Commercial

Commercial Detached Garage

New detached garage serving commercial, apartment, or condo property. Electrical inspections apply only when wiring is included.

Last updated: Sep 29, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • Construction Plans
    Construction plans for the work. Plans prepared by a Florida-registered architect or engineer carry that professional's seal. Plans prepared by a contractor or owner are accepted without a seal unless Florida law or the building department requires professional plans.
  • Product Approvals
    Florida Product Approvals for regulated components
  • Site Plan / Survey
    Site plan or survey showing property boundaries, setbacks, and construction footprint

Conditional

  • Energy Compliance Forms
    Energy compliance documentation
    WhenRequired if garage includes conditioned space
  • Truss Engineering OR Truss Deferral Affidavit
    Truss engineering package, conventional framing per FBC, or a truss deferral letter requesting deferred submittal of truss engineering.
    WhenRequired only when structure uses pre-engineered trusses and truss engineering is not shown in the plan set; satisfied by truss engineering in plan set OR conventional framing per FBC OR a truss deferral letter.

Courtesy screen

Courtesy screen on every plan review

Every plan FCC reviews receives a limited courtesy screen for the items below when they are reasonably visible in the submitted documents. If we see an apparent issue that could cause the plans to fail review by another agency, we will identify it as a Courtesy Comment. Courtesy Comments alone do not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope. The responsible agency makes the final determination—for example, Planning and Zoning for setbacks, lot coverage, use, and other lot-compliance matters. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  1. #01Plan and document coordination

    Obvious clerical, title-block, sheet-index, permit-description, or cross-sheet inconsistencies visible in the submitted documents. A Courtesy Comment on these items does not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope.

    FBC-B 107.2.1
  2. #02Zoning and site coordination

    Apparent setback, lot-coverage, use, or site-dimension conflicts visible in the submitted plans that could cause the plans to fail Planning and Zoning review. Planning and Zoning makes the zoning and lot-compliance determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  3. #03Floodplain coordination

    Apparent inconsistencies or missing coordination in flood-zone, design-flood-elevation, finished-floor, or flood-opening information shown on the plans that could cause the plans to fail floodplain review. The floodplain administrator makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  4. #04Fire-authority coordination

    Apparent separately reviewed fire alarm, sprinkler, hood-suppression, smoke-control, or similar coordination issues visible on the plans that could cause the plans to fail fire review. The fire marshal makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

Section 2

Approval criteria for this project type

These are the building-code criteria FCC uses to determine the plan-review result. An unresolved item may be issued as a Required Correction and cause the plan set to be returned for correction.

BuildingRequired

  1. #01Design wind speed & exposureLife Safety

    Structural drawings must declare design wind speed (Vult) and exposure category matching the jurisdiction's wind speed map.

    FBC-B 1609ASCE 7-22
  2. #02Footing / foundation designLife Safety

    Footing or foundation design must show dimensions, reinforcement, depth, and connection to the structure above.

    FBC-B 1809
  3. #03Detached-structure setbackLife Safety

    Exterior walls must have the fire-resistance rating and opening protection required for their fire separation distance (FBC-B 705.5 / 705.8). Zoning setbacks are the jurisdiction's review.

    FBC-B 705.5FBC-B 705.8
  4. #04Engineer of record seal, when engineeredDocumentation

    When a Florida engineer prepared the structural drawings, the document carries that engineer's seal and signature. Contractor- or owner-prepared structural drawings need a seal only when Florida law or the building department requires one.

    Florida Statutes Chapter 471FBC-B 107.3.5
  5. #05Engineer of record seal, when engineeredDocumentation

    When a Florida engineer prepared the structural drawings, the document carries that engineer's seal and signature. Contractor- or owner-prepared structural drawings need a seal only when Florida law or the building department requires one.

    Florida Statutes Chapter 471FBC-B 107.3.5

ElectricalRequired

  1. #01AFCI and GFCI protectionLife Safety

    AFCI protection for dwelling unit branch circuits per NEC 210.12; GFCI per NEC 210.8 at required locations.

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.12
  2. #02Service size and load calculationCode

    Electrical service and feeder sizing supported by NEC Article 220 load calculation.

    NEC 220NEC 230

Section 3

Inspection Walkthrough

Inspections are listed in their typical phase order. Your own inspection list comes from your approved plans. Inspections marked “If in scope” apply only when your plans include that work. Call (772) 222-6679 with questions.

Plumbing

Phase #1

Plumbing Underground

If in scope
  1. Pipe material and sizingCritical

    Compare underground drainage, sewer and water-service materials and sizes with the approved plans.

