Florida Codes 2020 PDF

Analysis of Changes for the
th
7 Edition (2020) Florida Codes
Changes to the Florida Building Code, Energy
Conservation
This Analysis of Changes for the 7th Edition (2020) of the Florida Codes is intended to provide a comprehensive comparison
of the provisions in the 6th Edition (2017) Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation (FBCEC) and the 7th Edition (2020)
Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation. The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) was the base code
for the 6th Edition (2017) FBCEC. The 6th Edition (2017) FBCEC is the base code for the 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC, with
changes coming from both the 2018 IECC and other Florida Building Commission approved modification proposals. This
Analysis will serve as a useful tool to facilitate the transition to the new code.
The Analysis is arranged so that comparable provisions in the two codes can be easily located. The left two columns contain
section numbers and a brief overview of the corresponding requirements from the 6th Edition (2017) FBCEC. The next two
columns contain section numbers and a brief overview of the corresponding requirements in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC.
The far right column contains a brief analysis or comment on the differences between the provisions.
This Analysis is not intended to replace or interpret the provisions contained in either the 6th Edition (2017) or the 7th Edition
(2020) FBCEC. This information simply points out the differences. The Analysis is not designed to be used without the aid of
the representative code books, as all the details pertaining to a specific section may or may not be provided. However, this
Analysis will provide an easy means for identifying differences in the two codes, as well as enabling the user to locate issue
specific provisions in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC by means of a numbered section cross reference.
Notable changes deemed to be the most significant or to have the greatest impact have been highlighted in yellow.
6th Edition (2017) FBCEC 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC
Analysis
Section Requirement Section Requirement
CHAPTER 2 [CE] DEFINITIONS
Definitions deleted:
Fan efficiency grade (FRG)

General purpose electric motor
(subtype I)
C202 General purpose electric motor - - Definitions deleted.
(subtype II)
Low-voltage lighting
Readily accessible
Screw lamp holders
New definitions added:
Access (To)
Captive key override
Cavity insulation
Fan, embedded
Fan array
Fan energy index (FEI)
Fan nameplate electrical input
power
Fan system electrical input
power
IEC design H motor
- - C202 New definitions.
IEC design N motor
Isolation Devices
Luminaire-level lighting controls
NEMA design A motor
NEMA design B motor
NEMA design C motor
Networked guestroom control
system
Ready access (To)
Visible transmittance (annual)
[VTannual]
Editorial changes to clarify definition of Building
C202 Building thermal envelope C202 Building thermal envelope
Thermal Envelope.
Modified Computer Room definition. Changed
design electronic data equipment power density
requirement from exceeding 20 Watts per square
C202 Computer room C202 Computer room
foot to less than 20 Watts per square foot of
conditioned floor area or connected design
electronic data equipment load of less than 10kW.
Editorial changes to clarify Entrance Door definition
C202 Entrance door C202 Entrance door
and replaced fenestration by vertical fenestration.
Modified the definition of Fan System Design
C202 Fan system design conditions C202 Fan system design conditions Condition to exclude air economizer operation
condition.
Editorial changes to clarify the definition of
C202 Fenestration C202 Fenestration
Fenestration.
Replaced nominal motor horsepower with nominal
C202 Nameplate horsepower C202 Nameplate horsepower motor output power to clarify the definition of
Nameplate Horsepower.
Editorial changes to Roof Assembly to clarify the
C202 Roof assembly C202 Roof assembly definition. Now roof assembly may include thermal
and ignition barrier material layers as well.
CHAPTER 3 [CE] GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Clarified which standard is applicable for rating u-
C303.1.3 Fenestration product rating C303.1.3 Fenestration product rating
factor of fenestration products.
Table Table
Default Door U-Factors Default Opaque Door U-Factors Changed Table C303.1.3(2) caption.
C303.1.3(2) C303.1.3(2)
Table Default Glazed Fenestration Table Default Window, Glass Door

Changed Table C303.1.3(3) caption.
C303.1.3(3) SHGC And VT C303.1.3(3) and Skylight SHGC And VT
Replaced building material R-values and thermal

C304.2.1 Single materials C304.2.1 Single materials conductivities determination testing standard ASTM
236 with ASTM 1363.
CHAPTER 4 [CE] COMMERCIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Updated commercial buildings compliance method
requirements:
C401.2 Application C401.2 Application • Revised ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2016
standard application to exempt sections 8.4.2
Automatic receptacle control and 8.4.3 Energy
monitoring requirements in addition to section
9.4.1.1(g)
• Revised code compliance to include updated
section C408 Maintenance Information and
System Commissioning as well.
Added new sub-section C401.2.1. Commissioning.
Added commissioning requirement for commercial
- - C401.2.1 Commissioning buildings and tenants to comply with an updated
section C408 Maintenance Information and System
Commissioning.
Application to replacement Application to replacement
C401.2.1 C401.2.2 Section re-numbered.
fenestration products fenestration products
Updated walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers,
refrigerated warehouse coolers and refrigerated
C402.1 General (Prescriptive) C402.1 General (Prescriptive) warehouse freezers requirements to comply with
revised section C403.2.14 instead of section
C403.2.15 or C403.2.16.
Updated the maximum U-Factor values of opaque
doors. Opaque doors are now split into Swinging
doors and Garage doors with glazing less than 14%
Table Opaque Thermal Envelope Opaque Thermal Envelope
Table categories and U-factor values are provided for each
C402.1.4 Assembly Maximum Assembly Maximum
C402.1.4 category by climate zones. U-Factor less than or
Requirements, U-Factor Method Requirements, U-Factor Method
equal to 0.44 can be used for Garage doors with
glazing area greater than 14% and less than 25% of
the total door area.
The maximum allowed skylight area must not
Increased skylight area with Increased skylight area with exceed 6.0%, which is increased from 5.0%, of the
C402.4.1.2 C402.4.1.2
daylight responsive controls daylight responsive controls gross roof area or that required for compliance with
section C402.4.2, Item 1, whichever is greater.
Editorial changes for clarification.
Also, the revised skylights Visual Transmittance (VT)

requirement can be met either with minimum VT or
minimum VTannual values as follows:
Minimum skylight fenestration Minimum skylight fenestration • A minimum skylight area to toplit daylight zone
C402.4.2 C402.4.2 not less than 3 percent where all skylights have a
area area
VT of at least 0.40, or alternatively its VTannual
must be not less than 0.26 as determined in
accordance with section C303.1.3
• A minimum skylight effective aperture determined
in accordance with Equation 4-4 of can now
comply with:
• Not less than 1 percent, using a skylight’s VT
rating; or,
• Not less than 0.66 percent using a Tubular
Daylighting Device’s VTannual rating
• Also, Well Factor (WF) in Equation 4-4 for
tubular Daylighting Devices is 1.0 with
VTannual ratings alternative.
Modified exceptions item(5) that spaces where the

total area minus the area of sidelight daylight zones
instead of daylight zones is less than 2,500 square
feet (232 m2), and where the lighting is controlled
according to section C405.2.3.
Edited the sub-section title and the code description
Lighting controls in daylight
C402.4.2.1 C402.4.2.1 Lighting controls in toplit zones by replacing daylight zones under skylights with
zones under skylights
toplit zones.
Modified the exception to include tubular daylighting
devices as follows:
Skylights and/or tubular daylighting devices

C402.4.2.2 Haze factor C402.4.2.2 Haze factor
designed and installed to exclude direct sunlight
entering the occupied space by using fixed or
automated baffles, the geometry of skylight and light
well, or the use of optical diffuser components.
Added new section C402.4.4 Daylight zones.
Daylight zones referenced in sections C402.4.1.1

