The Florida Senate

553.01  Short title.

553.02  Purpose.

553.03  Definitions.

553.04  Bond of plumbing contractor; requisites; form.

553.041  Exemptions.

553.05  County plumbing inspectors; employment, qualifications, duties; exemption of certain municipalities and districts.

553.06  State Plumbing Code.

553.07  Plumbing permits; inspection fee, amount, disposition; exception.

553.08  Inspectors for municipalities, service or sanitary districts; permits; inspection fee, amount.

553.10  Penalty for violations.

553.11  Construction, limitation of this part.

553.14  Water closets, maximum quantity of water per flush; shower heads and faucets, maximum flow rate; exceptions; penalty.

553.141  Public restrooms; ratio of facilities for men and women; application; rules.

¹553.01  Short title.--This part may be known as the "Florida Plumbing Control Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 26904, 1951; s. 1, ch. 89-139; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.02  Purpose.--The purpose of this part is to promote the public health and safety in this state by the regulation of plumbing contractors and plumbing.

History.--s. 1, ch. 26904, 1951; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.03  Definitions.--For the purpose of this part, the following terms, when used in this part or the rules and regulations, or orders made pursuant thereto, shall be construed, respectively to mean:

(1)  A "plumbing contractor" is any person, except an employee of a licensed, bonded plumbing contractor, who is engaged in or working at the business of plumbing in the state who has furnished the necessary bond that he or she will do all plumbing in this state in compliance with the minimum requirements of the State Plumbing Code and who obtains a state and county occupational license and any other license, when required, to engage in or work at the business of plumbing.

(2)  "Plumbing" is the practice, materials, and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of all piping fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in connection with any of the following: Sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, the venting system, and the public or private water-supply systems, within or adjacent to any building, structure, or conveyance; also the practice and materials used in the installation, maintenance, extension, or alteration of the stormwater or sewerage and water supply systems of any premises to their connection with any point of public disposal or other acceptable terminal.

(3)  "Plumbing fixtures" are installed receptacles, devices, or appliances which are supplied with water or which receive or discharge liquids or other liquid-borne water, with or without discharge, into the drainage system with which they may be directly or indirectly connected.

(4)  "Minor maintenance" is those repairs involving only the working parts of a faucet or valve, the clearance of stoppage, repairing of leaks, or replacement of defective faucets or valves.

History.--s. 2, ch. 26904, 1951; s. 798, ch. 97-103; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.04  Bond of plumbing contractor; requisites; form.--

(1)  Any person, except an employee of a licensed, bonded plumbing contractor, who desires to engage in or work at the business of plumbing in counties in the state that have, through their boards of county commissioners, elected to place said counties under the operation of this part, shall, before engaging or working at the business of plumbing in said counties, give bond in the sum of $5,000, payable to the Governor of the state and the Governor's successors in office with two or more good and sufficient sureties to be approved by the board of county commissioners of the county in which the said person intends to engage or work as a plumbing contractor and to be filed with said county code enforcement in which the said person intends to so engage or work, which said bond shall be conditioned upon the said person complying with the minimum requirements of the State Plumbing Code in regards to all plumbing done by said person in this state. Upon said plumbing contractor obtaining said bond and filing said bond with said county code enforcement, the said plumbing contractor is thereby entitled to have issued to him or her, by the said county code enforcement, a certificate to the effect that said bond has been filed by said plumbing contractor in said county. Said certificate shall be accepted, in lieu of bond, by other counties in which said plumbing contractor may desire to work.

(2)  The requisite of two sureties and justification of same shall not apply where surety is by a solvent surety company authorized to do business in this state.

(3)  The form of said bond shall be substantially as follows:

(a)  Know all persons by these presents that we, _____, (hereinafter called the principal) and _____, a corporation duly qualified and authorized under the laws of the State of Florida to act as surety on bonds (hereinafter called the Surety) are held and firmly bound unto _____, Governor of the State of Florida, and the Governor's successors in office in the penal sum of $5,000, lawful money of the United States of America, the true payment whereof well and truly to be made we do bind ourselves, our respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by this bond.

(b)  The condition of this bond is that if the above bonded principal, the said _____, shall protect the State of Florida against all loss or damage occasioned by the negligence of the said principal herein in failing to properly execute and protect all plumbing done by said principal or the employees of said principal or under the direction and supervision of said principal and from all loss or damage occasioned by or arising in any manner from any such work done by said principal or the employees of said principal or under the direction or supervision of said principal which is not caused by the negligence of the State of Florida or its agents, or employees, or by the negligence of the agents or employees of the county in which such plumbing is performed or by the negligence of the employees of the city in which such plumbing is performed, and further will keep and observe all laws of the State of Florida relating in any way to plumbing and all local ordinances where such plumbing is done, which relate in any way to plumbing and shall do all the plumbing in compliance with the minimum requirements of the State Plumbing Code and shall further without additional cost to the person for whom the plumbing is done, remedy any defects in said work due to faulty material furnished or used by said principal and shall further reconstruct and repair any such defective plumbing work or material to the satisfaction of the county plumbing inspector of the county where such plumbing is done, or to the satisfaction of the municipal plumbing inspector or district plumbing inspector, where such plumbing is done in municipalities or legislatively created governing, service, or sanitary districts which have been exempted from county plumbing inspection by the board of county commissioners, at any time within 1 year after the construction, alteration, or installation thereof by said principal, or under his or her direction or supervision and within 48 hours after notice from the county plumbing inspector or the municipal plumbing inspector or the district plumbing inspector to reconstruct or repair same, then this obligation shall become null and void; else to remain in full force and effect.

(c)  Any failure or default on the part of the principal in remedying any defects in plumbing due to faulty workmanship and incorrect construction or due to faulty material furnished or used by principal shall give the person for whom such work is performed a direct right of action against the principal and surety under this obligation; provided, however, that no suit, action or proceeding by reason of any default whatever shall be brought on this bond, after 1 year from the date of the final completion of such plumbing by the principal for such third person.

(d)  The premium anniversary date of this bond shall be on October 1 of each year.
Signed, sealed, and delivered
in the presence of:

 (Principal)  (SEAL)

_____(SEAL)

By  (Attorney in fact) 

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.041  Exemptions.--Any person desiring to engage in or work as a plumbing contractor in the state in any county in which the board of county commissioners has not employed a plumbing inspector as provided in s. 553.05 is not required to give bond as required by s. 553.04 before engaging in or working as a plumbing contractor; anything in the provisions of this part to the contrary notwithstanding.

History.--s. 1, ch. 28038, 1953; s. 3, ch. 89-139; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.05  County plumbing inspectors; employment, qualifications, duties; exemption of certain municipalities and districts.--

(1)  Each county in this state, acting through its board of county commissioners may, at the discretion of the board, employ one or more plumbing inspectors to inspect all plumbing installed within such county, except when exempted by this subsection. Each said plumbing inspector must be a practical plumber of not less than 10 years' experience and shall not be connected with the plumbing business in any manner after such employment. The plumbing inspector shall be under the direct supervision of the board of county commissioners or its designee, and the inspector's salary shall be determined by the board. The plumbing inspector shall be qualified to perform duties in matters pertaining to the gathering of evidence in any violation of the provisions of this part, swearing out warrants, appearing before courts in prosecution, and any other matters pertaining to the enforcement of the provisions of this part, but the inspector shall not be entitled to receive any witness or other fees out of the fine and forfeiture fund of any county on account of testifying as a witness or any other services rendered under this part. It is the duty of the plumbing inspector to inspect plumbing in the county with respect to mode of installation, materials used, workmanship employed, plumbing code specifications met, and testing used, all to comply with and conform with the minimum requirements of the State Plumbing Code and the laws of the state in regard to plumbing. Each county, acting through its board of county commissioners, may exempt from county plumbing inspection municipalities and legislatively created governing, service, or sanitary districts which:

(a)  Have in existence or which enact plumbing code ordinances meeting or surpassing the minimum requirements for plumbing as set out in the State Plumbing Code;

(b)  Hire only plumbing inspectors who meet the minimum requirements and qualifications of this subsection; and

(c)  Conduct inspections complying with the minimum state requirements.

(2)  Two or more counties may jointly hire one or more plumbing inspectors to act as inspectors or inspector for such counties.

(3)  It is the duty of the plumbing inspectors in municipalities and legislatively created governing, service, or sanitary districts which have been exempted from county plumbing inspection by the board of county commissioners, to inspect plumbing in their respective corporate limits with respect to mode of installation, materials used, workmanship employed, plumbing code specifications met, and testing used, all to comply with the minimum requirements of the State Plumbing Code and the laws of the state and the ordinances of the particular municipality or district in regard to plumbing. Municipalities and legislatively created governing, service, or sanitary districts which have been exempted from county plumbing inspection by the board of county commissioners are hereby authorized to use their own inspection system, provided the municipalities and districts comply with the minimum requirements of this part. Nothing herein shall prohibit such municipalities and districts from enacting more stringent requirements in regard to plumbing and inspection than are set out in this part.

(4)  If the board of county commissioners of any county so desires it may designate a qualified municipal or governing, service, or sanitary district plumbing inspector as its county plumbing inspector.

History.--ss. 5, 7, ch. 26904, 1951; s. 1, ch. 28181, 1953; s. 4, ch. 89-139; s. 800, ch. 97-103; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

553.06  State Plumbing Code.--

¹(1)  The Florida Building Commission shall, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 120 and ss. 553.70-553.895, adopt the Standard Plumbing Code, 1994 edition, as adopted at the October 1993 annual meeting of the Southern Building Code Congress International, as the State Plumbing Code which shall be the minimum requirements statewide for all installations, repairs, and alterations to plumbing. The commission may, in accordance with the requirements of chapter 120, adopt all or parts of updated or revised editions of the State Plumbing Code to keep abreast of latest technological advances in plumbing and installation techniques. Local governments which have adopted the South Florida, One and Two Family Dwelling or EPCOT Plumbing Codes may continue their use provided the requirements contained therein meet or exceed the requirements of the State Plumbing Code. Provided, however, nothing in this section shall alter or diminish the authority of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to conduct plan reviews, issue variances, and adopt rules regarding sanitary facilities in public lodging and public food service establishments pursuant to chapter 509, providing that such actions do not conflict with the requirements for public restrooms in s. 553.141.

¹(2)  The use of solder or flux containing more than 0.2 percent lead and pipes or pipe fixtures containing more than 8 percent lead is prohibited. This prohibition is applied to the installation or repair of any public water system or any plumbing in a residential or nonresidential facility providing water for human consumption which is connected to a public water system. This prohibition shall not apply to leaded joints necessary for the repair of cast iron pipes. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 553.11, no county or municipality is exempt from this prohibition.

¹(3)  Subsection (1) shall not apply to recreational vehicles.

(4)  All installations, improvements, maintenance, or repair relating to tubing, pipe, or similar conduit used to transport gaseous or partly gaseous substances for medical purposes shall be governed and regulated under National Fire Prevention Association Standard 99C (Standard on Gas and Vacuum Systems, latest edition). Notwithstanding the prohibition of s. 553.11, no county or municipality is exempt or excepted from the requirements of this subsection.

History.--s. 6, ch. 26904, 1951; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 451, ch. 77-147; s. 1, ch. 88-94; s. 5, ch. 89-139; s. 1, ch. 94-284; ss. 33, 68, ch. 98-287; s. 28, ch. 98-419; ss. 51, 108, ch. 2000-141; s. 57, ch. 2000-154.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.07  Plumbing permits; inspection fee, amount, disposition; exception.--The board of county commissioners of each county, except within municipalities and legislatively created governing, service, or sanitary districts which have been exempted from county plumbing inspection by the board of county commissioners, may charge and collect a reasonable fee for the cost of inspection, which fee shall not be less than $1.50 for each plumbing permit issued for each building and $1 for each fixture up to and including the first eight fixtures and 50 cents for each fixture thereafter installed in connection with such plumbing work in such county. The permit shall be issued in triplicate, the original going to the plumbing contractor, one copy to be retained by the issuing officer, who should be the plumbing inspector in the county, and one copy to be filed in the records of the county depositor. All such fees shall be paid at the time of the application for a permit to do such work and prior to the installation of any plumbing material, and all such fees collected under this part shall be deposited by the plumbing inspector in the county depository and shall be used for the inspection of plumbing and the enforcement of this part in such county.

History.--s. 7, ch. 26904, 1951; s. 1, ch. 28181, 1953; s. 6, ch. 89-139; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.08  Inspectors for municipalities, service or sanitary districts; permits; inspection fee, amount.--Each municipality and legislatively created governing, service, or sanitary district which has been exempted from county plumbing inspection by the board of county commissioners shall employ one or more plumbing inspectors to inspect plumbing within the corporate limits of the municipality or district and for such inspection service shall charge and collect a reasonable fee for the cost of such inspections, which fee shall not be less than $1.50 for each plumbing installation permit issued for each building and $1 for each fixture up to and including the first eight fixtures and 50 cents for each fixture thereafter installed in connection with such plumbing to be performed within the corporate limits of the municipality or district. All such fees must be paid at the time of application for a permit to do such work and prior to the installation of any plumbing material. All fees collected under this part by the municipalities and districts shall be used for the inspection of plumbing and the enforcement of this part in the municipalities and districts.

History.--s. 8, ch. 26904, 1951; s. 1, ch. 28181, 1953; s. 7, ch. 89-139; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.10  Penalty for violations.--Any person violating any provisions of this part shall, upon conviction of each violation thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 12, ch. 26904, 1951; s. 549, ch. 71-136; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.11  Construction, limitation of this part.--

(1)  This part is not applicable in counties where plumbing codes have been established by local or special laws or general bills of local application at the option of county commissioners of said counties; in any county, municipality, or district in which the Standard Plumbing Code, South Florida Plumbing Code, or EPCOT Plumbing Code is in effect; or to any state agency that has building construction regulation responsibility.

(2)  The provisions of this part shall not apply to minor maintenance or repairs of plumbing fixtures by persons, firms, or corporations upon their own property provided the minimum requirements of the State Plumbing Code are observed.

(3)  The provisions of this part shall not be construed as being in conflict with those provisions of chapter 489 which relate to plumbers.

(4)  Nothing herein contained shall prohibit any bona fide owner from personally installing plumbing in her or his own residence.

History.--ss. 4, 9, 10, 14, ch. 26904, 1951; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 11, ch. 79-12; s. 8, ch. 89-139; s. 801, ch. 97-103; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.14  Water closets, maximum quantity of water per flush; shower heads and faucets, maximum flow rate; exceptions; penalty.--

(1)  This section may be cited as the "Water Conservation Act."

(2)(a)  After September 1, 1983, no new building shall be constructed which:

1.  Employs a tank-type water closet having a tank capacity in excess of 31/2 gallons of water; or

2.  Employs a shower head or faucet that allows a flow of more than an average of 3 gallons of water per minute at 60 pounds of pressure per square inch.

(b)  The requirements of paragraph (a) apply to an addition to or a renovation of an existing building only if the cost of the addition or renovation exceeds 25 percent of the value of the existing building and compliance with the requirements of this section will not require substantial modification of the existing plumbing system.

(c)  In satisfaction of the requirements of this section, the installation of tank-type water closets having a tank capacity in excess of 31/2 gallons shall be permitted if such water closets are equipped with a device which reduces average water consumption to no more than 31/2 gallons per flush.

(3)  Any official board, department, or agency established and authorized by the state or by a county, city, or other political subdivision created by law to administer and enforce the provisions of the plumbing codes and amendments thereto may allow the use of standard flush toilets if, in the opinion of such board, department, or agency, the configuration of the building drainage system requires a quantity of water greater than 31/2 gallons to adequately flush the system.

(4)  Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a noncriminal violation punishable by a fine not to exceed $250.

History.--ss. 1, 2, ch. 82-108; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.141  Public restrooms; ratio of facilities for men and women; application; rules.--

(1)  A building that is newly constructed after September 30, 1992, and that is a publicly owned building or a privately owned building that has restrooms open to the public must have a ratio of 3 to 2 water closets provided for women as the combined total of water closets and urinals provided for men, unless there are two or fewer fixtures for men.

(2)  As used in this section, the term "newly constructed" means new construction, building, alteration, rehabilitation, or repair that equals or exceeds 50 percent of the replacement value existing on October 1, 1992, unless the same was under design or construction, or under construction contract before October 1, 1992.

(3)  This section does not apply to establishments licensed under chapter 509 if the establishment does not provide meeting or banquet rooms which accommodate more than 150 persons and the establishment has at least the same number of water closets for women as the combined total of water closets and urinals for men.

(4)  The Florida Building Commission shall adopt rules to administer this section, pursuant to chapter 120.

History.--s. 1, ch. 92-68; s. 1, ch. 93-45; s. 68, ch. 98-287; ss. 52, 108, ch. 2000-141; s. 58, ch. 2000-154.

¹Note.--

A.  Section 52, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.141, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.141  Public restrooms; ratio of facilities for men and women; application; incorporation into the Florida Building Code.--The Florida Building Commission shall incorporate into the Florida Building Code, to be adopted by rule pursuant to s. 553.73(1), a ratio of public restroom facilities for men and women which must be provided in all buildings that are newly constructed after September 30, 1992, and that have restrooms open to the public. This section does not apply to establishments licensed under chapter 509 if the establishment does not provide meeting or banquet rooms which accommodate more than 150 persons and the establishment has at least the same number of water closets for women as the combined total of water closets and urinals for men.

B.  Transferred July 1, 2001, to s. 553.86 by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

553.15  Short title.

553.16  Purpose.

553.17  Application.

553.18  Scope.

553.19  Adoption of electrical and alarm standards.

553.20  State, county, and municipal responsibility.

553.21  Enforcement districts.

553.22  District enforcement departments.

553.23  Furnishing copies of local codes.

¹553.15  Short title.--This part is entitled the "Florida Electrical Code" and may be so cited. Hereafter in this part it is referred to as "this code."

History.--s. 1, ch. 70-332; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.16  Purpose.--The purpose of this electrical code is to provide certain uniform minimum standards, regulations, and requirements for safe and stable design, methods of construction, and uses of materials in electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment used for light, heat, or power which will afford reasonable protection for public safety, health, and general welfare.

History.--s. 2, ch. 70-332; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.17  Application.--This code shall apply statewide in both incorporated and unincorporated areas to all new buildings and structures, both private and public, and to all alterations in any new or existing building or structure, but shall not apply to nonresidential farm buildings.

History.--s. 3, ch. 70-332; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.18  Scope.--

(1)  The standards prescribed by this code constitute minimum electrical requirements for the protection of the health and the safety of the public.

²(2)  County, municipal, improvement district, or state governing bodies may adopt and enforce additional or more stringent standards or administrative procedures and requirements than those prescribed by this code, including but not limited to fees if the standards or administrative procedures and requirements are in conformity with standards set forth in s. 553.19.

(3)  Nothing in this code shall be construed as repealing or superseding provisions of electrical codes legally in use by any municipality or county, when such provisions are not inferior to those set forth in this code.

History.--s. 4, ch. 70-332; ss. 34, 68, ch. 98-287; ss. 108, 129, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

²Note.--Section 34, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 129, ch. 2000-141, amended subsection (2), effective July 1, 2001, to read:

(2)  Local jurisdictions may adopt and enforce more stringent standards or administrative procedures and requirements than those prescribed by this code, including but not limited to fees if the standards or administrative procedures and requirements are in conformity with standards set forth in the Florida Building Code.

¹553.19  Adoption of electrical and alarm standards.--For the purpose of establishing minimum electrical and alarm standards in this state, the current edition of the following standards are adopted:

(1)  "National Electrical Code," NFPA No. 70.

(2)  Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., "Standards for Safety, Electrical Lighting Fixtures, and Portable Lamps," UL 57 and UL 153.

(3)  Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., "Standard for Electric Signs," UL 48.

(4)  The provisions of the following which prescribe minimum electrical and alarm standards:

(a)  NFPA No. 56A, "Inhalation Anesthetics."

(b)  NFPA No. 56B, "Respiratory Therapy."

(c)  NFPA No. 56C, "Laboratories in Health-related Institutions."

(d)  NFPA No. 56D, "Hyperbaric Facilities."

(e)  NFPA No. 56F, "Nonflammable Medical Gas Systems."

(f)  NFPA No. 72, "National Fire Alarm Code."

(g)  NFPA No. 76A, "Essential Electrical Systems for Health Care Facilities."

(5)  The rules and regulations of the Department of Health, entitled "Nursing Homes and Related Facilities Licensure."

(6)  The minimum standards for grounding of portable electric equipment, chapter 8C-27 as recommended by the Industrial Standards Section, Division of Workers' Compensation, Department of Labor and Employment Security.

The Florida Building Commission shall update and maintain such electrical standards consistent with the procedures established in s. 553.73.

History.--s. 5, ch. 70-332; s. 1, ch. 72-292; s. 1, ch. 73-283; s. 1, ch. 75-55; s. 452, ch. 77-147; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 1, ch. 78-62; s. 46, ch. 79-7; s. 79, ch. 79-40; s. 1, ch. 82-15; s. 1, ch. 84-66; s. 1, ch. 84-273; s. 20, ch. 88-149; s. 1, ch. 89-74; s. 32, ch. 90-228; s. 9, ch. 91-119; ss. 35, 68, ch. 98-287; s. 49, ch. 98-419; ss. 92, 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 92, ch. 2000-141, amended and transferred s. 553.19 to s. 553.88, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.88  Adoption of electrical and alarm standards.--For the purpose of establishing minimum electrical and alarm standards in this state, the current edition of the following standards are adopted:

(1)  "National Electrical Code," NFPA No. 70.

(2)  Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., "Standards for Safety, Electrical Lighting Fixtures, and Portable Lamps," UL 57 and UL 153.

(3)  Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., "Standard for Electric Signs," UL 48.

(4)  The provisions of the following which prescribe minimum electrical and alarm standards:

(a)  NFPA No. 56A, "Inhalation Anesthetics."

(b)  NFPA No. 56B, "Respiratory Therapy."

(c)  NFPA No. 56C, "Laboratories in Health-related Institutions."

(d)  NFPA No. 56D, "Hyperbaric Facilities."

(e)  NFPA No. 56F, "Nonflammable Medical Gas Systems."

(f)  NFPA No. 72, "National Fire Alarm Code."

(g)  NFPA No. 76A, "Essential Electrical Systems for Health Care Facilities."

(5)  The rules and regulations of the Department of Health, entitled "Nursing Homes and Related Facilities Licensure."

(6)  The minimum standards for grounding of portable electric equipment, chapter 8C-27 as recommended by the Industrial Standards Section, Division of Workers' Compensation, Department of Labor and Employment Security.


The Florida Building Commission shall update and maintain such electrical standards consistent with the procedures established in s. 553.73 and may recommend the National Electrical Installation Standards.

¹553.20  State, county, and municipal responsibility.--It is the responsibility of the governing bodies of the state and each county and municipality of the state to provide for the enforcement of this code in the areas of their jurisdiction.

History.--s. 6, ch. 70-332; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.21  Enforcement districts.--Any county or municipality, or any two or more counties or municipalities, or any combination thereof, may be created into an enforcement district for the purpose of enforcing and administering the provisions of this code.

History.--s. 7, ch. 70-332; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.22  District enforcement departments.--Each enforcement district created pursuant to s. 553.21 by appropriate action of the governing body or bodies thereof shall:

(1)  Establish and operate an enforcement department.

(2)  Employ an official or inspector who shall be the department's administrative officer.

(3)  Employ such inspectors and other personnel as may be necessary to administer and enforce the provisions of this code. Inspectors shall have at least 10 years' previous background and experience in the electrical trade. Personnel employed pursuant to this subsection may be on a fee, part-time, contractual, or other basis acceptable to the enforcement authorities.

History.--s. 8, ch. 70-332; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.23  Furnishing copies of local codes.--The governing body of any county or municipality shall furnish to the Department of State upon request a certified copy of any current electrical code being enforced by it.

History.--s. 9, ch. 70-332; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

553.24  Purpose.

553.25  Definitions.

553.26  Application.

553.27  Adoption of standards.

553.28  Warranty; noncompliance a misdemeanor.

¹553.24  Purpose.--The purpose of this part is to require the use of safety-glazing materials in all glass doors, bathtub and shower enclosures, and hazardous locations in all phases of construction which will protect the public safety, health, and general welfare.

