Committee approves bill to raise small-work permit exemptions and clarify battery backup rules

Representative Esposito told the committee HB 1049 removes the permitting requirement for work costing under $7,500 and exempts permitting for battery backup power systems.

Members asked whether homeowners associations would be able to require permits; the sponsor said the bill does not address HOAs. Representative Esposito offered two amendments: one (barcode 535547) to clarify that modular homes may be placed on RV lots consistent with the Florida building code; a second (barcode 813289) to prevent contractors from splitting larger projects into smaller payments to evade the threshold and to require five years of written retention of contractor records. Both amendments were adopted without recorded opposition.

Public testimony included a caution from Courtney Mooney of the Florida Association of Counties that inspections cannot occur without permits and that the committee should work with stakeholders to resolve inspection concerns. Several industry representatives (including a Tesla representative and others) waved in support. The sponsor closed and the committee voted to report HB 1049 favorably.

The committee’s action sends the amended bill to the next legislative stage.