Florida’s housing market continues to grow, and so does the need for efficient and resilient custom home construction. As of 2025, several legislative changes are poised to shape how custom homes are planned, permitted, and built across the state. Whether you’re just starting to design your dream home or preparing for ground to break, staying informed about these new laws can help you better understand your timeline and rights as a homeowner.
At Bruce Williams Homes, we believe education is key to building confidence, as well as beautiful homes.
Mandatory One-Year Builder Warranty
Starting July 1, 2025, Florida builders will be required to provide a minimum one-year warranty on new home construction (House Bill 623). This warranty covers defects in workmanship, materials, or equipment that lead to violations of the Florida Building Code.
While Bruce Williams Homes already stands behind the quality of our construction, this law ensures statewide consistency and added peace of mind for homeowners across Florida. It also means that regardless of whether the home changes ownership within the first year, the warranty protections follow the home—not just the buyer.
However, it’s important to understand the limitations: normal wear and tear, house settling, weather-related damage, and homeowner-caused issues are not covered.
New Laws to Guarantee Faster Permit Approvals
Under House Bill 267, effective January 1, 2025, municipalities must process building permits more quickly:
- Within 30 business days for buildings under 7,500 square feet
- Within 60 business days for buildings over 7,500 square feet
If deadlines are missed, a portion of the permit fees may be refunded. This legislation aims to streamline the building process and reduce costly delays—great news for anyone planning a custom build. It also allows for increased use of private providers (such as licensed engineers or architects) for inspections and plan reviews, which can help keep timelines on track when local government offices are backlogged.
At Bruce Williams Homes, we actively coordinate with both public and private review providers to ensure our clients’ projects move forward efficiently and in full compliance.
Shortened Legal Deadlines for Construction Claims
In 2023, Florida also shortened the statute of repose for construction defect claims from 10 years to 7. This means homeowners have seven years from the date of project completion to file a legal claim for latent (hidden) construction defects.
While this won’t directly impact your building process, it underscores the importance of hiring a builder with a reputation for long-term quality—and keeping thorough documentation of your build.
News Laws Surrounding Expanded Energy & Resilience Financing Options
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program has expanded under Senate Bill 770. Commercial and residential property owners can now finance more types of energy efficiency and disaster mitigation improvements—including cool roofing, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and flood protection—through property tax assessments.
If you’re planning energy-conscious or storm-resilient upgrades to your new custom home, PACE financing may be a smart option. Bruce Williams Homes is happy to connect you with trusted financial partners to explore what works best for your goals and budget.
Bruce Williams Homes: Making Sense of New Laws
These new laws and legislative updates mark positive changes for custom home buyers in Florida—offering clearer protections, faster permitting, and better opportunities to build resilient, energy-efficient homes. At Bruce Williams Homes, we stay on top of every regulatory shift so you don’t have to. Our goal is to make your homebuilding experience as seamless, informed, and enjoyable as possible.
Disclaimer:
Laws and regulations regarding home construction are subject to change and may vary by municipality or county. The information provided here is intended for general awareness and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For the most accurate and personalized guidance related to your custom home project, please contact Bruce Williams Homes directly.
Florida’s housing market continues to grow, and so does the need for efficient and resilient custom home construction. As of 2025, several legislative changes are poised to shape how custom homes are planned, permitted, and built across the state. Whether you’re just starting to design your dream home or preparing for ground to break, staying informed about these new laws can help you better understand your timeline and rights as a homeowner.
At Bruce Williams Homes, we believe education is key to building confidence, as well as beautiful homes.
Mandatory One-Year Builder Warranty
Starting July 1, 2025, Florida builders will be required to provide a minimum one-year warranty on new home construction (House Bill 623). This warranty covers defects in workmanship, materials, or equipment that lead to violations of the Florida Building Code.
While Bruce Williams Homes already stands behind the quality of our construction, this law ensures statewide consistency and added peace of mind for homeowners across Florida. It also means that regardless of whether the home changes ownership within the first year, the warranty protections follow the home—not just the buyer.
However, it’s important to understand the limitations: normal wear and tear, house settling, weather-related damage, and homeowner-caused issues are not covered.
New Laws to Guarantee Faster Permit Approvals
Under House Bill 267, effective January 1, 2025, municipalities must process building permits more quickly:
- Within 30 business days for buildings under 7,500 square feet
- Within 60 business days for buildings over 7,500 square feet
If deadlines are missed, a portion of the permit fees may be refunded. This legislation aims to streamline the building process and reduce costly delays—great news for anyone planning a custom build. It also allows for increased use of private providers (such as licensed engineers or architects) for inspections and plan reviews, which can help keep timelines on track when local government offices are backlogged.
At Bruce Williams Homes, we actively coordinate with both public and private review providers to ensure our clients’ projects move forward efficiently and in full compliance.
Shortened Legal Deadlines for Construction Claims
In 2023, Florida also shortened the statute of repose for construction defect claims from 10 years to 7. This means homeowners have seven years from the date of project completion to file a legal claim for latent (hidden) construction defects.
While this won’t directly impact your building process, it underscores the importance of hiring a builder with a reputation for long-term quality—and keeping thorough documentation of your build.
News Laws Surrounding Expanded Energy & Resilience Financing Options
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program has expanded under Senate Bill 770. Commercial and residential property owners can now finance more types of energy efficiency and disaster mitigation improvements—including cool roofing, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and flood protection—through property tax assessments.
If you’re planning energy-conscious or storm-resilient upgrades to your new custom home, PACE financing may be a smart option. Bruce Williams Homes is happy to connect you with trusted financial partners to explore what works best for your goals and budget.
Bruce Williams Homes: Making Sense of New Laws
These new laws and legislative updates mark positive changes for custom home buyers in Florida—offering clearer protections, faster permitting, and better opportunities to build resilient, energy-efficient homes. At Bruce Williams Homes, we stay on top of every regulatory shift so you don’t have to. Our goal is to make your homebuilding experience as seamless, informed, and enjoyable as possible.
Disclaimer:
Laws and regulations regarding home construction are subject to change and may vary by municipality or county. The information provided here is intended for general awareness and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For the most accurate and personalized guidance related to your custom home project, please contact Bruce Williams Homes directly.