History.--s. 1, ch. 70-377; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.25  Definitions.--

(1)  "Hazardous locations" means those fixed glazed panels adjacent to a door or which may be mistaken for means of ingress or egress, the dimensions of which are more than 24 inches in width and more than 6 feet in height and the bottom of which is less than 2 feet above the floor level.

(2)  "Glass doors" means all doors whether sliding or swinging for which the dimensions of the glass are more than 18 inches in width or more than 4 feet in height.

History.--s. 2, ch. 70-377; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.26  Application.--This part shall apply statewide in both incorporated and unincorporated areas to all new buildings and structures, both public and private, and to all alterations or permanent replacements in any new or existing building or structure.

History.--s. 3, ch. 70-377; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.27  Adoption of standards.--The following are adopted as minimum standards for transparent and obscure glazing material used in all glass doors, bathtub and shower enclosures, and hazardous locations:

(1)  All such glass shall meet the requirements of the United States of America Standard Z97.1-1966, which shall apply to obscure as well as transparent glazing materials.

(2)  Glass shall be labeled to show the name of the manufacturer, quality, type, and thickness.

History.--s. 4, ch. 70-377; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.28  Warranty; noncompliance a misdemeanor.--

(1)  Any person or firm that installs any glass subject to this part warrants that said glass is in compliance with this part.

(2)  Any person who does not comply with the standards established by this part in any phase of construction in this state is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3)  The provisions of this part shall not apply to louver glass doors or windows with screens.

History.--s. 5, ch. 70-377; s. 550, ch. 71-136; s. 68, ch. 98-287; s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 68, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 108, ch. 2000-141.

553.35  Short title.

553.355  Minimum construction requirements established.

553.36  Definitions.

553.37  Rules; inspections; and insignia.

553.375  Recertification of manufactured buildings.

553.38  Application and scope.

553.381  Manufacturer certification.

553.39  Injunctive relief.

553.41  Penalties.

553.415  Factory-built school buildings.

553.42  Legislative intent.

553.35  Short title.--This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Florida Manufactured Building Act of 1979."

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-172; s. 1, ch. 74-208; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 1, 6, ch. 79-152; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 3, 4, ch. 84-32; s. 4, ch. 91-429.

¹553.355  Minimum construction requirements established.--The Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention and Lifesafety Codes shall be the minimum construction requirements governing the manufacture, design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, and demolition of manufactured buildings.

History.--s. 54, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Effective July 1, 2001.

553.36  Definitions.--The definitions contained in this section govern the construction of this part unless the context otherwise requires.

¹(1)  "Approved" means conforming to the requirements of the Department of Community Affairs.

¹(2)  "Approved inspection agency" means an organization determined by the department to be especially qualified by reason of facilities, personnel, experience, and demonstrated reliability to investigate, test, and evaluate manufactured building units or systems or the component parts thereof, together with the plans, specifications, and quality control procedures to ensure that such units, systems, or component parts are in full compliance with the standards adopted by the department pursuant to this part and to label such units complying with those standards.

(3)  "Closed construction" means that condition when any building, component, assembly, subassembly, or system is manufactured in such a manner that all portions cannot be readily inspected at the installation site without disassembly or destruction thereof.

(4)  "Open construction" means any building, building component, assembly, or system manufactured in such a manner that all portions can be readily inspected at the building site without disassembly thereof, damage thereto, or destruction thereof.

(5)  "Component" means any assembly, subassembly, or combination of parts for use as a part of a building, which may include structural, electrical, mechanical, and fire protection systems and other systems affecting health and safety. Components that incorporate elements of a building subject to the product approval system adopted under s. 553.842 are subject to approval in accordance with the product approval system upon implementation thereof and are not subject to the rules adopted under this part. Components to which the rules adopted under this part apply are limited to three-dimensional systems for use as part of a building.

(6)  "Department" means the Department of Community Affairs.

(7)  "Insignia" means an approved device or seal issued by the department to indicate compliance with the standards and rules established pursuant to this part.

(8)  "Install" means the assembly of a manufactured building component or system on site and the process of affixing a manufactured building component or system to land, a foundation, or an existing building, and service connections which are a part thereof.

(9)  "Local government" means any municipality, county, district, or combination thereof comprising a governmental unit.

(10)  "Manufacture" means the process of making, fabricating, constructing, forming, or assembling a product from raw, unfinished, semifinished, or finished materials.

(11)  "Manufactured building" means a closed structure, building assembly, or system of subassemblies, which may include structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, or other service systems manufactured in manufacturing facilities for installation or erection as a finished building or as part of a finished building, which shall include, but not be limited to, residential, commercial, institutional, storage, and industrial structures. The term includes buildings not intended for human habitation such as lawn storage buildings and storage sheds manufactured and assembled offsite by a manufacturer certified in conformance with this part. This part does not apply to mobile homes.

(12)  "Mobile home" means any residential unit constructed to standards promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(13)  "Module" means a separately transported three-dimensional component of a manufactured building which contains all or a portion of structural systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, mechanical systems, fire systems, and thermal systems.

(14)  "Site" is the location on which a manufactured building is installed or is to be installed.

(15)  "System" means structural, plumbing, mechanical, heating, electrical, or ventilating elements, materials, or components combined for use in a building.

History.--s. 2, ch. 71-172; s. 1, ch. 74-208; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 1, 6, ch. 79-152; s. 76, ch. 81-167; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 79, ch. 83-55; ss. 3, 4, ch. 84-32; s. 4, ch. 91-429; ss. 55, 56, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 56, ch. 2000-141, amended subsections (1) and (2), effective July 1, 2001, to read:

(1)  "Approved" means conforming to the requirements of the Florida Building Code.

(2)  "Approved inspection agency" means an organization determined by the department to be especially qualified by reason of facilities, personnel, experience, and demonstrated reliability to investigate, test, and evaluate manufactured building units or systems or the component parts thereof, together with the plans, specifications, and quality control procedures to ensure that such units, systems, or component parts are in full compliance with the Florida Building Code and to label such units complying with those standards.

553.37  Rules; inspections; and insignia.--

¹(1)  The department may enter into contracts and take actions necessary and incidental to the administration of its authority under this part. In addition, the department shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 120 setting requirements for construction or modification of manufactured buildings and building modules, to address:

(a)  Submittal to and approval by the department of manufacturers' drawings and specifications, including any amendments.

(b)  Submittal to and approval by the department of manufacturers' internal quality control procedures and manuals, including any amendments.

(c)  Procedures and qualifications for approval of third-party plan review and inspection entities and of those who perform inspections and plan reviews.

(d)  Investigation of consumer complaints of noncompliance of manufactured buildings with the requirements for construction or modification of such buildings.

(e)  Issuance, cancellation, and revocation of any insignia issued by the department and procedures for auditing and accounting for disposition of them.

(f)  Monitoring the manufacturers', inspection entities', and plan review entities' compliance with this part. Monitoring may include, but is not limited to, performing audits of plans, inspections of manufacturing facilities and observation of the manufacturing and inspection process, and onsite inspections of buildings.

(g)  The performance by the department of any other functions required by this part.

¹(2)  After the effective date of the rules adopted pursuant to this part, no manufactured building, except as provided in subsection (11), may be installed in this state unless it is approved and bears the insignia of approval of the department. Approvals issued by the department under the provisions of the prior part shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of this part.

¹(3)  All manufactured buildings issued and bearing insignia of approval pursuant to subsection (2) shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of all ordinances or rules enacted by any local government which governs construction.

¹(4)  No manufactured building bearing department insignia of approval pursuant to subsection (2) shall be in any way modified prior to installation, except in conformance with the rules of the department.

(5)  Manufactured buildings which have been issued and bear the insignia of approval pursuant to this part upon manufacture or first sale shall not require an additional approval or insignia by a local government in which they are subsequently sold or installed. Buildings or structures that meet the definition of "open construction" are subject to permitting by the local jurisdiction and are not required to bear insignia.

¹(6)  If the department determines that the standards for construction and inspection of manufactured buildings prescribed by statute or rule of another state are at least equal to rules prescribed under this part and that such standards are actually enforced by such other state, it may provide by rule that the manufactured building which has been inspected and approved by such other state shall be deemed to have been approved by the department and shall authorize the affixing of the appropriate insignia of approval.

¹(7)  The department, by rule, shall establish a schedule of fees to pay the cost incurred by the department for the work related to administration and enforcement of this part.

(8)  The department may delegate its enforcement authority to a state department having building construction responsibilities or a local government. The department may delegate its plan review and inspection authority to a state department having building construction responsibilities, a local government, an approved inspection agency, an approved plan review agency, or an agency of another state.

¹(9)  If the department delegates its inspection authority to third-party approved inspection agencies, manufacturers must have one, and only one, inspection agency responsible for inspection of a manufactured building, module, or component at all times.

¹(10)  If the department delegates its inspection authority to third-party approved plan review agencies, manufacturers must have one, and only one, plan review agency responsible for review of plans of a manufactured building, module, or component at all times.

(11)  Custom or one-of-a-kind prototype manufactured buildings shall not be required to have state approval but must comply with all local requirements of the governmental agency having jurisdiction at the installation site.

History.--s. 3, ch. 71-172; s. 1, ch. 74-208; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 1, 6, ch. 79-152; ss. 1, 4, ch. 80-86; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 1, 3, 4, ch. 84-32; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 1, ch. 98-145; ss. 57, 58, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 58, ch. 2000-141, amended subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (9), and (10), effective July 1, 2001, to read:

(1)  The Florida Building Commission shall adopt within the Florida Building Code requirements for construction or modification of manufactured buildings and building modules, to address:

(a)  Submittal to and approval by the department of manufacturers' drawings and specifications, including any amendments.

(b)  Submittal to and approval by the department of manufacturers' internal quality control procedures and manuals, including any amendments.

(c)  Procedures and qualifications for approval of third-party plan review and inspection entities and of those who perform inspections and plan reviews.

(d)  Investigation of consumer complaints of noncompliance of manufactured buildings with the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

(e)  Issuance, cancellation, and revocation of any insignia issued by the department and procedures for auditing and accounting for disposition of them.

(f)  Monitoring the manufacturers', inspection entities', and plan review entities' compliance with this part and the Florida Building Code. Monitoring may include, but is not limited to, performing audits of plans, inspections of manufacturing facilities and observation of the manufacturing and inspection process, and onsite inspections of buildings.

(g)  The performance by the department of any other functions required by this part.

(2)  After the effective date of the Florida Building Code, no manufactured building, except as provided in subsection (11), may be installed in this state unless it is approved and bears the insignia of approval of the department. Approvals issued by the department under the provisions of the prior part shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of this part.

(3)  All manufactured buildings issued and bearing insignia of approval pursuant to subsection (2) shall be deemed to comply with the Florida Building Code and are exempt from local amendments enacted by any local government.

(4)  No manufactured building bearing department insignia of approval pursuant to subsection (2) shall be in any way modified prior to installation, except in conformance with the Florida Building Code.

(6)  If the Florida Building Commission determines that the standards for construction and inspection of manufactured buildings prescribed by statute or rule of another state are at least equal to the Florida Building Code and that such standards are actually enforced by such other state, it may provide by rule that the manufactured building which has been inspected and approved by such other state shall be deemed to have been approved by the department and shall authorize the affixing of the appropriate insignia of approval.

(7)  The Florida Building Commission, by rule, shall establish a schedule of fees to pay the cost incurred by the department for the work related to administration and enforcement of this part.

(9)  If the commission delegates its inspection authority to third-party approved inspection agencies, manufacturers must have one, and only one, inspection agency responsible for inspection of a manufactured building, module, or component at all times.

(10)  If the commission delegates its inspection authority to third-party approved plan review agencies, manufacturers must have one, and only one, plan review agency responsible for review of plans of a manufactured building, module, or component at all times.

¹553.375  Recertification of manufactured buildings.--Prior to the relocation, modification, or change of occupancy of a manufactured building within the state, the manufacturer, dealer, or owner thereof may apply to the department for recertification of that manufactured building. The department shall, by rule, provide what information the applicant must submit for recertification and for plan review and inspection of such manufactured buildings and shall establish fees for recertification. Upon a determination by the department that the manufactured building complies with the applicable building codes, the department shall issue a recertification insignia. A manufactured building that bears recertification insignia does not require any additional approval by an enforcement jurisdiction in which the building is sold or installed, and is considered to comply with all applicable codes. As an alternative to recertification by the department, the manufacturer, dealer, or owner of a manufactured building may seek appropriate permitting and a certificate of occupancy from the local jurisdiction in accordance with procedures generally applicable under the Florida Building Code.

History.--s. 59, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Effective July 1, 2001.

¹553.38  Application and scope.--

(1)  The department shall promulgate rules which protect the health, safety, and property of the people of this state by assuring that each manufactured building is structurally sound and properly installed on site and that plumbing, heating, electrical, and other systems thereof are reasonably safe, and which interpret and make specific the provisions of this part.

(2)  The department shall enforce every provision of this part and the rules adopted pursuant hereto, except that local land use and zoning requirements, fire zones, building setback requirements, side and rear yard requirements, site development requirements, property line requirements, subdivision control, and onsite installation requirements, as well as the review and regulation of architectural and aesthetic requirements, are specifically and entirely reserved to local authorities. Such local requirements and rules which may be enacted by local authorities must be reasonable and uniformly applied and enforced without any distinction as to whether a building is a conventionally constructed or manufactured building. A local government shall require permit fees only for those inspections actually performed by the local government for the installation of a factory-built structure. Such fees shall be equal to the amount charged for similar inspections on conventionally built housing.

History.--s. 4, ch. 71-172; s. 1, ch. 74-208; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; s. 3, ch. 78-323; ss. 1, 6, ch. 79-152; ss. 2, 4, ch. 80-86; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 3, 4, ch. 84-32; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 60, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 60, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.38, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.38  Application and scope.--The department shall enforce every provision of the Florida Building Code adopted pursuant hereto, except that local land use and zoning requirements, fire zones, building setback requirements, side and rear yard requirements, site development requirements, property line requirements, subdivision control, and onsite installation requirements, as well as the review and regulation of architectural and aesthetic requirements, are specifically and entirely reserved to local authorities. Such local requirements and rules which may be enacted by local authorities must be reasonable and uniformly applied and enforced without any distinction as to whether a building is a conventionally constructed or manufactured building. A local government shall require permit fees only for those inspections actually performed by the local government for the installation of a factory-built structure. Such fees shall be equal to the amount charged for similar inspections on conventionally built housing.

¹553.381  Manufacturer certification.--

(1)  Before manufacturing buildings to be located within this state or selling manufactured buildings within this state, whichever occurs later, a manufacturer must be certified by the department. The department shall certify a manufacturer upon receipt from the manufacturer and approval and verification by the department of the following:

(a)  The manufacturer's internal quality control procedures and manuals, including any amendments;

(b)  Evidence that the manufacturer has product liability insurance for the safety and welfare of the public in amounts determined by rule of the department; and

(c)  The fee established by the department under s. 553.37(7).

(2)  The department may revoke any certification upon the failure of the manufacturer to comply with the construction standards adopted under this part or other requirements of this part.

(3)  Certification of manufacturers under this section shall be for a period of 3 years, subject to renewal by the manufacturer. Upon application for renewal, the manufacturer must submit the information described in subsection (1) or a sworn statement that there has been no change in the status or content of that information since the manufacturer's last submittal. Fees for renewal of manufacturers' certification shall be established by the department by rule.

History.--ss. 2, 4, ch. 84-32; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 802, ch. 97-103; ss. 61, 62, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 62, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.381, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.381  Manufacturer certification.--

(1)  Before manufacturing buildings to be located within this state or selling manufactured buildings within this state, whichever occurs later, a manufacturer must be certified by the department. The department shall certify a manufacturer upon receipt from the manufacturer and approval and verification by the department of the following:

(a)  The manufacturer's internal quality control procedures and manuals, including any amendments;

(b)  Evidence that the manufacturer has product liability insurance for the safety and welfare of the public in amounts determined by rule of the commission; and

(c)  The fee established by the commission under s. 553.37(7).

(2)  The department may revoke any certification upon the failure of the manufacturer to comply with the Florida Building Code or other requirements of this part.

(3)  Certification of manufacturers under this section shall be for a period of 3 years, subject to renewal by the manufacturer. Upon application for renewal, the manufacturer must submit the information described in ²subsection (2) or a sworn statement that there has been no change in the status or content of that information since the manufacturer's last submittal. Fees for renewal of manufacturers' certification shall be established by the commission by rule.

²Note.--The reference is erroneous. The correct reference may be to subsection (1), which describes information to be submitted, rather than subsection (2), which relates to revocation of certification.

¹553.39  Injunctive relief.--The department may seek injunctive or other relief from the circuit court of appropriate jurisdiction to compel compliance with the requirements of this part or with rules issued pursuant thereto or to enjoin the sale, delivery, or installation of a manufactured building, upon an affidavit specifying the manner in which the building does not conform to the requirements of this part or to rules issued pursuant thereto. Noncompliance with this part or the rules promulgated under this part shall be considered prima facie evidence of irreparable damage in any cause of action brought under the authority of this part.

History.--s. 6, ch. 71-172; s. 1, ch. 74-208; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 1, 6, ch. 79-152; ss. 3, 4, ch. 80-86; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 3, 4, ch. 84-32; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 63, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 63, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.39, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.39  Injunctive relief.--The department may seek injunctive or other relief from the circuit court of appropriate jurisdiction to compel compliance with the requirements of this part or with the Florida Building Code or to enjoin the sale, delivery, or installation of a manufactured building, upon an affidavit specifying the manner in which the building does not conform to the Florida Building Code or other requirements of this part. Noncompliance with the Florida Building Code or this part shall be considered prima facie evidence of irreparable damage in any cause of action brought under the authority of this part.

553.41  Penalties.--Any person who violates any of the provisions of this part is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 5A, ch. 71-172; s. 1, ch. 74-208; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 1, 6, ch. 79-152; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 3, 4, ch. 84-32; s. 146, ch. 91-224; s. 4, ch. 91-429.

553.415  Factory-built school buildings.--

(1)  It is the purpose of this section to provide an alternative procedure for the construction and installation of factory-built school buildings designed or intended for use as school buildings. As used in this section, the term "factory-built school building" means any building designed or intended for use as a school building, which is in whole or in part, manufactured at an offsite facility in compliance with the State Uniform Code for Public Educational Facilities and Department of Education rule, effective on January 5, 2000. After July 1, 2001, the Uniform Code for Public Educational Facilities shall be incorporated into the Florida Building Code, including specific requirements for Public Educational Facilities and the Department of Education rule, effective on January 5, 2000. For the purpose of this section, factory-built school buildings include prefabricated educational facilities, factory-built educational facilities, and modular-built educational facilities, that are designed to be portable, relocatable, demountable, or reconstructible; are used primarily as classrooms or the components of an entire school; and do not fall under the provisions of ss. 320.822-320.862.

(2)  A manufacturer of factory-built school buildings shall be subject to the certification and enforcement requirements in this part except as provided in this section.

(3)  Within 90 days after the effective date of this section, the department shall adopt by emergency rule regulations to carry out the provisions of this section. Such rule shall ensure the safety of design, construction, accessibility, alterations, and inspections and shall also prescribe procedures for the plans, specifications, and methods of construction to be submitted to the department for approval.

(4)  A manufacturer of factory-built school buildings designed or intended for use as school buildings shall submit to the department for approval the manufacturer's plans, specifications, alterations, and methods of construction. The department is authorized to charge manufacturers a fee which reflects the actual expenses incurred for the review of such plans and specifications.

(5)  The department, in accordance with the standards and procedures adopted pursuant to this section and as such standards and procedures may thereafter be modified, shall approve or reject such plans, specifications, and methods of construction. Approval shall not be given unless such plans, specifications, and methods of construction are in compliance with the State Uniform Building Code for Public Educational Facilities and department rule. After July 1, 2001, the Uniform Code for Public Educational facilities shall be incorporated into the Florida Building Code, including specific requirements for public educational facilities and department rule.

(6)  The department may delegate its plans review authority to a state agency or public or private entity; however, the department shall ensure that any person conducting plans reviews is a certified plans examiner, pursuant to part XII of chapter 468.

(7)  A standard plan approval may be obtained from the department for factory-built school buildings and such department-approved plans shall be accepted by the enforcement agency as approved for the purpose of obtaining a construction permit for the structure itself.

(8)  Any amendment to the State Uniform Code for Public Educational Facilities, and after July 1, 2001, the Florida Building Code, shall become effective 180 days after the amendment is filed with the Secretary of State. Notwithstanding the 180-day delayed effective date, the manufacturer shall submit and obtain a revised approved plan within the 180 days. A revised plan submitted pursuant to this subsection shall be processed as a renewal or revision with appropriate fees. A plan submitted after the period of time provided shall be processed as a new application with appropriate fees.

(9)  The school district or community college district for which any factory-built school building is constructed or altered shall provide for periodic inspection of the proposed factory-built school building during each phase of construction or alteration. The inspector shall act under the direction of the governing board for employment purposes.

(10)  The department shall, by rule, develop forms and reporting periods for the architect or structural engineer in charge of the supervision of the work of construction in the factory, the inspector on the work, and the manufacturer verifying that based upon personal knowledge, the work during the period covered by the report has been performed, and the materials used and installed, in every particular, in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, setting forth such detailed statements of facts as required by the department.

(11)  The department shall develop a unique identification label to be affixed to all newly constructed factory-built school buildings and existing factory-built school buildings which have been brought into compliance with the standards for existing "satisfactory" buildings pursuant to chapter 5 of the Uniform Code for Public Educational Facilities, and after July 1, 2001, the Florida Building Code. The department may charge a fee for issuing such labels. Such labels, bearing the department's name and state seal, shall at a minimum, contain:

(a)  The name of the manufacturer.

(b)  The standard plan approval number or alteration number.

(c)  The date of manufacture or alteration.

(d)  The serial or other identification number.

(e)  The following designed-for loads: lbs. per square foot live load; lbs. per square foot floor live load; lbs. per square foot horizontal wind load; and lbs. per square foot wind uplift load.

(f)  The designed-for flood zone usage.

(g)  The designed-for wind zone usage.

(h)  The designed-for enhanced hurricane protection zone usage: yes or no.

(12)  Such identification label shall be permanently affixed by the manufacturer in the case of newly constructed factory-built school buildings, or by the department or its designee in the case of an existing factory-built building altered to comply with provisions of s. 235.061.

(13)  As of July 1, 2001, all existing and newly constructed factory-built school buildings shall bear a label pursuant to subsection (12). Existing factory-built school buildings not bearing such label shall not be used as classrooms pursuant to s. 235.061.

(14)  Nothing in this section shall affect any requirement for compliance with firesafety criteria.

History.--s. 64, ch. 2000-141.

553.42  Legislative intent.--Nothing herein shall act to nullify or supersede the provisions of chapter 527 relating to sale, use, or storage of liquefied petroleum gas, except that inspections made pursuant to chapter 527 shall be made at the place of manufacture.

History.--s. 7, ch. 71-172; s. 1, ch. 74-208; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 1, 6, ch. 79-152; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 3, 4, ch. 84-32; s. 4, ch. 91-429.

553.501  Short title.

553.502  Intent.

553.503  Adoption of guidelines.

553.504  Exceptions to applicability of the guidelines.

553.5041  Parking spaces for persons who have disabilities.

553.505  Exceptions to applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

553.506  Powers of the commission.

553.507  Exemptions.

553.508  Architectural barrier removal.

553.509  Vertical accessibility.

553.511  Parking facilities; minimum height clearance requirement.

553.512  Modifications and waivers; advisory council.

553.513  Enforcement.

553.501  Short title.--Sections 553.501-553.513 may be cited as the "Florida Americans With Disabilities Accessibility Implementation Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-183.

553.502  Intent.--The purpose and intent of ss. 553.501-553.513 is to incorporate into the law of this state the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 101-336, 42 U.S.C. ss. 12101 et seq., and to obtain and maintain United States Department of Justice certification of the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction as equivalent to federal standards for accessibility of buildings, structures, and facilities. All state laws, rules, standards, and codes governing facilities covered by the guidelines shall be maintained to assure certification of the state's construction standards and codes. Nothing in ss. 553.501-553.513 is intended to expand or diminish the defenses available to a place of public accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, including, but not limited to, the readily achievable standard, and the standards applicable to alterations to places of public accommodation.

