First, breathe. A failed inspection is common, and it's almost always fixable. It doesn't cancel your permit, and it doesn't mean you're in trouble with the city. It means the inspector found something that has to be corrected before the work moves on.
What matters is how fast you fix it and get the re-inspection booked. Here's how it works.
Quick answer
- The inspector lists what failed, usually on the permit record or a correction notice.
- You fix those items and schedule a re-inspection.
- Re-inspection fees may apply. Amounts vary by city.
- Don't cover the work until it passes.
- Florida law: if the inspector doesn't give you the reason for a failure within 5 business days, the city must refund 10% of the permit and inspection fees (section 553.79(7)).
What are the most common reasons inspections fail?
Surprisingly, many failures aren't about bad workmanship:
- Not ready. The inspection was booked before the work was finished
- No approved plans or permit card on site
- Notice of Commencement not posted before the first inspection
- Work doesn't match the approved plans. A field change that was never submitted as a revision
- Product doesn't match its approval. The wrong window, a missing label, or anchors different from what the product approval requires
- No access. A locked gate, an unreachable attic, nobody on site
- Actual code issues. Missing straps, wrong nailing, missing fire blocking, an unprotected electrical box
What happens next?
Step 1. Read the comments. Get the exact reason from the inspection result. Vague guesses lead to second failures.
Step 2. Fix exactly what's listed. If a fix changes the design, it may need a plan revision first.
Step 3. Schedule the re-inspection. Pay any re-inspection fee your city charges.
Step 4. Pass and move on. Only then cover the work or move to the next stage.
How much does a failure cost?
The direct cost is usually a re-inspection fee, which varies by city. The real cost is time. A failed inspection can push back the trades waiting on it. On a tight schedule, one failure can delay several crews.
The 5-day rule most people don't know
Florida law requires the inspector to tell you why work failed. Under section 553.79(7) of the Florida Statutes, if an inspection fails and the inspector doesn't give the permit holder or their agent a reason based on the code within 5 business days, the local building department must refund 10% of the permit and inspection fees.
In practice, most inspectors leave comments the same day. But you're entitled to a clear, code-based reason, and you should ask for one if the comment is unclear.
What if you disagree with the inspector?
It happens. Start by asking which code section applies. Many disagreements end once both sides are reading the same section. If not, cities have a chain of review: the chief inspector, then the building official. In Broward, the Board of Rules and Appeals hears appeals on code interpretation. Have your design professional involved if it's a technical issue.
How to pass the first time
- Walk the work yourself before the inspector does
- Keep approved plans and product approvals on site and easy to find
- Leave product labels on until final
- Make sure someone can let the inspector in
- Schedule only when the work is truly ready
Frequently asked questions
Does a failed inspection go on my property record?
The inspection results usually stay in the permit history. What matters is that the inspection eventually passes and the permit closes.
How many times can I fail?
There's usually no hard limit, but re-inspection fees and delays add up. Repeated failures on the same item can bring extra scrutiny.
Can someone else meet the inspector for me?
Usually yes: your contractor, a superintendent, or your permit expediter, as long as they can give access and answer questions.
Want inspections handled for you?
We schedule inspections, follow the results, and coordinate corrections with your contractor so the building permit keeps moving to final. Call us or request a callback.