Written by Laura Christmas

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF) has recognized Steve Schoeff, Chief Building Official for Clay County, as the 2025 Building Official of the Year—an honor awarded to professionals whose leadership, integrity, and contributions have meaningfully advanced the industry.

Schoeff’s extensive experience in site development, vertical construction, code enforcement, and real estate law far exceeds the requirements of Florida Statute for Building Code Administrators. Schoeff’s lived, historical real-world mental library of wisdom is an incredible attribute to everyone involved in his day-to-day activities. His colleagues praise his ability to see challenges from the customer’s perspective while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.

During his tenure with Clay County, Schoeff has led numerous innovations that improved efficiency, reduced costs, and elevated service delivery. He implemented a paperless permitting system, eliminating reliance on third-party scanning services and streamlining application processes. He also introduced virtual inspections for smaller projects, allowing contractors to complete same-day inspections using mobile devices—saving time and reducing unnecessary site visits.

Schoeff championed professional development within his department by launching internship and cross-training programs that led to licensing progress in all nine approved state internship tracks. He encouraged staff to participate in industry leadership roles—resulting in Clay County representation on local, state, and national boards, including the presidency of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors.

Even as he prepares for retirement, Schoeff remains focused on the future. He has developed a thoughtful transition plan to ensure the continued success of the Building Department and the incoming Chief Building Official. Under his leadership, the department modernized inspector vehicles with Wi-Fi and real-time reporting tools, and made critical investments in long-term organizational growth.

The Building Official of the Year Award honors a licensed professional who demonstrates meritorious service to the code enforcement profession and promotes safety in the built environment. Steve Schoeff’s legacy is one of humility, excellence, and unwavering commitment to the community he has served so well.