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-183; s. 1, ch. 97-76.

553.503  Adoption of guidelines.--Subject to the exceptions in s. 553.504, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, as adopted by reference in 28 C.F.R., part 36, subparts A and D, and Title II of Pub. L. No. 101-336, are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference as the law of this state. The guidelines shall establish the minimum standards for the accessibility of buildings and facilities built or altered within this state. The 1997 Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction must be adopted by the Florida Building Commission in accordance with chapter 120.

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-183; s. 2, ch. 97-76; s. 65, ch. 2000-141; s. 59, ch. 2000-154.

553.504  Exceptions to applicability of the guidelines.--Notwithstanding the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines in s. 553.503, all buildings, structures, and facilities in this state shall meet the following additional requirements when they provide increased accessibility:

(1)  All new or altered buildings and facilities subject to ss. 553.501-553.513 which may be frequented in, lived in, or worked in by the public shall comply with ss. 553.501-553.513.

(2)  All new single-family houses, duplexes, triplexes, condominiums, and townhouses shall provide at least one bathroom, located with maximum possible privacy, where bathrooms are provided on habitable grade levels, with a door that has a 29-inch clear opening. However, if only a toilet room is provided at grade level, such toilet room shall have a clear opening of not less than 29 inches.

(3)  All required doors and walk-through openings in buildings excluding single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or the Fair Housing Act shall have at least 29 inches of clear width except under ss. 553.501-553.513.

(4)  In addition to the requirements in reference 4.8.4 of the guidelines, all landings on ramps shall be not less than 60 inches clear, and the bottom of each ramp shall have not less than 72 inches of straight and level clearance.

(5)  All curb ramps shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the following requirements:

(a)  Notwithstanding the requirements of reference 4.8.5.2 of the guidelines, handrails on ramps which are not continuous shall extend not less than 18 inches beyond the sloped segment at both the top and bottom, and shall be parallel to the floor or ground surface.

(b)  Notwithstanding the requirements of references 4.3.3 and 4.8.3 of the guidelines, curb ramps that are part of a required means of egress shall be not less than 44 inches wide.

(c)  Notwithstanding the requirements of reference 4.7.5 of the guidelines, curb ramps located where pedestrians must use them and all curb ramps which are not protected by handrails or guardrails shall have flared sides with a slope not exceeding a ratio of 1 to 12.

(6)  Notwithstanding the requirements in reference 4.13.11 of the guidelines, exterior hinged doors shall be so designed that such doors can be pushed or pulled open with a force not exceeding 8.5 foot pounds.

(7)  Notwithstanding the requirements in reference 4.33.1 of the guidelines, all public food service establishments, all establishments licensed under the Beverage Law for consumption on the premises, and all facilities governed by reference 4.1 of the guidelines shall provide seating or spaces for seating in accordance with the following requirements:

(a)  For the first 100 fixed seats, accessible and usable spaces must be provided consistent with the following table:

(b)  For all remaining fixed seats, there shall be not less than one such accessible and usable space for each 100 fixed seats or fraction thereof.

(8)  Notwithstanding the requirements in references 4.32.1-4.32.4 of the guidelines, all fixed seating in public food service establishments, in establishments licensed under the Beverage Law for consumption on the premises, and in all other facilities governed by reference 4.1 of the guidelines shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the following requirements:

(a)  All aisles adjacent to fixed seating shall provide clear space for wheelchairs.

(b)  Where there are open positions along both sides of such aisles, the aisles shall be not less than 52 inches wide.

(9)  In motels and hotels a number of rooms equaling at least 5 percent of the guest rooms minus the number of accessible rooms required by the guidelines shall provide the following special accessibility features:

(a)  Grab rails in bathrooms and toilet rooms that comply with s. 4.16.4 of the guidelines.

(b)  All beds in designed accessible guest rooms shall be open-frame type to permit passage of lift devices.

(c)  All standard water closet seats shall be at a height of 15 inches, measured vertically from the finished floor to the top of the seat, with a variation of plus or minus 1/2 inch. A portable or attached raised toilet seat shall be provided in all designated handicapped accessible rooms.

All buildings, structures, or facilities licensed as a hotel, motel, or condominium pursuant to chapter 509 shall be subject to the provisions of this subsection. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as relieving the owner of the responsibility of providing accessible rooms in conformance with ss. 9.1-9.5 of the guidelines.

(10)  Notwithstanding the requirements in reference 4.29.2 of the guidelines, all detectable warning surfaces required by the guidelines shall be governed by the requirements of American National Standards Institute A117.1-1986.

(11)  Notwithstanding the requirements in references 4.31.2 and 4.31.3 of the guidelines, the installation and placement of all public telephones shall be governed by the rules of the Florida Public Service Commission.

(12)  Notwithstanding the requirements in references 4.1.3(11) and 4.16-4.23 of the guidelines, required restrooms and toilet rooms in new construction shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the following requirements:

(a)  The standard accessible restroom stall shall contain an accessible lavatory within it, the size of such lavatory to be not less than 19 inches wide by 17 inches deep, nominal size, and wall-mounted. The lavatory shall be mounted so as not to overlap the clear floor space areas required by s. 4.17 figure 30(a) of the guidelines for the standard accessible stall and to comply with s. 4.19 of the guidelines. Such lavatories shall be counted as part of the required fixture count for the building.

(b)  The accessible water closet shall be located in the corner, diagonal to the door.

(c)  The accessible stall door shall be self-closing.

(13)  All customer checkout aisles not required by the guidelines to be handicapped accessible shall have at least 32 inches of clear passage.

(14)  Turnstiles shall not be used in occupancies which serve fewer than 100 persons, but turnstiles may be used in occupancies which serve at least 100 persons if there is an unlocked alternate passageway on an accessible route affording not less than 32 inches of clearance, equipped with latching devices in accordance with the guidelines.

(15)  Barriers at common or emergency entrances and exits of business establishments conducting business with the general public that are existing, under construction, or under contract for construction which would prevent a person from using such entrances or exits shall be removed.

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-183; s. 3, ch. 97-76.

553.5041  Parking spaces for persons who have disabilities.--

(1)  This section is not intended to expand or diminish the defenses available to a place of public accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, including, but not limited to, the readily achievable standard, and the standards applicable to alterations to places of public accommodation. Subject to the exceptions described in subsections (2), (4), (5), and (6), when the parking and loading zone requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), as adopted by reference in 28 C.F.R. part 36, subparts A and D, and Title II of Pub. L. No. 101-336, provide increased accessibility, those requirements are adopted and incorporated by reference as the law of this state.

(2)  State agencies and political subdivisions having jurisdiction over street parking or publicly owned or operated parking facilities are not required to provide a greater right-of-way width than would otherwise be planned under regulations, guidelines, or practices normally applied to new development.

(3)  If parking spaces are provided for self-parking by employees or visitors, or both, accessible spaces shall be provided in each such parking area. Such spaces shall be designed and marked for the exclusive use of those individuals who have a severe physical disability and have permanent or temporary mobility problems that substantially impair their ability to ambulate and who have been issued either a disabled parking permit under s. 316.1958 or s. 320.0848 or a license plate under s. 320.084, s. 320.0842, s. 320.0843, or s. 320.0845.

(4)  The number of accessible parking spaces must comply with the parking requirements in ADAAG s. 4.1 and the following:

(a)  There must be one accessible parking space in the immediate vicinity of a publicly owned or leased building that houses a governmental entity or a political subdivision, including, but not limited to, state office buildings and courthouses, if no parking for the public is provided on the premises of the building.

(b)  There must be one accessible parking space for each 150 metered on-street parking spaces provided by state agencies and political subdivisions.

(c)  The number of parking spaces for persons who have disabilities must be increased on the basis of demonstrated and documented need.

(5)  Accessible perpendicular and diagonal accessible parking spaces and loading zones must be designed and located in conformance with the guidelines set forth in ADAAG ss. 4.1.2 and 4.6 and Appendix s. A4.6.3 "Universal Parking Design."

(a)  All spaces must be located on an accessible route no less than 44 inches wide so that users will not be compelled to walk or wheel behind parked vehicles.

(b)  Each space must be located on the shortest safely accessible route from the parking space to an accessible entrance. If there are multiple entrances or multiple retail stores, the parking spaces must be dispersed to provide parking at the nearest accessible entrance. If a theme park or an entertainment complex as defined in s. 509.013(9) provides parking in several lots or areas from which access to the theme park or entertainment complex is provided, a single lot or area may be designated for parking by persons who have disabilities, if the lot or area is located on the shortest safely accessible route to an accessible entrance to the theme park or entertainment complex or to transportation to such an accessible entrance.

(c)1.  Each parking space must be no less than 12 feet wide. Parking access aisles must be no less than 5 feet wide and must be part of an accessible route to the building or facility entrance. In accordance with ADAAG s. 4.6.3, access aisles must be placed adjacent to accessible parking spaces; however, two accessible parking spaces may share a common access aisle. The access aisle must be striped diagonally to designate it as a no-parking zone.

2.  The parking access aisles are reserved for the temporary exclusive use of persons who have disabled parking permits and who require extra space to deploy a mobility device, lift, or ramp in order to exit from or enter a vehicle. Parking is not allowed in an access aisle. Violators are subject to the same penalties that are imposed for illegally parking in parking spaces that are designated for persons who have disabilities. A vehicle may not be parked in an access aisle, even if the vehicle owner or passenger is disabled or owns a disabled parking permit.

3.  Any provision of this subsection to the contrary notwithstanding, a theme park or an entertainment complex as defined in s. 509.013(9) in which are provided continuous attendant services for directing individuals to marked accessible parking spaces or designated lots for parking by persons who have disabilities, may, in lieu of the required parking space design, provide parking spaces that comply with ADAAG ss. 4.1 and 4.6.

(d)  On-street parallel parking spaces must be located either at the beginning or end of a block or adjacent to alley entrances. Such spaces must be designed in conformance with the guidelines set forth in ADAAG ss. 4.6.2 through 4.6.5, exception: access aisles are not required. Curbs adjacent to such spaces must be of a height that will not interfere with the opening and closing of motor vehicle doors. This subsection does not relieve the owner of the responsibility to comply with the parking requirements of ADAAG ss. 4.1 and 4.6.

(e)  Parallel parking spaces must be even with surface slopes, may match the grade of the adjacent travel lane, and must not exceed a cross slope of 1 to 50, where feasible.

(f)  Curb ramps must be located outside of the disabled parking spaces and access aisles.

(g)1.  The removal of architectural barriers from a parking facility in accordance with 28 C.F.R. s. 36.304 or with s. 553.508 must comply with this section unless compliance would cause the barrier removal not to be readily achievable. If compliance would cause the barrier removal not to be readily achievable, a facility may provide parking spaces at alternative locations for persons who have disabilities and provide appropriate signage directing persons who have disabilities to the alternative parking if readily achievable. The facility may not reduce the required number or dimensions of those spaces, nor may it unreasonably increase the length of the accessible route from a parking space to the facility. The removal of an architectural barrier must not create a significant risk to the health or safety of a person who has a disability or to that of others.

2.  A facility that is making alterations under s. 553.507(2)(b) must comply with this section to the maximum extent feasible. If compliance with parking location requirements is not feasible, the facility may provide parking spaces at alternative locations for persons who have disabilities and provide appropriate signage directing persons who have a disability to alternative parking. The facility may not reduce the required number or dimensions of those spaces, nor may it unnecessarily increase the length of the accessible route from a parking space to the facility. The alteration must not create a significant risk to the health or safety of a person who has a disability or to that of others.

(6)  Each such parking space must be prominently outlined with blue paint, and must be repainted when necessary, to be clearly distinguishable as a parking space designated for persons who have disabilities and must be posted with a permanent above-grade sign of a color and design approved by the Department of Transportation, which is placed on or at a distance of 84 inches above the ground to the bottom of the sign and which bears the international symbol of accessibility meeting the requirements of ADAAG s. 4.30.7 and the caption "PARKING BY DISABLED PERMIT ONLY." Such a sign erected after October 1, 1996, must indicate the penalty for illegal use of the space. Any provision of this section to the contrary notwithstanding, in a theme park or an entertainment complex as defined in s. 509.013(9) in which accessible parking is located in designated lots or areas, the signage indicating the lot as reserved for accessible parking may be located at the entrances to the lot in lieu of a sign at each parking place. This subsection does not relieve the owner of the responsibility of complying with the signage requirements of ADAAG s. 4.30.

History.--s. 66, ch. 2000-141.

553.505  Exceptions to applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act.--Notwithstanding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, private clubs are governed by ss. 553.501-553.513. Parking spaces, parking lots, and other parking facilities are governed by s. 316.1955, when that section provides increased accessibility.

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-183; s. 14, ch. 96-200; s. 4, ch. 97-76.

553.506  Powers of the commission.--In addition to any other authority vested in the Florida Building Commission by law, the commission, in implementing ss. 553.501-553.513, may, by rule, adopt revised and updated versions of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines in accordance with chapter 120.

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-183; s. 67, ch. 2000-141; s. 60, ch. 2000-154.

553.507  Exemptions.--Sections 553.501-553.513 and s. 316.1955(4) do not apply to any of the following:

(1)  Buildings, structures, or facilities that were either under construction or under contract for construction on October 1, 1997.

(2)  Buildings, structures, or facilities that were in existence on October 1, 1997, unless:

(a)  The building, structure, or facility is being converted from residential to nonresidential or mixed use, as defined by local law;

(b)  The proposed alteration or renovation of the building, structure, or facility will affect usability or accessibility to a degree that invokes the requirements of s. 303(a) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or

(c)  The original construction or any former alteration or renovation of the building, structure, or facility was carried out in violation of applicable permitting law.

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-183; s. 5, ch. 97-76.

553.508  Architectural barrier removal.--Removal of architectural barriers, pursuant to 28 C.F.R. s. 36.304, from buildings, structures, or facilities to which this act applies shall comply with ss. 553.501-553.513 unless compliance would render the removal not readily achievable. In no instance shall the removal of an architectural barrier create a significant risk to the health or safety of an individual with a disability or others.

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-183.

553.509  Vertical accessibility.--Nothing in sections 553.501-553.513 or the guidelines shall be construed to relieve the owner of any building, structure, or facility governed by those sections from the duty to provide vertical accessibility to all levels above and below the occupiable grade level, regardless of whether the guidelines require an elevator to be installed in such building, structure, or facility, except for:

(1)  Elevator pits, elevator penthouses, mechanical rooms, piping or equipment catwalks, and automobile lubrication and maintenance pits and platforms;

(2)  Unoccupiable spaces, such as rooms, enclosed spaces, and storage spaces that are not designed for human occupancy, for public accommodations, or for work areas; and

(3)  Occupiable spaces and rooms that are not open to the public and that house no more than five persons, including, but not limited to, equipment control rooms and projection booths.

However, buildings, structures, and facilities must, as a minimum, comply with the requirements in the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-183; s. 6, ch. 97-76.

553.511  Parking facilities; minimum height clearance requirement.--Every nonresidential structure built on or after January 1, 1991, which is designed to use covered or underground parking as the primary available parking space shall design the covered or underground parking facility to maintain a minimum height for the portion of the street-accessible level of the parking facility directly over van-accessible parking spaces and for providing ingress and egress to such parking spaces of at least 8 feet 2 inches. Signs shall be posted to warn operators of handicapped-equipped vans that they cannot pass beyond a certain point due to height limitations. If compliance with this minimum height clearance requirement will cause the structure to exceed local height limitations imposed by local zoning, planning, or fire ordinances, or will result in the imposition of any additional requirements of such ordinances, the structure may exceed the height limitation specified in those particular codes as necessary to comply with the requirements of this section and is exempt from such additional requirements. Structures for which the plans were sealed by an architect prior to January 1, 1991, are exempt from this section.

History.--s. 2, ch. 90-250; s. 2, ch. 93-183; s. 7, ch. 97-76.

Note.--Former s. 553.482.

553.512  Modifications and waivers; advisory council.--

(1)  The Florida Building Commission shall provide by regulation criteria for granting individual modifications of, or exceptions from, the literal requirements of this part upon a determination of unnecessary, unreasonable, or extreme hardship, provided such waivers shall not violate federal accessibility laws and regulations and shall be reviewed by the Accessibility Advisory Council. The commission may not consider waiving any of the requirements of s. 553.5041 unless the applicant first demonstrates that she or he has applied for and been denied waiver or variance from all local government zoning, subdivision regulations, or other ordinances that prevent compliance therewith. Further, the commission may not waive the requirement of s. 553.5041(5)(a) and (c)1. governing the minimum width of accessible routes and minimum width of accessible parking spaces.

(2)  The Accessibility Advisory Council shall consist of the following seven members, who shall be knowledgeable in the area of accessibility for persons with disabilities. The Secretary of Community Affairs shall appoint the following: a representative from the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc.; a representative from the Division of Blind Services; a representative from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; a representative from a statewide organization representing the physically handicapped; a representative from the hearing impaired; a representative from the President, Florida Council of Handicapped Organizations; and a representative of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The terms for the first three council members appointed subsequent to October 1, 1991, shall be for 4 years, the terms for the next two council members appointed shall be for 3 years, and the terms for the next two members shall be for 2 years. Thereafter, all council member appointments shall be for terms of 4 years. No council member shall serve more than two 4-year terms subsequent to October 1, 1991. Any member of the council may be replaced by the secretary upon three unexcused absences. Upon application made in the form provided, an individual waiver or modification may be granted by the commission so long as such modification or waiver is not in conflict with more stringent standards provided in another chapter.

(3)  Members of the council shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses as provided by s. 112.061.

(4)  Meetings of the advisory council shall be held in conjunction with the regular meetings of the commission.

History.--s. 3, ch. 78-333; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 2, ch. 83-265; s. 25, ch. 86-220; s. 5, ch. 89-97; ss. 1, 5, 6, ch. 91-172; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 2, ch. 93-183; s. 10, ch. 97-76; s. 68, ch. 2000-141; s. 61, ch. 2000-154.

Note.--Former s. 553.49.

553.513  Enforcement.--It shall be the responsibility of each local government and each code enforcement agency established pursuant to s. 553.80 to enforce the provisions of this part. This act expressly preempts the establishment of handicapped accessibility standards to the state and supersedes any county or municipal ordinance on the subject. However, nothing in this section shall prohibit municipalities and counties from enforcing the provisions of this act.

History.--s. 6, ch. 89-97; s. 2, ch. 93-183.

Note.--Former s. 553.495.

553.60  Short title.

553.61  Intent.

553.62  State standard.

553.63  Trench excavations in excess of 5 feet deep; required information.

553.64  Certain requirements for contract bids.

553.60  Short title.--This act may be cited as the "Trench Safety Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 90-96.

553.61  Intent.--The purpose and intent of this act is to provide for increased worker safety by requiring compliance with sufficient standards for trench safety.

History.--s. 2, ch. 90-96.

553.62  State standard.--The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's excavation safety standards, 29 C.F.R. s. 1926.650 Subpart P, are hereby incorporated as the state standard. The Department of Labor and Employment Security may, by rule, adopt updated or revised versions of those standards, provided that the updated or revised versions are consistent with the intent expressed in this act and s. 553.72, and are not otherwise inconsistent with state law. Any rule adopted as provided in this section shall be complied with upon its effective date.

History.--s. 3, ch. 90-96.

553.63  Trench excavations in excess of 5 feet deep; required information.--On all specific contracts for trench excavation in which such excavation will exceed a depth of 5 feet:

(1)  The contract bid submitted by the contractor who will perform such excavation shall include:

(a)  A reference to the trench safety standards that will be in effect during the period of construction of the project.

(b)  Written assurance by the contractor performing the trench excavation that such contractor will comply with the applicable trench safety standards.

(c)  A separate item identifying the cost of compliance with the applicable trench safety standards.

(2)  A contractor performing trench excavation shall:

(a)  As a minimum, comply with the excavation safety standards which are applicable to a project.

(b)  Adhere to any special shoring requirements, if any, of the state or other political subdivisions which may be applicable to such a project.

(c)  If any geotechnical information is available from the owner, the contractor, or otherwise, the contractor performing trench excavation shall consider this information in the contractor's design of the trench safety system which it will employ on the project. This paragraph shall not require the owner to obtain geotechnical information.

History.--s. 4, ch. 90-96.

553.64  Certain requirements for contract bids.--The separate item identifying the cost of compliance with trench safety standards shall be based on the linear feet of trench to be excavated. The separate item for special shoring requirements, if any, shall be based on the square feet of shoring used. Every separate item shall indicate the specific method of compliance as well as the cost of that method.

History.--s. 5, ch. 90-96.

553.70  Short title.

553.71  Definitions.

553.72  Intent.

553.721  Surcharge.

553.73  State Minimum Building Codes.

553.74  Florida Building Commission.

553.75  Organization of commission; rules and regulations; meetings; staff; fiscal affairs.

553.76  General powers of the commission.

553.77  Specific powers of the commission.

553.781  Licensee accountability.

553.79  Permits; applications; issuance; inspections.

553.80  Enforcement.

553.83  Injunctive relief.

553.84  Statutory civil action.

553.841  Building code training program; participant competency requirements.

553.842  Product evaluation and approval.

553.85  Liquefied petroleum gases.

553.851  Protection of underground gas pipelines.

553.895  Firesafety.

553.897  Rulemaking authority; effective date.

553.898  Preemption; certain special acts concerning general purpose local government repealed.

553.70  Short title.--This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Florida Building Codes Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-167; s. 1, ch. 77-365.

¹553.71  Definitions.--As used in this part, the term:

(1)  "Commission" means the Florida Building Commission created by this part.

(2)  "Department" means the Department of Community Affairs.

(3)  "State enforcement agency" means the agency of state government with authority to make inspections of buildings and to enforce the codes, as required by this part, which establish standards for design, construction, erection, alteration, repair, modification, or demolition of public or private buildings, structures, or facilities.

(4)  "Housing code" means any code or rule intending postconstruction regulation of structures which would include, but not be limited to: standards of maintenance, condition of facilities, condition of systems and components, living conditions, occupancy, use, and room sizes.

¹(5)  "Local enforcement agency" means an agency of local government with authority to make inspections of buildings and to enforce the codes which establish standards for design, construction, erection, alteration, repair, modification, or demolition of public or private buildings, structures, or facilities.

(6)  "Secretary" means the Secretary of Community Affairs.

¹(7)  "Threshold building" means any building which is greater than three stories or 50 feet in height, or which has an assembly occupancy classification as defined in the State Minimum Building Codes which exceeds 5,000 square feet in area and an occupant content of greater than 500 persons.

(8)  "Load management control device" means any device installed by any electric utility or its contractors which temporarily interrupts electric service to major appliances, motors, or other electrical systems contained within the buildings or on the premises of consumers for the purpose of reducing the utility's system demand as needed in order to prevent curtailment of electric service in whole or in part to consumers and thereby maintain the quality of service to consumers, provided the device is in compliance with a program approved by the Florida Public Service Commission.

(9)  "Special inspector" means a licensed architect or registered engineer who is certified under chapter 471 or chapter 481 to conduct inspections of threshold buildings.

History.--s. 2, ch. 74-167; s. 1, ch. 75-111; s. 1, ch. 77-365; s. 4, ch. 78-323; ss. 3, 4, ch. 81-7; s. 77, ch. 81-167; ss. 1, 4, ch. 82-46; s. 80, ch. 83-55; s. 8, ch. 83-160; s. 2, ch. 83-265; s. 1, ch. 84-24; s. 1, ch. 84-365; ss. 5, 6, ch. 91-172; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 3, ch. 93-249; s. 37, ch. 98-287; ss. 69, 70, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 70, ch. 2000-141, amended subsections (5) and (7) and added subsections (10) and (11), effective July 1, 2001, to read:

(5)  "Local enforcement agency" means an agency of local government, a local school board, a community college board, or a university in the State University System with jurisdiction to make inspections of buildings and to enforce the codes which establish standards for design, construction, erection, alteration, repair, modification, or demolition of public or private buildings, structures, or facilities.

(7)  "Threshold building" means any building which is greater than three stories or 50 feet in height, or which has an assembly occupancy classification as defined in the Florida Building Code which exceeds 5,000 square feet in area and an occupant content of greater than 500 persons.