    FBC-P 702.2FBC-P 702.3FBC-P 605.3FBC-P 603.1
  2. Trench bedding and coverCritical

    Show trench bedding, pipe support and planned cover against the approved plans before backfill.

    FBC-P 306.1FBC-P 306.2
  3. Pipe slope and supportCritical

    Verify proper slope on drain lines and adequate support

    FBC-P 704.1
  4. Cleanout locations

    Verify cleanout access points are installed per plans

    FBC-P 708.1
  5. Pressure testCritical

    Show the required test for the installed drainage or water-supply section, with the measured result visible.

    FBC-P 312.2FBC-P 312.5
  6. Trench left openCritical

    Keep underground drain and water piping visible until inspection.

Electrical

Phase #2

Electrical Underground

If in scope
  1. Conduit installationCritical

    Verify conduit material, size, and routing per plans

    NEC 300.5
  2. Burial depthCritical

    Verify conduit burial depth meets code minimum

    NEC 300.5
  3. UFER ground connectionCritical

    Verify UFER grounding electrode is properly connected to rebar in footing

    NEC 250.52
  4. Conduit protection

    Verify conduit is protected from damage where exposed

    NEC 300.5

Building

Phase #3

Footing / Grade Beam

  1. Footing dimensionsCritical

    Verify footing width and depth match approved plans

  2. Rebar size and spacingCritical

    Verify rebar size, spacing, and placement per plans

  3. UFER grounding electrodeCritical

    Where the approved electrical design uses a concrete-encased electrode, show the specified material, length, placement, and connection before concrete.

    NEC 250.52
  4. Foundation anchorage layout

    Verify anchor bolt placement for sill plate attachment

Phase #4

Slab

If in scope
  1. Slab vapor barrierCritical

    Verify vapor barrier is installed under slab per plans

  2. Slab thickness and wire meshCritical

    Verify slab thickness and reinforcement per plans

  3. Slab forms and elevationCritical

    Verify slab outline, thickness, and elevations match the approved plans.

  4. Under-slab preparationCritical

    Show prepared base, penetrations, and required under-slab work before the pour.

  5. Reinforcing supportCritical

    Show slab steel or mesh supported at the planned position and with required laps.

Phase #5

Fill Cell / Column

If in scope
  1. Pre-grout cell inspectionCritical

    Show open reinforced cells and planned grout placement before concealment.

  2. Vertical rebar placementCritical

    Verify vertical rebar is properly placed and spaced in block wall

  3. Open vertical cellsCritical

    Keep reinforced masonry cells visible before grout is placed.

  4. Column reinforcementCritical

    Verify column or pilaster steel, ties, laps, and cover against the plans.

  5. Cell cleanlinessCritical

    Confirm reinforced cells are clear of mortar droppings and debris.

Phase #6

Lintel / Tie Beam

If in scope
  1. Tie beam reinforcementCritical

    Verify tie beam rebar size, spacing, and lap splices per plans

  2. Lintel reinforcementCritical

    Verify lintel rebar and sizing over openings per plans

Phase #7

Window / Door Framing

If in scope
  1. Anchor and fastener patternCritical

    Verify anchoring method and fastener spacing per manufacturer installation instructions

  2. Rough opening dimensionsCritical

    Measure each opening against the approved plans and selected unit.

  3. Buck attachmentCritical

    Show buck material, anchors, spacing, and substrate before the unit covers them.

  4. Product approval matchCritical

    Have the approved opening product and installation details available.

  5. Opening conditionCritical

    Show a sound, prepared opening and required clearance for the unit.

Phase #8

Framing

  1. Wall stud spacing and sizeCritical

    Verify stud size and spacing match approved plans

  2. Headers and beamsCritical

    Verify header and beam sizes over openings per plans

  3. Top and bottom plate connectionsCritical

    Verify double top plates with proper lapping and anchored bottom plates

  4. Corner and intersection bracingCritical

    Verify proper bracing at corners and wall intersections

  5. Window and door rough openingsCritical

    Verify rough openings match approved plans for size and location

  6. Hurricane straps and hold-downsCritical

    Verify hurricane straps and hold-down hardware installed per plans

  7. Fire blocking

    Verify fire blocking is installed at required locations

  8. Truss spacing and alignmentCritical

    Verify truss spacing and alignment match approved plans

  9. Truss-to-wall connectionCritical

    Verify hurricane clips or straps at every truss-to-wall connection

  10. Truss bracingCritical

    Verify lateral and diagonal bracing is installed per truss engineering

  11. Truss engineering on siteCritical

    Verify the truss engineering package is available and matches installed trusses

  12. Gable end bracing

    Verify gable end trusses are properly braced

Phase #9

Roof Sheathing

If in scope
  1. Roof sheathing attachmentCritical

    Verify roof deck nailing pattern and edge spacing per the approved nailing schedule.

