After several delays, the winds of change finally blew through Florida as the state’s new building code became effective March 1, 2002.  In the wake of that legislative storm, construction professionals throughout the state are learning to understand and work with the new requirements.

The unified Florida Building Code is a legacy of Hurricane Andrew, which caused about $30 billion in property damage as it swept across southern Florida in 1992.  Before Andrew, the response to storm damage had been to clear away the debris and build again.  After Andrew’s sustained winds of 145 mph – with gusts up to 170 mph – leveled Homestead and other cities in its path, taxpayers and the insurance industry questioned the practice of “just build again.”  As a result, the country’s toughest building codes were adopted in southern Florida.

While the new standards were stringent, particularly in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there was not a uniform code for the state.  Areas outside “hurricane alley” were not subject to the new requirements.  In response, Florida appointed a commission to develop a statewide building code for homes and businesses.  The new Florida Building Code is the result.

Some 24 product categories are covered in 3,000 pages of new code, including doors and door systems.  Benchmark studied the new requirements and confirmed that the company has a wide range or products and systems that will meet the new codes.  The company obtained the required state approvals and prepared this summary for builders, contractors, distributors and others who need to understand the impact of the new code on building entryways.

Design Pressure & Impact Testing

Wind Zone Requirements

Responsibilities & Opportunities

Product Approvals

Florida Engineering Certificates