Building Public Notice

Florida Building Code Change

Please be advised that the Florida Building Code SEVENTH (2020) Edition becomes effective on December 31, 2020. All permit applications and plans submitted on/or after that date must comply with this edition. To view the code online, visit Florida Building Code website.

Any applications submitted after the close of business at 4 PM on December 30th, 2020 will have to comply with the 2020 edition.

Customers who utilize the Master Model Programs should begin updating the models to comply with the new code in order to avoid permitting delays.

For those expired permit applications filed prior to December 31, 2020, the Department will grant extensions for permit issuance, when the following criteria are met:

  • The extension is requested in writing, and an explanation is provided to demonstrate that the application was not abandoned and was being pursued in good faith.
  • The extension is requested no later than 180 days after the expiration. 

These requests will only be processed and approved by the Building Official

Expired process numbers that do not meet the above referenced conditions will not be extended. The applicant will be required to obtain a new process number, pay up-front fees and submit plans that conform to the 2020 FBC edition.


Also, the 2017 National Electrical Code will become effective on December 31, 2020. Information about the code may be found on the National Fire Protection Association website.

The new editions of the codes referenced above would be applicable to permit applications submitted on or after the effective date (i.e. December 31, 2017).


Among other changes, a one-foot additional elevation requirement for floors will be required in flood hazard areas, aka flood zones.
Example: In the Flood Zone AE 6, a minimum of 7’ (seven feet) above NGVD will be required for all construction applications.
The new flood requirements referenced above would be applicable to permit applications submitted on or after the effective date (i.e. December 31, 2017).


For those permits under review, construction, inspections and otherwise open in the City’s permit processing system, the prior elevation requirements will continue to be regulated under the conditions approved. Lapsed permits may be required to comply with the new standard.


For more information regarding floodplains, please call the Floodplain Management Program, at (305) 914-9091.

CMG Building Permit & Inspection Utilization Report 2020