(10)  "Exposure category C" means, except in the high velocity hurricane zone, that area which lies within 1,500 feet of the coastal construction control line, or within 1,500 feet of the mean high tide line, whichever is less. On barrier islands, exposure category C shall be applicable in the coastal building zone set forth in s. 161.55(5).

(11)  "Prototype building" means a building constructed in accordance with architectural or engineering plans intended for replication on various sites and which will be updated to comply with the Florida Building Code and applicable laws relating to firesafety, health and sanitation, casualty safety, and requirements for persons with disabilities which are in effect at the time a construction contract is to be awarded.

¹553.72  Intent.--The purpose and intent of this act is to provide a mechanism for the promulgation, adoption, and enforcement of state minimum building codes which contain standards flexible enough to cover all phases of construction and which will allow reasonable protection for public safety, health, and general welfare for all the people of Florida at the most reasonable cost to the consumer.

History.--s. 3, ch. 74-167; s. 38, ch. 98-287; ss. 71, 72, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 38, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 71, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.72, and s. 72, ch. 2000-141, amended subsection (1), as amended by s. 38, ch. 98-287, and added subsection (6), effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.72  Intent.--

(1)  The purpose and intent of this act is to provide a mechanism for the uniform adoption, updating, amendment, interpretation, and enforcement of a single, unified state building code, to be called the Florida Building Code, which consists of a single set of documents that apply to the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of public or private buildings, structures, or facilities in this state and to the enforcement of such requirements and which will allow effective and reasonable protection for public safety, health, and general welfare for all the people of Florida at the most reasonable cost to the consumer. The Florida Building Code shall be organized to provide consistency and simplicity of use. The Florida Building Code shall be applied, administered, and enforced uniformly and consistently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The Florida Building Code shall provide for flexibility to be exercised in a manner that meets minimum requirements, is affordable, does not inhibit competition, and promotes innovation and new technology. The Florida Building Code shall establish minimum standards primarily for public health and lifesafety, and secondarily for protection of property as appropriate.

(2)  It is the intent of the Legislature that local governments shall have the power to inspect all buildings, structures, and facilities within their jurisdictions in protection of the public health, safety, and welfare pursuant to chapters 125 and 166.

(3)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the Florida Building Code be adopted, modified, updated, interpreted, and maintained by the Florida Building Commission in accordance with ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 and enforced by authorized state and local government enforcement agencies.

(4)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code of this state be adopted, modified, updated, interpreted, and maintained by the Department of Insurance in accordance with ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 and included by reference as sections in the Florida Building Code.

(5)  It is the intent of the Legislature that there be no conflicting requirements between the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code of the state and other provisions of the Florida Building Code or conflicts in their enforcement and interpretation. Potential conflicts shall be resolved through coordination and cooperation of the State Fire Marshal and the Florida Building Commission as provided by this part and chapter 633.

(6)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the nationally recognized private-sector third-party testing and evaluation system shall provide product evaluation for the product-approval system and that effective government oversight be established to ensure accountability to the state.

553.721  Surcharge.--In order for the Department of Community Affairs to administer and carry out the purposes of this part and related activities, there is hereby created a surcharge, to be assessed at the rate of one-half cent per square foot under-roof floor space permitted pursuant to s. 125.56(4) or s. 166.201. However, for additions, alterations, or renovations to existing buildings, the surcharge shall be computed on the basis of the square footage being added, altered, or renovated. The unit of government responsible for collecting a permit fee pursuant to s. 125.56(4) or s. 166.201 shall collect such surcharge and remit the funds collected to the department on a quarterly calendar basis, and such unit of government may retain an amount up to 5 percent of the surcharge collected to cover costs associated with the collection and remittance of such surcharge. All funds remitted to the department pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the Operating Trust Fund. Funds collected from such surcharge shall not be used to fund research on techniques for mitigation of radon in existing buildings. Funds used by the department as well as funds to be transferred to the Department of Health shall be as prescribed in the annual General Appropriations Act. The department shall adopt rules governing the collection and remittance of surcharges in accordance with chapter 120.

History.--s. 1, ch. 88-285; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 28, ch. 92-173; s. 19, ch. 93-120; s. 33, ch. 93-166; s. 2, ch. 94-284; s. 1, ch. 95-339; s. 2, ch. 98-145.

Note.--Former s. 404.056(3).

¹553.73  State Minimum Building Codes.--

(1)(a)  By October 1, 1984, local governments and state agencies with building construction regulation responsibilities shall adopt a building code which shall cover all types of construction. Such code shall include the provisions of parts I-V, VII, and VIII, relating to plumbing, electrical requirements, glass, manufactured buildings, accessibility by handicapped persons, and thermal efficiency, and shall be in addition to the requirements set forth in chapter 527, which pertains to liquefied petroleum gas.

(b)  In the event that a special act of the Legislature, passed prior or subsequent to January 1, 1978, places responsibility for building construction regulation in a specified local board or agency, the words "local government" and "local governing body" as used in this part shall be construed to refer exclusively to such local board or agency.

(2)  There is created the State Minimum Building Codes which shall consist of the following nationally recognized model codes:

(a)  Standard Building Codes, 1988 edition, pertaining to building, plumbing, mechanical, and gas, and excluding fire prevention;

(b)  EPCOT Code, 1982 edition;

(c)  One and Two Family Dwelling Code, 1986 edition; and

(d)  The South Florida Building Code, 1988 edition.

Each local government and state agency with building construction regulation responsibilities shall adopt one of the State Minimum Building Codes as its building code, which shall govern the construction, erection, alteration, repair, or demolition of any building for which the local government or state agency has building construction regulation responsibility. If the One and Two Family Dwelling Code is adopted for residential construction, then one of the other recognized model codes must be adopted for the regulation of other residential and nonresidential structures. Provisions to be contained within any State Minimum Building Code are restricted to requirements related to the types of materials used and construction methods and standards employed in order to meet minimum building codes. Provisions relating to the personnel, supervision or training of personnel, or any other professional qualification requirements relating to contractors or their workforce may not be included within a State Minimum Building Code, and subsection (4) is not to be construed to allow the inclusion of such provisions within any State Minimum Building Code by amendment. This restriction applies to both initial development and amendment of the code.

(3)  The commission may, by rule adopted in accordance with the requirements of ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, designate all or a part of an updated or revised version of a model code listed in subsection (2) as a State Minimum Building Code.

(4)  Local governments and state agencies with building construction regulation responsibilities may, subject to the limitations of this section, provide for more stringent requirements than those specified in the State Minimum Building Codes provided:

(a)  The local governing body determines, following a public hearing which has been advertised in a newspaper of general circulation at least 10 days before the hearing, that there is a need to strengthen the requirements of the State Minimum Building Codes adopted by such governing body. The determination must be based upon a review of local conditions by the local governing body, which review demonstrates that local conditions justify more stringent requirements than those specified in the State Minimum Building Codes for the protection of life and property.

(b)  Such additional requirements are not discriminatory against materials, products, or construction techniques of demonstrated capabilities.

(c)  Such additional requirements may not introduce a new subject not addressed in the State Minimum Building Codes.

(d)  Paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) apply to the enforcing agency's adoption of more stringent requirements than those specified in the State Minimum Building Codes and to the adoption of building construction-related codes that have the effect of amending building construction standards contained in the State Minimum Building Codes. Upon request, the enforcing agency shall provide a person making application for a building permit, or any state agency or board with construction-related regulation responsibilities, a listing of all such requirements and codes.

(5)  It shall be the responsibility of each municipality and county in the state and of each state agency with statutory authority to regulate building construction to enforce the specific model code of the State Minimum Building Codes adopted by that municipality, county, or agency, in accordance with the provisions of s. 553.80. If such responsibility has been delegated to another unit of government pursuant to s. 553.79(9), the specific model code adopted by the delegate shall apply and be enforced.

(6)  The specific model code of the State Minimum Building Codes adopted by a municipality, county, or state agency shall regulate every type of building or structure, wherever it might be situated in the code enforcement jurisdiction; however, such regulations shall not apply to nonresidential farm buildings on farms; to temporary buildings or sheds used exclusively for construction purposes; to mobile homes used as temporary offices, except that the provisions of part V relating to accessibility by handicapped persons shall apply to such mobile homes used as temporary offices; or to any construction exempted under s. 553.80(3) by an enforcement district or local enforcement agency. The codes may be divided into a number of segments, as determined by the municipality, county, or state agency. These segments may be identified as building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire prevention codes or by other titles as are deemed proper. However, the State Minimum Building Codes shall not contain a housing code; nor shall the state interpose in the area of local housing codes, except upon request originating from an enforcement district or local enforcement agency.

(7)(a)  In the event of a conflict between the applicable minimum building code and the applicable minimum firesafety code, it shall be resolved by agreement between the local building code enforcement official and the local fire code enforcement official in favor of the requirement of the code which offers the greatest degree of lifesafety or alternatives which would provide an equivalent degree of lifesafety and an equivalent method of construction.

(b)  Any decision made by the local fire official and the local building official may be appealed to a local administrative board designated by the municipality, county, or special district having firesafety responsibilities. If the decision of the local fire official and the local building official is to apply the provisions of either the applicable minimum building code or the applicable minimum firesafety code, the board may not alter the decision unless the board determines that the application of such code is not reasonable. If the decision of the local fire official and the local building official is to adopt an alternative to the codes, the local administrative board shall give due regard to the decision rendered by the local officials and may modify that decision if the administrative board adopts a better alternative, taking into consideration all relevant circumstances. In any case in which the local administrative board adopts alternatives to the decision rendered by the local fire official and the local building official, such alternatives shall provide an equivalent degree of lifesafety and an equivalent method of construction as the decision rendered by the local officials.

(c)  In the event that the local building official and the local fire official are unable to agree on a resolution of the conflict between the building code and the fire code, the local administrative board shall resolve the conflict in favor of the code which offers the greatest degree of lifesafety or alternatives which would provide an equivalent degree of lifesafety and an equivalent method of construction.

(d)  The local administrative board shall, to the greatest extent possible, be composed of members with expertise in building construction and firesafety standards.

(e)  All decisions of the local building official and local fire official and all decisions of the administrative board shall be in writing and shall be binding upon all persons but shall not limit the authority of the State Fire Marshal pursuant to s. 633.161. Decisions of general application shall be indexed by building and fire code sections and shall be available for inspection during normal business hours.

(8)  Except within coastal building zones as defined in s. 161.54, specification standards developed by nationally recognized code promulgation organizations to determine compliance with s. 1606 and the engineering design criteria of s. 1606 of the Standard Building Code shall not apply to one or two family dwellings which are two stories or less in height unless approved by the commission for use or unless expressly made subject to said standards and criteria by local ordinance adopted in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4).

History.--s. 4, ch. 74-167; s. 3, ch. 75-85; s. 1, ch. 77-365; s. 225, ch. 79-400; s. 1, ch. 80-106; s. 6, ch. 82-197; s. 2, ch. 84-273; s. 1, ch. 85-97; s. 33, ch. 86-191; s. 1, ch. 87-287; s. 1, ch. 88-142; s. 1, ch. 89-369; s. 2, ch. 91-172; s. 41, ch. 91-220; s. 49, ch. 95-144; s. 1, ch. 97-177; ss. 39, 40, 65, ch. 98-287; s. 61, ch. 98-419; ss. 73, 74, 75, ch. 2000-141; s. 62, ch. 2000-154.

¹Note.--

A.  Section 62, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 107, ch. 2000-141, provides that:

"(1)  Before the 2000 Regular Session of the Legislature, the Florida Building Commission shall submit to the Legislature for review the Florida Building Code adopted by the commission and shall prepare list of recommendations of revisions to the Florida Statutes necessitated by adoption of the Florida Building Code if the Legislature approves the Florida Building Code.

"(2)  Effective July 1, 2001, all existing local technical amendments to any building code adopted by any local government, except for local ordinances setting forth administrative requirements which are not in conflict with the Florida Building Code, are repealed. Each local government may readopt such amendments pursuant to s. 553.73, Florida Statutes, provided such amendments comply with applicable provisions of the Florida Building Code."

B.  Section 40, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 61, ch. 98-419, as amended by s. 74, ch. 2000-141; and s. 73, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.73, and s. 75, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.73(1)(c), (2), and (4)-(12), as amended by s. 40, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 61, ch. 98-419. Effective July 1, 2001, s. 553.73, as amended by s. 40, ch. 98-287; s. 61, ch. 98-419; ss. 73, 74, and 75, ch. 2000-141; and s. 62, ch. 2000-154, will read:

553.73  Florida Building Code.--

(1)(a)  The commission shall adopt, by rule pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, the Florida Building Code which shall contain or incorporate by reference all laws and rules which pertain to and govern the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, and demolition of public and private buildings, structures, and facilities and enforcement of such laws and rules, except as otherwise provided in this section.

(b)  The technical portions of the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction shall be contained in their entirety in the Florida Building Code. The civil rights portions and the technical portions of the accessibility laws of this state shall remain as currently provided by law. Any revision or amendments to the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction pursuant to part V shall be considered adopted by the commission as part of the Florida Building Code. Neither the commission nor any local government shall revise or amend any standard of the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction except as provided for in part V.

(c)  The Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code shall be referenced in the Florida Building Code, but shall be adopted, modified, revised, or amended, interpreted, and maintained by the Department of Insurance by rule adopted pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54. The Florida Building Commission may not adopt a fire prevention or lifesafety code, and nothing in the Florida Building Code shall affect the statutory powers, duties, and responsibilities of any fire official or the Department of Insurance.

(d)  Conflicting requirements between the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code and Life Safety Code of the state established pursuant to ss. 633.022 and 633.025 shall be resolved by agreement between the commission and the State Fire Marshal in favor of the requirement that offers the greatest degree of lifesafety or alternatives that would provide an equivalent degree of lifesafety and an equivalent method of construction. If the commission and State Fire Marshal are unable to agree on a resolution, the question shall be referred to a mediator, mutually agreeable to both parties, to resolve the conflict in favor of the provision that offers the greatest lifesafety, or alternatives that would provide an equivalent degree of lifesafety and an equivalent method of construction.

(e)  Subject to the provisions of this act, responsibility for enforcement, interpretation, and regulation of the Florida Building Code shall be vested in a specified local board or agency, and the words "local government" and "local governing body" as used in this part shall be construed to refer exclusively to such local board or agency.

(2)  The Florida Building Code shall contain provisions or requirements for public and private buildings, structures, and facilities relative to structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and gas systems, existing buildings, historical buildings, manufactured buildings, elevators, coastal construction, lodging facilities, food sales and food service facilities, health care facilities, including assisted living facilities, adult day care facilities, and facilities for the control of radiation hazards, public or private educational facilities, swimming pools, and correctional facilities and enforcement of and compliance with such provisions or requirements. Technical provisions to be contained within the Florida Building Code are restricted to requirements related to the types of materials used and construction methods and standards employed in order to meet criteria specified in the Florida Building Code. Provisions relating to the personnel, supervision or training of personnel, or any other professional qualification requirements relating to contractors or their workforce may not be included within the Florida Building Code, and subsections (4), (5), and (6) are not to be construed to allow the inclusion of such provisions within the Florida Building Code by amendment. This restriction applies to both initial development and amendment of the Florida Building Code.

(3)  The commission shall select from available national or international model building codes, or other available building codes and standards currently recognized by the laws of this state, to form the foundation for the Florida Building Code. The commission may modify the selected model codes and standards as needed to accommodate the specific needs of this state. Standards or criteria referenced by the selected model codes shall be similarly incorporated by reference. If a referenced standard or criterion requires amplification or modification to be appropriate for use in this state, only the amplification or modification shall be specifically set forth in the Florida Building Code. The commission shall incorporate within sections of the Florida Building Code provisions which address regional and local concerns and variations. The commission shall make every effort to minimize conflicts between the Florida Building Code, the Florida Fire Prevention Code, and the Life Safety Code.

(4)(a)  All entities authorized to enforce the Florida Building Code pursuant to s. 553.80 shall comply with applicable standards for issuance of mandatory certificates of occupancy, minimum types of inspections, and procedures for plans review and inspections as established by the commission by rule. Local governments may adopt amendments to the administrative provisions of the Florida Building Code, subject to the limitations of this paragraph. Local amendments shall be more stringent than the minimum standards described herein and shall be transmitted to the commission within 30 days after enactment. The local government shall make such amendments available to the general public in a usable format. The State Fire Marshal is responsible for establishing the standards and procedures required in this paragraph for governmental entities with respect to applying the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code.

(b)  Local governments may, subject to the limitations of this section, adopt amendments to the technical provisions of the Florida Building Code which apply solely within the jurisdiction of such government and which provide for more stringent requirements than those specified in the Florida Building Code, not more than once every 6 months, provided:

1.  The local governing body determines, following a public hearing which has been advertised in a newspaper of general circulation at least 10 days before the hearing, that there is a need to strengthen the requirements of the Florida Building Code. The determination must be based upon a review of local conditions by the local governing body, which review demonstrates that local conditions justify more stringent requirements than those specified in the Florida Building Code for the protection of life and property.

2.  Such additional requirements are not discriminatory against materials, products, or construction techniques of demonstrated capabilities.

3.  Such additional requirements may not introduce a new subject not addressed in the Florida Building Code.

4.  The enforcing agency shall make readily available, in a usable format, all amendments adopted pursuant to this section.

5.  Any amendment to the Florida Building Code shall be transmitted within 30 days by the adopting local government to the commission. The commission shall maintain copies of all such amendments in a format that is usable and obtainable by the public.

6.  Any amendment to the Florida Building Code adopted by a local government pursuant to this paragraph shall be effective only until the adoption by the commission of the new edition of the Florida Building Code every third year. At such time, the commission shall review such amendment for consistency with the criteria in paragraph (6)(a) and adopt such amendment as part of the Florida Building Code or rescind the amendment. The commission shall immediately notify the respective local government of the rescission of any amendment. After receiving such notice, the respective local government may readopt the rescinded amendment pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph.

7.  Each county and municipality desiring to make local technical amendments to the Florida Building Code shall by interlocal agreement establish a countywide compliance review board to review any amendment to the Florida Building Code, adopted by a local government within the county pursuant to this paragraph, that is challenged by any substantially affected party for purposes of determining the amendment's compliance with this paragraph. If the compliance review board determines such amendment is not in compliance with this paragraph, the compliance review board shall notify such local government of the noncompliance and that the amendment is invalid and unenforceable until the local government corrects the amendment to bring it into compliance. The local government may appeal the decision of the compliance review board to the commission. If the compliance review board determines such amendment to be in compliance with this paragraph, any substantially affected party may appeal such determination to the commission. Actions of the commission are subject to judicial review pursuant to s. 120.68. The compliance review board shall determine whether its decisions apply to a respective local jurisdiction or apply countywide.

8.  An amendment adopted under this paragraph shall include a fiscal impact statement which documents the costs and benefits of the proposed amendment. Criteria for the fiscal impact statement shall include the impact to local government relative to enforcement, the impact to property and building owners, as well as to industry, relative to the cost of compliance. The fiscal impact statement may not be used as a basis for challenging the amendment for compliance.

9.  In addition to subparagraphs 7. and 8., the commission may review any amendments adopted pursuant to this subsection and make nonbinding recommendations related to compliance of such amendments with this subsection.

(c)  Any amendment adopted by a local enforcing agency pursuant to this subsection shall not apply to state or school district owned buildings, manufactured buildings or factory-built school buildings approved by the commission, or prototype buildings approved pursuant to s. 553.77(6). The respective responsible entities shall consider the physical performance parameters substantiating such amendments when designing, specifying, and constructing such exempt buildings.

(5)  The commission, by rule adopted pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, shall update the Florida Building Code every 3 years. The initial adoption of, and any subsequent update or amendment to, the Florida Building Code by the commission is deemed adopted for use statewide without adoptions by local government. When updating the Florida Building Code, the commission shall consider changes made by the adopting entity of any selected model code for any model code incorporated into the Florida Building Code, and may subsequently adopt the new edition or successor of the model code or any part of such code, which may then be modified for this state as provided in this section, and shall further consider the commission's own interpretations, declaratory statements, appellate decisions, and approved statewide and local technical amendments. A change made by an institute or standards organization to any standard or criterion that is adopted by reference in the Florida Building Code does not become effective statewide until it has been adopted by the commission. The edition of the Florida Building Code which is in effect on the date of application of any permit authorized by the code governs the permitted work for the life of the permit and any extension granted to the permit. Any amendment to the Florida Building Code which is adopted upon a finding by the commission that the amendment is necessary to protect the public from immediate threat of harm takes effect immediately.

(6)(a)  The commission may approve technical amendments to the Florida Building Code once each year for statewide or regional application upon a finding that the amendment:

1.  Has a reasonable and substantial connection with the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.

2.  Strengthens or improves the Florida Building Code, or in the case of innovation or new technology, will provide equivalent or better products or methods or systems of construction.

3.  Does not discriminate against materials, products, methods, or systems of construction of demonstrated capabilities.

4.  Does not degrade the effectiveness of the Florida Building Code.


Furthermore, the Florida Building Commission may approve technical amendments to the code once each year to incorporate into the Florida Building Code its own interpretations of the code which are embodied in its opinions and declaratory statements. Amendments approved under this paragraph shall be adopted by rule pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54.

(b)  A proposed amendment shall include a fiscal impact statement which documents the costs and benefits of the proposed amendment. Criteria for the fiscal impact statement shall be established by rule by the commission and shall include the impact to local government relative to enforcement, the impact to property and building owners, as well as to industry, relative to the cost of compliance.

(c)  The commission may not approve any proposed amendment that does not accurately and completely address all requirements for amendment which are set forth in this section.

(7)  The following buildings, structures, and facilities are exempt from the Florida Building Code as provided by law, and any further exemptions shall be as determined by the Legislature and provided by law:

(a)  Buildings and structures specifically regulated and preempted by the Federal Government.

(b)  Railroads and ancillary facilities associated with the railroad.

(c)  Nonresidential farm buildings on farms.

(d)  Temporary buildings or sheds used exclusively for construction purposes.

(e)  Mobile homes used as temporary offices, except that the provisions of part V relating to accessibility by persons with disabilities shall apply to such mobile homes.

(f)  Those structures or facilities of electric utilities, as defined in s. 366.02, which are directly involved in the generation, transmission, or distribution of electricity.

(g)  Temporary sets, assemblies, or structures used in commercial motion picture or television production, or any sound-recording equipment used in such production, on or off the premises.


With the exception of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (f), in order to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the Florida Building Commission may, by rule adopted pursuant to chapter 120, provide for exceptions to the broad categories of buildings exempted in this section, including exceptions for application of specific sections of the code or standards adopted therein. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall have exclusive authority to adopt by rule, pursuant to chapter 120, exceptions to nonresidential farm buildings exempted in paragraph (c) when reasonably necessary to preserve public health, safety, and welfare. The exceptions must be based upon specific criteria, such as under-roof floor area, aggregate electrical service capacity, HVAC system capacity, or other building requirements. Further, the commission may recommend to the Legislature additional categories of buildings, structures, or facilities which should be exempted from the Florida Building Code, to be provided by law.

(8)(a)  In the event of a conflict between the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code as applied to a specific project, the conflict shall be resolved by agreement between the local building code enforcement official and the local fire code enforcement official in favor of the requirement of the code which offers the greatest degree of lifesafety or alternatives which would provide an equivalent degree of lifesafety and an equivalent method of construction.

(b)  Any decision made by the local fire official and the local building official may be appealed to a local administrative board designated by the municipality, county, or special district having firesafety responsibilities. If the decision of the local fire official and the local building official is to apply the provisions of either the Florida Building Code or the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code, the board may not alter the decision unless the board determines that the application of such code is not reasonable. If the decision of the local fire official and the local building official is to adopt an alternative to the codes, the local administrative board shall give due regard to the decision rendered by the local officials and may modify that decision if the administrative board adopts a better alternative, taking into consideration all relevant circumstances. In any case in which the local administrative board adopts alternatives to the decision rendered by the local fire official and the local building official, such alternatives shall provide an equivalent degree of lifesafety and an equivalent method of construction as the decision rendered by the local officials.

(c)  If the local building official and the local fire official are unable to agree on a resolution of the conflict between the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code, the local administrative board shall resolve the conflict in favor of the code which offers the greatest degree of lifesafety or alternatives which would provide an equivalent degree of lifesafety and an equivalent method of construction.

