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Building Code Administrators & Inspectors
Stacey Buccieri, interim Executive Director
The Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board is responsible for licensing and regulating building code administrators, building code inspectors, and building code plans examiners. The board meets regularly to consider applications for licensure, to review disciplinary cases, and to conduct informal hearings relating to licensure and discipline. The board engages in rulemaking to implement the provisions set forth in its statutes and conducts other general business, as necessary.
Getting Started in Building Code Administrators & Inspectors
Building Code Administrator
BU – A “building code administrator” or “building official” means any of those employees of municipal or county governments with building construction regulation responsibilities who are charged with the responsibility for direct regulatory administration or supervision of plan review, enforcement, or inspection of building construction, erection, repair, addition, remodeling, demolition, or alteration projects that require permitting indicating compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas, fire prevention, energy, accessibility, and other construction codes as required by state law or municipal or county ordinance. This term is synonymous with “building official” as used in the administrative chapter of the Standard Building Code and the South Florida Building Code. One person employed by each municipal or county government as a building code administrator or building official and who is so certified under this part may be authorized to perform any plan review or inspection for which certification is required by this part.
Building Code Inspector
BN – A “building code inspector” means any of those employees of local governments or state agencies with building construction regulation responsibilities who themselves conduct inspections of building construction, erection, repair, addition, or alteration projects that require permitting indicating compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas, fire prevention, energy, accessibility, and other construction codes as required by state law or municipal or county ordinance. Categories of building code inspectors include building inspector, plumbing inspector, mechanical inspector, electrical inspector, coastal construction inspector, commercial electrical inspector, residential electrical inspector, electrical inspector, and 1&2 family dwelling inspector.
Plans Examiner
PX – A “plans examiner” means a person who is qualified to determine that plans submitted for purposes of obtaining building and other permits comply with the applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas, fire prevention, energy, accessibility, and other applicable construction codes. Categories of plans examiners include building plans examiner, plumbing plans examiner, mechanical plans examiner, and electrical plans examiner.
Residential Pool Inspector
SRP – A “residential pool inspector” means a person who is qualified to inspect a pool on the property of one and two family dwellings. In order to obtain this voluntary certification the Board will require the State certified pool contractor license and in addition, the applicant must hold certification as a building or electrical inspector.
Commercial Pool Inspector
SCP – A “commercial pool inspector” means a person who is qualified to inspect a pool located on any property other than one and two family dwellings. In order to obtain this voluntary certification the Board will require the state certified pool contractor license and in addition, the applicant must hold certification as a building, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical inspector.
Roofing Inspector
SRI – A “roofing inspector” means a person who is qualified to inspect residential and commercial roofs. In order to obtain this voluntary certification the Board will require either: four (4) years of roofing experience with passage of the standardized roofing inspectors’ examination as approved by the board; state certification as a roofing contractor or a state certified general contractor who was certified prior to 1974.
Modular Inspector
SMI – A “modular inspector” means a person who is authorized to inspect any manufactured (modular) building and systems incorporated therein designed and built to comply with the Florida Building Code pursuant to Part I, Chapter 553, F.S. In order to obtain this voluntary certification, the Board will require the applicant to pass the standardized modular inspectors’ examination and the applicant must have three (3) years experience as an inspector with local government and/or state government or three years experience as an inspector with an independent inspection/plans review agency under contract with a state agency or three (3) years experience as a registered or certified state general, building, or residential contractor or job superintendent, project manager or quality control manager, the latter as provided for in Chapter 9B-1, F.A.C., in a supervisory capacity that included operational control and direction of building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing personnel or subcontractors on residential or commercial projects.
