Notary Bulletin has a useful infographic and article on how to spot fake IDs.

In an effort to cut down on ID fraud, most states have significantly improved the security features of the driver’s licenses and identity cards they issue. This infographic from the publishers of the I.D. Checking Guide depicts some of the more common security features that can help Notaries verify the identity of their signers.

Read Article at Notary Bulletin

Seminole County, Florida has posted an update to initial upload requirements for permits. The changes, which go into effect on 1/10/2018, are intended to expedite the pre-screening process. The full post follows:

In an effort to provide better customer service and significantly reduce the time it takes to get permit packages past Pre-screen and into Plan Review, the Seminole County Building Division is adjusting initial “Application Documents” upload requirements for ALL “Applicant Upload” Tasks on permits that require Plan Review (*except those pulled as Owner/Builder).

To start any Permit Application request, Applicants will still need to complete the “Submit Request for Building Permit Application Number” menu option through BPOnline.

Following this (usually within 24 hours pending intake volume), Applicants will receive an email invitation to upload files to the ePlan Review system. The Application Documents that are required to be uploaded specifically for the Applicant Upload Task are shown below. If you happen to have all the files to complete your package at this point, feel free to include them in your upload as well.

•Completed Signed Permit Application Form
•Property Appraiser’s Printout with Legal Description
•Signature Acknowledgement and/or Limited Power of Attorney Form

Once these have been uploaded (along with any required plans/drawings and supporting technical documents for your permit type), you must complete the Applicant Upload task so that we receive it back for the Pre-screen process. After the Pre-screen process occurs, any missing required forms or information will be noted in your task under the Checklist Tab and also available for viewing in the Project Reports. As a reminder, please use the latest Forms and Applications available on our webpage (see links below).

Please note, any missing items can be uploaded any time you have a task in your Active Task List no matter which task you have. The last point in the automated process that you will be able to provide these forms is the “Additional Requirements” task at the end of the process. This is just prior to permit issuance. If any items are missing, you will receive this task before we can issue the permit and release the approved stamped file(s) / folder(s) to you.

*Owner/Builders are still required to come in to Seminole County and provide a completed signed permit application package at the beginning of the process.

LINKS:
BPOnline: https://egov.seminolecountyfl.gov/Click2GovBP/SubmitApplication.jsp

Forms & Applications: http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/development-services/building/forms-applications.stml

ePlan Applicant User Guide: http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/core/fileparse.php/3260/urlt/ePlanApplicantUserGuide.pdf

***This change will commence with Applicant Upload tasks completed on January 10, 2018 or after.***

Thank you,

Jodi Doyle
Building Division Manager
ePlan Department Administrator

An update from Building Business Services of Manatee County, Florida. Effective January 2, 2018:

We will no longer be able to provide E-Filing services for Notice of Commencements and other documents with the Manatee County Clerk of Court.

You can now E-File from the comfort of your home or office using simplifile.com or visit the Manatee Clerk of Court at 1114 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205

The State of Florida has announced that the new Florida Building Codes and Standards, 6th Edition (2017) will go into on December 31st, 2017.

Additional Info:

• Effect dates from the Florida Department of Professional Regulation.
• More information from Seminole County.
• More information from Miami-Dade County.

The Polk County Building Division will have limited hours on December 12, 2017. Here’s the official notice:

The Building Division’s hours on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, will be 8:00 am-2:00 pm. The Division is closing early for the Office of Planning and Development’s annual meeting. On this day, all lobby customers with walk-through permit applications with plans or mobile home set-up permit applications, must be in the queue by noon. Customers with walk-through permit applications without plans must be in the queue by 1:00 pm.

The Building Division’s hours of operation will return to normal on Wednesday, December 13, 2017.

Thank you!

Polk County Building Division
polk-county.net