(d)  All decisions of the local administrative board, or if none exists, the decisions of the local building official and the local fire official, are subject to review by a joint committee composed of members of the Florida Building Commission and the Fire Code Advisory Council. If the joint committee is unable to resolve conflicts between the codes as applied to a specific project, the matter shall be resolved pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1)(d).

(e)  The local administrative board shall, to the greatest extent possible, be composed of members with expertise in building construction and firesafety standards.

(f)  All decisions of the local building official and local fire official and all decisions of the administrative board shall be in writing and shall be binding upon all persons but shall not limit the authority of the State Fire Marshal or the Florida Building Commission pursuant to paragraph(1)(d) and ss. 663.01 and 633.161. Decisions of general application shall be indexed by building and fire code sections and shall be available for inspection during normal business hours.

(9)  Except within coastal building zones as defined in s. 161.54, specification standards developed by nationally recognized code promulgation organizations to determine compliance with engineering criteria of the Florida Building Code for wind load design shall not apply to one or two family dwellings which are two stories or less in height unless approved by the commission for use or unless expressly made subject to said standards and criteria by local ordinance adopted in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4).

(10)  The Florida Building Code does not apply to, and no code enforcement action shall be brought with respect to, zoning requirements, land use requirements, and owner specifications or programmatic requirements which do not pertain to and govern the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of public or private buildings, structures, or facilities or to programmatic requirements that do not pertain to enforcement of the Florida Building Code. Additionally, a local code enforcement agency may not administer or enforce the Florida Building Code to prevent the siting of any publicly owned facility, including, but not limited to, correctional facilities, juvenile justice facilities, or state universities, community colleges, or public education facilities, as provided by law.

¹553.74  Florida Building Commission.--

(1)  The Florida Building Commission is created and shall be located within the Department of Community Affairs for administrative purposes. Members shall be appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the Senate. The commission shall be composed of 23 members, consisting of the following:

(a)  One architect registered to practice in this state and actively engaged in the profession.

(b)  One structural engineer registered to practice in this state and actively engaged in the profession.

(c)  One mechanical contractor certified to do business in this state and actively engaged in the profession.

(d)  One electrical contractor certified to do business in this state and actively engaged in the profession.

(e)  One member from fire protection engineering or technology who is actively engaged in the profession.

(f)  One general contractor certified to do business in this state and actively engaged in the profession.

(g)  One plumbing contractor licensed to do business in this state and actively engaged in the profession.

(h)  One roofing, sheet metal, or air-conditioning contractor certified to do business in this state and actively engaged in the profession.

(i)  One residential contractor licensed to do business in this state and actively engaged in the profession.

(j)  Three members who are municipal or district codes enforcement officials, one of whom is also a fire official.

(k)  One member who represents the Department of Insurance.

(l)  One member who is a county codes enforcement official.

(m)  One member of a Florida-based organization of persons with disabilities or a nationally chartered organization of persons with disabilities with chapters in this state.

(n)  One member of the manufactured buildings industry who is licensed to do business in this state and is actively engaged in the industry.

(o)  One mechanical or electrical engineer registered to practice in this state and actively engaged in the profession.

(p)  One member who is a representative of a municipality or a charter county.

(q)  One member of the building products manufacturing industry who is authorized to do business in this state and is actively engaged in the industry.

(r)  One member who is a representative of the building owners and managers industry who is actively engaged in commercial building ownership or management.

(s)  One member who is a representative of the insurance industry.

(t)  One member who is a representative of public education.

(u)  One member who shall be the chair.

(2)  All appointments shall be for terms of 4 years, except that of the chair who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Each person who is a member of the Board of Building Codes and Standards on the effective date of this act shall serve the remainder of their term as a member of the Florida Building Commission. Except for the chair, newly created positions on the Florida Building Commission shall be appointed after February 1, 1999. A vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term. Any member who shall, during his or her term, cease to meet the qualifications for original appointment, through ceasing to be a practicing member of the profession indicated or otherwise, shall thereby forfeit membership on the commission.

(3)  Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses as provided by s. 112.061.

(4)  Each appointed member is accountable to the Governor for the proper performance of the duties of the office. The Governor shall cause to be investigated any complaint or unfavorable report received concerning an action of the commission or any member and shall take appropriate action thereon. The Governor may remove from office any appointed member for malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, or being found guilty of, a felony.

History.--s. 5, ch. 74-167; s. 2, ch. 77-365; s. 4, ch. 78-323; ss. 1, 2, ch. 80-231; ss. 1, 3, 4, ch. 81-7; ss. 1, 4, ch. 82-46; s. 2, ch. 83-265; ss. 3, 5, 6, ch. 91-172; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 803, ch. 97-103; s. 41, ch. 98-287; s. 76, ch. 2000-141; s. 63, ch. 2000-154.

¹Note.--Section 109, ch. 2000-141, provides that "[t]he Legislature has reviewed the Florida Building Code that was adopted by action of the Florida Building Commission on February 15, 2000, and that was noticed for rule adoption by reference in Rule 9B-3.047, F.A.C., on February 18, 2000, in the Florida Administrative Weekly on page 731. The Florida Building Commission is directed to continue the process to adopt the code, pursuant to section 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, and to incorporate the following provisions or standards for the State of Florida:

"(1)  The commission shall apply the criteria set forth at section 553.73(7)(a) and (b), Florida Statutes, as amended by section 40 of chapter 98-287, Laws of Florida, and section 553.73(6)(c), Florida Statutes, as created by this act, for the adoption of any amendments to the base codes after the effective date of this act. The commission shall review modifications to the base codes adopted by the commission on or before February 15, 2000, which are identified verbally or in writing during the public hearings on proposed rule 9B-3.047 held pursuant to chapter 120, Florida Statutes, except those integrating state agency construction regulations, high velocity hurricane zone provisions, and those necessary to harmonize the Florida Building Code with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, and shall confirm that such amendments meet the requirements of s. 553.73(7), Florida Statutes, as amended by s. 40, chapter 98-287, Laws of Florida. In addition, the commission shall apply the above referenced criteria to s. 610.1.ABC.3.5.2. of chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code. Any modification which, after such criteria are applied is not approved for inclusion by an affirmative vote of three-fourths of the commission members present and voting, must be removed from the code pursuant to chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

"(2)  All amendments to the Florida Building Code shall be published in legislative format, with underlining indicating where new language is added to the existing provisions and strikeout indicating where existing language is deleted.

"(3)  For areas of the state not within the high velocity hurricane zone, the commission shall adopt, pursuant to s. 553.73, Florida Statutes, the wind protection requirements of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Standard 7, 1998 edition as implemented by the International Building Code, 2000 edition, and as modified by the commission in its February 15, 2000, adoption of the Florida Building Code for rule adoption by reference in Rule 9B-3.047, Florida Administrative Code. However, from the eastern border of Franklin County to the Florida-Alabama line, only land within 1 mile of the coast shall be subject to the windborne-debris requirements adopted by the commission. The exact location of wind speed lines shall be established by local ordinance, using recognized physical landmarks such as major roads, canals, rivers, and lake shores, wherever possible. Buildings constructed in the windborne debris region must be either designed for internal pressures that may result inside a building when a window or door is broken or a hole is created in its walls or roof by large debris, or be designed with protected openings. Except in the high velocity hurricane zone, local governments may not prohibit the option of designing buildings to resist internal pressures.

"(4)  The Florida Building Commission is directed to amend section 611 of the Plumbing Section of the Florida Building Code to incorporate the following:

"(a)  When reduction of aesthetic contaminants, such as chlorine, taste, odor, or sediment are claimed, the drinking water treatment units must meet the requirements of NSF Standard 42 Drinking Water Treatment Units-Aesthetic Effects, or Water Quality Association Standard S-200 for Household and Commercial Water Filters. When reduction of regulated health contaminants is claimed, such as inorganic or organic chemicals, or radiological substances, the drinking water treatment unit must meet the requirements of NSF Standard 53 Drinking Water Treatment Units-Health Effects.

"(b)  Reverse osmosis drinking water treatment systems shall meet the requirements of NSF Standard 58 Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Units or Water Quality Association Standard S-300 Point-of-Use Low Pressure Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems for the Reduction of Total Dissolved Solids Only.

"(c)  When reduction of regulated health contaminants is claimed, such as inorganic or organic chemicals, or radiological substances, the reverse osmosis drinking water treatment unit must meet the requirements of NSF Standard 58 Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems.

"(d)  Waste or discharge from reverse osmosis or other types of water treatment units must enter the drainage system through an air gap or be equipped with an equivalent backflow-prevention device.

"(5)  The Florida Building Commission is directed to reinsert into the Florida Building Code Sections 104.3.2 and 104.6.2 of the Florida Building Code, Third Draft, related to a building official's authority to elect to issue a permit based upon plan review by a registered architect or engineer. The building official is responsible for ensuring that any person conducting a plan review is qualified as a plans examiner under part XII of chapter 468, Florida Statutes, and that any person conducting inspections is qualified as a building inspector under part XII of chapter 468, Florida Statutes.

"(6)  The Florida Building Commission is directed to amend paragraph F of Section 105.13 of the Florida Building Code to make clear that the building department may allow a special inspector to conduct the minimum structural inspection of threshold buildings required by the Florida Building Code and section 553.73, Florida Statutes, without duplicative inspection by the building department. The building official is responsible for ensuring that any person conducting inspections is qualified as a building inspector under part XII of chapter 468, Florida Statutes, or certified as a special inspector under chapter 471, Florida Statutes, or chapter 481, Florida Statutes.

"(7)  The Florida Building Commission is directed to amend Section 127.5.9.8.5 of the Florida Building Code to make clear that the building official may allow a special inspector to conduct all mandatory inspections in accordance with section 127.3 of the Code, without duplicative inspection by the building official. The building official is responsible for ensuring that any person conducting inspections is qualified as a building inspector under part XII of chapter 468, Florida Statutes, or certified as a special inspector under chapter 471, Florida Statutes, or chapter 481, Florida Statutes.


"The Legislature declares that changes made to the proposed Rule 9B-3.047, Florida Administrative Code, to implement the requirements of this act prior to October 1, 2000, are not subject to rule challenges under section 120.56, Florida Statutes. However, the entire rule, adopted pursuant to s. 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, as amended after October 1, 2000, is subject to rule challenges under s. 120.56, Florida Statutes."

553.75  Organization of commission; rules and regulations; meetings; staff; fiscal affairs.--

(1)  The commission shall meet on call of the secretary. The commission shall annually elect from its appointive members such officers as it may choose.

(2)  The commission shall meet at the call of its chair, at the request of a majority of its membership, at the request of the department, or at such times as may be prescribed by its rules. The members shall be notified in writing of the time and place of a regular or special meeting at least 7 days in advance of the meeting. A majority of members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

(3)  The department shall be responsible for the provision of administrative and staff support services relating to the functions of the commission. With respect to matters within the jurisdiction of the commission, the department shall be responsible for the implementation and faithful discharge of all decisions of the commission made pursuant to its authority under the provisions of this part.

History.--s. 6, ch. 74-167; s. 4, ch. 78-323; ss. 2, 3, 4, ch. 81-7; ss. 1, 4, ch. 82-46; s. 2, ch. 83-265; ss. 5, 6, ch. 91-172; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 804, ch. 97-103; s. 42, ch. 98-287.

¹553.76  General powers of the commission.--The commission is authorized to:

(1)  Adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this part.

(2)  Issue memoranda of procedure for its internal management and control.

(3)  Enter into contracts and do such things as may be necessary and incidental to the discharge of its responsibilities under this part.

History.--s. 7, ch. 74-167; s. 4, ch. 78-323; ss. 3, 4, ch. 81-7; ss. 1, 4, ch. 82-46; s. 2, ch. 83-265; ss. 5, 6, ch. 91-172; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 184, ch. 98-200; ss. 43, 44, ch. 98-287; s. 131, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 44, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 131, ch. 2000-141, added subsections (4) and (5), effective July 1, 2001, to read:

(4)  Adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of the Florida Building Code and the provisions of this chapter.

(5)  Adopt and promote, in consultation with state and local governments, other boards, advisory councils, and commissions, such recommendations as are deemed appropriate to determine and ensure consistent, effective, and efficient enforcement and compliance with the Florida Building Code, including, but not limited to, voluntary professional standards for the operation of building departments and for personnel development. Recommendations shall include, but not be limited to, provisions for coordination among and between local offices with review responsibilities and their coordination with state or regional offices with special expertise.

¹553.77  Specific powers of the commission.--

(1)  The commission shall:

(a)  Adopt rules and regulations or amendments thereto pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54.

(b)  Make a continual study of the operation of the State Minimum Building Codes and other laws relating to the construction of buildings, including manufactured buildings, to ascertain their effect upon the cost of building construction and determine the effectiveness of their provisions.

(c)  Upon written application by a private party or a local enforcement agency, issue declaratory statements pursuant to s. 120.565 relating to new technologies, techniques, and materials which have been tested where necessary and found to meet the objectives of the State Minimum Building Codes and the Florida Manufactured Building Act of 1979.

(d)  Upon written application by a private party or a local enforcement agency, issue declaratory statements pursuant to s. 120.565 relating to the interpretation, enforcement, administration, or modification by local governments of the State Minimum Building Codes and the Florida Manufactured Building Act of 1979.

(e)  Make recommendations to, and provide assistance upon the request of, the Florida Commission on Human Relations regarding rules relating to handicapped accessibility.

(f)  Coordinate and cooperate with the Florida Fire Code Advisory Council created under s. 633.72, for assistance and recommendations relating to firesafety code interpretations.

(2)  Upon written application by a private party or a local enforcement agency, the commission may also:

(a)  Provide for the testing of materials, devices, and method of construction.

(b)  Appoint experts, consultants, technical advisers, and advisory committees for assistance and recommendations relating to the State Minimum Building Codes.

(c)  Appoint an advisory committee consisting of at least five plumbing contractors licensed to do business in this state for assistance and recommendations relating to plumbing code interpretations, if the commission identifies the need for additional assistance in making decisions regarding the State Plumbing Code.

²(d)  Provide technical assistance and issue advisory opinions concerning the technical and administrative provisions of the State Minimum Building Codes.

(3)  With respect to the qualification program for special inspectors of threshold buildings as required by s. 553.79(5)(c), the commission may prescribe initial and annual renewal fees for certification, by rule, in accordance with chapter 120.

(4)(a)  Upon written application by a private party, the commission shall issue a declaratory statement pursuant to s. 120.565 relating to a state agency's interpretation and enforcement of the specific model code adopted by the agency to regulate building construction or relating to the conformity of new technologies, techniques, and materials to the objectives of that model code. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to provide any powers to the commission with respect to any decision of the State Board of Education made pursuant to the provisions of s. 235.26, to the State Fire Marshal made pursuant to the provisions of chapter 633, to the Department of Management Services made pursuant to the provisions of s. 255.25, or to any local government decision with respect to construction not subject to a state agency model code.

(b)  Upon written applications by private parties or the enforcement agency, the commission may issue declaratory statements pursuant to s. 120.565 relating to the interpretation of ss. 553.71(7) and 553.79(5)(a) and (c), (6)(a), (b), (d), and (e), and (7)(a) and (c).

(5)  The commission may designate a commission member with demonstrated expertise in interpreting building plans to attend each meeting of the advisory council created in s. 553.512. The commission member may vary from meeting to meeting, shall serve on the council in a nonvoting capacity, and shall receive per diem and expenses as provided in s. 553.74(3).

History.--s. 8, ch. 74-167; s. 4, ch. 75-85; s. 4, ch. 75-111; s. 3, ch. 77-365; s. 4, ch. 78-323; ss. 5, 8, ch. 79-152; ss. 3, 4, ch. 81-7; ss. 1, 4, ch. 82-46; s. 9, ch. 83-160; s. 2, ch. 83-265; s. 2, ch. 84-365; s. 1, ch. 86-135; s. 1, ch. 88-81; s. 9, ch. 89-139; s. 11, ch. 89-321; ss. 4, 5, 6, ch. 91-172; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 311, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 28, ch. 93-166; s. 51, ch. 95-196; ss. 45, 46, ch. 98-287; ss. 77, 78, 79, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 46, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 78, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.77, and s. 79, ch. 2000-141, amended subsections (1), (3), and (6), as amended by s. 46, ch. 98-287, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.77  Specific powers of the commission.--

(1)  The commission shall:

(a)  Adopt and update the Florida Building Code or amendments thereto, pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54.

(b)  Make a continual study of the operation of the Florida Building Code and other laws relating to the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of public or private buildings, structures, and facilities, including manufactured buildings, and code enforcement, to ascertain their effect upon the cost of building construction and determine the effectiveness of their provisions. Upon updating the Florida Building Code every 3 years, the commission shall review existing provisions of law and make recommendations to the Legislature for the next regular session of the Legislature regarding provisions of law that should be revised or repealed to ensure consistency with the Florida Building Code at the point the update goes into effect. State agencies and local jurisdictions shall provide such information as requested by the commission for evaluation of and recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the system of building code laws for reporting to the Legislature annually. Failure to comply with this or other requirements of this act must be reported to the Legislature for further action. Any proposed legislation providing for the revision or repeal of existing laws and rules relating to technical requirements applicable to building structures or facilities should expressly state that such legislation is not intended to imply any repeal or sunset of existing general or special laws governing any special district that are not specifically identified in the legislation.

(c)  Upon written application by any substantially affected person or a local enforcement agency, issue declaratory statements pursuant to s. 120.565 relating to new technologies, techniques, and materials which have been tested where necessary and found to meet the objectives of the Florida Building Code. This paragraph does not apply to the types of products, materials, devices, or methods of construction required to be approved under paragraph (i).

(d)  Upon written application by any substantially affected person, state agency, or a local enforcement agency, issue declaratory statements pursuant to s. 120.565 relating to the enforcement or administration by local governments of the Florida Building Code. Paragraph (h) provides the exclusive remedy for addressing local interpretations of the code.

(e)  When requested in writing by any substantially affected person, state agency, or a local enforcing agency, shall issue declaratory statements pursuant to s. 120.565 relating to this part. Actions of the commission are subject to judicial review pursuant to s. 120.68.

(f)  Make recommendations to, and provide assistance upon the request of, the Florida Commission on Human Relations regarding rules relating to accessibility for persons with disabilities.

(g)  Participate with the Florida Fire Code Advisory Council created under s. 633.72, to provide assistance and recommendations relating to firesafety code interpretations. The administrative staff of the commission shall attend meetings of the Florida Fire Code Advisory Council and coordinate efforts to provide consistency between the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code.

(h)  Hear appeals of the decisions of local boards of appeal regarding interpretation decisions of local building officials, or if no local board exists, hear appeals of decisions of the building officials regarding interpretations of the code. For such appeals:

1.  Local decisions declaring structures to be unsafe and subject to repair or demolition shall not be appealable to the commission if the local governing body finds there is an immediate danger to the health and safety of its citizens.

2.  All appeals shall be heard in the county of the jurisdiction defending the appeal.

3.  Actions of the commission are subject to judicial review pursuant to s. 120.68.

(i)  Determine the types of products requiring approval for local or statewide use and shall provide for the evaluation and approval of such products, materials, devices, and method of construction for statewide use. The commission may prescribe by rule a schedule of reasonable fees to provide for evaluation and approval of products, materials, devices, and methods of construction. Evaluation and approval shall be by action of the commission or delegated pursuant to s. 553.842. This paragraph does not apply to products approved by the State Fire Marshal.

(j)  Appoint experts, consultants, technical advisers, and advisory committees for assistance and recommendations relating to the major areas addressed in the Florida Building Code.

(k)  Establish and maintain a mutual aid program, organized through the department, to provide an efficient supply of various levels of code enforcement personnel, design professionals, commercial property owners, and construction industry individuals, to assist in the rebuilding effort in an area which has been hit with disaster. The program shall include provisions for:

1.  Minimum postdisaster structural, electrical, and plumbing inspections and procedures.

2.  Emergency permitting and inspection procedures.

3.  Establishing contact with emergency management personnel and other state and federal agencies.

(l)  Maintain a list of interested parties for noticing rulemaking workshops and hearings, disseminating information on code adoption, revisions, amendments, and all other such actions which are the responsibility of the commission.

(m)  Coordinate with the state and local governments, industry, and other affected stakeholders in the examination of legislative provisions and make recommendations to fulfill the responsibility to develop a consistent, single code.

(n)  Provide technical assistance to local building departments in order to implement policies, procedures, and practices which would produce the most cost-effective property insurance ratings.

(o)  Develop recommendations for local governments to use when pursuing partial or full privatization of building department functions. The recommendations shall include, but not be limited to, provisions relating to equivalency of service, conflict of interest, requirements for competency, liability, insurance, and long-term accountability.

(2)  With respect to the qualification program for special inspectors of threshold buildings as required by s. 553.79(5)(c), the commission may prescribe initial and annual renewal fees for certification, by rule, in accordance with chapter 120.

(3)  Upon written application by any substantially affected person, the commission shall issue a declaratory statement pursuant to s. 120.565 relating to a state agency's interpretation and enforcement of the specific provisions of the Florida Building Code the agency is authorized to enforce. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to provide any powers, other than advisory, to the commission with respect to any decision of the State Fire Marshal made pursuant to the provisions of chapter 633.

(4)  The commission may designate a commission member with demonstrated expertise in interpreting building plans to attend each meeting of the advisory council created in s. 553.512. The commission member may vary from meeting to meeting, shall serve on the council in a nonvoting capacity, and shall receive per diem and expenses as provided in s. 553.74(3).

(5)  For educational and public information purposes, the commission shall develop and publish an informational and explanatory document which contains descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of the licensed design professional, residential designer, contractor, and local building and fire code officials. The State Fire Marshal shall be responsible for developing and specifying roles and responsibilities for fire code officials. Such document may also contain descriptions of roles and responsibilities of other participants involved in the building codes system.

(6)  The commission may provide by rule for plans review and approval of prototype buildings owned by public and private entities to be replicated throughout the state. Such approved plans or prototype buildings shall be exempt from further review required by s. 553.79(2), except changes to the prototype design, site plans, and other site-related items, or any local amendment to any part of the Florida Building Code. Construction or erection of such prototype buildings is subject to local permitting and inspections pursuant to this part.

²Note.--Added by s. 77, ch. 2000-141. This language was not included in the version of s. 553.77 effective July 1, 2001. The State Minimum Building Codes are repealed effective July 1, 2001.

¹553.781  Licensee accountability.--

(1)  The Legislature finds that accountability for work performed by design professionals and contractors is the key to strong and consistent compliance with the Florida Building Code and, therefore, protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. The purpose of this section is to provide such accountability.

(2)(a)  Upon a determination by a local jurisdiction that a licensee, certificateholder, or registrant licensed under chapter 455, chapter 471, chapter 481, or chapter 489 has committed a material violation of the Florida Building Code and failed to correct the violation within a reasonable time, such local jurisdiction shall impose a fine of no less than $500 and no more than $5,000 per material violation.

(b)  If the licensee, certificateholder, or registrant disputes the violation within 30 days following notification by the local jurisdiction, the fine is abated and the local jurisdiction shall report the dispute to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or the appropriate professional licensing board for disciplinary investigation and final disposition. If an administrative complaint is filed by the department or the professional licensing board against the certificateholder or registrant, the commission may intervene in such proceeding. Any fine imposed by the department or the professional licensing board, pursuant to matters reported by the local jurisdiction to the department or the professional licensing board, shall be divided equally between the board and the local jurisdiction which reported the violation.

(3)  The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, as an integral part of the automated information system provided under s. 455.2286, shall establish, and local jurisdictions and state licensing boards shall participate in, a system of reporting violations and disciplinary actions taken against all licensees, certificateholders, and registrants under this section that have been disciplined for a violation of the Florida Building Code. Such information shall be available electronically. Any fines collected by a local jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (2) shall be used initially to help set up the parts of the reporting system for which such local jurisdiction is responsible. Any remaining moneys shall be used solely for enforcing the Florida Building Code, licensing activities relating to the Florida Building Code, or education and training on the Florida Building Code.

(4)  Local jurisdictions shall maintain records, readily accessible by the public, regarding material violations and shall report such violations to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation by means of the reporting system provided in s. 455.2286.