  2. Roof sheathing material and thicknessCritical

    Verify roof sheathing panel material, thickness, and span rating match the approved plans.

  3. Panel gap spacing at roof deck

    Verify proper edge gap between roof sheathing panels per the panel manufacturer.

Phase #10

Wall Sheathing

If in scope
  1. Wall sheathing attachmentCritical

    Verify wall sheathing nailing pattern and edge spacing per the approved nailing schedule (shear wall zones often require tighter spacing).

  2. Wall sheathing material and thicknessCritical

    Verify wall sheathing panel material, thickness, and grade stamp match the approved plans.

  3. Panel gap spacing at walls

    Verify proper edge gap between wall sheathing panels per the panel manufacturer.

Phase #11

Roof Dry-In

  1. Underlayment installationCritical

    Verify roof underlayment is installed per code and manufacturer specs

Plumbing

Phase #12

Plumbing Rough-In

If in scope
  1. Supply pipe sizing and materialCritical

    Verify supply pipe sizes and material match approved plans

    FBC-P 604.3FBC-P 605.4
  2. DWV pipe sizing and slopeCritical

    Verify drain, waste, and vent pipe sizes and slope per plans

    FBC-P 704.1
  3. Pipe support and hangingCritical

    Verify pipes are properly supported at required intervals

    FBC-P 308.1
  4. Vent termination locations

    Show vent routing and approved termination through the roof or side wall before concealment.

    FBC-P 903.1
  5. Water heater rough-in

    Where a water heater is in scope, compare rough location and connections with approved plans and manufacturer instructions. Show a pan when tank leakage could cause damage.

    FBC-P 502.1FBC-P 504.7
  6. Required rough testsCritical

    Have the required water, drain, and vent tests ready before walls close.

    FBC-P 312.1
  7. Shower and tub workCritical

    Where shower or tub work is in scope, show pan/liner or tub installation and the required test before concealment.

Electrical

Phase #13

Electrical Rough-In

If in scope
  1. Panel installationCritical

    Verify electrical panel is properly mounted and sized per plans

  2. Wire sizing per circuitsCritical

    Verify wire gauge matches breaker amperage for each circuit

    NEC 240.4
  3. Box fill and installationCritical

    Verify electrical boxes are properly installed and not overfilled

    NEC 314.16
  4. GFCI and AFCI locationsCritical

    Verify GFCI and AFCI protection is provided where required

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.12
  5. Alarm installation methods where applicableCritical

    Where the approved occupancy and scope require alarms, show the specified smoke-alarm power/interconnection method and any CO alarm installation; do not assume both are hardwired.

    FBC-B 907.2.11
  6. Grounding and bondingCritical

    Verify grounding electrode system and bonding connections

    NEC 250.50

Mechanical

Phase #14

Mechanical Rough-In

If in scope
  1. Ductwork installationCritical

    Verify duct sizes, routing, and support match approved plans

    FBC-M 603.1
  2. Duct sealingCritical

    Verify duct joints and connections are properly sealed

    FBC-M 603.9
  3. Refrigerant line installation

    Where refrigerant lines are in scope, keep joints exposed before covering (FBC-M 1107.7). Compare sizing and insulation with approved plans and equipment instructions.

    FBC-M 1107.7
  4. Equipment placementCritical

    Verify air handler and condenser locations per plans with required clearances

    FBC-M 304.1
  5. Return air pathway

    Verify return air pathways are properly sized and located

    FBC-M 601.6
  6. Concealed mechanical work visibleCritical

    Leave duct, line, and exhaust routes accessible before walls close.

Building

Phase #15

Insulation

If in scope
  1. Wall cavity insulation R-valueCritical

    Verify wall insulation R-value matches energy calculations

    FBC-E C402.2
  2. Ceiling/attic insulation R-valueCritical

    Verify ceiling or attic insulation R-value per energy calculations

    FBC-E C402.2
  3. Insulation coverage and gapsCritical

    Verify no gaps, voids, or compression in insulation installation

    FBC-E C402.2
  4. Air sealing

    Verify air sealing at penetrations, top plates, and rim joists

    FBC-E C402.5
Phase #16

Roof In-Progress

If in scope
  1. Drip edge installationCritical

    Verify drip edge is installed at eaves and rakes

  2. Valley and flashingCritical

    Verify valley flashing and wall flashing are properly installed

  3. Roof penetration sealing

    Verify all roof penetrations are properly sealed and flashed

  4. Covering materialCritical

    Match roof tile, shingles, or metal panels to the approved plans and product approval.