- - C402.4.4 Daylight zones
through C402.4.3.2 must comply with sections
C405.2.3.2 and C405.2.3.3, as applicable. Daylight
zones must include toplit zones and sidelit zones.
C402.4.4 Doors C402.4.5 Doors Sub-section re-numbered.
Added Power-operated sliding doors, power-
operated folding doors, and Commercial glazed
Table Maximum Air Leakage Rate For Table Maximum Air Leakage Rate For
swinging entrance doors as new fenestration
C402.5.2 Fenestration Assemblies C402.5.2 Fenestration Assemblies
assembly categories with maximum air leakage rate
of 1.0 (cfm/ft2).
Added clarification regarding cargo doors and
loading dock opening sealing requirements to restrict
C402.5.6 Loading dock weatherseals C402.5.6 Loading dock weatherseals
infiltration by providing direct contact along the top
and sides of vehicles parked in the doorway.
Updated walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers,
refrigerated warehouse coolers and refrigerated
C403.1 General C403.1 General warehouse freezers requirements to comply with
section C403.2.14 instead of section C403.2.15 or
C403.2.16.
Mechanical systems and equipment serving
Provisions applicable to all Provisions applicable to all
the building heating, cooling or ventilating needs
C403.2 mechanical systems C403.2 mechanical systems
compliance requirement covers sections C403.2.1
(Mandatory) (Mandatory)
through C403.2.14.
Minimum cooling efficiency of split system air-cooled
air conditioners with cooling capacity less than 65
kBtu/h for all heating section type increased to 14.0
SEER from 13.0.

Minimum Efficiency Minimum Efficiency
small-duct high-velocity air conditioners with cooling
Requirements: Electrically Requirements: Electrically
Table Table capacity less than 65 kBtu/h for all heating section
Operated Unitary Air Operated Unitary Air
C403.2.3(1) C403.2.3(1) type increased to 12.0 SEER from 11.0.
Conditioners and Condensing Conditioners and Condensing
Units Units
Minimum cooling efficiency of air-cooled air
conditioners with cooling capacity greater or equal to
65 kBtu/h and less than 135 kBtu/h for heating
section type Electric Resistance or None increased
to 12.9 IEER from 12.8, and for heating section type
All other increased to 12.7 IEER from 12.6.
single-duct high-velocity unitary and applied heat
pumps with cooling capacity less than 65 kBtu/h
increased to 12.0 SEER from 11.0.
Table Requirements: Electrically Table Requirements: Electrically
C403.2.3(2) Operated Unitary and Applied C403.2.3(2) Operated Unitary and Applied
Minimum heating efficiency of split system air-cooled
Heat Pumps Heat Pumps
small-duct high-velocity unitary and applied heat
pumps with cooling capacity less than 65 kBtu/h
increased to 7.2 HSPF from 6.80.
Minimum Efficiency Minimum Efficiency Minimum heating efficiency of PTHP for new
Requirements: Electrically Requirements: Electrically construction and all capacities changed to COP =
Operated Packaged Terminal Operated Packaged Terminal 3.7 - (0.052 × Cap/1000) from COP = 3.2 - (0.026 ×
Air Conditioners (PTAC), Air Conditioners (PTAC), Cap/1000).
Table Table
Packaged Terminal Heat Packaged Terminal Heat
C403.2.3(3) C403.2.3(3)
Pumps (PTHP), Single-Package Pumps (PTHP), Single-Package Minimum cooling efficiency of SPVAC for cooling
Vertical Air Conditioners Vertical Air Conditioners capacity less than 65 kBtu/h increased to 11.0 EER
(SPVAC), Single-Package (SPVAC), Single-Package from 9.0, for cooling capacity greater or equal to 65
Vertical Heat Pumps (SPVHP), Vertical Heat Pumps (SPVHP), kBtu/h and less than 135 kBtu/h increased to 10.0
Room Air Conditioner and Room Air Conditioner and EER from 8.9, and for cooling capacity greater than
Room Air-Conditioner Heat Room Air-Conditioner Heat 240 kBtu/h increased to 10.0 EER from 8.6.
Pumps Pumps
Minimum cooling efficiency of SPVHP for cooling
capacity less than 65 kBtu/h increased to 11.0 EER
from 9.0, for cooling capacity greater or equal to 65
kBtu/h and less than 135 kBtu/h increased to 10.0
EER from 8.9, and for cooling capacity greater than
240 kBtu/h increased to 10.0 EER from 8.6.
Minimum heating efficiency of SPVHP for cooling

capacity less than 65 kBtu/h increases to 3.30 COP
from 3.0, and for cooling capacity greater than 240
kBtu/h increased to 3.0 COP from 2.9.
New “CEER” rating replaces “SEER” and “EER” for

room air conditioners and heat pumps with and
without louvered sides. Minimum cooling efficiency
of room air conditioners, with louvered sides for
cooling capacity less than 6.0 kBtu/h increased to
11.0 CEER from 9.7 SEER, for cooling capacity
greater or equal to 6.0 kBtu/h and less than 8.0
kBtu/h increased to 11.0 CEER from 9.7 EER, for
cooling capacity greater or equal to 8.0 kBtu/h and
less than 14.0 kBtu/h increased to 10.9 CEER from
9.8 EER, for cooling capacity greater or equal to
14.0 kBtu/h and less than 20.0 kBtu/h increased to
10.7 CEER from 9.7 SEER, for cooling capacity
greater or equal to 20.0 kBtu/h and less than 25.0
kBtu/h increased to 9.4 CEER from 8.5 EER, and for
cooling capacity greater than 25.0 kBtu/h increased
to 9.0 CEER from 8.5 EER.
Minimum cooling efficiency of room air conditioners,

without louvered sides for cooling capacity less than
6.0 kBtu/h increased to 10.0 CEER from 9.0 EER,
for cooling capacity greater or equal to 6.0 kBtu/h
and less than 8.0 kBtu/h increased to 10.0 CEER
from 9.0 EER, for cooling capacity greater or equal
to 8.0 kBtu/h and less than 11.0 kBtu/h increased to
9.6 CEER from 8.5 EER, for cooling capacity greater
or equal to 11.0 kBtu/h and less than 14.0 kBtu/h
increased to 9.5 CEER from 8.5 EER, for cooling
capacity greater or equal to 14.0 kBtu/h and less
than 20.0 kBtu/h increased to 9.3 CEER from 8.5
EER, and for cooling capacity greater than 20.0
kBtu/h increased to 9.4 CEER from 8.5 EER.
Minimum cooling efficiency of room air-conditioner

heat pumps with louvered sides for cooling capacity
less than 20.0 kBtu/h increased to 9.8 CEER from
9.0 EER, and for cooling capacity greater than 20.0
kBtu/h increased to 9.3 CEER from 8.5 EER.

heat pumps without louvered sides for cooling
capacity less than 14.0 kBtu/h increased to 9.3
CEER from 8.5 EER, and for cooling capacity
greater than 14.0 kBtu/h increased to 8.7 CEER
from 8.0 EER.
casement only for all capacities increased to 9.5
CEER from 8.7 EER.

casement-slider for all capacities increased to 10.4
CEER from 9.5 EER.
Minimum efficiency of gas-fired hot water boiler for
capacity less than 300 kBtu/h increased to 84%
AFUE from 80%. This boiler must be equipped with
a constant burning ignition pilot and an automatic
means for adjusting the temperature of the water.
Minimum efficiency of oil-fired hot water boiler for

