Setting New Standards for Safety

The
Florida
Building
Code
Florida Building Commission
Florida Department of Community Affairs
The Florida Building Code System

• The Florida Building Commission

• Florida Building Code

• Product Evaluation Approval Program

• Education Program

• Building Code Information System

Florida Building Commission

Formed from the Florida Board of Building Codes

and Standards, plus five new positions.

FBC has 23 members representing:

• Governor’s Chair

• Code Officials (4)

• Architect

• Structural Engineer

• Mechanical Engineer
Florida Building Commission

• Persons with Disabilities

• Public Education

• Municipalities/Charter Counties

• Fire Protection Engineer or Technologist

• Department of Insurance
Florida Building Commission

• Insurance Industry

• Building Management Industry

• Building Product Manufacturer

• Manufactured Buildings

• General Contractor
Florida Building Commission

• Residential Contractor

• Mechanical & HVAC Contractor

• Plumbing Contractor

• Electrical Contractor
• Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractor
Commission Powers & Responsibilities

• Adopt and update the FBC (every 3 years).

• Amend annually to incorporate interpretations
and clarifications
• Hear appeals of local boards of appeal
regarding interpretation of decisions of
local building officials.
• Issue declaratory statements
interpreting to the intent of the
Code’s provisions.
Local Amendments

• Administrative

• Technical
Adjustments and Appeals

• Local building official makes first call

• Appeal to local adjustment and appeals board

• Appeal to Commission

• Appeal to judicial review through s. 120.68

www.floridabuilding.org

• Code Books & Materials

• Training

• Local Amendments

• Manufactured

Buildings and more!

Florida Building Code Training
The Commission is developing three levels of training:

• Transition training:
a side-by-side comparison.

• Core course:
covering administrative
and technical issues.

• Advanced technical
modules will begin
next year and
will cover
each licensed
profession.
Florida Building Code Training
• Required training on the Code:
licensees regulated under Chapters
468, 471, 481, 489, Florida Statutes,
must complete a minimum of one
core course by June 1, 2003 or
Within two years of initial
certification or registration
Whichever is later.

Note: Licensees regulated

under FS 471 need only
to complete the core
course if they actively
participate in designing
building
structures or facilities.
Florida Building Code Applicability

The Florida Building Code applies to:

“…the construction, erection, alteration, modification,

repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location,
maintenance, removal and demolition
of every public and private building,
structure,” 101.4.2 FBC
Florida Building Code Base Codes

• 1997 Standard Building Code

• 1997 International Plumbing Code
• 1998 International Mechanical Code
• 1999 National Electric Code
• 1997 Florida Energy Code
• 1999 National Fire Alarm Code
• 1997 Florida Accessibility Code
Florida Building Code

Incorporation of South Florida’s Standards

“High Velocity Hurricane Zone (Miami-Dade and

Broward Counties)” consists of the
strong hurricane provisions
adopted by South Florida in
response to Hurricane Andrew.
Florida Building Code

Integration of Fire Prevention and Life Safety Codes

The Florida Building Code adopts by reference the

Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the State
Fire Marshal:

• NFPA 1 Fire Prevention Code

• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
Chapter 16 - Structural Loads

• Regulate minimum design dead loads,

live loads, and impact loads for buildings
and structures.

• Provide for minimum wind design loads.

Chapter 16 - Structural Loads
Design Methods:

• Performance
» ASCE 7-98.
» 1606.2 Low-Rise < 60’ simplified method/special provisions.
(Enclosed buildings, roof slope <30 degree if moment frame,
approximately symmetrical cross section, includes tabulated
MWFRS and C&C loads)

• Prescriptive Residential
» SBCCI SSTD 10
» AF&PA Wood Frame Construction manual
» FC&PA Guide to Concrete Masonry
Residential Construction in high
wind areas
» WPPC Guide to Wood Construction in
high wind areas
Chapter 16 - Structural Loads
Design Methods:

• Metal Flag Poles

» Designs using NAAMM FP-1001 specification for design
loads of metal flag poles.

• Tower and Steel Antenna

» Designs using ANSI/TIA/EIA 222 specification for design
loads of antenna support structures.
Hurricane Protection

• Based on The American Society

of Civil Engineers Standard
ASCE 7-98

• Requires buildings to withstand wind forces

resulting from design wind speeds

• Except: Broward County - 140 Mph

and Miami-Dade County - 146 Mph
Hurricane Protection

Requires additional
protection from wind-borne
debris in:

1. “Wind-borne debris region” where design speeds

are greater than 120 mph or greater than 110 mph
if within 1 mile of the coast. Except the Florida
panhandle where the region lies within 1 mile of
the coast.