For purposes of this section, a material code violation is a violation that exists within a completed building, structure, or facility which may reasonably result, or has resulted, in physical harm to a person or significant damage to the performance of a building or its systems. Except when the fine is abated as provided in subsection (2), failure to pay the fine within 30 days shall result in a suspension of the licensee's, certificateholder's, or registrant's ability to obtain permits within this state until such time as the fine is paid. Such suspension shall be reflected on the automated information system under s. 455.2286.

History.--s. 47, ch. 98-287; ss. 80, 81, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Effective July 1, 2001.

¹553.79  Permits; applications; issuance; inspections.--

¹(1)  After the effective date of the State Minimum Building Codes adopted as herein provided, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to construct, erect, alter, repair, or demolish any building within this state without first obtaining a permit therefor from the appropriate enforcing agency or from such persons as may, by appropriate resolution or regulation of the enforcing agency, be delegated authority to issue such permits, upon the payment of such reasonable fees adopted by the enforcing agency. The enforcing agency is empowered to revoke any such permit upon a determination by the agency that the construction, erection, alteration, repair, or demolition of the building for which the permit was issued is in violation of, or not in conformity with, the provisions of the State Minimum Building Codes. Installation, replacement, removal, or metering of any load management control device is exempt from and shall not be subject to the permit process and fees otherwise required by this section.

¹(2)  After January 1, 1988, no enforcing agency may issue any permit for construction, erection, alteration, repair, or demolition until the local building code administrator or inspector, in conjunction with the appropriate firesafety inspector, has reviewed the plans and specifications for such proposal and both officials have found the plans to be in compliance with the applicable State Minimum Building Codes and the applicable firesafety standards as determined by the local authority in accordance with this chapter and chapter 633. Any building or structure which is not subject to a firesafety code and any building or structure which is exempt from the local building permit process shall not be required to have its plans reviewed by the local officials. Industrial construction on sites where design, construction, and firesafety are supervised by appropriate design and inspection professionals and which contain adequate in-house fire departments and rescue squads is exempt, subject to local government option, from review of plans and inspections, providing owners certify that applicable codes and standards have been met and supply appropriate approved drawings to local building and firesafety inspectors. The enforcing agency shall issue a permit to construct, erect, alter, repair, or demolish any building when the plans and specifications for such proposal comply with the provisions of the State Minimum Building Codes and the applicable firesafety standards as determined by the local authority in accordance with this chapter and chapter 633.

¹(3)  The State Minimum Building Codes, after the effective date of their adoption pursuant to the provisions of this part, shall supersede all other building construction codes or ordinances in the state, whether at the local or state level and whether adopted by administrative regulation or by legislative enactment, unless such building construction codes or ordinances are more stringent than the State Minimum Building Codes and the conditions of s. 553.73(4) are met. However, this subsection does not apply to manufactured homes as defined by chapter 320. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed as nullifying or divesting appropriate state or local agencies of authority to make inspections or to enforce the codes within their respective areas of jurisdiction.

¹(4)  The State Minimum Building Codes, after the effective date of their adoption pursuant to the provisions of this part, may be modified by local governments to require more stringent standards than those specified in the State Minimum Building Codes, provided the conditions of s. 553.73(4) are met.

(5)(a)  The enforcing agency shall require a special inspector to perform structural inspections on a threshold building pursuant to a structural inspection plan prepared by the engineer or architect of record. The structural inspection plan must be submitted to and approved by the enforcing agency prior to the issuance of a building permit for the construction of a threshold building. The purpose of the structural inspection plan is to provide specific inspection procedures and schedules so that the building can be adequately inspected for compliance with the permitted documents. The special inspector may not serve as a surrogate in carrying out the responsibilities of the building official, the architect, or the engineer of record. The contractor's contractual or statutory obligations are not relieved by any action of the special inspector. The special inspector shall determine that a professional engineer who specializes in shoring design has inspected the shoring and reshoring for conformance with the shoring and reshoring plans submitted to the enforcing agency. A fee simple title owner of a building, which does not meet the minimum size, height, occupancy, occupancy classification, or number-of-stories criteria which would result in classification as a threshold building under s. 553.71(7), may designate such building as a threshold building, subject to more than the minimum number of inspections required by the Florida Building Code.

(b)  The fee owner of a threshold building shall select and pay all costs of employing a special inspector, but the special inspector shall be responsible to the enforcement agency. The inspector shall be a person certified, licensed, or registered under chapter 471 as an engineer or under chapter 481 as an architect.

(c)  The architect or engineer of record may act as the special inspector provided she or he is on the Board of Professional Engineers' or the Board of Architecture and Interior Design's list of persons qualified to be special inspectors. School boards may utilize employees as special inspectors provided such employees are on one of the professional licensing board's list of persons qualified to be special inspectors.

(d)  The licensed architect or registered engineer serving as the special inspector shall be permitted to send her or his duly authorized representative to the job site to perform the necessary inspections provided all required written reports are prepared by and bear the seal of the special inspector and are submitted to the enforcement agency.

¹(6)  No permit may be issued for any building construction, erection, alteration, repair, or addition unless the applicant for such permit provides to the enforcing agency which issues the permit any of the following documents which apply to the construction for which the permit is to be issued:

(a)  Electrical documents for any new building or addition which requires an aggregate service capacity of 600 amperes (240 volts) or more on a residential electrical system or 800 amperes (240 volts) or more on a commercial or industrial electrical system and which costs more than $50,000.

(b)  Plumbing documents for any new building or addition which requires a plumbing system with more than 250 fixture units or which costs more than $50,000.

(c)  Fire sprinkler documents for any new building or addition which includes a fire sprinkler system which contains 50 or more sprinkler heads. A Contractor I, Contractor II, or Contractor IV, certified under s. 633.521, may design a fire sprinkler system of 49 or fewer heads and may design the alteration of an existing fire sprinkler system if the alteration consists of the relocation, addition, or deletion of not more than 49 heads, notwithstanding the size of the existing fire sprinkler system.

(d)  Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning documents for any new building or addition which requires more than a 15-ton-per-system capacity which is designed to accommodate 100 or more persons or for which the system costs more than $50,000. This paragraph does not include any document for the replacement or repair of an existing system in which the work does not require altering a structural part of the building or for work on a residential one-family, two-family, three-family, or four-family structure.

(e)  Any specialized mechanical, electrical, or plumbing document for any new building or addition which includes a medical gas, oxygen, steam, vacuum, toxic air filtration, halon, or fire detection and alarm system which costs more than $5,000.

No such document shall be valid unless a professional engineer who possesses a valid certificate of registration has signed, dated, and stamped such document as provided in s. 471.025.

(7)  Each enforcement agency shall require that, on every threshold building:

(a)  The special inspector, upon completion of the building and prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, file a signed and sealed statement with the enforcement agency in substantially the following form: To the best of my knowledge and belief, the construction of all structural load-bearing components described in the threshold inspection plan complies with the permitted documents, and the specialty shoring design professional engineer has ascertained that the shoring and reshoring conforms with the shoring and reshoring plans submitted to the enforcement agency.

(b)  Any proposal to install an alternate structural product or system to which building codes apply be submitted to the enforcement agency for review for compliance with the codes and made part of the enforcement agency's recorded set of permit documents.

(c)  All shoring and reshoring procedures, plans, and details be submitted to the enforcement agency for recordkeeping. Each shoring and reshoring installation shall be supervised, inspected, and certified to be in compliance with the shoring documents by the contractor.

(d)  All plans for the building which are required to be signed and sealed by the architect or engineer of record contain a statement that, to the best of the architect's or engineer's knowledge, the plans and specifications comply with the applicable minimum building codes and the applicable firesafety standards as determined by the local authority in accordance with this chapter and chapter 633.

(8)  No enforcing agency may issue a building permit for construction of any threshold building except to a licensed general contractor, as defined in s. 489.105(3)(a), or to a licensed building contractor, as defined in s. 489.105(3)(b), within the scope of her or his license. The named contractor to whom the building permit is issued shall have the responsibility for supervision, direction, management, and control of the construction activities on the project for which the building permit was issued.

¹(9)  Any state agency with building construction responsibility may enter into an agreement with any other unit of government to delegate its responsibility to enforce the delegate's building code governing the construction, erection, alteration, repair, or demolition of any state building and is authorized to expend public funds for permit and inspection fees, which fees may be no greater than the fees charged others.

¹(10)  An enforcing authority may not issue a building permit for any building construction, erection, alteration, repair, or addition unless the permit either includes on its face or there is attached to the permit the following statement: "NOTICE: In addition to the requirements of this permit, there may be additional restrictions applicable to this property that may be found in the public records of this county, and there may be additional permits required from other governmental entities such as water management districts, state agencies, or federal agencies."

²(11)  The enforcing agency shall require each building permit for the demolition or renovation of an existing structure to contain an asbestos notification statement which indicates the owner's or operator's responsibility to comply with the provisions of s. 469.003 and to notify the Department of Environmental Protection of her or his intentions to remove asbestos, when applicable, in accordance with state and federal law.

(12)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or supplement the provisions of part IV of this chapter relating to manufactured buildings.

(13)  One-family and two-family detached residential dwelling units are not subject to plan review by the local fire official as described in this section or inspection by the local fire official as described in s. 633.081, unless expressly made subject to said plan review or inspection by local ordinance.

¹(14)  A building permit for a single-family residential dwelling must be issued within 30 working days of application therefor unless unusual circumstances require a longer time for processing the application or unless the permit application fails to satisfy the enforcing agency's laws, ordinances, or codes.

(15)  Certifications by contractors authorized under the provisions of s. 489.115(4)(b) shall be considered equivalent to sealed plans and specifications by a person licensed under chapter 471 or chapter 481 by local enforcement agencies for plans review for permitting purposes relating to compliance with the wind resistance provisions of the code or alternate methodologies approved by the commission for one and two family dwellings. Local enforcement agencies may rely upon such certification by contractors that the plans and specifications submitted conform to the requirements of the code for wind resistance. Upon good cause shown, local government code enforcement agencies may accept or reject plans sealed by persons licensed under chapter 471, chapter 481, or chapter 489.

(16)(a)  The Florida Building Commission shall establish, within the Florida Building Code adopted by rule, standards for permitting residential buildings or structures moved into or within a county or municipality when such structures do not or cannot comply with the code. However, such buildings or structures shall not be required to be brought into compliance with the building code in force at the time the building or structure is moved, provided:

1.  The building or structure is structurally sound and in occupiable condition for its intended use;

2.  The occupancy use classification for the building or structure is not changed as a result of the move;

3.  The building is not substantially remodeled;

4.  Current fire code requirements for ingress and egress are met;

5.  Electrical, gas, and plumbing systems meet the codes in force at the time of construction and are operational and safe for reconnection; and

6.  Foundation plans are sealed by a professional engineer or architect licensed to practice in this state, if required by the building code for all residential buildings or structures of the same occupancy class;

(b)  The building official shall apply the same standard to a moved residential building or structure as that applied to the remodeling of any comparable residential building or structure to determine whether the moved structure is substantially remodeled. The cost of moving the building and the cost of the foundation on which the moved building or structure is placed shall not be included in the cost of remodeling for purposes of determining whether a moved building or structure has been substantially remodeled.

History.--s. 10, ch. 74-167; s. 4, ch. 77-365; s. 10, ch. 83-160; s. 1, ch. 83-352; s. 2, ch. 84-24; s. 3, ch. 84-365; s. 2, ch. 85-97; s. 2, ch. 86-135; s. 2, ch. 87-287; s. 5, ch. 87-349; s. 2, ch. 88-142; s. 1, ch. 88-378; s. 1, ch. 91-7; s. 4, ch. 93-249; ss. 57, 260, ch. 94-119; s. 7, ch. 94-284; s. 461, ch. 94-356; s. 72, ch. 95-144; s. 2, ch. 95-379; s. 14, ch. 96-298; s. 73, ch. 96-388; s. 1175, ch. 97-103; ss. 48, 49, ch. 98-287; ss. 82, 83, 84, 135, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 49, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 83, ch. 2000-141, amended subsections (1)-(4), (6), (9), (10), and (14) and added subsection (17), and s. 84, ch. 2000-141, amended subsections (2), (3), (6), and (9), as amended by s. 49, ch. 98-287, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

(1)  After the effective date of the Florida Building Code adopted as herein provided, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or governmental entity to construct, erect, alter, modify, repair, or demolish any building within this state without first obtaining a permit therefor from the appropriate enforcing agency or from such persons as may, by appropriate resolution or regulation of the authorized state or local enforcing agency, be delegated authority to issue such permits, upon the payment of such reasonable fees adopted by the enforcing agency. The enforcing agency is empowered to revoke any such permit upon a determination by the agency that the construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of the building for which the permit was issued is in violation of, or not in conformity with, the provisions of the Florida Building Code. Installation, replacement, removal, or metering of any load management control device is exempt from and shall not be subject to the permit process and fees otherwise required by this section.

(2)  No enforcing agency may issue any permit for construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of any building or structure until the local building code administrator or inspector has reviewed the plans and specifications for such proposal and found the plans to be in compliance with the Florida Building Code. In addition, an enforcing agency may not issue any permit for construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of any building until the appropriate firesafety inspector certified pursuant to s. 633.081 has reviewed the plans and specifications for such proposal and found that the plans comply with the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code. Any building or structure which is not subject to a firesafety code shall not be required to have its plans reviewed by the firesafety inspector. Any building or structure that is exempt from the local building permit process may not be required to have its plans reviewed by the local building code administrator. Industrial construction on sites where design, construction, and firesafety are supervised by appropriate design and inspection professionals and which contain adequate in-house fire departments and rescue squads is exempt, subject to local government option, from review of plans and inspections, providing owners certify that applicable codes and standards have been met and supply appropriate approved drawings to local building and firesafety inspectors. The enforcing agency shall issue a permit to construct, erect, alter, modify, repair, or demolish any building or structure when the plans and specifications for such proposal comply with the provisions of the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code as determined by the local authority in accordance with this chapter and chapter 633.

(3)  Except as provided in this chapter, the Florida Building Code, after the effective date of adoption pursuant to the provisions of this part, shall supersede all other building construction codes or ordinances in the state, whether at the local or state level and whether adopted by administrative regulation or by legislative enactment. However, this subsection does not apply to the construction of manufactured homes as defined by federal law. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed as nullifying or divesting appropriate state or local agencies of authority to make inspections or to enforce the codes within their respective areas of jurisdiction.

(4)  The Florida Building Code, after the effective date of adoption pursuant to the provisions of this part, may be modified by local governments to require more stringent standards than those specified in the Florida Building Code, provided the conditions of s. 553.73(4) are met.

(6)  A permit may not be issued for any building construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or addition unless the applicant for such permit complies with the requirements for plan review established by the Florida Building Commission within the Florida Building Code.

(9)  Any state agency whose enabling legislation authorizes it to enforce provisions of the Florida Building Code may enter into an agreement with any other unit of government to delegate its responsibility to enforce those provisions and may expend public funds for permit and inspection fees, which fees may be no greater than the fees charged others.

(10)  An enforcing authority may not issue a building permit for any building construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or addition unless the permit either includes on its face or there is attached to the permit the following statement: "NOTICE: In addition to the requirements of this permit, there may be additional restrictions applicable to this property that may be found in the public records of this county, and there may be additional permits required from other governmental entities such as water management districts, state agencies, or federal agencies."

(14)  A building permit for a single-family residential dwelling must be issued within 30 working days of application therefor unless unusual circumstances require a longer time for processing the application or unless the permit application fails to satisfy the Florida Building Code or the enforcing agency's laws or ordinances.

(17)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, state agencies responsible for the construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of public buildings, or the regulation of public and private buildings, structures, and facilities, shall be subject to enforcement of the Florida Building Code by local jurisdictions. This subsection applies in addition to the jurisdiction and authority of the Department of Insurance to inspect state-owned buildings. This subsection does not apply to the jurisdiction and authority of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to inspect amusement rides or the Department of Insurance to inspect state-owned buildings and boilers.

²Note.--Repealed July 1, 2001, by s. 135, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.80  Enforcement.--

(1)  It shall be the responsibility of each local government, each legally constituted enforcement district, and each state agency with statutory authority to regulate building construction to enforce the building code adopted by such body in accordance with s. 553.73, unless such responsibility has been delegated to another unit of government pursuant to s. 553.79(9). The governing bodies of local governments may provide a schedule of fees for the enforcement of the provisions of this part. Such fees shall be used solely for carrying out the local government's responsibilities in enforcing the code. The authority of state enforcing agencies to set fees for enforcement shall be derived from authority existing on the effective date of this act. However, nothing contained in this subsection shall operate to limit such agencies from adjusting their fee schedule in conformance with existing authority.

(2)  Any two or more counties or municipalities, or any combination thereof, may, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 163, governing interlocal agreements, form an enforcement district for the purpose of adopting, enforcing, and administering the provisions of the State Minimum Building Codes. Each district so formed shall be registered with the department on forms to be provided for that purpose. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to supersede provisions of county charters which preempt municipal authorities respective to building codes.

(3)  Each enforcement district shall be governed by a board, the composition of which shall be determined by the affected localities. At its own option each enforcement district or local enforcement agency may promulgate rules granting to the owner of a single-family residence one or more exemptions from the State Minimum Building Codes relating to:

(a)  Addition, alteration, or repairs performed by the property owner upon his or her own property, provided any addition or alteration shall not exceed 1,000 square feet or the square footage of the primary structure, whichever is less.

(b)  Addition, alteration, or repairs by a nonowner within a specific cost limitation set by rule, provided the total cost shall not exceed $5,000 within any 12-month period.

(c)  Building and inspection fees.

Each code exemption, as defined in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), shall be certified to the local board 10 days prior to implementation and shall only be effective in the territorial jurisdiction of the enforcement district or local enforcement agency implementing it.

(4)  When an enforcement district has been formed as provided herein, upon its registration with the department, it shall have the same authority with respect to building codes as provided by this part for local governing bodies.

History.--s. 11, ch. 74-167; s. 3, ch. 75-111; s. 5, ch. 77-365; s. 3, ch. 85-97; s. 805, ch. 97-103; ss. 50, 51, ch. 98-287; ss. 85, 86, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 51, ch. 98-287, as amended by s. 85, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.80, and s. 86, ch. 2000-141, amended subsection (1) and paragraph (6)(a), as amended by s. 51, ch. 98-287, and added paragraph (6)(d), effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.80  Enforcement.--

(1)  Except as provided in paragraphs (a)-(e), each local government and each legally constituted enforcement district with statutory authority shall regulate building construction and, where authorized in the state agency's enabling legislation, each state agency shall enforce the Florida Building Code required by this part on all public or private buildings, structures, and facilities, unless such responsibility has been delegated to another unit of government pursuant to s. 553.79(9).

(a)  Construction regulations relating to correctional facilities under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice are to be enforced exclusively by those departments.

(b)  Construction regulations relating to elevator equipment under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Elevators of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall be enforced exclusively by that department.

(c)  In addition to the requirements of s. 553.79 and this section, facilities subject to the provisions of chapter 395 and part II of chapter 400 shall have facility plans reviewed and construction surveyed by the state agency authorized to do so under the requirements of chapter 395 and part II of chapter 400 and the certification requirements of the Federal Government.

(d)  Building plans approved pursuant to s. 553.77(6) and state-approved manufactured buildings, including buildings manufactured and assembled offsite and not intended for habitation, such as lawn storage buildings and storage sheds, are exempt from local code enforcing agency plan reviews except for provisions of the code relating to erection, assembly, or construction at the site. Erection, assembly, and construction at the site are subject to local permitting and inspections.

(e)  Construction regulations governing public schools, state universities, and community colleges shall be enforced as provided in subsection (6).


The governing bodies of local governments may provide a schedule of fees, as authorized by s. 125.56(2) or s. 166.222 and this section, for the enforcement of the provisions of this part. Such fees shall be used solely for carrying out the local government's responsibilities in enforcing the Florida Building Code. The authority of state enforcing agencies to set fees for enforcement shall be derived from authority existing on July 1, 1998. However, nothing contained in this subsection shall operate to limit such agencies from adjusting their fee schedule in conformance with existing authority.

(2)(a)  Any two or more counties or municipalities, or any combination thereof, may, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 163, governing interlocal agreements, form an enforcement district for the purpose of enforcing and administering the provisions of the Florida Building Code. Each district so formed shall be registered with the department on forms to be provided for that purpose. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to supersede provisions of county charters which preempt municipal authorities respective to building codes.

(b)  With respect to evaluation of design professionals' documents, if a local government finds it necessary, in order to enforce compliance with the Florida Building Code and issue a permit, to reject design documents required by the code three or more times for failure to correct a code violation specifically and continuously noted in each rejection, including, but not limited to, egress, fire protection, structural stability, energy, accessibility, lighting, ventilation, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas systems, or other requirements identified by rule of the Florida Building Commission adopted pursuant to chapter 120, the local government shall impose, each time after the third such review the plans are rejected for that code violation, a fee of four times the amount of the proportion of the permit fee attributed to plans review.

(c)  With respect to inspections, if a local government finds it necessary, in order to enforce compliance with the Florida Building Code, to conduct any inspection after an initial inspection and one subsequent reinspection of any project or activity for the same code violation specifically and continuously noted in each rejection, including, but not limited to, egress, fire protection, structural stability, energy, accessibility, lighting, ventilation, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas systems, or other requirements identified by rule of the Florida Building Commission adopted pursuant to chapter 120, the local government shall impose a fee of four times the amount of the fee imposed for the initial inspection or first reinspection, whichever is greater, for each such subsequent reinspection.

(3)  Each enforcement district shall be governed by a board, the composition of which shall be determined by the affected localities. At its own option each enforcement district or local enforcement agency may promulgate rules granting to the owner of a single-family residence one or more exemptions from the Florida Building Code relating to:

(a)  Addition, alteration, or repairs performed by the property owner upon his or her own property, provided any addition or alteration shall not exceed 1,000 square feet or the square footage of the primary structure, whichever is less.

(b)  Addition, alteration, or repairs by a nonowner within a specific cost limitation set by rule, provided the total cost shall not exceed $5,000 within any 12-month period.

(c)  Building and inspection fees.


Each code exemption, as defined in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), shall be certified to the local board 10 days prior to implementation and shall only be effective in the territorial jurisdiction of the enforcement district or local enforcement agency implementing it.

(4)  When an enforcement district has been formed as provided herein, upon its registration with the department, it shall have the same authority and responsibility with respect to building codes as provided by this part for local governing bodies.

(5)  State and regional agencies with special expertise in building code standards and licensing of contractors and design professionals shall provide support to local governments upon request.

(6)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, state universities, community colleges, and public school districts shall be subject to enforcement of the Florida Building Code pursuant to this part.

(a)  State universities, state community colleges, or public school districts shall conduct plan review and construction inspections to enforce building code compliance for their building projects that are subject to the Florida Building Code. Such entities shall use personnel or contract providers appropriately certified under part XII of chapter 468 to perform the plan reviews and inspections required by the code. Under such arrangements, such entities shall not be subject to local government permitting requirements, plans review, and inspection fees. State universities, state community colleges, and public school districts shall be liable and responsible for all of their buildings, structures, and facilities. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the authority of the county, municipality, or code enforcement district to ensure that buildings, structures, and facilities owned by such entities comply with the Florida Building Code or to limit the authority and responsibility of the fire official to conduct firesafety inspections pursuant to chapter 633.

(b)  If a state university, state community college, or public school district elects to use a local government's code enforcement offices:

1.  Fees charged by counties and municipalities for enforcement of the Florida Building Code on buildings, structures, and facilities of state universities, state colleges, and public school districts shall not be more than the actual labor and administrative costs incurred for plans review and inspections to ensure compliance with the code.

2.  Counties and municipalities shall expedite building construction permitting, building plans review, and inspections of projects of state universities, state community colleges, and public school districts which are subject to the Florida Building Code according to guidelines established by the Florida Building Commission.

(c)  The Florida Building Commission and code enforcement jurisdictions shall consider balancing code criteria and enforcement to unique functions, where they occur, of research institutions by application of performance criteria in lieu of prescriptive criteria.