Modular Plans Examiner
SMP – A “modular plans examiner” means a person who is authorized to review plans for any manufactured (modular) building and systems incorporated therein designed and built to comply with the Florida Building Code pursuant to Part 1, Chapter 553, F.S. In order to obtain this voluntary certification, the Board will require the applicant to pass the standardized modular plans inspectors’ examination and the applicant must have three (3) years experience as a plans examiner with local and/or state government. As an alternative, the applicant must have three (3) years experience as a plans examiner with an independent inspection/plans review agency under contract with a state department or three (3) years experience as a registered or certified state general, building, or residential contractor or job superintendent, project manager or quality control manager, the latter as provided for in Chapter 9B-1, F.A.C., in a supervisory capacity that included operational control and direction of building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing personnel or subcontractors on residential or commercial projects.
Residential Plans Examiner
RPX – A “residential plans examiner” means a person who is qualified to determine that the plans submitted for the purpose of obtaining building and other permits, for one and two family dwellings and accessory structures, comply with the building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas, fire prevention, energy, accessibility, and other applicable building codes. In order to obtain this voluntary certification, the applicant must hold standard certification as residential inspector; must have passed the State principles and practices examination; and holds certification as an International Code Council (ICC) Residential Plans Examiner.
Building code administrators, building officials, building inspectors, and plans examiners are generally employed by county and municipal governments. In some cases they are private providers. However, both government employees and private providers must be licensed.
The requirements for becoming licensed in Florida are described in the statutes and rules. Choose a license type to apply.
Building Code Administrator
- Building Code Administrator – Initial Certification by Examination or Endorsement – Request BU Exam – 3 Part Exam (BCAIB 2)
- Building Code Administrator – Initial Certification by Examination or Endorsement – Request BU Exam – 3 Part Exam (City/County Employee) (BCAIB 2)
- Building Code Administrator by Examination – Retake (BCAIB 8)
- Building Code Administrator – 3 Part Exam – Retake (BCAIB 8)
- Building Code Administrator – Initial Certification by Endorsement (10 Year) (BCAIB 2)
- Building Code Administrator Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Building Code Administrator Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
Inspector
- Inspector – Initial Certification by Examination or Endorsement (BCAIB 1)
- Inspector – Initial Certification by Examination or Endorsement – Additional Exam Request (BCAIB 1)
- Inspector – Initial Certification by Examination or Endorsement – Request Tech Exam (BCAIB 1)
- Inspector – Initial Certification by Endorsement (10 Year) (BCAIB 1)
- Inspector (City/County Employee) by Examination (BCAIB 1)
- Inspector by Examination – Retake (BCAIB 8)
- Inspector (Non-City/County Employee) by Examination – Retake (BCAIB 8)
- Inspector Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Inspector Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
- Provisional Certificate through Enrollment in an Internship Certification Program – Building Inspector (BCAIB 12)
- Provisional Certificate through Enrollment in an Internship Certification Program – Electrical Inspector (BCAIB 12)
- Provisional Certificate through Enrollment in an Internship Certification Program – Mechanical Inspector (BCAIB 12)
- Provisional Certificate through Enrollment in an Internship Certification Program – Plumbing Inspector (BCAIB 12)
- Inspector – Standard Certificate after Completion of an Internship Certification Program (BCAIB 12)
Plans Examiner
- Plans Examiner – Initial Certification by Examination or Endorsement (BCAIB 1)
- Plans Examiner – Initial Certification by Examination or Endorsement – Additional Exam Request (BCAIB 1)
- Plans Examiner – Initial Certification by Examination or Endorsement – Request Tech Exam (BCAIB 1)
- Plans Examiner (City/County Employee) by Examination (BCAIB 1)
- Plans Examiner – Initial Certification by Endorsement (10 Year) (BCAIB 1)
- Plans Examiner by Examination – Retake (BCAIB 8)
- Plans Examiner (Non-City/County Employee) by Examination – Retake (BCAIB 8)
- Plans Examiner Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Plans Examiner Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
- Provisional Certificate through Enrollment in an Internship Certification Program – Building Plans Examiner (BCAIB 12)
- Provisional Certificate through Enrollment in an Internship Certification Program – Electrical Plans Examiner (BCAIB 12)
- Provisional Certificate through Enrollment in an Internship Certification Program – Mechanical Plans Examiner (BCAIB 12)