2. “High velocity hurricane zone” of Miami-Dade

and Broward counties.
Equivalent Wind Speeds

3 Second Gust Mph 85 90 100 105 110 120 125 130 140 145 150
Fastest Mile Mph 70 75 80 85 90 100 105 110 120 125 130

For use with standards that are

based on fastest mile design
such as SSTD10-99, etc…
The Code Provides Two Options
Wind Borne Debris Region
Non High Velocity Hurricane Zone

1. Design and build as “enclosed” with glazed openings protected by

shutters or impact resistant glass.

Exterior glazing that receives positive pressure in the lower 60 feet of a

building shall be assumed to be openings unless such glazing is impact
resistant or protected with an impact resistant covering meeting the
requirements of:
• SSTD 12
• ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996 or
• Miami-Dade PA 201, 202, and 203

2. Design and build as “partially enclosed” making the building capable of

withstanding resulting combined external and internal wind pressures if
glazed openings fail.
High Velocity Hurricane Zones

(Miami-Dade and
Broward Counties)

• Florida Building Code,

Section 1619 Wind Load

• Minimum standard,
Chapter 6 of ASCE 7-98

• Minimum wind velocity (3 second gust)

Broward - 140 mph
Miami-Dade - 146 mph

• Exposure Category C as
defined in ASCE 7
Exposure Definitions

• Exposure B:
“Urban and Suburban areas, wooded areas, or othe
terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions
having the size of single-family dwellings or larger.”
Exposure Definitions

• Exposure C:
“Except in the high velocity hurricane zone, the area which lies
within 1500 feet of the coastal construction control line, or within
1500 feet of the mean high tide line, whichever is less, exposure
category C shall be applicable in the coastal building zone set for
in the s. 161.55(5), Florida Statutes.”

> Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) is

established by DEP.
> Mean high tide line is established by FEMA.
The mean high tide line is seaward of the CCCL.
> Coastal Building Zone is the area starting from
the “Seasonal high water line” up to 1,500 ft or
the whole barrier island if less than 5,000 ft.
Roof Assemblies & Rooftop Structures

• Section 1504.1 Wind

Resistance of Roofs.

• Roof decks and roof

coverings must be
designed to Chapter
16.
Roof Assemblies & Rooftop Structures

1507 Roof Coverings with

Slopes 2:12 or greater.

• 1507.3 Asphalt Shingles

• 1507.3.6 Fasteners
» Requires the use of roofing nails
• 1507.3.7 Attachment
» In wind zones up to 110 mph,
prescriptive provision of 4 fasteners
per shingle. In wind zones greater
than 110 mph, fastening is based
either on ASTM D 3161 test
(modified to 110 mph) or MDC PA
107-95 tests.
Ch. 17: Structural Tests & Inspections

• Exterior Window and Glass Door Assemblies

• Design pressure for window and door assemblies shall
be calculated as per s. 1606.
• Testing - NSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/IS2 2/97.
• Labeling - bear an AAMA or WDMA or other approved
label identifying the manufacturer, performance
characteristics and approved product evaluation entity.
• Anchorage requirements for anchorage of window and
door assemblies to the main wind force resisting system.
Existing Buildings

• Alternation, repair or rehabilitation work must

conform to the requirements of the technical
code for new construction.

• The building official shall determine the extent

to which the existing system shall be made to
conform to the requirements of the technical
code for new construction.
Repairs and Alterations
Repairs and alterations not increasing the area of the building
made within any 12 month period.

• Structural repairs and alterations, the cost of which < 25 percent of the
value of existing building or structures shall comply with the requirements of
the new building code except that minor structural alterations, with the
approval of the building official may be made of the same materials.

• Non-structural repairs and alterations, the cost

of which < 25 percent of the value of existing
buildings or structures and which do not affect
egress or fire resistivity, may be made of the
same materials of which the building or structure
is constructed.
Repairs and Alterations
• Repair and alterations > 25 percent but not exceeding 50 percent of the
value of the existing building may be made during any 12 month period
without making the entire existing building comply, provided such repairs
and alterations comply with the requirements of this code for a building of
like area, height and occupancy.
• The replacement of garage doors, exterior doors, skylights, operative and
inoperative windows shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
Chapter 16 of the new code.
• When repairs and alterations amounting to
more than 50 percent of the value of the existing
building are made during any 12 month period,
the building or structure shall be made to conform
to the requirements for a new building or structure
or be entirely demolished.
Energy Efficiency Code for Building Const.

