Puerto Rico gov’t: Permit efficiency doubled with AI, reforms
Puerto Rico’s Permit Management Office has raised efficiency in its Single Permits process from 39% to 83%, Deputy Secretary Norberto Almodóvar announced.
For years, the island’s permitting system has drawn criticism as slow and burdensome, complicating business activity. At the weekly press briefing at La Fortaleza, Almodóvar said government action has produced measurable improvements.
“The governor issued an executive order to address this situation,” he said. “Thanks to this, we can announce that efficiency has increased in the Single Permits process, from 39% to 83% to this day. At the same time, we have increased efficiency in the issuance of Construction Permits from 28% in August 2024 to 85% today.”
Almodóvar said the progress stems from a strategy that includes the use of technology and artificial intelligence, a new staff training program and a system of metrics to track productivity.
He added that the improvements support the Department of Economic Development and Commerce’s efforts to attract investment, particularly in pharmaceuticals and other industrial sectors.
“We are aware that we still have a long way to go, but we will soon be announcing additional measures that will impact the construction sector,” Almodóvar said. “Puerto Rico is ready to do business.”
The changes stem from the Permitting Reform Act (Act 19 of 2017), which consolidated multiple authorizations — including fire prevention, environmental health, licenses and other certifications — into a Single Permit. The reform was designed to streamline processes, encourage investment, generate jobs and strengthen economic development.
