Building Codes

Florida uses the Southern Building Code (SBC) as the primary statewide building code. Building codes will vary from city to city and county to county. Also, the location to the coastline will be subject to building code variances. Local area codes may be more restrictive then the SBC but not less restrictive. If something in particular concerns you, contact the local building/development department and sit down with an examiner and review your concerns with them. They can also be a good resource for suggested modifications.

If your last home was built in a different part of the country, the difference in building codes and techniques from there to Florida may be considerable. Ask questions, talk to different builders to get their perspective or opinion, and speak with the local building department.

Currently Florida is working on a new statewide building code to replace the SBC. To read more about this, visit the Florida Building Commission web page.

Resources Links

State – (Southern Building Code Congress International) http://www.sbcci.org/
Local - http://www.municode.com/

Last Updated: August 06, 2005 09:01 PM