Why Private Providers Are Faster Than the Building Department in Florida

Florida contractors and property owners increasingly ask: “Is using a Private Provider faster than going through the building department?” The answer? Yes—and it’s backed by statute. With the recent passage of HB 683, the case for using Private Providers has gotten even stronger.

This blog explains how and why Private Providers can speed up projects, supported by relevant Florida laws.

1. The Legal Foundation: Florida Statute 553.791

What §553.791 Covers

Florida Statute 553.791, titled Alternative Plans Review and Inspection, provides the legal framework for using Private Providers instead of defaulting to the local building department. Key benefits include:

• Timely Plan Review: If a Private Provider submits proper affidavits and documents, the local official has 20 business days to approve the permit or send specific deficiency notices—or the permit is deemed approved by law. 

• Fewer Delays: The building official can’t replicate the same review or inspection once performed by an authorized Private Provider. 

• Streamlined Inspections: Private Providers must notify the local official by 2 p.m. the business day before an inspection. They may conduct inspections outside regular hours, and must submit signed inspection records and certificates of compliance promptly. 

• Autonomy: Using a Private Provider relieves local departments from plan reviews and permits earlier backlog-causing delays. 

2. HB 683 — Turbocharging the Private Provider Path (Effective July 1, 2025)

HB 683—signed into law in June 2025—modernizes and strengthens Private Provider use across Florida construction. Highlights include:

• Automated / Software-Based Plan Review: Private Providers can now use AI or automated systems to perform plan reviews under certain conditions (e.g., single-trade projects), speeding up compliance checks. 

• Mandated Response Times for Local Officials: For single-trade plan reviews, local building officials must issue permits within a specified timeframe—ensuring faster approvals. 

• Virtual Inspections Allowed: Certain inspections may now be conducted virtually or in person, increasing flexibility and reducing on-site delays.   

• Less Red Tape at Permit Stage: Local governments can no longer require contract copies or related commercial documents just to apply for a permit. This eliminates an annoying bottleneck. 

These changes give Private Providers like Freedom Code Compliance a legal and procedural edge for quick, tech-enabled service—while also streamlining permit submissions.

3. Why This Makes Private Providers Faster — Statute-Backed Benefits

Feature	Building Department Workflow	Private Provider + HB 683 Workflow
Plan Review Time	Often slow due to backlog	20-day statutory deadline; automated tools accelerate single‑trade reviews
Permit Approval	Waiting on staff availability	Deemed approved if local official doesn’t respond in time
Inspections	Scheduled during standard hours, delays common	Inspections notified day before; virtual options allowed; outside‑hours flexibility enabled
Documentation	Often heavy document requirements (e.g., contract copies)	HB 683 prohibits these extra burdens
Technology Use	Manual review only	Automated reviews using AI driven & virtual solutions accepted for certain projects

4. What Contractors Should Do to Leverage Speed

• Opt for Private Providers — particularly for straightforward or single-trade jobs.

• Use automated tools when possible — under HB 683, fully accepted for review.

• Submit paperwork early — ensure affidavits, plans, and notifications are submitted per §553.791 and rule 61G20‑2.005 (F.A.C.).       

• Request virtual inspections when supported—especially beneficial for remote or time-sensitive projects.

• Know your rights—if the building department doesn’t act timely, the law favors your project’s progress.

Conclusion

Florida law has long empowered contractors to use Private Providers like Freedom Code Compliance to avoid delays—but HB 683 takes it further. Automated plan reviews, virtual inspections, streamlined permit requirements, and strict statutory timelines make Private Providers not just a faster option—but increasingly the smarter one.

Need help navigating this process or choosing a Private Provider for your project? Reach out—Freedom Code Compliance can help you keep your workflow compliant and your construction timeline on track.