(d)  School boards, community college boards, and state universities may use annual facility maintenance permits to facilitate routine maintenance, emergency repairs, building refurbishment, and minor renovations of systems or equipment. The amount expended for maintenance projects may not exceed $200,000 per project. A facility maintenance permit is valid for 1 year. A detailed log of alterations and inspections must be maintained and annually submitted to the building official. The building official retains the right to make inspections at the facility site as he or she considers necessary. Code compliance must be provided upon notification by the building official. If a pattern of code violations is found, the building official may withhold the issuance of future annual facility maintenance permits.


Nothing in this part shall be construed to authorize counties, municipalities, or code enforcement districts to conduct any permitting, plans review, or inspections not covered by the Florida Building Code. Any actions by counties or municipalities not in compliance with this part may be appealed to the Florida Building Commission. The commission, upon a determination that actions not in compliance with this part have delayed permitting or construction, may suspend the authority of a county, municipality, or code enforcement district to enforce the Florida Building Code on the buildings, structures, or facilities of a state university, state community college, or public school district and provide for code enforcement at the expense of the state university, state community college, or public school district.

¹553.83  Injunctive relief.--Any code enforcing agency may seek injunctive relief from any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin the offering for sale, delivery, use, occupancy, erection, alteration, or installation of any building covered by this part, upon an affidavit of the code enforcing agency specifying the manner in which the building does not conform to the requirements of the portion of the State Minimum Building Codes adopted in that jurisdiction. Noncompliance with a building code promulgated under this part shall be considered prima facie evidence of irreparable damage in any cause of action brought under authority of this part.

History.--s. 14, ch. 74-167; s. 5, ch. 77-365; s. 87, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 87, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.83, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.83  Injunctive relief.--Any local government, legally constituted enforcement district, or state agency authorized to enforce sections of the Florida Building Code under s. 553.80 may seek injunctive relief from any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin the offering for sale, delivery, use, occupancy, erection, alteration, or installation of any building covered by this part, upon an affidavit of the local government, code enforcement district, or state agency specifying the manner in which the building does not conform to the requirements of the Florida Building Code, or local amendments to the Florida Building Code. Noncompliance with the building code promulgated under this part shall be considered prima facie evidence of irreparable damage in any cause of action brought under authority of this part.

¹553.84  Statutory civil action.--Notwithstanding any other remedies available, any person or party, in an individual capacity or on behalf of a class of persons or parties, damaged as a result of a violation of this part or the State Minimum Building Codes, has a cause of action in any court of competent jurisdiction against the person or party who committed the violation.

History.--s. 15, ch. 74-167; s. 88, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 88, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.84, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.84  Statutory civil action.--Notwithstanding any other remedies available, any person or party, in an individual capacity or on behalf of a class of persons or parties, damaged as a result of a violation of this part or the Florida Building Code, has a cause of action in any court of competent jurisdiction against the person or party who committed the violation.

553.841  Building code training program; participant competency requirements.--

(1)  The Legislature finds that the effectiveness of the building codes of this state depends on the performance of all participants, as demonstrated through knowledge of the codes and commitment to compliance with code directives and that to strengthen compliance by industry and enforcement by government, a Building Code Training Program is needed.

(2)  The commission shall establish by rule the Building Code Training Program to develop and provide a core curriculum and advance module courses relating to the Florida Building Code and a system of administering and enforcing the Florida Building Code.

(3)  The program shall be developed, implemented, and administered by the commission in consultation with the Department of Education, the Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the State Fire Marshal, the State University System, and the Division of Community Colleges.

(4)  The commission may enter into contracts with the Department of Education, the State University System, the Division of Community Colleges, model code organizations, professional organizations, vocational-technical schools, trade organizations, and private industry to administer the program.

(5)  The program shall be affordable, accessible, meaningful, financially self-sufficient and shall make maximum use of existing sources, systems, institutions, and programs available through private sources.

(6)  The commission, in coordination with the Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the respective licensing boards, and the State Fire Marshal shall develop or cause to be developed:

(a)  A core curriculum which is prerequisite to all specialized and advanced module coursework.

(b)  A set of specialized and advanced modules specifically designed for use by each profession.

(7)  The core curriculum shall cover the information required to have all categories of participants appropriately informed as to their technical and administrative responsibilities in the effective execution of the code process by all individuals currently licensed under part XII of chapter 468, chapter 471, chapter 481, or chapter 489, except as otherwise provided in s. 471.017. The core curriculum shall be prerequisite to the advanced module coursework for all licensees and shall be completed by individuals licensed in all categories under part XII of chapter 468, chapter 471, chapter 481, or chapter 489 within the first 2-year period after establishment of the program. Core course hours taken by licensees to complete this requirement shall count toward fulfillment of required continuing education units under part XII of chapter 468, chapter 471, chapter 481, or chapter 489.

(8)  The commission, in consultation with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the respective licensing boards, shall develop or cause to be developed an equivalency test for each category of licensee. Such test may be taken in lieu of the core curriculum. A passing score on the test shall be equivalent to completion of the core curriculum and shall be credited toward the required number of hours of continuing education.

(9)  The commission, in consultation with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, shall develop or cause to be developed, or approve as a part of the program, a core curriculum and specialized or advanced module coursework for the construction workforce, including, but not limited to, superintendents and journeymen.

(10)  The respective state boards under part XII of chapter 468, chapters 471, 481, and 489, and the State Fire Marshal under chapter 633, shall require specialized or advanced course modules as part of their regular continuing education requirements.

(11)  The Legislature hereby establishes the Office of Building Code Training Program Administration within the Institute of Applied Technology in Construction Excellence at the Florida Community College at Jacksonville. The office is charged with the following responsibilities as recommended by the Florida Building Commission and as resources are provided by the Legislature:

(a)  Provide research-to-practice capability for entry-level construction training development, delivery and quality assurance, as well as training and competency registry systems and recruitment initiatives.

(b)  Coordinate with the Department of Community Affairs and the Florida Building Commission to serve as school liaison to disseminate construction awareness and promotion programs and materials to schools.

(c)  Develop model programs and approaches to construction career exploration to promote construction careers.

History.--s. 52, ch. 98-287; s. 89, ch. 2000-141.

553.842  Product evaluation and approval.--

(1)  The commission shall make recommendations to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives prior to the 2001 Regular Session to develop and implement a product evaluation and approval system to operate in coordination with the Florida Building Code. The product evaluation and approval system shall provide:

(a)  Appropriate promotion of innovation and new technologies.

(b)  Processing submittals of products from manufacturers in a timely manner.

(c)  Independent, third-party qualified and accredited testing and laboratory facilities.

(d)  An easily accessible product acceptance list to entities subject to the Florida Building Code.

(e)  Development of stringent but reasonable testing criteria based upon existing consensus standards, when available, for products.

(f)  Long-term approvals, where feasible.

(g)  Recall or revocation of a product approval.

(h)  Cost-effectiveness.

(2)  The product evaluation and approval system shall rely on regional, national, and international consensus standards, whenever adopted by the Florida Building Code, for demonstrating compliance with code standards. Other standards which meet or exceed established state requirements shall also be considered.

(3)  Products or methods or systems of construction required to be approved and certified by an approved product evaluation entity as complying with the standards specified by the code shall be permitted to be used statewide, without further evaluation or approval.

(4)  Products may be approved either by the commission for statewide use, or by a local building department for use in that department's jurisdiction only. Notwithstanding a local government's authority to amend the Florida Building Code as provided in this act, statewide approval shall preclude local jurisdictions from requiring further testing, evaluation, or submission of other evidence as a condition of using the product so long as the product is being used consistent with the conditions of its approval.

(5)  Statewide and local approval of products or methods or systems of construction shall be achieved by:

(a)  Submittal and validation of a product evaluation report from an approved product evaluation entity indicating the product or method or system of construction was tested to be in compliance with the Florida Building Code or with the intent of the Florida Building Code and the product or method or system of construction is, for the purpose intended, at least equivalent of that required by the Florida Building Code; or

(b)  Submittal and validation of a product evaluation report or rational analysis which is signed and sealed by a professional engineer or architect, licensed in this state, who has no conflict of interest, as determined by national guidelines, who certifies that the product or method or system of construction is, for the purpose intended, at least equivalent of that required by the Florida Building Code. Any product approved under this procedure shall be required to be manufactured under a quality assurance program, certified by an approved product evaluation entity.

(6)  A building official may deny the local application of a product or method or system of construction which has received statewide approval, based upon a written report signed by the official that concludes the product application is inconsistent with the statewide approval and that states the reasons the application is inconsistent. Such denial is subject to the provisions of s. 553.77.

(7)  Products, other than manufactured buildings, which are custom fabricated or assembled shall not require separate approval under this section provided the component parts have been approved for the fabricated or assembled product's use and the components meet the standards and requirements of the Florida Building Code which applies to the product's intended use.

(8)  A building official may appeal the required approval for local use of a product or method or system of construction to the commission. The commission shall establish expedited procedures to handle such appeals.

(9)  The decisions of local building officials shall be appealable to the local board of appeals, if such board exists, then to the commission. Decisions of the commission regarding statewide product approvals and appeals of local product approval shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to s. 120.68.

(10)  The commission shall maintain a list of the approved products and product evaluation entities and make such list available in the most cost-effective manner. The commission shall establish reasonable timeframes associated with the product approval process and availability of the list.

(11)  The commission may establish reasonable and appropriate fees for the review of rational analyses and certification of manufactured buildings submitted pursuant to this section and may enter into any contracts the commission deems necessary in order to implement this section.

(12)  Products certified or approved for statewide or local use by an approved product evaluation entity prior to the effective date of this act shall be deemed to be approved for use in this state pursuant to this section and to comply with this section.

For purposes of this section, an approved product evaluation entity is an entity that has been accredited by a nationally recognized independent evaluation authority or entity otherwise approved by the commission.

History.--s. 54, ch. 98-287; s. 90, ch. 2000-141.

¹553.85  Liquefied petroleum gases.--The provisions of the State Minimum Building Codes and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder for the design, construction, location, installation, services, and operation of equipment for storing, handling, transporting, and utilization of liquefied petroleum gases shall not be in conflict with chapter 527.

History.--s. 16, ch. 74-167; s. 91, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 91, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.85, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.85  Liquefied petroleum gases.--The provisions of the Florida Building Code for the design, construction, location, installation, services, and operation of equipment for storing, handling, transporting, and utilization of liquefied petroleum gases shall not be in conflict with chapter 527.

553.851  Protection of underground gas pipelines.--

(1)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section:

(a)  "Person" means any individual, firm, joint venture, partnership, corporation, association, authority, municipality, governmental unit, joint stock association, or business trust, whether or not incorporated, and includes any trustee, receiver, assignee, or personal representative thereof.

(b)  "Gas pipeline" means an underground facility and related facilities, including pipes, valves, regulators, vaults, and attachments, by which hydrocarbons in liquid or gaseous form are transmitted or furnished. This definition shall not include gas pipelines transporting liquefied petroleum gas when those pipelines are not regulated pursuant to s. 527.06(4), and the regulation of liquefied petroleum gas pipelines, including the provisions of this law, shall be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

(c)  "Excavation" means an operation in which any structure, earth, rock, or other mass of material in or on the ground is moved, removed, or otherwise displaced by means of any tool, equipment, or explosive and includes, without limitation, wrecking, razing, grading, trenching, digging, ditching, drilling, augering, tunnelling, scraping, cable or pipe plowing, and pile driving, except maintenance activities to restore road rights-of-way to original template.

(d)  "Excavator" means any person performing an excavation.

(e)  "Owner" means any person operating a gas pipeline.

(f)  "Damage" means any contact with a gas pipeline during excavation which necessitates the owner to repair the gas pipeline or the excavator, pursuant to authorization by the owner, to repair the gas pipeline, subject to supervision and inspection by the owner.

(g)  "Mark" means to indicate the horizontal location of a gas pipeline within 12 inches on either side of the gas pipeline by stakes, paint, or other suitable means generally accepted within the gas pipeline and construction industry. Upon request by the excavator for depth locations in specific areas, depth within 18 inches vertically on either side of the gas pipeline shall be indicated.

(2)  NOTICE AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR EXCAVATION.--

(a)  No excavator shall commence or perform any excavation in any public or private street, alley, right-of-way dedicated to the public use, or gas utility easement without first obtaining information concerning the possible location of gas pipelines in the area of the proposed excavation from any person having the right to bury gas pipelines within the public or private street, alley, right-of-way, or gas utility easement. Such information may be requested by telephone, letter, telegraph, or messenger or in person, at the prework conference for the job requiring the proposed excavation, or by calling a utility notification center operating in the area.

(b)  Any owner having the right to bury gas pipelines shall file with the clerk of the circuit court and have recorded, in each county wherein the owner's gas pipelines are buried, the name, address, and telephone number of the owner from whom the necessary location information may be obtained. The clerk shall keep such records in a separate and readily available gas pipeline file.

(c)  The excavator shall notify the owner in the manner prescribed in paragraph (a) so that the owner receives notification at least 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, prior to starting excavation.

(d)  Upon receipt of a request for the location of gas pipelines, the owner shall assign such request a serial number, inform the requester of such number, and maintain a register showing the name, address, and telephone number of the requester, the site to which the request pertains, the time and date of the request, and the serial number assigned to the request, and the owner shall, within 48 hours, either mark the gas pipelines or notify the excavator that no gas pipeline exists in the area to which the request for information pertains.

(e)  No political subdivision of this state shall issue a permit for excavation until the applicant for such permit certifies that he or she has complied with the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (c).

(f)  Should any permit for excavation as described in paragraph (e) be held for more than 30 days prior to excavation, the excavator shall be required to again notify the owner not less than 48 hours or more than 5 days prior to commencing excavation.

(3)  EXCAVATION; LIABILITY FOR NEGLIGENCE; NOTICE OF DAMAGE OR DISLOCATION; EMERGENCIES.--

(a)  Obtaining information from the owner as required by subsection (2) does not excuse any excavator from performing an excavation in a careful and prudent manner, nor does it excuse such excavator from liability for any damage or injury resulting from any negligence of the excavator, provided the gas pipeline is correctly located.

(b)  In the event of any damage to, or dislocation of, any gas pipelines in connection with an excavation, the excavator shall immediately notify the owner of such damage or dislocation.

(c)  The provisions of subsection (2) are not applicable to any excavator performing an excavation in an emergency involving the public health, safety, or welfare.

History.--ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 77-153; s. 1, ch. 78-82; s. 50, ch. 95-144; s. 4, ch. 95-317; s. 806, ch. 97-103.

553.895  Firesafety.--

(1)  Any transient public lodging establishment, as defined in chapter 509 and used primarily for transient occupancy as defined in s. 83.43(10), or any timeshare unit of a timeshare plan as defined in chapters 718 and 721, which is of three stories or more and for which the construction contract has been let after September 30, 1983, with interior corridors which do not have direct access from the guest area to exterior means of egress and on buildings over 75 feet in height that have direct access from the guest area to exterior means of egress and for which the construction contract has been let after September 30, 1983, shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in compliance with the provisions prescribed in the National Fire Protection Association publication NFPA No. 13 (1985), "Standards for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems." Each guest room and each timeshare unit shall be equipped with an approved listed single-station smoke detector meeting the minimum requirements of NFPA 74 (1984) "Standards for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Household Fire Warning Equipment," powered from the building electrical service, notwithstanding the number of stories in the structure, if the contract for construction is let after September 30, 1983. Single-station smoke detectors shall not be required when guest rooms or timeshare units contain smoke detectors connected to a central alarm system which also alarms locally.

(2)  Except for single-family and two-family dwellings, any building which is of three stories or more and for which the construction contract is let after January 1, 1994, regardless of occupancy classification and including any building which is subject to s. 509.215, shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in compliance with the provisions of chapter 633 and the rules and codes adopted pursuant thereto. A stand-alone parking garage constructed with noncombustible materials, the design of which is such that all levels of the garage are uniformly open to the atmosphere on all sides with percentages of openings as prescribed in the applicable building code, and which parking garage is separated from other structures by at least 20 feet, is exempt from the requirements of this subsection.

History.--s. 2, ch. 83-194; s. 103, ch. 85-81; s. 8, ch. 86-174; s. 1, ch. 93-276; s. 3, ch. 95-379.

553.897  Rulemaking authority; effective date.--Notwithstanding the effective date of any section of chapter 2000-141, Laws of Florida, or chapter 98-287, Laws of Florida, any authority to adopt rules provided by chapter 2000-141 or chapter 98-287 shall take effect upon chapter 2000-141 becoming a law.

History.--s. 133, ch. 2000-141.

553.898  Preemption; certain special acts concerning general purpose local government repealed.--Chapter 2000-141, Laws of Florida, does not imply any repeal or sunset of existing general or special laws governing any special district that are not specifically identified by chapter 2000-141. However, chapter 2000-141 is intended as a comprehensive revision of the regulation by counties and municipalities of the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, and demolition of public and private buildings. Therefore, any sections or provisions of any special act governing those activities by any general purpose local government are hereby repealed.

History.--s. 136, ch. 2000-141.

553.900  Short title.

553.901  Purpose of thermal efficiency code.

553.902  Definitions.

553.903  Applicability.

553.904  Thermal efficiency standards for new nonresidential buildings.

553.905  Thermal efficiency standards for new residential buildings.

553.906  Thermal efficiency standards for renovated buildings.

553.907  Compliance.

553.908  Inspection.

553.9085  Energy performance disclosure for residential buildings.

553.909  Setting requirements for appliances; exceptions.

553.912  Air conditioners.

553.900  Short title.--This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Florida Thermal Efficiency Code."

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-128.

¹553.901  Purpose of thermal efficiency code.--The purpose of this thermal efficiency code is to provide for a statewide uniform standard for energy efficiency in the thermal design and operation of all buildings statewide, consistent with energy conservation goals, and to best provide for public safety, health, and general welfare. The Department of Community Affairs shall adopt, modify, revise, update, and maintain the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction to implement the provisions of this thermal efficiency code and amendments thereto, in accordance with the procedures of chapter 120. The department shall, at least triennially, determine the most cost-effective energy-saving equipment and techniques available and update the code to incorporate such equipment and techniques. The proposed changes shall be made available for public review and comment no later than 6 months prior to code implementation. The term "cost-effective," for the purposes of this part, shall be construed to mean cost-effective to the consumer.

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-128; s. 2, ch. 80-193; s. 78, ch. 81-167; s. 1, ch. 81-226; s. 1, ch. 82-197; s. 81, ch. 83-55; s. 3, ch. 84-273; s. 1, ch. 88-213; s. 5, ch. 93-249; s. 93, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 93, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.901, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.901  Purpose of thermal efficiency code.--The Department of Community Affairs shall prepare a thermal efficiency code to provide for a statewide uniform standard for energy efficiency in the thermal design and operation of all buildings statewide, consistent with energy conservation goals, and to best provide for public safety, health, and general welfare. The Florida Building Commission shall adopt the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction within the Florida Building Code, and shall modify, revise, update, and maintain the code to implement the provisions of this thermal efficiency code and amendments thereto, in accordance with the procedures of chapter 120. The department shall, at least triennially, determine the most cost-effective energy-saving equipment and techniques available and report its determinations to the commission, which shall update the code to incorporate such equipment and techniques. The proposed changes shall be made available for public review and comment no later than 6 months prior to code implementation. The term "cost-effective," for the purposes of this part, shall be construed to mean cost-effective to the consumer.

553.902  Definitions.--For the purposes of this part:

¹(1)  "Exempted building" means:

(a)  Any building or portion thereof whose peak design rate of energy usage for all purposes is less than 1 watt (3.4 Btu per hour) per square foot of floor area for all purposes.

(b)  Any building which is neither heated nor cooled by a mechanical system designed to control or modify the indoor temperature and powered by electricity or fossil fuels.

(c)  Any building for which federal mandatory standards preempt state energy codes.

(d)  Any historical building as described in ²s. 267.021(6).

(e)  Any state building that must conform to the more stringent ³"Florida Energy Conservation Act of 1974" and amendments thereto.

(2)  "HVAC" means a system of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning.

(3)  "Renovated building" means a residential or nonresidential building undergoing alteration that varies or changes insulation, HVAC systems, water heating systems, or exterior envelope conditions, provided the estimated cost of renovation exceeds 30 percent of the assessed value of the structure.

¹(4)  "Local enforcement agency" means the agency of local government which has the authority to make inspections of buildings and to enforce a code or codes which establish standards for construction, renovation, or occupancy of buildings. It includes any agency within the definition of s. 553.71(5).

(5)  "Exterior envelope physical characteristics" means the physical nature of those elements of a building which enclose conditioned spaces through which energy may be transferred to or from the exterior.

¹(6)  "Energy performance index" or "EPI" means a number describing the relative energy performance of a residential building as compared to a residential building designed to baseline energy performance levels for the envelope, HVAC, and water heating components. The number shall be calculated according to rules and procedures promulgated by the Department of Community Affairs.

(7)  "Energy performance level" means the indicator of the energy-related performance of a building, including, but not limited to, the levels of insulation, the amount and type of glass, and the HVAC and water heating system efficiencies.

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-128; s. 3, ch. 80-193; ss. 2, 5, ch. 81-226; s. 2, ch. 82-197; s. 82, ch. 83-55; s. 2, ch. 88-213; s. 94, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 94, ch. 2000-141, deleted subsection (6) and amended subsections (1) and (4), effective July 1, 2001, to read:

(1)  "Exempted building" means:

(a)  Any building or portion thereof whose peak design rate of energy usage for all purposes is less than 1 watt (3.4 Btu per hour) per square foot of floor area for all purposes.

(b)  Any building which is neither heated nor cooled by a mechanical system designed to control or modify the indoor temperature and powered by electricity or fossil fuels.

(c)  Any building for which federal mandatory standards preempt state energy codes.

(d)  Any historical building as described in ²s. 267.021(6).


The Florida Building Commission may recommend to the Legislature additional types of buildings which should be exempted from compliance with the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction.

(4)  "Local enforcement agency" means the agency of local government which has the authority to make inspections of buildings and to enforce the Florida Building Code. It includes any agency within the definition of s. 553.71(5).

²Note.--Redesignated as s. 267.021(3) by s. 43, ch. 86-163.

³Note.--The reference may be to the Florida Energy Conservation in Building Act of 1974, ch. 74-187.

553.903  Applicability.--This part shall apply to all new and renovated buildings in the state, except exempted buildings, for which building permits are obtained after March 15, 1979, and to the installation or replacement of building systems and components with new products for which thermal efficiency standards are set by the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction. The provisions of this part shall constitute a statewide uniform code.

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-128; s. 1, ch. 78-625; s. 2, ch. 80-193; s. 6, ch. 93-249; s. 95, ch. 2000-141.

553.904  Thermal efficiency standards for new nonresidential buildings.--Thermal designs and operations for new nonresidential buildings for which building permits are obtained after March 15, 1979, shall at a minimum take into account exterior envelope physical characteristics, including thermal mass; HVAC, service water heating, energy distribution, lighting, energy managing, and auxiliary systems design and selection; and HVAC, service water heating, energy distribution, lighting, energy managing, and auxiliary equipment performance and shall not be required to meet standards more stringent than the provisions of the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction.

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-128; s. 1, ch. 78-625; s. 1, ch. 79-267; s. 2, ch. 80-193; s. 4, ch. 84-273; s. 3, ch. 88-213; s. 7, ch. 93-249.

553.905  Thermal efficiency standards for new residential buildings.--Thermal designs and operations for new residential buildings for which building permits are obtained after March 15, 1979, shall at a minimum take into account exterior envelope physical characteristics, HVAC system selection and configuration, HVAC equipment performance, and service water heating design and equipment selection and shall not be required to meet standards more stringent than the provisions of the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction. HVAC equipment mounted in an attic or a garage shall not be required to have supplemental insulation in addition to that installed by the manufacturer. All new residential buildings, except those herein exempted, shall have insulation in ceilings rated at R-19 or more, space permitting. Thermal efficiency standards do not apply to a building of less than 1,000 square feet which is not primarily used as a principal residence and which is constructed and owned by a natural person for hunting or similar recreational purposes; however, no such person may build more than one exempt building in any 12-month period.

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-128; s. 1, ch. 78-625; s. 2, ch. 79-267; s. 2, ch. 80-193; s. 3, ch. 81-226; s. 5, ch. 84-273; s. 8, ch. 93-249; s. 55, ch. 98-287.