• Methods A & B

• Adopts the new Windows-

base FLA/COM into the
code.
How the Energy Code Works
The code compares a residentialbuilding’s potential annual energy use
as it will be built to that of a baseline building
with optimized features. Here is an example:

E-Ratio As-Built

Windows North, Central: U-.5, .4 SHGC Single pane clear

South: U-.5, .4 SHGC
18% window/floor ratio, no OH 15% wfr, 2' OH
Walls R-11 frame wall R-3 CBS
Ceiling R-30 flat R-19 flat
Floor North, Central: SOG R-3.5 SOG R-0
South: SOG R-0
HVAC Heat pump, 10 SEER/6.8 HSPF 10 SEER/6.8 HSPF
Ducts R-6 in the attic, leaky R-6 attic, leaky?
Air handler In the garage In the garage
Hot water EF .88 EF .88

As Built/Baseline = E-Ratio (1.0 or less Passes)

Requirements for Air Handlers in Attics

• Service panel of an air handler is

no greater than 6' from an attic
access.
• Attic access opening is adequate
to
replace the air handler.
• Device is installed to alert the
owner or shut down the unit when
the condensation drain is not
working properly.
• Notice should be posted to inform
the owner that the air handler is
located in the attic.
Ventilation

There are two means of ventilation:

1. Ventilation by natural means by providing a minimum

operable opening to the outdoors of 4% of the floor.

2. Ventilation by mechanical means.

Florida Product Approval System

• Product approval under the new Florida Building Code

will not only ensure that safe products and technologies
are used in building construction, but will encourage
new products and technologies that can increase safety
or meet safety requirements through less expensive
means.

• The new system will include a web-site for submittal of

applications, payment of fees for statewide product
approvals and entity approvals. In addition, a database
will be made available to search a list of approved
entities and products approved for statewide use.
Florida Product Approval System

• Criteria has been established for approval through the

state of public and private entities that test, evaluate
and certify products. Quality assurance programs will
be used to monitor product code compliance.

• This two pronged system will allow manufacturers the

choice of applying with local jurisdictions for local
approvals or to apply with the Florida Building
Commission for statewide approval of products,
materials, or methods of construction.
Florida Entity Approval System

The Florida Building Commission will approve

public and private entities that test, evaluate
and certify products.

Accreditation Bodies
• Accreditation bodies accredit and monitor the
competency and performance of an agency
carrying out specific tasks.

Evaluation Entities
• Evaluation entities conduct product evaluations
based on test reports, and/or rational analysis.

Testing Labs
• Testing labs conduct product tests.
Florida Entity Approval System

Certification Agencies
• Certification agencies evaluate products based
on tests and/or rational analysis; conduct quality
assurance; certify compliance with standards;
and list and label products.

Quality Assurance Agencies

• Quality Assurance agencies monitor product
production.

Validation Entities
• Validation entities certify compliance with
standards and certify that product approval
applications are correct.
Local Product Approval System
Before and After

• Before October 1, 2003, local jurisdictions will continue to approve all

products as they have in the past, including accepting products
approved for use by Miami-Dade Product Control Division.

• Local jurisdictions may also adopt the Florida Product Approval

System before October 1, 2003 for local implementation prior to that
date.

• After October 1, 2003, local jurisdictions will approve all products

using the procedures of the Florida Product Approval System.
Local Product Approval System

Products with Prescriptive

Provisions in the Code (Method 1)

• Approved by the building plan review and inspection

process
Local Product Approval System

Products with Code Performance Criteria and

Standardized Testing, or Comparative or Rational
Analysis (Method 2)

Products with Certification Mark or Listing (Option A)

• Product certification mark or listing from an approved certification agency.

• Code compliance certified to standards adopted by the Code.

Local Product Approval System

Products with Code Performance Criteria and

Standardized Testing, or Comparative or Rational
Analysis (Method 2)

Products with Test Reports (Option B)

• Product test report from an approved testing lab.

• Identifies which products are covered by the report.

• Verifiable documentation the product complies with the Code.

• Product is manufactured under an audited quality assurance program.

Local Product Approval System

Products with Code Performance Criteria and

Standardized Testing, or Comparative or Rational
Analysis (Method 2)

Products with Evaluation Report from An Approved

Evaluation Entity (Option C)

• Product evaluation report from an approved evaluation entity.

• Based on testing or comparative or rational analysis (or a combination).

• Report indicates the product to be in compliance with the intent of the Code
and at least equivalent to that required by the Code.

• Product is manufactured under an audited quality assurance program.

