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The Florida Building Code is a group of regulations specified in Florida Statute 553.79. It requires businesses, individuals, and contractors to obtain necessary permits when “constructing, erecting, altering, repairing, or demolishing” a building. These regulations are intended to keep employees, patrons, and visitors safe while on the premises and help buildings withstand natural disasters like hurricanes. While the state dictates the requirements that make up the Florida Building Code, each county has specific requirements for obtaining a building permit. In addition, different permits are needed if you are constructing a new commercial building, renovating an old one, or building a new residential property. Below, we discuss the requirements for obtaining a new construction commercial building permit in Orange County, Florida.

Required Documents for New Commercial Building Permit Application

Contractors must submit various documents online to apply for a new commercial construction permit in Orange County. In most cases, contractors must be the ones to apply for the permit and accept the issuance once it is approved. A business owner can apply for a permit if the project costs less than $75,000. Contractors must submit their application for new construction along with the appropriate documents through Orange County’s Fast Track online permit system (described in detail below). Necessary documents that are required to accompany the initial application include:

• Site plan or survey (including dimensions and location)
• Project scope signed and sealed by a licensed Florida architect or engineer
• Life safety plans
• Floor plan
• Construction type
• Occupancy classification
• Energy conservation code
• Fire flow calculation
• Door and window installation plan and product description

 How to Apply for a New Commercial Building Permit

1. Fill out the Fast Track application.

Orange County uses an online portal called Fast Track for all permit applications. Filling out the online application and uploading the necessary documents is the first step in obtaining a new commercial construction permit.

2. Upload documents.

Follow the instructions for uploading documents carefully, including required file types and names to ensure your application is processed promptly. In addition to the documents mentioned above, you must complete a Commercial Plan Review checklist and pay a deposit fee.

3. Project and plans review.

An inspector will review the online application and ensure it complies with all elements of the Florida Building and Fire Prevention codes. Depending on the type of construction, there may be additional reviews that are required.

4. Approval or denial.

After the review process, you will receive an email with either a permit approval notice or a denial. If you are denied, you can utilize the comments within the application to resubmit your permit after revising your building plans. If your application is accepted, the permit status will change to “final issuance,” and you will be emailed a final issue letter. You will also need to sign and notarize the second page of the new building application and resubmit it to Fast Track.

5. Pay permit fees.

6. Apply for sub-permits.

Additional permits may be required depending on the type of building. You may need to apply for a sub-permit for the building’s electrical, roofing, gas, irrigation, plumbing, or mechanical elements.

7. Notice of commencement.

This notice needs to be signed with a certified copy uploaded into the Fast Track system before the first inspection.

8. Schedule the first inspection.

9. Final inspection and permit completion.

Boutty Law Firm: Business and Construction Attorney in Central Florida

 Attorney Shane Boutty, P.A., has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry and is experienced in all aspects of commercial law. If you believe your new construction project has been denied unfairly, or you have issues regarding new building inspections, we can help ensure your project stays on track and up to code. Call our office in Maitland at 407-710-0461 for a free initial consultation.