Florida Building Code

The 2000 Florida Legislature authorized implementation of the first edition of the Florida Building Code, which was precipitated by the catastrophic losses suffered in South Florida due to Hurricane Andrew. Now in its seventh edition, the Florida Building Code governs the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, and demolition of buildings, structures, and facilities in the state.

The Florida Building Code and the associated local permitting and inspection processes exist for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the public, but it also serves to protect property investments and save insurers, the state and local governments money in mitigation costs linked to natural disasters. Adherence to the Florida Building Code has the anticipated benefits of safer buildings, less damage, and lower insured losses from catastrophes. Florida is regularly prone to the ravages of natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, storm surge, flooding, droughts, wild fires, high winds, and tornadoes. 

The Town of Orchid, with its location on the barrier island, is in a particularly sensitive area.

As a property owner, checking that your contractors pull the required building permits and schedule the required inspections is paramount to meeting the aforementioned goals. Unpermitted work costs more in the long run; for instance, not following the Florida Building Code (including permitting and inspection) may enable your insurance company to refuse to cover any future claims and may affect your ability to sell your residence.

Prior to issuing a building permit, the Building Department verifies the contractor's state license and insurance, to include general liability with property damage and workers compensation. If your contractor is using sub-contractors, it is the contractor's responsibility to verify this information for the sub-contractors hired by him/her. It is good practice as a homeowner to request copies of that information to ensure you are protected from unlicensed or uninsured workers. Job sites can be hazardous and making sure your contractors carry adequate insurance in case of injury may help you avoid expensive claims against your property insurance.