AFUE from 80%. This boiler must be equipped with
Minimum Efficiency Minimum Efficiency an automatic means for adjusting the temperature of
Table Table
Requirements: Gas- and Oil- Requirements: Gas- and Oil- the water.
C403.2.3(5) C403.2.3(5)
Fired Boilers Fired Boilers
Minimum efficiency of gas-fired steam boiler for
AFUE from 75%.
Minimum efficiency of gas-fired natural draft steam

boiler for capacity greater or equal to 300 kBtu/h will
increase to 79% AFUE from 77% effective March 2,
2022.
Minimum efficiency of oil-fired steam boiler for
AFUE from 80%.
Minimum Efficiency Minimum Efficiency Minimum efficiency of closed-circuit cooling tower
Table Table
Requirements: Heat Rejection Requirements: Heat Rejection with propeller or axial fan increased to 16.1 gpm/hp
C403.2.3(8) C403.2.3(8)
Equipment Equipment from 14.0.
Minimum efficiency of Air Conditioners and
Condensing Units Serving Computer Rooms
increased for all capacity ranges for air-cooled,
water-cooled, water-cooled with fluid economizer,
glycol-cooled and glycol-cooled with fluid
economizer equipment type. The updated minimum
efficiency is now classified based on four airflow
directions for every capacity range by equipment
type.
For air-cooled units and capacity less than 65 kBtu/h

the COP increased to 2.30 for Downflow, 2.10 for
Upflow-ducted, 2.09 for Upflow-nonducted, and 2.45
for Horizontal-flow.
For air-cooled units and capacity greater or equal to

65 kBtu/h and less than 240 kBtu/h the COP
Minimum efficiency of Air Minimum efficiency of Air increased to 2.20 for Downflow, 2.05 for Upflow-
Table Table
Conditioners and Condensing Conditioners and Condensing ducted, 1.99 for Upflow-nonducted, and 2.35 for
C403.2.3(9) C403.2.3(9)
Units Serving Computer Rooms Units Serving Computer Rooms Horizontal-flow.
For air-cooled units and capacity greater than 240

kBtu/h the COP increased to 2.00 for Downflow,
1.85 for Upflow-ducted, 1.79 for Upflow-nonducted,
and 2.15 for Horizontal-flow.
For water-cooled units and capacity less than 65
For water-cooled units and capacity greater or equal

to 65 kBtu/h and less than 240 kBtu/h the COP
increased to 2.40 for Downflow, 2.20 for Upflow-
ducted, 2.15 for Upflow-nonducted, and 2.60 for
Horizontal-flow.
For water-cooled units and capacity greater than 240
For water-cooled with fluid economizer units and

capacity less than 65 kBtu/h the COP increased to
2.45 for Downflow, 2.25 for Upflow-ducted, 2.20 for
Upflow-nonducted, and 2.60 for Horizontal-flow.

capacity greater or equal to 65 kBtu/h and less than
240 kBtu/h the COP increased to 2.35 for Downflow,

capacity greater than 240 kBtu/h the COP increased
to 2.20 for Downflow, 2.05 for Upflow-ducted, 2.00
for Upflow-nonducted, and 2.40 for Horizontal-flow.
For glycol-cooled units and capacity less than 65
For glycol-cooled units and capacity greater or equal

to 65 kBtu/h and less than 240 kBtu/h the COP
increased to 2.05 for Downflow, 1.85 for Upflow-
ducted, 1.85 for Upflow-nonducted, and 2.15 for
Horizontal-flow.
For glycol-cooled units and capacity greater than

For glycol-cooled with fluid economizer units and

capacity less than 65 kBtu/h the COP increased to
2.25 for Downflow, 2.10 for Upflow-ducted, 2.00 for
Upflow-nonducted, and 2.35 for Horizontal-flow.

capacity greater or equal to 65 kBtu/h and less than

capacity greater than 240 kBtu/h the COP increased
to 1.90 for Downflow, 1.80 for Upflow-ducted, 1.70
for Upflow-nonducted, and 2.10 for Horizontal-flow.
The minimum efficiency of air-cooled Variable
Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-split Heat Pumps for All
other heating type and cooling capacity greater or
equal to 240 kBtu/h and less than 760 kBtu/h
reduced to 9.3 EER from 9.8 and assigned a new
3.2 COP efficiency for heating mode.
Table Requirements: Variable Table Requirements: Variable
C403.2.3(11) Refrigerant Flow Multi-Split Air C403.2.3(11) Refrigerant Flow Multi-Split Air
The minimum heating efficiency of water-source
Conditioners and Heat Pumps Conditioners and Heat Pumps
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-split Air
Conditioners for capacity less than 135 kBtu/h
increased to 4.3 COP from 4.2 and for capacity
greater or equal to 135 kBtu/h and less than 760
kBtu/h increased to 4.0 COP from 3.9.
This section is revised to comply with a new section
C403.2.12.5 Set points for direct digital control and
C403.2.4 HVAC system controls C403.2.4 HVAC system controls deleted reference to section C403.4.1 as part of
specifications for HVAC heating and cooling system
thermostatic controls requirements.
Modified the sub-section title and added mandatory
designation. Revised individual heating and cooling
systems with setback controls and direct digital
control to have optimum start controls capability. The
Automatic and optimum start optimum start control algorithm must be a function of
C403.2.4.2.3 Automatic start capabilities C403.2.4.2.3
capabilities (Mandatory) the difference between space temperature and
occupied set point, the outdoor temperature, the
amount of time prior to scheduled occupancy and
may incorporate floor temperature for radiant slab
floors.
Added new section C403.2.4.8 Automatic control of
HVAC systems serving guest rooms. Group R-1
(Boarding houses, hotels or motels) buildings
Automatic control of HVAC
- - C403.2.4.8 containing over 50 guest rooms, each guest room
systems serving guest rooms
must be provided with Card key controls that meet
the two new sub-sections C403.2.4.8.1 and
C403.2.4.8.2.
Added new sub-section C403.2.4.8.1 Temperature
setpoint controls. This section requires each HVAC
system to automatically raise the cooling setpoint
and lower the heating setpoint by not less than 4°F
(2°C) from the occupant setpoint within 30 minutes
after the occupants have left the guest room. Also
the controls must be capable of automatically raise
- - C403.2.4.8.1 Temperature setpoint controls
the cooling setpoint to not lower than 80°F (27°C)
and lower the heating set point to not higher than
60°F (16°C) when the guest room is unrented or has
been continuously unoccupied for over 16 hours or a
networked guest room control system indicates that
the guest room is unrented and the guest room is
unoccupied for more than 30 minutes.
Added new sub-section C403.2.4.8.2 Ventilation
controls. This section requires each HVAC system to
automatically turn off the ventilation and exhaust
- - C403.2.4.8.2 Ventilation controls fans within 30 minutes of the occupants leaving the
guest room or add isolation devices that are capable
of automatically shutting off the supply of outdoor air
to and exhaust air from each guest room.
Mechanical systems
Deleted and replaced with a place holder. The
C403.2.11 commissioning and completion C403.2.11 Reserved
requirements are covered in revised section C408.2.
requirements
Each HVAC system with a fan must comply with the
C403.2.12 Air system design and control C403.2.12 Air system design and control extended provisions that include revised sub-
sections C403.2.12.1 through C403.2.12.5.
Relaxed requirement of this section to be applicable
only when each HVAC system total fan system
C403.2.12.1 Allowable fan motor horsepower C403.2.12.1 Allowable fan motor horsepower
motor nameplate horsepower exceeds 5 hp (3.7 kW)
at fan system design conditions.
Changed the sub-section title to Fan motor selection,
made editorial changes and added new exceptions.
Deleted item (3): Systems complying with section

C403.2.12.1 fan system motor nameplate hp (Option
C403.2.12.2 Motor nameplate horsepower C403.2.12.2 Fan motor selection 1) is not applicable in the revised code.
Added four new exceptions:

• Fans that has electronic speed control devices to
vary the fan airflow as a function of load
• Fans with fan nameplate electrical input power of
less than 0.89 kW
• Systems complying with section C403.2.12.1 fan
system motor nameplate hp (Option 1)
• Fans with motor nameplate horsepower less than
1 hp (746 W).
Changed fan performance evaluation method to Fan
Energy Index (FEI) in place of Fan Efficiency Grade
(FEG) and the FEI must not be less than 1.00 at the
design point of operation when tested in accordance
with AMCA 208 Annex C.
Added a new requirement that each fan and fan

array used for a variable-air-volume system must
have FEI of not less than 0.95 at the design point of
operation tested in accordance with AMCA 208
Annex C.
C403.2.12.3 Fan efficiency C403.2.12.3 Fan efficiency
Added four new exceptions:
• Ceiling fans, i.e., nonportable devices suspended
from a ceiling or overhead structure for circulating
air via the rotation of fan blades
• Fans used for moving gases at temperatures
above 482°F (250°C)
• Fans used for operation in explosive atmospheres
• Reversible fans used for tunnel ventilation.
Edited existing exceptions to add clarification and

update applicable standard.
Section C403.4.4.4 moved to section C403.2.12.4.
C403.4.4.4 Fractional hp fan motors C403.2.12.4 Fractional hp fan motors Also updated exception item(3) to reference code
section C405.7 instead of C405.8.
Moved and replaced with Reserved. Requirements
C403.4.1 Fan control C403.4.1 Reserved of section C403.4.1 Fan control are moved to new
sub-section C403.2.12.5.
Moved section C403.4.1 to new sub-section
C403.4.1 Fan control C403.2.12.5 Fan control
C403.2.12.5.
Moved section C403.4.1.1 to a new sub-section
C403.2.12.5. Renamed Table C403.2.12.5 caption.
Table Table
Effective Dates For Fan Control Requirements for Fan Control
C403.4.1.1 C403.2.12.5
Revised fan control requirements for chilled water
and evaporative cooling system in Table
C403.2.12.5 to cover all fan motor sizes greater or
equal to 0.25 hp.
Moved to new sub-section C403.2.12.5.1 for code
C403.4.1.1 Fan airflow control C403.2.12.5.1 Fan airflow control
clarity.
Moved to new sub-section C403.2.12.5.2 for code
C403.4.1.2 Static pressure sensor location C403.2.12.5.2 Static pressure sensor location
clarity.
Set points for direct digital Set points for direct digital Moved to new sub-section C403.2.12.5.3 for code
C403.4.1.3 C403.2.12.5.3
control control clarity.
Revised commercial refrigerators, freezers,
refrigerator-freezers, walk-in coolers, walk-in
freezers and refrigeration equipment performance
requirement to be determined in accordance with
Refrigeration equipment Refrigeration equipment
C403.2.14 C403.2.14 new sections C403.2.14.1 and C403.2.14.2
performance performance
Added new exception: Walk-in coolers and walk-in
freezers regulated under federal law in accordance
with Subpart R of 10 CFR 431 are exempted.
Added new sub-section C403.2.14.1 Commercial
refrigerators, freezers, refrigerator-freezers and
refrigeration and designated it mandatory.
Commercial refrigerators,
- - C403.2.14.1 freezers, refrigerator-freezers Refrigeration equipment, defined in U.S. 10 CFR
and refrigeration (Mandatory) part 431.62, must have daily energy use in kWh/day
not greater than the updated values of Table
C403.2.14.1(1) when tested and rated in accordance
with AHRI Standard 1200.
Walk-in coolers, walk-in
Removed section C403.2.15 and replaced it with the
freezers, refrigerated
C403.2.15 - - revised section C403.2.14 and the new sub-section
warehouse coolers and
C403.2.14.1.
refrigerated warehouse freezers
Added new sub-section C403.2.14.2 Walk-in
coolers, walk-in freezers refrigeration and
designated it mandatory.
Walk-in coolers, walk-in
- - C403.2.14.2 Walk-in cooler and freezer refrigeration systems,
freezers (Mandatory)
except for walk-in process cooling refrigeration
systems as defined in U.S. 10 CFR 431.302, must
comply with requirements of the updated Tables
C403.2.14.2(1), C403.2.14.2(2) and C403.2.14.2(3).
Walk-in coolers and walk-in Removed section C403.2.16 and replaced it with the
C403.2.16 - -
freezers new sub-section C403.2.14.2.
Commercial Refrigerators and
Minimum Efficiency
Table TABLE Freezers and Refrigeration
Requirements: Commercial Updated Table C403.2.14.1(1).
C403.2.14(1) C403.2.14.1(1) minimum efficiency
Refrigeration
requirements
Table Minimum Efficiency Walk-in Cooler and Freezer
Table
C403.2.14(2) Requirements: Commercial Display Door minimum Updated Table C403.2.14.2(1).
C403.2.14.2(1)
Refrigerators and Freezers efficiency requirements
Walk-in Cooler and Freezer
Table
Non-Display Door minimum Added new Table C403.2.14(2).
C403.2.14.2(2)
efficiency requirements
- -
Walk-in Cooler and Freezer
Table
Refrigeration System minimum Added new Table C403.2.14(3).
C403.2.14.2(3)
efficiency requirements
Revised this section by moving the heat rejection
C403.4.3 Heat rejection equipment C403.4.3 Heat rejection equipment equipment coverage description provided in section
C403.4.3.1 General.
C403.4.3.1 General - - Deleted sub-section C403.4.3.1 General.
Section re-numbered and revised the requirements
by merging in the sub-section C403.4.3.2.1 Fan
motors not less than 7.5 hp.
• Revised the requirement such that the fan motor
C403.4.3.2 Fan speed control C403.4.3.1 Fan speed control power input must not exceed 30% of design
wattage at 50% of the fan design Airflow
• Removed the fan speed automatic control
exception for fans installed in Climate Zones 1
and 2.
Moved to sub-section C403.4.3.1 with exception
C403.4.3.2.1 Fan motors not less than 7.5 hp - -
item (3) deleted.
Multiple-cell heat rejection Multiple-cell heat rejection
C403.4.3.2.2 C403.4.3.2 Section re-numbered. Made editorial changes.
equipment equipment
Requirements for complex Requirements for complex Revised the complex mechanical systems serving
C403.4.4 mechanical systems C403.4.4 mechanical systems serving multiple zones to comply sections C403.4.4.1
serving multiple zones multiple zones through C403.4.4.7.
Deleted this section. This section is moved to new
C403.4.4.4 Fractional hp fan motors C403.4.4.4 Fractional hp fan motors
sub-section C403.2.12.4.
Added new sub-section C403.4.4.7.
Parallel-flow fan-powered VAV
- - C403.4.4.7
air terminal control Adds new automatic controls requirements for
parallel-flow fan-powered VAV air terminals.
Updated water-heating equipment minimum
efficiency requirements by equipment type, sizing
category, subcategory or rating condition, and hot
water draw pattern. Also updated applicable the test
procedure standards and added clarification new
footnotes for tabletop water heaters in rectangular
cabinet, grid-enabled electric resistance water
heater, and water heaters and hot water supply
boilers having more than 140 gallons of storage
capacity. Water-heating equipment Energy Factor
(EF) performance ratings metric is replaced with
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF).
UEF of storage water heaters, electric, tabletop, size

less than or equal to 12 kW, tank-size greater or
equal to 20 gal and less than or equal to 120 gal is
changed depending on the hot water draw pattern:
Very small draw UEF = 0.6323 - (0.0058×V),
Low draw UEF = 0.9188 - (0.0031×V),
Medium draw UEF = 0.9577 - (0.0023×V),
High draw UEF = 0.9884 - (0.0016×V).
Table Minimum Performance of Minimum Performance of
Table C404.2 UEF of storage water heaters, electric, size less than
C404.2 Water-Heating Equipment Water-Heating Equipment
or equal to 12 kW, tank-size greater or equal to 20
gal and less than or equal to 55 gal is changed
depending on the hot water draw pattern:
Low draw UEF = 0.9254 - (0.0003×V),
Medium draw UEF = 0.9307 - (0.0002×V),
High draw UEF = 0.9349 - (0.0001×V).
UEF of storage water heaters, electric, size less than
or equal to 12 kW, tank-size greater 55 gal and less
than or equal to 120 gal is changed depending on
the hot water draw pattern:
Low draw UEF = 2.0440 - (0.0011×V),
Medium draw UEF = 2.1171 - (0.0011×V),
High draw UEF = 2.2418 - (0.0011×V).
Added grid-enabled electric storage water heater as

