Tequesta Clarifies Private Provider Program for Building Reviews & Inspections

Tequesta residents undertaking construction projects can utilize Florida's Private Provider Program for building plan reviews and inspections, a system designed to streamline the permitting process while maintaining Village oversight. Florida Statute §553.791 authorizes licensed professionals, known as Private Providers, to perform these services in place of Village staff.

This program allows Private Providers to conduct plan reviews and inspections for Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Gas disciplines. The Village of Tequesta retains its authority to issue permits and Certificates of Occupancy/Completion (CO/CC), ensuring overall project oversight. However, other critical agency disciplines, including Engineering, Stormwater, Zoning, Fire, Landscape, and Utilities, continue to be reviewed and inspected by their respective Village departments.

Firms and individual qualifiers must register with the Village before providing any private plan review or inspection services. The registration process requires submitting an approved Private Provider Registration Form, active Florida license(s), a list of Duly Authorized Representatives (DARs) with their specific disciplines, and proof of professional liability insurance.

Once registered, the process for a project involves submitting a permit application that includes a Notice to Building Official and a Plan Compliance Affidavit, which is mandatory if private plan review is used. If private plan review is utilized, private inspections become a requirement. The Private Provider or a listed DAR must perform all necessary inspections.

Reporting requirements stipulate that Private Providers must submit completed inspection records to [email protected] within four business days of completion. These reports must clearly indicate a pass or fail status and include any reinspection notes. The Building Official then processes and records these submissions, with a review period of up to 48 hours.

The Private Provider program aims to offer an alternative for residents and contractors, potentially expediting certain stages of construction projects while ensuring all work adheres to state and local building codes.