  5. Covering attachmentCritical

    Show fastener or clip pattern before it is concealed by the next course.

  6. Flashing installationCritical

    Show flashing at valleys, walls, edges, and penetrations while accessible.

Phase #17

Exterior Wall Covering (Lath / Stucco / Siding)

If in scope
  1. Wall covering material and installationCritical

    Verify exterior wall covering material matches approved plans and is properly installed

  2. Weather-resistive barrierCritical

    Verify weather-resistive barrier is properly installed behind cladding

  3. Flashing at penetrations and transitionsCritical

    Verify flashing is installed at windows, doors, and wall transitions

  4. Fastener pattern and spacing

    Verify cladding fastener type and spacing per manufacturer and plans

Phase #18

Drywall / Gypsum Board

If in scopeBD-Dependent

Most jurisdictions skip this inspection for this project type. Confirm with your building department whether they'll require it.

  1. Drywall thickness and typeCritical

    Match board type, thickness, exposure rating, and layers to the approved rated or shear assembly.

  2. Fastener spacingCritical

    Verify screw or nail spacing meets code requirements

  3. Fire-rated assembliesCritical

    Verify fire-rated walls and ceilings have proper drywall layers per rating

Electrical

Phase #19

Electrical Final

If in scope
  1. Panel complete and labeledCritical

    Verify panel cover installed, all breakers labeled, no open knockouts

    NEC 408.4NEC 408.7
  2. GFCI and AFCI operationalCritical

    Verify all GFCI and AFCI devices test and reset properly

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.12
  3. Receptacle and switch functionCritical

    Verify outlets and switches operate correctly throughout

  4. Light fixtures installed

    Verify all light fixtures are installed and operational

    NEC 210.70
  5. Exterior lighting and outletsCritical

    Where in scope, demonstrate outdoor GFCI protection and required exterior entrance lighting.

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.70

Plumbing

Phase #20

Plumbing Final

If in scope
  1. Fixture setting, connections and operationCritical

    Show in-scope fixtures level and aligned, connected to required water and drainage systems, and operating without visible leaks.

    FBC-P 405.3FBC-P 301.3FBC-P 301.4
  2. No visible leaksCritical

    During the live fixture run, show exposed connections and surrounding areas with no visible leaks.

  3. Water heater installationCritical

    Where a water heater is in scope, show the installed heater, relief valve and discharge piping; show a pan and drain where leakage could cause damage.

    FBC-P 504.4FBC-P 504.6FBC-P 504.7
  4. Hose bibbs and exterior plumbing

    Verify exterior hose bibbs have backflow prevention

    FBC-P 608.16.4.2
  5. All fixtures connectedCritical

    Confirm fixtures and water-using equipment are installed and connected.

Mechanical

Phase #21

Mechanical Final

If in scope
  1. Installed mechanical system operationCritical

    Demonstrate each mechanical system in the approved scope. Show heating and cooling modes only if the installed equipment provides them.

  2. Equipment labels and data plates

    Verify equipment nameplates match approved plans for capacity and efficiency

    FBC-M 304.1
  3. Installed mechanical equipmentCritical

    Show equipment installed for this scope, with access and clearances against approved plans and manufacturer instructions.

    FBC-M 304.1
  4. Condensate drainCritical

    Where cooling equipment produces condensate, show the drain and approved termination.

    FBC-M 307.2
  5. Duct registers and grilles

    Where ducted supply or return air is in scope, show representative installed registers and grilles.

    FBC-M 603.18
  6. Equipment operationCritical

    Demonstrate system operation in heating, cooling, or exhaust mode as applicable.

Building

Phase #22

Roof Final

  1. Roofing material installationCritical

    Verify roofing material is installed per manufacturer specs and approved plans

  2. Flashing completenessCritical

    Verify all flashing is complete at walls, valleys, penetrations, and edges

  3. Ridge vent or ventilation

    Show roof or attic ventilation where the approved design requires it.

  4. Covering attachment evidenceCritical

    Show in-progress evidence for concealed fasteners, clips or adhesive and visible attachment at roof edges and terminations.

  5. Cleanup and debris removal

    Verify job site is clean with no exposed nails or debris in gutters

  6. Completed roofCritical

    Confirm all roof planes, edges, penetrations, and terminations are complete.

Phase #23

Building Final

Typical Final
  1. Garage structure completeCritical

    Confirm framing, roof, openings, and anchorage match approved plans.

    FBC-B 110.3
  2. Vehicle door and safe accessCritical

    Demonstrate garage door operation, safety features, and person door where shown.