The Building Envelope

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MIAMI, Florida, United States

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Designing in Florida

Issues to consider when designing a project in Florida.

1. What County is it in? The Florida Building code, 2007 edition identifies Miami-Dade & Broward Counties as being in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone therefore subject to stricter code compliance.

2. Is the County in the Wind Borne debris region? This encompasses all areas where the design wind speed is 120 mph or greater OR 110 mph if the design area is within 1 mile of the coast. The wind borne debris region requires impact protection or impact resistant products.

3. The glazing product most have either a State of Florida OR a Miami-Dade County product approval.

4. Local ordinances: Some municipalities require compliance above and beyond the Florida Building Code requirements. Check with the local building department prior to design. Example Coral Gables (Miami-Dade County) does not allow light gage framing as exterior walls. Some coastal municipalities require turtle friendly glass specs to be used to prevent disorientation of turtle hatchlings.

5. Inspections: Some municipalities require a special inspector form to be provided prior to issuing a permit.

These are just a few of the unique requirements of designing a project in Florida.

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