Florida Building Inspection Checklist: What Inspectors Look For at Each Phase

Failed inspections are one of the most disruptive events in a construction timeline. They delay subsequent trades, push back permit milestones, and — if they happen repeatedly — flag your project with the building department. This checklist covers what Florida inspectors look for at each major phase, so your projects arrive at inspection ready.

Footing and Foundation Inspection

• Forms set to correct dimensions and depth per approved plans
• Rebar size, spacing, and cover per structural drawings
• Soil bearing capacity documentation if required
• Anchor bolt placement verified before pour
• No organic material or standing water in trench

Slab Inspection (Pre-Pour)

• Vapor barrier installed correctly, lapped per code
• Under-slab plumbing rough-in inspected and pressure-tested
• Termite treatment documentation on file
• Electrical conduit embedded correctly
• Rebar and wire mesh to plan specification

Framing Inspection

• All framing members to size and spacing per approved plans
• Hurricane straps and ties installed at every rafter/truss connection
• Header sizes correct over all openings
• Shear walls and hold-downs installed per structural
• Blocking and fire-stopping at floor penetrations
• Roof sheathing nailing pattern per FBC wind requirements

Rough-In Inspections (MEP)

Mechanical: Duct sizing, routing, and insulation requirements; return air path; equipment placement and clearances.

Electrical: Wire sizing per load calculations; service entrance and panel configuration; circuit identification; GFCI and AFCI protection as required.

Plumbing: Drain, waste, and vent sizing per FPC; pressure test on supply lines; water heater rough-in; cleanout accessibility.

Insulation Inspection

• R-value correct per energy code for climate zone
• No compression of batt insulation
• Rim joists and band joists insulated
• Penetrations sealed before insulation cover

Final Inspections

Each trade receives a final inspection confirming all rough-in work is properly covered, all fixtures and equipment are installed correctly, and the installation matches approved plans.

• Electrical final: Panel labeled, covers on, all fixtures operational, smoke detectors installed and tested
• Plumbing final: All fixtures installed, water heater properly strapped and pressure-relieved, no leaks
• Mechanical final: HVAC operational, filter installed, exhaust fans ducted to exterior
• Building final: Address posted, handrails and guardrails per code, accessibility compliance

Avoid Failed Inspections with a Private Provider

Private providers like Tew & Taylor communicate directly with your team before each inspection to confirm readiness. If an issue is identified before the inspector arrives, we can address it without it appearing as a failed inspection on the permit record. Our project-assigned professionals stay consistent across every phase — they know your project, your drawings, and your superintendent.