Florida will allow virtual inspections, building code enforcement, permit issuance

Florida is about to make virtual inspections legal statewide.

Starting July 1, The Florida Building Codes Act authorizes any government entity with the authority to enforce the building code to perform virtual building inspections, except for certain structural inspections. The law defines “virtual inspection” as an inspection using visual or electronic aids to allow a building official or inspector to perform an inspection without having to be physically present at the job site.

The law requires local building code enforcement agencies to allow requests for inspections to be submitted electronically via e-mail, electronic form, or mobile application.

Over the past year, Inspected, a virtual inspection software company, says there has been an uptick in permitting and virtual inspections. It expects more jurisdictions across the country to allow virtual inspections.