• ECF Government Affairs Report
  by David Yencarelli, Tenax Electrical Company

  This report is complied by several construction related organizations and is provided as an informational tool only. Please do further research on issues that may affect you or your business.

  July 16^th 2026

  Item #1: Bills effective July 1^st:

•     No Permits under $7,500.00
  
  Here's what actually changed under HB 803, effective July 1, 2026:A local building department must exempt the owner of a single-family dwelling (or the owner's contractor) from obtaining a building permit for work:
  1.   On a single-family residence
  2.    Valued at less than $7,500
  3.    Only after submitting a written request for exemption with documentation of the work and its value.
  
  The exemption does NOT apply to:
  o   Electrical work
  o   Plumbing work
  o   Gas work
  o   Mechanical (HVAC) work
  o   Structural work
  o   Any property located partially or entirely within a Flood Hazard Area as defined by the Florida Building Code.
  
  
•  Uniform Commercial Permit Application
  
  -The legislation is in effect.
  -The Building Commission is working through the rulemaking process.
  -A final statewide application has not yet been published for contractors to begin using.
   

• Item #2: Legislative Priorities for Spring 2027 Session (January 12^th-March 12^th 2027)
  ·      APPRENTICESHIP REGULATORY REFORM
  ·      CONDOMINIUM STATUTE OF REPOSE
  ·      CONDOMINIUM TURNOVER DOCUMENTATION
  ·      CONSTRUCTION DEFECT - RIGHT TO REPAIR
  ·      CONSULTANTS’ COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION ACT (CCNA)
  ·      DIGITAL SEALS
  ·      EXPEDITED PERMITTING
  ·      FIRE MARSHALL CONSISTENCY
  ·      INDEMNIFICATION CLAUSES & OWNER NEGLIGENCE
  ·      LOCAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
  ·      NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT
  ·      OSHA PREEMPTION
  ·      OWNER-DIRECT PURCHASE PROCESS REFORM
  ·      PHASED/TEMPORARY CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
  ·      PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER INSURANCE
  ·      PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION BONDS (DEVELOPERS)
  ·      PUBLIC OWNER PAYMENT
  ·      RECORDING BONDS
  ·      REGULATING UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS
  ·      SCHOOL DISTRICT BACKGROUND SEARCH
  ·      TAXATION OF OFF-SITE PRE-FABRICATION
  ·      WRAP-UP INSURANCE RATING

This list will be narrowed down to 3 Priorities and then will go to Tallahassee in February 2027 to lobby for them and hopefully get some legislation passed.