My name is Brennen Riley, owner of Caribbean Heating and Air (CAC1822204) 24 years experience and I am in my 2nd year in Business the HVAC industry. I find it challenging to have to register to each and every jurisdiction throughout the State of Florida with some requiring to renew every 2 years. I am proposing a bill that will modernize our industry to create a centralized system. Please review and I would like your true thoughts please. 

 

*A Bill to Modernize Contractor Permit Registration and Streamline Business Operations in the State of Florida**

**Title:**  
*The Florida Contractor Permit Modernization Act of 2024*

**Purpose:**  
To streamline the process for contractors to pull permits by creating a centralized, statewide online platform that integrates all counties, cities, and towns, modernizing the business environment and reducing administrative burdens.

**Be it enacted by the Florida Legislature:**

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### Section 1: **Short Title**
This Act may be cited as the *Contractor Permit Modernization Act of 2024*.

### Section 2: **Definitions**

1. **Contractor:**  
   Any person or business entity licensed to perform construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other trade-related work in the state of Florida.
   
2. **Permit:**  
   A document issued by a local government authority allowing contractors to begin construction or trade-related work in compliance with local building codes.

3. **Centralized Permit Platform (CPP):**  
   An online website and mobile application system developed and maintained by the State of Florida, through which contractors can register, apply for, and obtain permits across all counties, cities, and municipalities.

4. **Local Authorities:**  
   County, city, and town governments with the jurisdiction to issue permits for construction and trade work.

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### Section 3: **Creation of the Centralized Permit Platform (CPP)**

1. **Development and Implementation:**  
   The State of Florida, through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), shall create and maintain the CPP, a user-friendly, centralized online platform that integrates the permitting systems of all counties, cities, and towns within the state.

2. **Contractor Registration:**  
   The CPP will allow contractors to register their business and trade licenses once, which will be valid for accessing all local permitting systems across the state.  
   
   a. Contractors shall verify their licenses and provide necessary insurance and bonding documents as part of the registration process.  
   b. Registered contractors will be able to apply for permits in any Florida locality through the CPP without needing to reapply separately in each jurisdiction.

3. **Local Authority Integration:**  
   Each local government authority shall integrate their existing permitting systems into the CPP. All local codes, requirements, and approval workflows will be accessible through the centralized platform. Local authorities retain the ability to review and approve permit applications.

4. **Standardized Application Process:**  
   The CPP will feature a standardized, simplified permit application form that automatically populates relevant local requirements based on the project location. This form shall account for variations in local building codes while ensuring consistent processes for contractors statewide.

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### Section 4: **Digital Permitting and Approval**

1. **Permit Application Submission:**  
   Contractors will submit permit applications electronically through the CPP. The platform will route applications to the appropriate local authority for review and approval.

2. **Document Upload and Payment Processing:**  
   Contractors will be able to upload necessary documents (e.g., blueprints, insurance certificates) and pay applicable permit fees directly through the platform.

3. **Electronic Permit Issuance:**  
   Upon approval by the local authority, permits shall be issued electronically to the contractor through the CPP, with digital copies accessible at all times.

4. **Real-Time Tracking:**  
   Contractors and local authorities will be able to track the status of permit applications in real-time through the platform.

5. **Inspections and Final Approval:**  
   The CPP will include scheduling features for inspections, and inspection results will be posted directly within the platform. Contractors may request inspections and review final approval statuses digitally.

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### Section 5: **Security and Data Protection**

1. **Cybersecurity Measures:**  
   The CPP shall include advanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive contractor and project data. Encryption and multi-factor authentication will be required for all users.

2. **Data Privacy:**  
   Contractor information, permit data, and other sensitive materials stored within the CPP will be protected under Florida data privacy laws. Access will be restricted to authorized personnel and verified users only.

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### Section 6: **Funding and Implementation**

1. **Initial Funding:**  
   The State of Florida shall allocate funds for the initial development and launch of the CPP from the state’s general fund, as well as seek federal grants and partnerships to reduce the financial burden.

2. **Maintenance and Support Fees:**  
   To ensure ongoing operation and improvement of the platform, contractors will be charged a nominal annual registration fee of $100, and local governments shall contribute a proportionate share based on usage.

3. **Timeline:**  
   a. The CPP shall be operational within two years of the enactment of this bill.  
   b. Local governments shall be required to integrate their systems into the CPP within one year of its launch.

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### Section 7: **Penalties for Non-Compliance**

1. **Contractor Penalties:**  
   Contractors failing to register and use the CPP for permit applications within 30 days of their jurisdiction’s integration into the platform may face fines of up to $500 per offense.

2. **Local Authority Penalties:**  
   Local governments failing to integrate their permitting systems into the CPP by the required deadline may be subject to state funding reductions and penalties.

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### Section 8: **Public Awareness Campaign**

1. **Outreach and Education:**  
   The DBPR, in coordination with local governments, will conduct a public awareness campaign to inform contractors, businesses, and local authorities about the benefits and procedures for using the CPP. Training resources will be provided to ease the transition to the digital platform.

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### Section 9: **Severability Clause**
If any provision of this Act or its application is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Act are severable.