Freedom Code Compliance
Commercial

Commercial Demolition

Demolition of an existing commercial building

Last updated: Apr 20, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • Sealed Demolition Plans
    Demolition plans sealed by a Florida-registered design professional
  • Site Plan / Survey
    Site plan or survey showing structures to be demolished and surrounding features

Conditional

  • Asbestos Survey
    Asbestos survey guidance based on year built and risk; verify requirement during downstream review as needed.
    WhenGuidance only (non-blocking at intake): may be required depending on year built and asbestos risk factors.
  • Environmental Assessment
    Environmental assessment for hazardous materials, lead paint, and other contaminants
    WhenRequired for commercial structures where hazardous materials may be present

Section 2

Plan Review Criteria

What FCC's plans examiner looks for on this project type, by trade. Items are grouped by priority — life-safety first. Building department checks may go further; this is the FCC private provider scope under FL Statute 553.791.

BuildingRequired

  1. #01Asbestos / lead paint assessment (commercial)Life Safety

    Commercial demolition triggers NESHAP asbestos survey and RRP lead paint compliance for applicable structures.

    40 CFR 61 Subpart M40 CFR 745
  2. #02Environmental and hazardous materialsLife Safety

    Commercial structures may contain additional hazmat (mercury switches, PCB ballasts, refrigerants) requiring special handling.

    FDEP hazmat rules40 CFR
  3. #03Structural protection and sequencingLife Safety

    Demolition sequencing must preserve stability of remaining/adjacent structures.

    FBC-EB 1401

Section 3

Inspection Walkthrough

Inspections are listed in their typical phase order. Your FCC inspector will confirm which apply to your project. Call (772) 222-6679 with questions.

Building

Phase #1

Final Building

RequiredTypical Final
  1. Structure fully demolishedCritical

    Verify permitted structure is completely demolished and removed from site

    FBC-B 110.3
  2. Utility disconnectionCritical

    Verify all utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer) are properly disconnected and capped

    FBC-B 3303.5
  3. Site conditionCritical

    Verify site is graded, debris is removed, and no hazardous materials remain

    FBC-B 3303.3
  4. Erosion control

    Verify erosion control measures are in place if required

    FBC-B 3303.2