Private Provider Program
Florida law allows owners to use licensed third-party professionals (“Private Providers”) to perform building plan review and/or inspections for City permits. The City still issues permits and Certificates of Occupancy/Completion and retains oversight.
Important: If a Private Provider performs plan review, that same provider is required to perform inspections for the project.
Quick Facts
Who Qualifies?
Florida-licensed architects/engineers or BCAIB-certified plans examiners/inspectors - and their listed Duly Authorized Representatives (DARs). They may work only within their licensed discipline, must hold active licenses and professional liability insurance, and may not inspect work designed/constructed by themselves or their firm.
Registration Required (One-Time)
Before performing any private plan review or inspections, your firm and qualifier must be approved by the City. To register, complete the Private Provider Registration Form and email it to Building@copbfl.com with the qualifying professional’s active Florida license or BCAIB certification, a list of Duly Authorized Representatives with disciplines, a certificate of professional liability insurance, and firm contact information.
After approval, retain your approval for permit submittals. If you elect private plan review on a project, the same approved provider must perform inspections for that permit. Report changes to the firm or qualifier, insurance, or DAR roster by emailing Building@copbfl.com.
Per-Project Forms
A Notice to Building Official is required for each permit. If private plan review is elected, include Plan Compliance Affidavits from each discipline reviewer (qualifier or DAR) certifying code compliance. When private plan review is used, the same Private Provider must also perform inspections for that permit.
Outside Agencies
Engineering, Fire Prevention, Landscape, Utilities, and Zoning may require review and approval. Submit these items through the Building Department; they are routed and processed as part of your permit package.
Any required Broward County or State approvals must also be included with the permit package - permits cannot be issued until those approvals are received.
Audit Policy
The City may audit any private plan review or inspection-routinely or for cause-to verify compliance with §553.791 and City procedures. See the City’s Private Provider Audit SOP for process, documentation, timelines, and corrective actions.
| Forms & Documents | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Description | Last Updated |
| Private Provider Registration Form | Register the Private Provider firm and qualifier with the City. Email completed form and attachments to Building@copbfl.com and wait for approval before performing any services. | 8/20/2025 |
| Notice to Building Official | Required per project to elect private services and list the provider/DARs. If plan review is elected, private inspections are required for that project. | 9/03/2025 |
| Plan Review Compliance Affidavit | Certifies the privately reviewed plans comply with applicable codes; identify disciplines and sheets. | 8/20/2025 |
How to Use a Private Provider (4 Steps)
Step 1 - Register the Provider (one-time per firm/qualifier)
Complete the Private Provider Registration Form and email to Building@copbfl.com with required attachments (licenses, insurance, DAR authorizations).
Step 2 - Apply for the Permit (project-specific)
Submit through the Building Department:
- Notice to Building Official (select plan review, inspections, or both; list DARs).
- Plan Compliance Affidavit (if using private plan review).
- Plan set and standard permit documents.
Outside agency reviews:
Engineering, Fire Prevention, Landscape, Utilities, and Zoning may require approval. The Building Department routes these reviews and they are completed within the permit process.
Step 3 - Inspections (program requirements)
- If private plan review is performed, private inspections are required for that permit.
- The Private Provider (or listed DAR) conducts the inspections identified on the permit.
- Reporting: Submit inspection reports/logs to the City the same day (or next business day) after each inspection, with clear pass/fail and reinspection notes.
- On-site records: Maintain an inspection log available upon request.
- Audits: The City may audit inspections and request jobsite access/records. Missing reports or unresolved audit findings can result in holds.
Step 4 - Close-Out & CO/CC
Before final approval:
- All Private Provider inspection reports are submitted and accepted.
- All outside agency approvals and City requirements are satisfied.
- Any required City inspections have passed.
The City issues the Certificate of Occupancy/Completion after verifying all requirements.
FAQs
Does a Private Provider replace City/Agency reviews?
No. Permits are still submitted to and processed by the City. Required outside-agency reviews (Engineering, Floodplain, Fire Prevention, Landscape, Utilities, Zoning) are routed through the Building Department, and any Broward County/State approvals must be included before issuance. The Private Provider’s role is limited to building-code plan review and inspections, subject to City audit.
Can I use a Private Provider for plan review but have the City do the inspections?
No. If you elect private plan review, the same approved Private Provider must perform all building inspections for that permit under this program.
