MyFloridaCode.com

let me throw my 2 cents in here
Having researched this several times in the past here is how I see it.

The Florida statutes clearly have an exception for commercial buildings 
however there are limitations.
#1 The work must be less than 75,000 dollars.  (can't pull multiple permits 
to get around this, it doesn't say in the statutes but 1 year between 
permits should qualify as separate projects)
#2 It must be done by the owner of the building and the owner must be a 
person not a corporation.
      (it could be argued that if I own more than 50% of the corporation I 
would qualify, that would be a CBO
      determination)
#3 The building must be for the use of the owner/owners business.
#4 No part of the building can be for lease  or sale for a period of one 
year.
     (a 4 hr firewall would qualify as creating separate buildings)


One thing to note is that the plans will still need to be done by a design 
professional unless the project is less than 25,000 dollars.

l8r,
glen