a new category. UEF of grid-enabled storage water
heaters, electric, size less than or equal to 12 kW,
and tank-size greater than 75 gal is specified
Low draw UEF = 0.9984 - (0.0014×V),
Medium draw UEF = 0.9853 - (0.0010×V),
High draw UEF = 0.9720 - (0.0007×V).
Storage water heaters, electric, size greater than 12
kW, any tank-size and for all hot water draw pattern
performance is rated by Standby Loss (SL) in %/h
and is given by SL = (0.3 + 27/𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉).
UEF of instantaneous water heaters, electric, tank
size of less than 2 gal and Very small, Low and
Medium hot water draw patterns is updated to 0.91
whereas for High draw hot water pattern the UEF is
updated to 0.92.
UEF of instantaneous water heaters, electric, size

greater than 12kW and less than or equal to 58.6kW,
residential-duty commercial application and tank size
of less than or equal to 2 gal for all hot water draw
patterns is updated to 0.80.
UEF of storage water heaters, gas, size less than or
equal to 75kBtu/h, tank-size greater or equal 20 gal
and less than or equal to 55 gal is changed
Low draw UEF = 0.5982 - (0.0019×V),
Medium draw UEF = 0.6483 - (0.0017×V),
High draw UEF = 0.6920 - (0.0013×V).
UEF of storage water heaters, gas, size less than or

equal to 75kBtu/h, tank-size greater than 55 gal and
less than or equal to 100 gal is changed depending
on the hot water draw pattern:
Low draw UEF = 0.7689 - (0.0005×V),
Medium draw UEF = 0.7897 - (0.0004×V),
High draw UEF = 0.8072 - (0.0003×V).
Storage water heaters, gas, size greater than

75kBtu/h, rating of 4,000 Btu/h/gal and for all hot
water draw pattern the performance must meet 80%
thermal efficiency and Standby Loss (SL) in Btu/h is
𝑄𝑄
given by SL = ( + 110√𝑉𝑉).
800
UEF of storage water heaters, gas, size greater than
75kBtu/h and less than or equal to 105kBtu/h,
Residential-Duty Commercial, and tank-size less
Low draw UEF = 0.5362 - (0.0012×V),
Medium draw UEF = 0.6002 - (0.0011×V),
High draw UEF = 0.6597 - (0.0009×V).
UEF of instantaneous water heaters, gas, size

greater than 50kBtu/h and less than or equal to
200kBtu/h, rating of 4,000 Btu/h/gal and tank size of
less than 2 gal and Very small hot water draw
patterns is updated to 0.80 whereas for Low and
Medium and High hot water draw patterns is
updated to 0.81.
UEF of storage water heaters, oil, size less than or
equal to 105kBtu/h, and tank-size greater than or
equal to 20 gal and less than or equal to 50 gal is
changed depending on the hot water draw pattern:
Low draw UEF = 0.5330 - (0.0016×V),
Medium draw UEF = 0.6078 - (0.0016×V),
High draw UEF = 0.6815 - (0.0014×V).
Storage water heaters, oil, size greater than

105kBtu/h, rating of 4,000 Btu/h/gal and for all hot
water draw pattern the performance must meet 80%
thermal efficiency and Standby Loss (SL) in Btu/h
𝑄𝑄
given by SL = ( + 110√𝑉𝑉).
800
UEF of storage water heaters, oil, size greater than

105kBtu/h and less than or equal to 140kBtu/h,
Residential-Duty Commercial, and tank-size less
Low draw UEF = 0.5596 - (0.0018×V),
Medium draw UEF = 0.6194 - (0.0016×V),
High draw UEF = 0.6740 - (0.0013×V).
Removed all exceptions, instead listed applications
C404.4 Insulation of piping C404.4 Insulation of piping that require minimum insulation level per Table
C403.2.10.
Service water-heating system Deleted this sub-section. Service water-heating
C404.11 commissioning and completion - - commissioning requirements are covered under
requirements updated Code section C408.2.
C404.12 Water flow rate controls C404.11 Water flow rate controls Section re-numbered.
C404.12.1 Showers C404.11.1 Showers Sub-section re-numbered.
Lavatories or restrooms of Lavatories or restrooms of

C404.12.2 C404.11.2 Sub-section re-numbered.
public facilities public facilities
Revised lighting system controls and maximum
lighting power allowance requirements and clarified
applicable code sections as follows:
• Dwelling units within multifamily buildings must
comply with section R404.1
• All other dwelling units must comply with section
C405.1 General (Mandatory) C405.1 General (Mandatory) R404.1, or with sections C405.2.4 and C405.3
• Sleeping units must comply with section
C405.2.4, and with section R404.1 or C405.3
• Lighting installed in walk-in coolers, walk-in
freezers, refrigerated warehouse coolers and
refrigerated warehouse freezers must comply with
the lighting requirements of section C403.2.14.
Lighting controls sections were revised and re-
organized for clarity.
Revised lighting controls requirements must be met

either via sections C405.2.1 through C405.2.6, or
C405.2 Lighting controls (Mandatory) C405.2 Lighting controls (Mandatory) luminaire level lighting controls (LLLC) and lighting
controls in sections C405.2.1, C405.2.4 and
C405.2.5 by independently monitoring occupant
activity, monitoring electric lighting and daylighting
levels using sensors, setpoints, timers, and
dimmers.
Revised space types that require occupant sensor
controls installation:
C405.2.1 Occupant sensor controls C405.2.1 Occupant sensor controls • Replaced Lounge, Employee lunch and Break
rooms space types with Lounges/breakrooms
• Renamed Private offices with Enclosed offices
• Added Open plan office areas as new space type
• Removed Janitorial closets space type
• Replaced Warehouse space type with Warehouse
storage areas.
Added clarification that occupant sensor controls in
warehouses must comply with section C405.2.1.2
and occupant sensor controls in open plan office
areas must comply with new section C405.2.1.3.
Occupant sensor control Occupant sensor control
C405.2.1.1 C405.2.1.1 Occupant sensor controls requirement in all other
function function
space types is revised to automatically turn off lights
within 20 minutes after all occupants have left the
space. This revision reduced the elapsed time for
lights turn off after occupants left the space to 20
minutes from 30 minutes.
Added new sub-section C405.2.1.3. Occupant
sensor controls function in all open plan office
spaces are required to comply with the following:
• General lighting must be controlled separately in
control zones with floor areas not greater than
600 square feet (55 m2) within the open plan
office space
• General lighting control must automatically turn
off in all control zones within 20 minutes after all
Occupant sensor control occupants have left the open plan office space
- - C405.2.1.3 function in open plan office • General lighting power in each control zone must
areas be reduced by not less than 80 percent of the full
zone general lighting power in a reasonably
uniform illumination pattern within 20 minutes of
all occupants leaving that control zone
• Any daylight responsive control will activate open
plan office space general lighting or control zone
• general lighting only when occupancy for the
same area is detected
• Open plan office spaces less than 300 ft2 (28
m2), are exempted but should comply with
section C405.2.1.1.
Made editorial changes and removed time-switch
slights control exemption from Sleeping units when
C405.2.2 Time-switch controls C405.2.2 Time-switch controls
there are manual controls that provide light
reduction.
Made editorial changes and edited the space types
C405.2.2.1 Time-switch control function C405.2.2.1 Time-switch control function names in the exceptions for clarity and consistency.
Moved to new section C405.2.5 with some editorial
C405.2.2.3 Manual controls C405.2.5 Manual controls
changes for clarification.
Made editorial changes and revised exemptions:
• Renamed Sidelight Daylight Zones with Sidelit
Zones, and Toplight Daylight Zones with Toplit
Zones
• Removed Dwelling and sleeping unit’s exemption
from daylight-responsive controls requirement
C405.2.3 Daylight-responsive controls C405.2.3 Daylight-responsive controls • For new buildings where the total connected
lighting power calculated in accordance with
section C405.3.1 is less than or equal to the
adjusted interior lighting power allowance
(LPAadj) calculated using the new Equation 4-8 is
exempted from daylight-responsive controls
requirement
Daylight-responsive control Daylight-responsive control
C405.2.3.1 C405.2.3.1 Editorial changes for clarification.
function function
Modified sub-section title and made editorial
• Moved item (2) that describe sidelit zones for
fenestration located in a rooftop monitor to section
C405.2.3.2 Sidelight daylight zone C405.2.3.2 Sidelit zone
C405.2.3.3
• The revised visible transmittance of the
fenestration not less than 0.20 requirement now
applies to existing and new buildings.
C405.2.3.2 Figure C405.2.3.2(1) C405.2.3.2 Figure C405.2.3.2 Figure re-numbered.
C405.2.3.2 Figure C405.2.3.2(2) C405.2.3.3 Figure C405.2.3.3(2) Figure re-numbered.
C405.2.3.2 Figure C405.2.3.2(3) C405.2.3.3 Figure C405.2.3.3(3) Figure re-numbered.

