The Florida Building Code

The Florida Building Code is patterned after the International Construction Code but has modifications, additions and deletions that are specific to Florida. The Florida Building Code replaced Florida’s patchwork of codes and regulations that were developed, amended, administered, and enforced by more than 400 local jurisdictions and state agencies with building code regulation responsibilities. The current Code is a single statewide code based on national model codes and consensus standards, amended for Florida specific needs for the design and construction of buildings. The Code is designed to make the local building process more efficient, increase accountability, bring new and safer products to the market, increase consumer confidence, and better protect the residents of Florida.

The base codes for the sixth Edition (2017) of the Florida Building Code Residential is the International Residential Code, 2015 edition; the National Electrical Code, 2014 edition; plus substantive criteria from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1-2013. State and local codes adopted and incorporated into the code include the Florida Building Code, Accessibility, and special hurricane protection standards for the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.

The Florida Building Code is adopted and updated with new editions every three years by the Florida Building Commission. It is amended annually to incorporate interpretations, clarifications and to update standards. Minimum requirements for permitting, plans review and inspections are established by the Code, and local jurisdictions may adopt additional administrative requirements that are more stringent.
The purpose of this module is to provide an understanding of the basic minimum home building requirements as outlined by the international building code, and the importance of adhering to minimum code requirements. The module includes the following sections:

• The permitting and inspection process
• Building planning and construction requirements
• The means of egress system
• Minimum mechanical and plumbing requirements