Local Product Approval System
Products with Code Performance Criteria and
Standardized Testing, or Comparative or Rational
Analysis (Method 2)

Products with Evaluation Report from

Florida Architect or Engineer (Option D)

• Signed and sealed product evaluation report from a Florida Registered

Architect or Florida Professional Engineer.

• Based on testing or comparative or rational analysis (or a combination).

• Report indicates the product to be in compliance with the intent of the Code
and at least equivalent to that required by the Code.

• Product is manufactured under an audited quality assurance program.

Local Product Approval System
Products for which there are no specific
Standardized Testing, or Comparative or
Rational Analysis Methods (Method 3)

Products with Evaluation Report from

An Approved Evaluation Entity (Option A)

• Product evaluation report from an approved evaluation entity.

• Based on testing or comparative or rational analysis (or a combination).

• Report indicates the product to be in compliance with the intent of the Code
and at least equivalent to that required by the Code.

• Product is manufactured under an audited quality assurance program.

Local Product Approval System
Products with Code Performance Criteria and
Standardized Testing, or Comparative or Rational
Analysis (Method 3)

Products with Evaluation Report from

Florida Architect or Engineer (Option B)

• Signed and sealed product evaluation report from a Florida Registered

Architect or Florida Professional Engineer.

• Based on testing or comparative or rational analysis (or a combination).

• Report indicates the product to be in compliance with the intent of the Code
and at least equivalent to that required by the Code.

• Product is manufactured under an audited quality assurance program.

State Product Approval System

Products with Code Performance Criteria and

Standardized Test, or Comparative or Rational
Analysis (Method 1)

Product Certification Mark or Listing (Option A)

• Product certification mark or listing from an

approved certification agency.

• Code compliance certified to standards adopted

by the Code.
State Product Approval System
Products with Code Performance Criteria and
Standardized Test, or Comparative or Rational
Analysis (Method 1)

Products with Test Reports (Option B)

• Product test report from an approved testing lab.

• Identifies which products are covered by the report.

• Verifiable documentation the product complies with

the Code.

• Product is manufactured under an audited quality

assurance program.
State Product Approval System
Products with Code Performance Criteria and
Standardized Test, or Comparative or Rational
Analysis (Method 1)

Product with Evaluation Report from

An Approved Evaluation Entity (Option C)

• Product evaluation report from an approved evaluation entity.

• Based on testing or comparative or rational analysis
(or a combination).

• Report indicates the product to be in compliance

with the intent of the Code and at least equivalent to
that required by the Code.

• Product is manufactured under an audited quality

assurance program.
State Product Approval System

Products with Code Performance Criteria and

Standardized Tests, or Comparative or Rational
Analysis (Method 1)
Products with Evaluation Report from
Florida Architect or Engineer (Option D)
• Signed and sealed product evaluation report from a
Florida Registered Architect or Florida Professional
Engineer.
• Based on testing or comparative or rational analysis
(or a combination).
• Report indicates the product to be in compliance with
the intent of the Code and at least equivalent to that
required by the Code.
• Product is manufactured under an audited quality
assurance program.
State Product Approval System

Products Which Have No Standardized Tests,

or Comparative or Rational Analysis (Method 2)

Evaluation Report from Evaluation Entity (Option A)

• Product evaluation report from an approved product

evaluation entity.

• Provides verifiable documentation that the product

complies with the Code.

• The product is manufactured under an audited quality

assurance program.
State Product Approval System

Products Which Have No Standardized Tests,

or Comparative or Rational Analysis (Method 2)

Evaluation Report from Florida Architect or Engineer

(Option B)

• Signed and sealed product evaluation report from a

Florida Registered Architect or Florida Professional
Engineer.
• Based on testing or comparative or rational analysis
(or a combination).
• Provides verifiable documentation that the product
complies with the Code.
• Product is manufactured under an audited quality
assurance program.
Florida Building Code Change Cycle

• Update to new edition of model codes every 3 years.

• Annually amend to integrate interpretations and

update editions of reference standards.
Building Code Amendment Process

• Amendments proposed by a deadline date.

• Proposed amendments posted on internet for 45 days.

• Technical advisory committees vote on recommended

action.

• Proposed amendments and recommended action

posted on internet for 45 days.
Building Code Amendment Process

• Commission takes action on proposed amendments

and conducts Chapter 120, F.S., Notice of Change.

• Commission finalizes rule change.

• Changes effective after 3 months for annual

amendment and after 6 months for 3 year major
updates.
www.floridabuilding.org

Visit the Florida

Building Code

Information

System today!
END