C405.2.3.3 Toplight daylight zone C405.2.3.3 Toplit zone
Added a description for sidelit zones for fenestration
located in a rooftop monitor depicted in Figure
C405.2.3.3(2) and C405.2.3.3(3).
Figure re-numbered. Also renamed the figure
C405.2.3.3 Figure C405.2.3.3 C405.2.3.3 Figure C405.2.3.3(1) caption from Daylight Zone Under A Roof
Fenestration Assembly to Toplit Zone.
Revised specific application lighting controls
requirements.
• Besides occupant sensor based lighting control
complying with section C405.2.1.1 or a time-
switch control complying with section C405.2.2.1,
a manual control separate from general lighting
control is required for display and accent, display
cases lighting, task lighting, permanently installed
under-shelf or under-cabinet lighting, and lighting
equipment used for sale or education
demonstration
• Hotel and motel sleeping unit and guest suites
space types are replaced with sleeping units
• Revised sleeping units requirements to have
C405.2.4 Specific application controls C405.2.4 Specific application controls control devices or systems that are configured to
automatically switch off all permanently installed
luminaires and switched receptacles within 20
minutes after all occupants have left the unit
except when the lighting and switched
receptacles controlled by card key controls, and
spaces where patient care is directly provided
• Permanently installed luminaires within dwelling
units must be provided with controls complying
with section C405.2.1.1 or C405.2.2.2.Lighting for
nonvisual applications, such as plant growth and
food warming, are revised to be controlled by a
time switch control complying with section
C405.2.2.1 that is independent of the controls for
other lighting within the room or space.
Exterior lighting controls section re-numbered,
reorganized for clarification and added four new sub-
sections: Daylight shutoff, Decorative lighting
shutoff, Lighting setback, and Exterior time-switch
control function.
C405.2.5 Exterior lighting controls C405.2.6 Exterior lighting controls
Revised exterior lighting systems controls to comply
with new sub-sections C405.2.6.1 through
C405.2.6.4. Decorative lighting systems are now
required to comply with sections C405.2.6.1,
C405.2.6.2, and C405.2.6.4. Also exterior lighting
control is not required if the lights are controlled from
within dwelling units.
Added new sub-section C405.2.6.1. This new
section requires exterior lighting must be
- - C405.2.6.1 Daylight shutoff
automatically turned off when there is sufficient
daylight.
Added new sub-section C405.2.6.2. Decorative
lighting of a building facade and landscape lighting
- - C405.2.6.2 Decorative lighting shutoff must be automatically shut off from not later than
one hour after business closing to not earlier than
one hour before business opening.
Added new sub-section C405.2.6.3. Exterior lighting
that is not controlled in accordance with section
C405.2.6.2 must be capable of automatically
- - C405.2.6.3 Lighting setback reducing the total lighting wattage by not less than
50% by selectively switching off or dimming
depending on hours of the day or where no activity is
detected.
Added new sub-section C405.2.6.4. Time-switch
controls must have a clock that is not less than 7
Exterior time-switch control
- - C405.2.6.4 days and capable of setting for seven different day
function
types per week, an automatic holiday setback and
with backup power capability.
C405.3 Exit signs - - Deleted this section.
Interior lighting power Interior lighting power

C405.4 C405.3 Section re-numbered and made editorial changes.
requirements (Prescriptive) requirements (Prescriptive)
Updated and edited Equation 4-9 used to calculate
total connected interior lighting power (TCLP). Also
revised lighting equipment that are not included in
Total connected interior lighting Total connected interior lighting the TCLP calculation.
C405.4.1 C405.3.1
power power
Television broadcast lighting power for playing areas
in sports arenas is now excluded from TCLP
calculation.
Section re-numbered and modified section title.
The total interior lighting power allowance (watts) is

C405.4.2 Interior lighting power C405.3.2 Interior lighting power allowance
determined according to updated Table C405.3.2(1)
using the Building Area Method, or updated Table
C405.3.2(2) using the Space-by-Space Method.
Section re-numbered and updated referenced code
sections. For the Building Area Method, the interior
C405.4.2.1 Building Area Method C405.3.2.1 Building Area Method
lighting power density for each building area type is
listed in the updated Table C405.3.2(1).
Table Interior Lighting Power Interior Lighting Power Section and table re-numbered and reduced the
Table
C405.4.2(1) Allowances: Building Area Allowances: Building Area Lighting Power Density (LPD) for most building area
C405.3.2(1)
Method Method types in Table C405.3.2(1).
Section re-numbered and updated referenced code
sections. For the space by-space method, the
C405.4.2.2 Space-by-Space Method C405.3.2.2 Space-by-Space Method
interior lighting power density for each space type is
provided in updated Table C405.3.2(2).
Section re-numbered and reduced Lighting Power
Density (LPD) for most of space types in Table
Interior Lighting Power Interior Lighting Power
Table Table C405.3.2(2). Added new footnotes that clarifies
Allowances: Space-By-Space Allowances: Space-By-Space
C405.4.2(2) C405.3.2(2) sleeping units lighting power calculations by
Method Method
application of Section R404.1 and added
descriptions for facilities type classification.
Section re-numbered and modified the requirements.
• Updated the additional interior lighting power
allowance calculation Equation 4-10 used with
space-by-space method and provided the
C405.4.2.2.1 Additional interior lighting power C405.3.2.2.1 Additional interior lighting power equation in SI and IP units version
• Revised the additional lighting power density used
for the purpose of decorative appearance or for
highlighting art or exhibits not to exceed 0.9 W/ft2
(9.7 W/m2) in lobbies and not to exceed 0.75
W/ft2 (8.1 W/m2) in other spaces.
Section re-numbered and revised the requirements.
The revised code requires that the total connected
Exterior lighting power Exterior lighting power exterior lighting power must be calculated in
C405.5 C405.4
(Mandatory) requirements (Mandatory) accordance with section C405.4.1 and must not
exceed the exterior lighting power allowance
calculated in accordance with section C405.4.2.
Section re-numbered and modified the title. The
section was reduced just to provide definition that
total exterior connected lighting power must be the
Total connected exterior total maximum rated wattage of all lighting that is
C405.5.1 Exterior building lighting power C405.4.1 powered through the energy service for the building.
building exterior lighting power
Added five more new exterior lights applications that

are excluded from the calculation:
• Lighting approved because of safety
considerations
• Emergency lighting automatically off during
normal business operation
• Exit signs
• Used to highlight features of art, public
monuments and the national flag
• Lighting for water features and swimming pools
• Lighting controlled from within dwelling units,
where the lighting complies with section R404.1
Added new section C405.4.2.
• This new section requires that the total exterior