- Provisional Certificate through Enrollment in an Internship Certification Program – Plumbing Plans Examiner (BCAIB 12)
- Plans Examiner – Standard Certificate after Completion of an Internship Certification Program (BCAIB 12)
Residential Pool Inspector
- Residential Pool Inspector – Initial Certificate (BCAIB 1)
- Residential Pool Inspector (City/County Employee) – Initial Certificate (BCAIB 1)
- Residential Pool Inspector Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Residential Pool Inspector Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
Commercial Pool Inspector
- Commercial Pool Inspector – Initial Certificate (BCAIB 1)
- Commercial Pool Inspector (City/County Employee) – Initial Certificate (BCAIB 1)
- Commercial Pool Inspector Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Commercial Pool Inspector Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
Roofing Inspector
- Roofing Inspector by Examination (BCAIB 1)
- Roofing Inspector (City/County Employee) by Examination (BCAIB 1)
- Roofing Inspector by Examination – Retake (BCAIB 8)
- Roofing Inspector – Resit SRI Exam (BCAIB 8)
- Roofing Inspector – Initial Certificate (BCAIB 1)
- Roofing Inspector by Endorsement (BCAIB 1)
- Roofing Inspector Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Roofing Inspector Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
Modular Inspector
- Modular Inspector by Examination (BCAIB 1)
- Modular Inspector (City/County Employee) by Examination (BCAIB 1)
- Modular Inspector (Non-City/County Employee) by Examination – Retake (BCAIB 8)
- Modular Inspector – Resit SMI Exam (BCAIB 8)
- Modular Inspector Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Modular Inspector Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
Modular Plans Examiner
- Modular Plans Examiner by Examination (BCAIB 1)
- Modular Plans Examiner (City/County Employee) by Examination (BCAIB 1)
- Modular Plans Examiner by Examination – Retake (BCAIB 8)
- Modular Plans Examiner – Resit SMP Exam (BCAIB 8)
- Modular Plans Examiner Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Modular Plans Examiner Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
Residential Plans Examiner
- Residential Plans Examiner – Initial Certificate (BCAIB 1)
- Residential Plans Examiner (City/County Employee) (BCAIB 1)
- Residential Plans Examiner Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Residential Plans Examiner Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
Provisional Certificates
- Provisional Certificate – Building Code Administrator – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 4)
- Provisional Certificate – Building Code Administrator – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 4)
- Provisional Certificate – Building Inspector – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Building Inspector – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Building Plans Examiner – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Building Plans Examiner – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Coastal Construction Inspector – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Coastal Construction Inspector – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Electrical Inspector – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Electrical Inspector – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Electrical Plans Examiner – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Electrical Plans Examiner – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Residential Inspector – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Residential Inspector – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Mechanical Inspector – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Mechanical Inspector – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Mechanical Plans Examiner – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Mechanical Plans Examiner – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Plumbing Inspector – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Plumbing Inspector – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Plumbing Plans Examiner – Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
- Provisional Certificate – Plumbing Plans Examiner – Non-Local Governmental Employees (BCAIB 3)
Continuing Education Providers and Courses, Education Providers/Internship Certification Providers, Cross-Training Programs, Training Programs, and Internship Certification Programs
- Building Code Education Provider (BCAIB 5)
- Building Code Course (BCAIB 5)
- Ethics CE Provider (BCAIB 5)
- Laws, Rules and Ethics Course (BCAIB 5)
- 40-Hour Code Training Provider (BCAIB 5)
- 40-Hour Code Training Program (BCAIB 5)
- Training Program (BCAIB 5)
- Cross Training Program (BCAIB 5)
- Internship Certification Provider (BCAIB 7)
- Internship Certification Program (BCAIB 7)
- Fire Marshal CE Provider (BCAIB 10)
- Fire Marshal Course (BCAIB 10)
Examination Information
Applicants seeking licensure by examination must take and pass a technical examination administered by the International Code Council that is related to their category of licensure, as well as the Florida principles and practices examination. Information regarding technical examinations can be found on the International Code Council website.
