ADVISORY & REVIEW

Code Compliance Review for Florida projects

A focused review of a design or existing building against applicable code requirements.

What the work involves

A code review can help before a purchase, renovation or proposed change of use. The reviewer establishes which requirements apply and examines the available drawings, records and conditions within the agreed scope. The findings support project decisions; they do not replace the authority's review or a complete building investigation.

The review may cover

Written report stating the review scope
Applicable code references
Marked-up drawings where useful
Use and occupancy assessment
Exit and travel-distance checks
Accessibility assessment
Fire-separation review
Identified site or structural issues needing specialist review

The final documents and any separate engineering work are confirmed with the practice before work starts.

Define the question the review should answer

Describe whether you are considering a purchase, planning alterations or investigating an existing concern. Share the available plans, approvals and notices. The reviewer needs a clear question and an agreed boundary for the records and areas to examine.

A focused feasibility review and a wider building investigation have different scopes. Confirm any site access, specialist advice and limitations before relying on the findings for a project decision.

Use the findings to plan the next work

The report or discussion should distinguish observed information, missing records, issues needing clarification and possible design work. It should help you understand what still needs investigation rather than imply that every building condition has been checked.

If you already have a correction notice on submitted drawings, use the plan-review-response service. If the question is whether a new operation can fit an existing building, the change-of-use page explains that starting point.

Common project situations

Examples of where this service can help:

Pre-purchase review of a commercial building
Review before a change of occupancy
Review after a fire code violation
Second opinion on a plan review comment
Review of a building with unpermitted alterations
Due diligence across a portfolio of properties

Planning the scope

These points help define the work before drawings or reports are prepared.

Existing conditions to discuss

A certificate of occupancy that names an earlier use
Exits that do not match the current layout
Accessibility features added piecemeal over the years
Renovations with no permit record
Several code editions applying to different parts of the building

Coordination with other specialists

The building official for an interpretation
The design team for the drawings being reviewed
The fire marshal where life safety items apply
A structural engineer where the review raises structural questions
The owner's attorney or broker where the review supports a transaction

Issues that may affect review

A change of occupancy under consideration
An existing building predating the current code edition
An alteration that triggers accessibility upgrades
A violation notice from the fire marshal or code enforcement
New construction in a flood zone or wind-borne debris region

Work to discuss separately

Engineering analysis and calculations
Board of appeals representation
Construction work to correct a finding
Property appraisal and valuation
Design of the corrections

FLORIDA PERMIT DATA

What the permit records show

Data through August 2026

Matching permits: 1,729
Median declared job value: $18,701
Middle 50% of declared values: $6.5k–$112k
Permits with a declared value: 1,671

"code compliance" appears in 1,729 matching permits in the Florida records we analyzed. Declared job value is the value shown on the permit application, not a contract price, and it is based on 1,671 matching permits with a declared value.
How we count.

All code compliance data

How the work progresses

Typical steps are outlined below. The practice confirms the scope and who handles each stage.

Agree the review question and boundary. Establish which records, spaces and requirements will be examined.
Review the information and conditions within the appointment. Identify missing evidence or specialist questions.
Discuss the findings and limitations. Separate confirmed information from matters needing further review or investigation.
Agree any next design or submission scope. The initial review and preparation of a complete drawing package remain distinct tasks.

Questions about this service

What happens if a building does not meet code?

The response depends on the applicable requirement and why the building is being reviewed. A proposed alteration, change of use or violation notice can each lead to different next steps. The report should identify the issue and whether further investigation, design or discussion with the authority is needed.

Can an older building be brought up to current code?

Upgrades may be possible, but an existing building does not automatically need to meet every provision for new construction. Applicable existing-building rules, the proposed work and any change of use affect the requirements. Assess the project scope before assuming a full upgrade is required.

Who decides which code edition applies?

The applicable edition depends on the adoption rules, application timing and type of work. Existing-building provisions may also apply. The design team establishes the basis for review and seeks clarification from the reviewing authority where needed.

How do I appeal a building official's decision?

Ask the reviewing authority about the clarification or appeal process for the specific decision. Available procedures and deadlines can differ. A code review can help explain the technical issue, while formal representation or legal advice requires a separate scope.

What happens after I send a request?

We pass your project details to a Florida architecture practice. Discuss the scope, fees and schedule directly with the practice before deciding to proceed.

Tell us about your project

Share the location and what you have in mind. A practice can review the scope and quote the work you need.

Request a quote See coverage

Prefer to talk it through? (321) 462-5592 or ask@floridaarch.com