lighting power allowance is the sum of the base
site allowance plus the individual allowances for
areas that are to be illuminated by lighting
Exterior lighting power powered through the energy service for the
- - C405.4.2
allowance building
• The lighting zone for the building exterior is
determined in accordance with exterior lighting
zones definition in Table C405.4.2(1) unless
otherwise specified by the code official. Also,
lighting power allowances are as specified in
updated Table C405.4.2(2).
Table Table
Exterior Lighting Zones Exterior Lighting Zones Section re-numbered.
C405.5.1(1) C405.4.2(1)
Section re-numbered and modified table caption.
Base site allowance and all other allowances except
the non-tradable surfaces only are included in the
revised Table C405.4.2(2).
Individual Lighting Power • Lighting power allowances for Base Site ,
Table Table Lighting Power Allowances For Uncovered Parking Area, Building Grounds,
Allowances For Building
C405.5.1(2) C405.4.2(2) Building Exterior Building Entrances and Exits, Sales Canopies,
Exterior
and Outdoor Sales were reduced for all lighting
zones. Added Dinning Area and Landscaping as
new categories under Building Grounds
• Edited Building Entrances and Exits categories for
clarification.
Added new sub-section C405.4.2.1.
Additional exterior lighting
- - C405.4.2.1 • Any increase in the exterior lighting power
power
allowance is limited to the specific lighting
applications indicated in the updated Table
C405.4.2(3).
• The additional power must be used only for the
luminaires that are serving these applications and
must not be used for any other purpose.
Added new Table C405.4.2(3) by extracting non-
tradable surfaces exterior lighting allowance from
Table C405.5.1(2). Allowances are reduced for all
categories except building facades:
• Allowances for automated teller machines (ATM)
and night depositories were reduced by half to
135 W per location plus 45 W per additional ATM
per location
• Allowances for uncovered entrances and
Individual Lighting Power Individual Lighting Power gatehouse inspection stations at guarded facilities
Table Table were reduced to 0.5 W/ft2 from 0.75 W/ft2 for all
Allowances For Building Allowances For Building
C405.5.1(2) C405.4.2(3) lighting zones
Exterior Exterior
• Allowance for uncovered loading areas for law
enforcement, fire, ambulance and other
emergency service vehicles were reduced to 0.35
W/ft2 from 0.5 W/ft2 for all lighting zones
• Allowance for drive-up windows and doors were
reduced to 200 W per drive through from 400 W
for all lighting zones
• Allowances for parking near 24-hour retail
entrances were reduced to 400 W per main entry
from 800 W for all lighting zones.
C405.6 Electrical power (Mandatory) C405.5 Electrical power (Mandatory) Section re-numbered.
Section re-numbered and added new exception.
C405.6.1 Applicability C405.5.1 Applicability Revised code excludes this section from compliance
requirement with ASHRAE 90.1 sections 8.4.2 and
8.4.3 in addition to section 9.4.1.1(g).
C405.6.2 Electrical metering C405.5.2 Electrical metering Section re-numbered.
C405.6.3 Voltage drop C405.5.3 Voltage drop Section re-numbered.
C405.6.4 Completion requirements C405.5.4 Completion requirements Section re-numbered.

C405.6.4.1 Completion requirements C405.5.4.1 Drawings Section re-numbered.
C405.6.4.2 Completion requirements C405.5.4.2 Manuals Section re-numbered.
Section re-numbered and made editorial changes for

clarification.
Electrical transformers Electrical transformers
C405.7 C405.6
(Mandatory) (Mandatory) Minimum efficiency requirements of Table C405.6 is
revised to be applicable for Low-voltage dry-type
distribution electric transformers.
Section re-numbered.
Minimum Nominal Efficiency Minimum Nominal Efficiency
Table Levels For 10 CFR 431 Low- Table Levels For 10 CFR 431 Low-
Edited the minimum efficiency of single-phase
C405.7 Voltage Dry-Type Distribution C405.6 Voltage Dry-Type Distribution
transformers and increased minimum efficiency
Transformers Transformers
requirements of three-phase transformers.
Section re-numbered and added new exception.
Air-over electric motors, Component sets of an

C405.8 Electrical motors (Mandatory) C405.7 Electrical motors (Mandatory) electric motor, Liquid-cooled electric motors,
Submersible electric motors, and Inverter-only
electric motors are exempted from the minimum
efficiency requirements of section C405.7.
Section re-numbered, modified table caption, and re-
Minimum Nominal Full-Load
Minimum Nominal Full-Load arranged the table.
Efficiency For NEMA Design A,
Efficiency For 60 HZ NEMA
Table Table NEMA Design B, AND IEC
General Purpose Electric Increased electric motors minimum efficiency
C405.8(1) C405.7(1) Design N Motors (Excluding
Motors (Subtype I) Rated 600 requirements due to new US federal minimum motor
Fire Pump) Electric Motors at
Volts or Less (Random Wound) efficiency change and added new footnotes to this
60 HZ
table for clarification.
Section re-numbered and, modified table caption,
Minimum Nominal Full-Load and re-arranged the table.
Minimum Nominal Full-Load
Efficiency of General Purpose
Table Table Efficiency For NEMA Design C
Electric Motors (Subtype II) and Increased electric motors minimum efficiency
C405.8(2) C405.7(2) and IEC Design H Motors at 60
All Design B Motors Greater requirements due to new US federal minimum motor
HZ
Than 200 Horsepower efficiency change and added new footnotes to this
table for clarification.
Minimum Average Full-Load Minimum Average Full-Load
Table Table
Efficiency Polyphase Small Efficiency Polyphase Small Section re-numbered.
C405.8(3) C405.7(3)
Electric Motors Electric Motors
Table Minimum Average Full-Load Table Minimum Average Full-Load
C405.8(4) Efficiency For Capacitor-Start C405.7(4) Efficiency For Capacitor-Start
Capacitor-Run and Capacitor- Capacitor-Run and Capacitor-
Start Induction-Run Small Start Induction-Run Small
Electric Motors Electric Motors
Vertical and horizontal Vertical and horizontal
C405.9 transportation systems and C405.8 transportation systems and Section re-numbered.
equipment equipment
C405.9.1 Elevator cabs C405.8.1 Elevator cabs Section re-numbered.
Added new exception: A variable voltage drive

C405.9.2 Escalators and moving walks C405.8.2 Escalators and moving walks
system that reduces operating voltage in response
to light loading conditions can be substituted for
reduced speed function.
C405.9.2.1 Regenerative drive C405.8.2.1 Regenerative drive Section re-numbered.
Added new exception. Previously occupied tenant

