instead of waiting in a county queue.

Flexible Scheduling

Private providers offer flexible inspection scheduling, including options outside normal local-government operating hours when permitted by law.

Clearer Service Costs

Private-provider fees are established directly with the provider, while local permit and administrative fees may still apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers about private providers, inspections, and building approvals.

Still Have Questions?

Send a Message

A private provider is a Florida-licensed building code administrator, engineer, or architect authorized under Section 553.791, Florida Statutes, to provide eligible building-code plan-review or inspection services. Certain limited residential work may also be performed by other professionals expressly identified in the statute.

Looking for more? Browse the full FAQ →

A Timeline of Legal Progress

Explore how legislation in Florida has shaped a faster, more flexible approach to construction oversight.

Inception

Section 553.791, Florida Statutes, was created by Chapter 2002-293, giving fee owners the option to use a licensed private provider for building-code plan review and inspections.

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Guides for Every Step

Structured guides that take you from the statute's text to real-world compliance.

Guide

Ready to Find the Right Private Provider?

Our directory of licensed private providers is under construction. In the meantime, learn how the process works.

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Stay Updated

Receive the latest regulations, updates, and educational insights.