DBPR offers the Florida principles and practices examination in a computer-based testing (CBT) format. Candidates who have been approved to sit for an examination may do so by contacting the department’s examination vendor, Pearson VUE. Examinations are available on a daily basis at testing sites throughout the world. For more information, including to schedule an examination, visit the Examination Information page.
Fee Waiver Applications
- Florida Military Veteran Fee Waiver
- Florida National Guard Fee Waiver
- Military Personnel, Veterans and Military Spouses Licensing Fee Waiver
- Low Income Waiver of Licensing Fee
Note:If you have previously applied for your license, you may check your application status.
- Request for Name Change, Address Change, or Status Change (BCAIB 6)
- Inspector – Initial from Null & Void (Hardship) (BCAIB 9)
- Plans Examiner – Initial from Null & Void (Hardship) (BCAIB 9)
- Building Code Administrator – Initial from Null & Void (Hardship) (BCAIB 9)
- Commercial Pool Inspector – Initial from Null & Void (Hardship) (BCAIB 9)
- Residential Plans Examiner – Initial from Null & Void (Hardship) (BCAIB 9)
- Modular Inspector – Initial from Null & Void (Hardship) (BCAIB 9)
- Modular Plans Examiner – Initial from Null & Void (Hardship) (BCAIB 9)
- Roofing Inspector – Initial from Null & Void (Hardship) (BCAIB 9)
- Residential Pool Inspector – Initial from Null & Void (Hardship) (BCAIB 9)
Building Code Administrators, Inspectors, Plans Examiners
Licenses expire November 30th every odd year.
DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license(s). This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.
Before midnight EST on November 30, 2023, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license:
- Complete the continuing education requirement; and
- Pay the renewal fee
See the “CE Requirements” tab for further information on Continuing Education to renew your license.
For more information concerning your license’s unique requirements, please click the relevant link below:
Continuing Education Providers
Continuing Education Provider licenses expire May 31st every odd year.
DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license. This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.
Before midnight EST on May 31, 2023, you will need to complete the renewal requirements. For more information, please click this link:
Renewal Information For CE Providers
We encourage you to renew online. However, you can mail your renewal form and fee to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Education Course Lists
- Continuing Education (Area of Accessibility, General, Laws and Rules)
- State Laws, Rules and Ethics
- Training and Cross-Training Programs
- Internship Program
You may also use the department’s Find a CE Course tool to locate specific subject areas or course topics.
License Types | Continuing Education Requirements | Fee | Expiration Date |
---|---|---|---|
Inspector | 14 hours – a minimum of two hours of energy conservation, one hour in the area of accessibility, two hours in the area of Florida laws and rules (other than accessibility and ethics) and one hour in the area of ethics. | $5.00 | 11/30/every odd year |
Plans Examiner | 14 hours – a minimum of two hours of energy conservation, one hour in the area of accessibility, two hours in the area of Florida laws and rules (other than accessibility and ethics) and one hour in the area of ethics. | $5.00 | 11/30/every odd year |
Building Code Administrator | 14 hours – a minimum of two hours of energy conservation, one hour in the area of accessibility, two hours in the area of Florida laws and rules (other than accessibility and ethics) and one hour in the area of ethics. | $5.00 | 11/30/every odd year |
Limited Inspector | 14 hours – a minimum of two hours of energy conservation, one hour in the area of accessibility, two hours in the area of Florida laws and rules (other than accessibility and ethics) and one hour in the area of ethics. | $5.00 | 11/30/every odd year |
Limited Plans Examiner | 14 hours – a minimum of two hours of energy conservation, one hour in the area of accessibility, two hours in the area of Florida laws and rules (other than accessibility and ethics) and one hour in the area of ethics. | $5.00 | 11/30/every odd year |
Provisional Certificates | N/A | Non-renewable | 2 years from date of issuance |
Quick Links
Need Help?
All requests for publications, documents, forms, applications for licenses, permits and other similar certifications can be obtained by contacting the Customer Contact Center.
Division of Professions
Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0791
Telephone: 850.487.1395
Facsimile: 850.488.8040