553.906  Thermal efficiency standards for renovated buildings.--Thermal designs and operations for renovated buildings for which building permits are obtained after March 15, 1979, shall take into account insulation; windows; infiltration; HVAC, service water heating, energy distribution, lighting, energy managing, and auxiliary systems design and equipment selection and performance. Such buildings shall not be required to meet standards more stringent than the provisions of the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction. These standards apply only to those portions of the structure which are actually renovated.

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-128; s. 1, ch. 78-625; s. 3, ch. 79-267; s. 2, ch. 80-193; s. 6, ch. 84-273; s. 4, ch. 88-213.

¹553.907  Compliance.--Owners of all buildings required to comply with this part, or their agents, must certify compliance to the designated local enforcement agency prior to receiving the permit to begin construction or renovation. If, during the building construction or renovation, alterations are made in the design, materials, or equipment which would diminish the energy performance of the building, an amended copy of the compliance certification must be submitted to the local enforcement agency on or before the date of final inspection by the building owner or his or her agent and must be placed on the building permit. Each local enforcement agency shall report to the department any information concerning compliance certifications and amendments at such intervals as the department designates by rule adopted in accordance with chapter 120.

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-128; s. 5, ch. 88-213; s. 807, ch. 97-103; s. 3, ch. 98-145; s. 96, ch. 2000-141.

¹Note.--Section 96, ch. 2000-141, amended s. 553.907, effective July 1, 2001, to read:

553.907  Compliance.--Each local enforcement agency shall report to the department any information concerning compliance certifications and amendments at such intervals as the department designates by rule adopted in accordance with chapter 120.

553.908  Inspection.--Before construction or renovation is completed, the local enforcement agency shall inspect buildings for compliance with the standards of this part.

History.--s. 1, ch. 77-128.

553.9085  Energy performance disclosure for residential buildings.--The energy performance level resulting from compliance with the provisions of this part, for each new residential building, shall be disclosed at the request of the prospective purchaser. In conjunction with the normal responsibilities and duties of this part, the local building official shall require that a complete and accurate energy performance level display card be completed and certified by the builder as accurate and correct before final approval of the building for occupancy. The energy performance level display card shall be included as an addendum to each sales contract. The display card shall be uniform statewide and developed by the Department of Community Affairs. At a minimum, the display card shall list information indicating the energy performance level of the dwelling unit resulting from compliance with the code, shall be signed by the builder, and shall list general information about the energy performance level and the code.

History.--s. 3, ch. 82-197; s. 83, ch. 83-55; s. 6, ch. 88-213; s. 9, ch. 93-249; s. 97, ch. 2000-141.

553.909  Setting requirements for appliances; exceptions.--

(1)  The Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction shall set the minimum requirements for heat traps and thermostat settings for water heaters sold for residential use. The code shall further establish the minimum acceptable standby loss for electric water heaters and the minimum recovery efficiency and standby loss for water heaters fueled by natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.

(2)  Dishwashers sold after March 1, 1981, shall be equipped so that the normal operating cycle does not include automatic switching on of the heating element for the drying portion of the operating cycle. Dishwashers the controls of which permit the user to elect to have the heating element on during the drying portion of the operating cycle meet this requirement.

(3)  The Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction may include standards for other appliances and energy-using systems if they are determined by the department to have a significant impact on the energy use of the building and if they are cost-effective to the consumer.

(4)  If the provisions of this section are preempted in part by federal standards, those provisions not preempted shall apply.

History.--s. 7, ch. 80-163; s. 7, ch. 84-273; s. 10, ch. 93-249; s. 98, ch. 2000-141.

553.912  Air conditioners.--All air conditioners which are sold or installed in the state shall meet the minimum efficiency ratings of the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction. These efficiency ratings shall be minimums and may be updated in the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction by the department in accordance with s. 553.901, following its determination that more cost-effective energy-saving equipment and techniques are available.

History.--s. 4, ch. 81-226; s. 8, ch. 84-273; s. 42, ch. 91-220.

553.951  Short title.

553.953  Purpose.

553.954  Adoption of standards.

553.955  Definitions.

553.957  Products covered by this part.

553.959  Applicability.

553.961  Test methods.

553.963  Energy conservation standards.

553.968  Exemptions.

553.969  Revisions of standards.

553.971  Certification statements.

553.973  Enforcement and penalties.

553.975  Report to the Governor and Legislature.

553.951  Short title.--This part may be cited as the "Florida Energy Conservation Standards Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271.

553.953  Purpose.--

(1)  The purpose of these energy conservation standards is to provide statewide minimum standards for energy efficiency in certain products, consistent with energy conservation goals. The standards shall be based on feasible and attainable efficiencies which will reduce Florida's energy consumption growth rate and the growth rate of energy demand. Standards adopted pursuant to this part shall be cost-effective to the majority of the users and shall consider the expected life of the covered product. Such standards shall collectively be known and may be cited as "Florida Energy Conservation Standards."

(2)  The Legislature recognizes that energy conservation is an important element of the energy policy of this state. Further, it is the policy of the state and the intent of the Legislature to employ a range of measures to reduce wasteful, uneconomical, and unnecessary uses of energy, thereby reducing the rate of growth of energy consumption and prudently conserving energy resources. The Legislature finds that increased product efficiency can contribute significantly toward energy conservation. It is the intent of the Legislature to bring about increased product efficiency through adoption of energy conservation standards.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271.

553.954  Adoption of standards.--The Department of Community Affairs shall adopt, modify, revise, update, and maintain the Florida Energy Conservation Standards to implement the provisions of this part and amendments thereto in accordance with the procedures of chapter 120.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271.

553.955  Definitions.--For purposes of this part:

(1)  "AV" means the adjusted volume for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers, as defined in the applicable test procedure.

(2)  "Ballast" or "fluorescent lamp ballast" means a device to operate a fluorescent lamp by providing a starting voltage and current and limiting the current during normal operation. It must also be designed to:

(a)  Operate at nominal input voltages of 120 or 227 volts.

(b)  Operate with an input frequency of 60 hertz.

(3)  "Ballast efficiency factor" means the ratio of relative light output, expressed as a percent, to the power input, expressed in watts under test conditions.

(4)  "Code" means the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction.

(5)  "Date of sale" means the day when the product is physically delivered to the buyer.

(6)  "Department" means the Department of Community Affairs.

(7)  "Distributor" means any person or business entity which distributes a privately labeled product on a national basis for which the specifications for manufacture, testing, and certification are established and attested to by the distributor, rather than the manufacturer.

(8)  "Energy conservation standard" means:

(a)  A performance standard which prescribes a minimum level of energy efficiency or a maximum quantity of energy use for a covered product, determined in accordance with applicable test procedures;

(b)  A design requirement for the products specified in s. 553.957; or

(c)  A testing and rating requirement for the products specified in s. 553.957; and

includes any other requirements which the department may prescribe.

(9)  "F40T12 lamp" means a tubular fluorescent lamp which is a nominal 40 watts, with a 48-inch tube, 1.5 inches in diameter. These lamps conform to American National Standards Institute standard C.78.1-1978.

(10)  "F96T12 lamp" means a tubular fluorescent lamp which is a nominal 75 watts, with a 96-inch tube, 1.5 inches in diameter. These lamps conform to American National Standards Institute standard C.78.3-1978.

(11)  "Luminaire" means a complete lighting unit consisting of a fluorescent lamp or lamps, together with parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect such lamps, and to connect such lamps to the power supply.

(12)  "Manufacturer" means any person or business entity engaged in the original production or assembly of a product.

(13)  "New product" means a product that is sold, offered for sale, or installed for the first time and specifically includes floor models and demonstration units.

(14)  "Nominal input voltage" means an input voltage within plus 5 percent or minus 5 percent of a specified value.

(15)  "Nominal lamp watts" means the wattage at which a fluorescent lamp is designed to operate.

(16)  "Occupancy" means an occupied building or part of a building.

(17)  "Operation" means the ability to start the lamp at least 8 times out of 10 with a minimum of 1 minute between attempts when tested under test conditions.

(18)  "Power input" means the rate of energy consumption in watts of a ballast and fluorescent lamp or lamps.

(19)  "Relative light output" means the test ballast light output divided by a reference ballast light output using the same reference lamp and expressing the value as a percent.

(20)  With respect to refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers:

(a)  "Automatic defrost system" means a defrost system in which the defrosting action for all refrigerated surfaces is initiated and terminated automatically.

(b)  "Freezer" means a cabinet designed as a unit for the storage of food at temperatures of about 0 °F, having the ability to freeze food, and having a source of refrigeration requiring an energy input.

(c)  "Refrigerator" means a cabinet designed for the refrigerated storage of food at temperatures above 32 °F, and having a source of refrigeration requiring an energy input. It may include a compartment for the freezing and storage of food at temperatures below 32 °F, but does not provide a separate low temperature compartment designed for the freezing of and the long-term storage of food at temperatures below 8 °F. It has only one exterior door, but it may have interior doors on compartments.

(d)  "Refrigerator-freezer" means a cabinet which consists of two or more compartments with at least one of the compartments designed for the refrigerated storage of foods at temperatures above 32 °F, and with at least one of the compartments designed for the freezing of and the storage of frozen foods at temperatures of 8 °F or below. The source of refrigeration requires energy input.

(21)  Definitions used in the code shall also apply to terms used in this part.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271; s. 11, ch. 93-249.

553.957  Products covered by this part.--

(1)  The provisions of this part apply to the testing, certification, and enforcement of energy conservation standards for the following types of new products sold in the state:

(a)  Refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers which can be operated by alternating current electricity, excluding:

1.  Any type designed to be used without doors; and

2.  Any type which does not include a compressor and condenser unit as an integral part of the cabinet assembly.

(b)  Lighting equipment.

(c)  Showerheads.

(d)  Any other type of consumer product which the department classifies as a covered product as specified in this part.

(2)  The provisions of this part do not apply to:

(a)  New products manufactured in this state and sold outside the state.

(b)  New products manufactured outside this state and sold at wholesale in this state for final retail sale and installation outside the state.

(c)  Products designed expressly for installation and use in recreational vehicles or other equipment designed for regular mobile use.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271.

553.959  Applicability.--

(1)  Subject to the effective dates provided by s. 553.963, no new product covered by this part may be sold, offered for sale, advertised or otherwise displayed for sale, or installed or caused to be installed in buildings or structures in the state unless the efficiency rating of the product meets or exceeds the levels established by this part. For each new product that is sold, offered for sale, advertised or otherwise displayed for sale, or installed or caused to be installed in buildings or structures in this state a separate offense may be found. Further, new products which do not comply with the provisions of this part shall not be imported or delivered after sale or pursuant to a contract for sale for use in or in connection with a building or structure in the state.

(2)  The standards adopted in or pursuant to the provisions of this part shall be minimum standards. They shall constitute a statewide, uniform standard for energy conservation. The Florida Energy Conservation Standards shall, by reference, set minimum efficiencies for products also covered by the code.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271.

553.961  Test methods.--The manufacturer shall cause the testing of samples of each model of each product covered by this part. Test procedures identified in the code shall be the accepted test procedures for those products addressed by the code. Test procedures for products not addressed in the code shall be determined by the department. The department shall use United States Department of Energy approved test methods or, in the absence of such test methods, other appropriate nationally recognized test methods applicable to the respective products. The department may elect to develop and prescribe other test methods based upon the department's determination that use of such other test methods is justified due to decreased cost, increased accuracy, or the general use and acceptance of a specific test method by the industry involved.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271.

553.963  Energy conservation standards.--

(1)  STANDARDS FOR REFRIGERATORS, REFRIGERATOR-FREEZERS, AND FREEZERS.--

(a)  The following is the maximum energy use allowed in kilowatt hours per year for the following products, other than those described in paragraph (b), manufactured on or after January 1, 1993:

(b)  The standards described in paragraph (a) do not apply to refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers with total refrigerated volume exceeding 39 cubic feet or freezers with total refrigerated volume exceeding 30 cubic feet.

(2)  STANDARDS FOR LIGHTING EQUIPMENT.--

(a)  Except as provided in paragraph (b), no fluorescent lamp ballast or luminaire manufactured on or after January 1, 1989, shall either have a ballast efficiency factor, or contain a ballast with a ballast efficiency factor, less than the following applicable values:

(b)  The standards described in paragraph (a) do not apply to the following types of fluorescent lamp ballasts:

1.  Those which have a dimming capability.

2.  Those intended for use in ambient temperatures of 0 °F or less.

3.  Those with a power factor of less than 0.60.

(3)  STANDARDS FOR SHOWERHEADS.--

(a)  The initial minimum standards for showerheads manufactured on or after January 1, 1988, shall require the limiting of maximum water discharge to 3.00 gallons per minute when tested according to ANSI A112.18.1M-1979.

(b)  Showerheads manufactured for use in safety spray installations shall be exempt.

(4)  STANDARDS FOR OTHER COVERED PRODUCTS.--

(a)  The department may prescribe an energy conservation standard for any type or class of covered products of a type specified in s. 553.957, except where precluded by federal law, if the department determines that:

1.  The average per occupancy energy use within this state resulting from performance of products of such type or class exceeded 80 kilowatt hours or its Btu equivalent for any 12 calendar-month period ending before such determination; and

2.  Substantial improvement in the energy efficiency of products of such type or class is technologically feasible.

(b)  The department may prescribe an energy conservation testing and rating standard for any type or class of covered products of a type specified in s. 553.957 if the department determines that the certifications to the state and uniform product labeling required by this part will improve the enforceability of the code.

(c)  Any new or amended standard for covered products of a type specified in s. 553.957(1)(d) shall not apply to products manufactured within 2 years after the publication of a final rule establishing such standard.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271; s. 13, ch. 93-249.

553.968  Exemptions.--The department may grant an exemption from compliance with the standards of this part for any currently produced product model which the manufacturer shows, and the department finds, comprises less than 0.5 percent of that manufacturer's total sales volume in the state for that product class, and with respect to which the manufacturer shows, and the department finds, that modification of the product model to meet the standards of this part would place an undue burden on the manufacturer. Such determination by the department shall be considered final agency action reviewable pursuant to chapter 120. An exemption so granted shall be for a period of up to but not exceeding 2 years. The department shall grant only one exemption for any particular model, and any new product model initially produced after January 1, 1988, shall not be eligible for such an exemption.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271.

553.969  Revisions of standards.--The department shall, no earlier than 2 years after adoption of new or revised standards and no later than 4 years after adoption of new or revised standards, review and if warranted by the department update the standards established by this part. Revisions to the standards established by this part shall be based upon the department's determination that revised energy conservation levels are cost-effective to the majority of the users and shall include consideration of the expected life of the covered product.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271; s. 43, ch. 91-220.

553.971  Certification statements.--

(1)  Manufacturers of products covered by this part shall certify to the department that such products are in compliance with the provisions of this part.

(2)  Except as provided in subsection (3), the manufacturer shall submit a certification statement to the department for each model, containing the following information:

(a)  Name and address of manufacturer.

(b)  Type of product.

(c)  Brand name.

(d)  Model number, as it appears on the product name plate.

(e)  Name and address of laboratory where test for efficiency was performed.

(f)  Date of test for efficiency.

(g)  Results of the test for efficiency, expressed in terms consistent with the applicable test procedure identified in s. 553.961.

(h)  Sufficient information about the model number or other identification by which the date of manufacture can be readily ascertained.

(i)  A declaration that the product model complies with the standards established by this part.

(j)  Every certification statement shall be dated and signed by the manufacturer attesting to its truth and accuracy under penalty of perjury. If the manufacturer is either a corporation or a business association, the certification statement shall be dated, signed, and attested to by an officer thereof.

(k)  Within 45 days after receipt of a certification statement, the department shall forward to the manufacturer an acknowledgment that the statement has been received and that it is complete and accurate on its face.

(3)  Manufacturers or distributors of covered products that participate in a nationally recognized product certification program are exempt from the requirements of subsection (2), except that sufficient information about the model number or identification by which the date of manufacture can be readily ascertained shall be provided to the department.

(4)  The following information shall appear on each product:

(a)  The manufacturer's or distributor's name or brand name.

(b)  The model number as used in certifying compliance with the provisions of this part.

(c)  The date of manufacture, which may be coded into the model or serial number for the product.

(5)  The department may require, by rule, other information necessary to permit the determination that products covered by this part comply with the standards established herein.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271.

553.973  Enforcement and penalties.--

(1)  The Department of Community Affairs shall investigate any complaints received concerning violations of this part and shall report the results of its investigation to the Attorney General or state attorney. The Attorney General or state attorney may institute proceedings to enjoin any person found to be violating the provisions of this part.

(2)  The department shall cause periodic inspections to be made of manufacturers, distributors, or retailers of new products in order to determine compliance with this part. The department, by rule, shall adopt procedures for such inspections and verification of products.

(3)  Any person who violates any provision of this part is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by fine as provided in s. 775.083.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271.

553.975  Report to the Governor and Legislature.--The Public Service Commission shall submit a biennial report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, concurrent with the report required by s. 366.82(4), beginning in 1990. Such report shall include an evaluation of the effectiveness of these standards on energy conservation in this state.

History.--s. 1, ch. 87-271.

553.98  Development of building codes for radon-resistant buildings; funding; rules for radon-resistant passive construction standards; ordinances.

553.98  Development of building codes for radon-resistant buildings; funding; rules for radon-resistant passive construction standards; ordinances.--

(1)  The department shall be provided funds for activities incidental to the development and implementation of the building codes for radon-resistant buildings and for such other building code-related activities as directed by the Legislature.

(2)  The rules for radon-resistant passive construction standards proposed by the department for residential buildings are hereby approved by the Legislature. The rules for radon-resistant commercial building standards shall be submitted by the department to the Legislature prior to becoming effective.

(3)  Local jurisdictions may enact ordinances for radon-resistant building construction only pursuant to this subsection. A county governing authority and the governing bodies of the municipalities representing at least a majority of the county's municipal population shall enter into an interlocal agreement to adopt by ordinance the department's radon-resistant passive construction standards as a code for residential radon-resistant building construction. The standards shall apply uniformly to the entire jurisdictions that adopt the standards. No local jurisdiction may adopt any requirement for radon-resistant building construction other than the rules of the department, nor enact any other requirements relating to environmental radiation caused by the radon decay series other than the rules of the department.

History.--s. 2, ch. 88-285; s. 20, ch. 93-120; s. 3, ch. 94-284; s. 3, ch. 95-339.

553.990  Short title.

553.991  Purpose.

553.992  Adoption of rating system.

553.993  Definitions.

553.994  Applicability.

553.995  Energy-efficiency ratings for buildings.

553.996  Energy-efficiency information brochure.

553.997  Public buildings.

553.998  Compliance.

553.990  Short title.--This part may be cited as the "Florida Building Energy-Efficiency Rating Act."

History.--s. 12, ch. 93-249.

553.991  Purpose.--The purpose of this part is to provide for a statewide uniform system for rating the energy efficiency of buildings. It is in the interest of the state to encourage the consideration of the energy-efficiency rating system in the market so as to provide market rewards for energy-efficient buildings and to those persons or companies designing, building, or selling energy-efficient buildings.

History.--s. 12, ch. 93-249; s. 41, ch. 98-250.

553.992  Adoption of rating system.--The Department of Community Affairs shall adopt, update, and maintain a statewide uniform building energy-efficiency rating system to implement the provisions of this part and amendments thereto in accordance with the procedures of chapter 120 and shall, upon the request of any builder, designer, rater, or owner of a building, issue nonbinding interpretations, clarifications, and opinions concerning the application and use of the building energy rating system under rules that the department adopts in accordance with chapter 120.

History.--s. 12, ch. 93-249; s. 4, ch. 98-145.

553.993  Definitions.--For purposes of this part:

(1)  "Acquisition" means to gain the sole or partial use of a building through a purchase agreement.

(2)  "Builder" means the primary contractor who possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and experience, and has the responsibility, to supervise, direct, manage, and control the contracting activities of the business organization with which she or he is connected and who has the responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control the construction work on a job for which she or he has obtained the building permit. Construction work includes, but is not limited to, foundation, framing, wiring, plumbing, and finishing work.

(3)  "Designer" means the architect, engineer, landscape architect, builder, interior designer, or other person who performs the actual design work or under whose direct supervision and responsible charge the construction documents are prepared.

(4)  "New building" means commercial occupancy buildings permitted for construction after January 1, 1995, and residential occupancy buildings permitted for construction after January 1, 1994.

(5)  "Public building" means a building comfort-conditioned for occupancy that is owned or leased by the state, a state agency, or a governmental subdivision, including, but not limited to, a city, county, or school district.

History.--s. 12, ch. 93-249; s. 808, ch. 97-103.

553.994  Applicability.--The rating system shall apply to all public, commercial, and residential buildings in the state.

History.--s. 12, ch. 93-249; s. 4, ch. 94-284; s. 42, ch. 98-250.

553.995  Energy-efficiency ratings for buildings.--

(1)  The energy-efficiency rating system shall at a minimum:

(a)  Provide a uniform rating scale of the efficiency of buildings based on annual energy usage.

(b)  Take into account local climate conditions, construction practices, and building use.

(c)  Be compatible with standard federal rating systems and state building codes and standards, where applicable, and shall satisfy the requirements of s. 553.9085 with respect to residential buildings and s. 255.256 with respect to state buildings.

(2)  The energy-efficiency rating system adopted by the department shall provide a means of analyzing and comparing the relative energy efficiency of buildings upon the sale of new or existing residential, public, or commercial buildings.

(3)  The department shall establish a voluntary working group of persons interested in the energy-efficiency rating system or energy efficiency, including, but not limited to, such persons as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, architects, public utilities, and builders. The interest group shall advise the department in the development of the energy-efficiency rating system and shall assist the department in the implementation of the rating system by coordinating educational programs for designers, builders, businesses, and other interested persons to assist compliance and to facilitate incorporation of the rating system into existing practices.

(4)  The department shall develop a training and certification program to certify raters. In addition to the department, ratings may be conducted by any local government or private entity, provided that the appropriate persons have completed the necessary training and have been certified by the department. The Department of Management Services shall rate state-owned or state-leased buildings, provided that the appropriate persons have completed the necessary training and have been certified by the Department of Community Affairs. A state agency which has building construction regulation authority may rate its own buildings and those it is responsible for, if the appropriate persons have completed the necessary training and have been certified by the Department of Community Affairs. The Department of Community Affairs may charge a fee not to exceed the costs for the training and certification of raters. The department shall by rule set the appropriate charges for raters to charge for energy ratings, not to exceed the actual costs.

History.--s. 12, ch. 93-249.

553.996  Energy-efficiency information brochure.--A prospective purchaser of real property with a building for occupancy located thereon shall be provided with a copy of an information brochure, at the time of or prior to the purchaser's execution of the contract for sale and purchase, notifying the purchaser of the option for an energy-efficiency rating on the building. Such brochure shall be prepared, made available for distribution, and provided at no cost by the department. Such brochure shall contain information relevant to that class of building, including, but not limited to:

(1)  How to analyze the building's energy-efficiency rating.

(2)  Comparisons to statewide averages for new and existing construction of that class.

(3)  Information concerning methods to improve the building's energy-efficiency rating.

(4)  A notice to residential purchasers that the energy-efficiency rating may qualify the purchaser for an energy-efficient mortgage from lending institutions.

History.--s. 12, ch. 93-249; s. 5, ch. 94-284; s. 43, ch. 98-250.

553.997  Public buildings.--

(1)  Each public building proposed for construction, renovation, or acquisition shall be rated pursuant to the energy-efficiency rating system provided in s. 553.995 prior to contracting for construction, renovation, or acquisition. The public body proposing to contract for construction, renovation, or acquisition of a public building shall consider the energy-efficiency rating when comparing contract alternatives, notwithstanding the provisions of s. 255.254.

(2)  The department, together with other state agencies having building construction and maintenance responsibilities, shall make available energy-efficiency practices information to be used by individuals involved in the design, construction, retrofitting, and maintenance of buildings for state and local governments.

History.--s. 12, ch. 93-249.

553.998  Compliance.--All ratings shall be determined using tools and procedures adopted by the department by rule in accordance with chapter 120 and shall be certified by the rater as accurate and correct and in compliance with procedures adopted by the department by rule in accordance with chapter 120.

History.--s. 12, ch. 93-249.