Commercial

Commercial Remodel

Interior finish-only remodel of existing commercial space without structural or MEP changes. Use Commercial Alteration when framing or a trade system changes.

Last updated: Sep 29, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • Construction Plans
    Construction plans reflecting the full scope of remodel 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.

Conditional

  • Scope of Work Description
    Very detailed written scope of work describing all work to be performed
    WhenThe scope of work you type on the submission form counts. A separate document is not needed.
  • Product Approvals
    Florida Product Approvals for any regulated components being installed
    WhenRequired if installing new windows, doors, roofing, or other regulated products

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. #01Occupancy classificationLife Safety

    Occupancy group must be clearly stated. Any change of occupancy requires FBC-EB 1001 compliance path.

    FBC-B 302FBC-EB 1001
  2. #02Fire protection systemsLife Safety

    Sprinkler coverage, alarm coverage, and emergency egress lighting required per occupancy.

    FBC-B 903FBC-B 907FBC-B 1008
  3. #03Means of egress capacityLife Safety

    Occupant load, egress width, travel distance, and number of exits must comply with FBC-B Ch. 10.

    FBC-B 1004FBC-B 1005FBC-B 1006FBC-B 1017
  4. #04Structural alterations (commercial remodel)Life Safety

    Wall removal, added openings, or roof alteration require engineered documentation per FBC-EB.

    FBC-B 1603FBC-EB 503
  5. #05Accessibility scoping (FBC-A)Code

    Alteration or new commercial work triggers accessibility requirements in altered areas and along path of travel.

    FBC-A 202FBC-A 206FBC-A 202.4

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.

Building

Phase #1

Framing

If in scope
  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

Phase #2

Roof Dry-In

If in scope
  1. Underlayment installationCritical

    Verify roof underlayment is installed per code and manufacturer specs

  2. Underlayment typeCritical

    Match installed underlayment to the approved roof system and manufacturer instructions.

  3. Lap and fasteningCritical

    Show laps, seams, and fasteners before the roof covering conceals them.

  4. Dry-in continuityCritical

    Show continuous dry-in at edges, transitions, and penetrations.

  5. Wall dry-in where requiredCritical

    Where the approved scope includes wall dry-in, show the barrier and flashing before covering.

    FBC-B 110.3

Plumbing

Phase #3

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 #4

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. Grounding and bondingCritical

    Verify grounding electrode system and bonding connections

    NEC 250.50
  5. GFCI and AFCI locationsCritical

    Verify GFCI and AFCI protection is provided where required

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.12
  6. Smoke and CO alarm installation methodsCritical

    For applicable dwellings, show smoke alarm power and permitted wired or listed wireless interconnection. CO alarms may be hard-wired or battery powered. Match approved scope.

    FBC-R R314.4FBC-R R314.6FBC-R R315.1.1
  7. Concealed wiring visibleCritical

    Keep boxes, cable routes, and connections exposed until rough inspection.

Mechanical

Phase #5

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 #6

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 #7

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.

    FBC-R R903.2
  7. Roof transitionsCritical

    Check ridges, hips, terminations, and transitions against approved details.

  8. Roof insulationCritical

    Where specified, show insulation thickness and attachment before covering.

Phase #8

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

  5. Lath and accessoriesCritical

    For stucco work, show lath attachment and accessories before cement finish.

  6. Siding or veneer attachmentCritical

    Show fastening and support of installed siding or veneer.

Phase #9

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 #10

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

    Where the approved scope requires lighting outlets, show the installed luminaires or approved alternatives and demonstrate operation.

    NEC 210.70
  5. Exterior lighting and outletsCritical

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

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.70
  6. Equipment energized safelyCritical

    Demonstrate installed equipment and controls operate as intended.

Plumbing

Phase #11

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 #12

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 #13

Building Final

Typical Final
  1. Egress doors and hardwareCritical

    Verify egress doors provide minimum 32-inch clear width and proper hardware

  2. Smoke alarms installed and operationalCritical

    Where the approved occupancy includes dwelling or sleeping units, show required smoke alarms and demonstrate operation.

  3. CO alarms installedCritical

    Where the approved occupancy and equipment trigger carbon monoxide alarms, show installed and operating devices.

  4. Emergency escape openingsCritical

    Where approved sleeping rooms require emergency escape openings, show representative opening dimensions and operation.

  5. Stairway complianceCritical

    If stairs are in scope, demonstrate approved rise, run, handrails, and accessible route.

  6. Address numbers visible

    Verify address numbers are posted and visible from street

  7. Exterior finishes complete

    Verify exterior cladding, trim, and weatherproofing are complete

  8. Site grading and drainage

    Show finished grading and drainage against approved site plans; no universal residential 6-in-10-ft rule.