Since 2002, Florida lets you hire a licensed private provider for plan review and inspections at your choice — no waiting for the county. HB 1059 (2021) added hard review deadlines: localities must refund 10% of your application fee for every business day they run late, and post every application's status online.
Find a Florida providerPrivate plan review + inspections at developer's choice since 2002
10% application-fee refund per business day of government delay (HB 1059)
Resubmittals: 10 business days to approve/deny, or escalating refunds up to 60%
Santa Rosa County went from <50% to 100% of single-family permits processed within 30 business days after the law
Sources: state statute summaries, Foundation for Government Accountability research, Manhattan Institute model-bill analysis. Verify current rules with your jurisdiction or a licensed provider.