C406.1.1 Tenant spaces C406.1.1 Tenant spaces spaces that comply with this code in accordance
with section C501 is exempted.
Revised the total interior lighting power (watts)
calculation to use the updated Table C405.3.2(1) for
C406.3 Reduced lighting power density C406.3 Reduced lighting power density
Building Area Method and updated section C405.3.2
for the Space-by-Space Method.
C406.5 On-site renewable energy C406.5 On-site renewable energy Editorial changes for clarification.
Editorial changes for clarification. Replaced hot

water requirements with the building’s annual hot
water requirements. Also replaced Solar water-
heating systems with Solar on-site renewable energy
water-heating systems for clarification.
C406.7.1 Load fraction C406.7.1 Load fraction
Revised to clarify the code that water-heating
systems can be sized to not less than 60% of the
buildings annual hot water load if there are on-site
combined heat and power systems or on-site solar
renewable energy water-heating systems.
Added new exception. The total building
performance determination revised to exclude
C407.1 Scope C407.1 Scope energy used to recharge or refuel vehicles that are
used for on-road and off-site transportation
purposes.
Editorial changes and added schedule exception for
reference design building:
• Updated the space use classification to reference
Tables C405.3.2(1) and C405.3.2(2)
• The interior lighting power calculation should use
the updated section C405.3.2. The exterior
Specifications For The Standard Specifications For The Standard lighting power calculation should use the updated
Table Table Tables C405.4.2(2) and C405.4.2(3)
Reference And Proposed Reference And Proposed
C407.5.1(1) C407.5.1(1) • Added new exception that thermostat settings and
Designs Designs
schedules for HVAC systems that utilize radiant
heating, radiant cooling, and elevated air speed
can be used provided that equivalent levels of
occupant thermal comfort are demonstrated by
means of equal Standard Effective Temperature
as calculated in Normative Appendix B of
ASHRAE Standard 55.
Specifications For The Standard Specifications For The Standard
Table Table Editorial changes to footnotes of Table C407.5.1(3)
Reference Design HVAC Reference Design HVAC
C407.5.1(3) C407.5.1(3) to update referenced Code sections.
Descriptions Descriptions
Section C408 Maintenance
Section C408 System Modified section title to include Maintenance
C408 C408 Information and System
Commissioning Information.
Commissioning
Added new sub-section C408.1. This section was
revised to cover the provision of maintenance
- - C408.1 Generals
information, and functional testing requirements in
addition to building systems commissioning.
Added new sub-section C408.1.1. This section
requires buildings operations and maintenance
documents that consist of manufacturer’s
information, specifications, and recommendations,
Building operations and
- - C408.1.1 programming procedures and data points,
maintenance information
narratives, and other means of illustrating how the
building equipment and systems are intended to be
installed, maintained and operated must be provided
to the owner.
Revised the exception to include that capacities of
Mechanical systems and Mechanical systems and
individual systems serving dwelling or sleeping units
service water-heating systems service water-heating systems
C408.2 C408.2 must not be counted in determining the total
commissioning and completion commissioning and completion
mechanical and/or water heating systems’ capacity
requirements requirements
for the whole building.
Modified operating and maintenance manual
C408.2.5.2 Manuals C408.2.5.2 Manuals
requirements by moving items 5, 6, and 7 to a new
section C408.3.2 and replacing item 5 with edited
version of item 8 that states the manual should
include a narrative of how each system is intended
to operate, including recommended setpoints.
Lighting controls functional Lighting controls functional
C408.3 C408.3 changes to clarify that this section is about lighting
testing testing
control functional testing.
Revised functional testing requirement to include
C408.3.1 Functional testing C408.3.1 Functional testing
sub-section C408.3.1.3 as well.
Revised the code to clarify that the construction
C408.3.2 Documentation requirements C408.3.2 Documentation requirements documents are to be provided to the building owner
or owner’s authorized agent.
Added new sub-section C408.3.2.1 Drawings. The
new requirement states that Construction documents
- - C408.3.2.1 Drawings
must include the location and catalogue number of
each piece of equipment.
Added new sub-section C408.3.2.2 Manuals. This
sub-section requires that operating and maintenance
manual must provide the following:
• name and address of agency that installed
equipment
• A description of how each system is intended to
operate and recommended setpoints
- - C408.3.2.2 Manuals • Submittal data indicating all selected options for
each piece of lighting device and lighting controls
• Operation and maintenance manuals for each
piece of lighting device including recommended
routine maintenance, cleaning and proposed re-
lamping
• A schedule for inspecting and recalibrating all
lighting controls.
Added new sub-section C408.3.2.3 Report. This new
reporting requirements must include results of
- - C408.3.2.3 Reports functional performance tests and nature of
deficiencies found during testing and details of
corrective measures used or recommended.
CHAPTER 5 [CE] EXISTING BUILDINGS
Added two new exceptions to compliance
C503.2 Change in space conditioning C503.2 Change in space conditioning requirements when unconditioned or low-energy
space is altered to a conditioned space:
• component performance alternative in section
C402.1.5 can be used to comply with this section
if the proposed UA value is not greater than 110%
of the target UA
• total building performance option in section C407
can be used to comply with this section if the
annual energy cost of the proposed design is not
greater than 110% of the annual energy cost
otherwise permitted by section C407.3.
Updated referenced section numbers and added two
new exceptions to compliance requirements when
occupancy or use of a space changes:
• component performance alternative in section
C402.1.5 can be used to comply with this section
C505.1 General C505.1 General if the proposed UA value is not greater than 110%
of the target UA
• total building performance option in section C407
can be used to comply with this section if the
annual energy cost of the proposed design is not
greater than 110% of the annual energy cost
otherwise permitted by section C407.3.
Appendix CA: Forms
Form C402-2017 Alterations, Form C402-2020 Alterations,
Forms Renovations and Building Forms Renovations and Building Updated form.
Systems Systems
Commercial Compliance
- - Forms New form added to Appendix.
Checklist
Appendix CB: Solar-Ready Zone- Commercial
- - Appendix CB Solar-Ready Zone-Commercial Added new section Solar-Ready Zone-Commercial
Added new section CB101 for scope of solar-ready

- - CB101 Scope
zone.
Added new sub-section CB1011. General. This sub-
section describes the new provision applicable for
- - CB101.1 General
new construction where solar-ready provisions are
required.
- - CB102 Solar-Ready Zone Added new definition for Solar-Ready Zone.
- - CB103 Solar-Ready Zone Added new section CB103 for Solar-Ready Zone.
Added new sub-section CB103.1 The solar-ready
zone is required to be located on the roof of
buildings that are five stories or less in height above
- - CB103.1 General grade plane and are oriented between 110 degrees
and 270 degrees of true north, or have low-slope
roofs. Solar-ready zones are required to comply with
the new sub-sections CB103.2 through CB103.8.
Chapter 2 [RE]: Definitions
Definitions deleted:
R202 - - Definition deleted.
High-Efficacy Lamps
New definitions added:
- - R202 Cavity insulation New definitions.
Guest suite
Adds clarification language and “product
R202 Definitions: Approved agency R202 Definitions: Approved agency
certification” agency to definition.
Definitions: Building thermal Definitions: Building thermal Adds ‘ceilings” to definition and expands “building
R202 R202
envelope envelope elements” to “building element assemblies.”
R202 Definitions: Labeled R202 Definitions: Labeled Changes “inspection agency” to ”approved agency.”
R202 Definitions: Skylight R202 Definitions: Skylight Revises wording to match 2018 IECC.
Chapter 3 [RE]: General Requirements
Revises sub-section’s U-factor determination
R303.1.3 Fenestration product rating R303.1.3 Fenestration product rating wording, changing from “exception” format to
numbered bullets.
Table Table
Default Door U-factors Default Opaque Door U-factors Adds “Opaque” to table heading.
R303.1.3(2) R303.1.3(2)
Table Default Glazed Fenestration Table Default Window, Glass Door Changes “Glazed Fenestration” in table heading to “
R303.1.3(3) SHGC and VT R303.1.3(3) and Skyight SHGC and VT Window, Glass Door and Skylight.”
Chapter 4 [RE]: Residential Energy Efficiency
Adds prescriptive building thermal envelope
R402.1 General (Prescriptive) R402.1 General (Prescriptive) compliance exception for log homes designed in
accordance with ICC-400.
Replaces recessed lighting air barrier criteria
wording “sealed to the drywall” with “sealed to the
Table Air Barrier and Insulation Table Air Barrier and Insulation finished surface.”
R402.4.1.1 Installation R402.4.1.1 Installation
Clarifies HVAC register boots air barrier criteria
wording by: 1) adding that HVAC “supply and return”
register boots are intended, and 2) replacing
“drywall” with “wall covering or ceiling penetrated by
the boot.”
Clarifies the performance (R405) compliance duct
testing exception by stipulating that duct leakage
R403.3.3 Duct testing (Mandatory) R403.3.3 Duct testing (Mandatory) testing is required if the compliance report shows
credit has been taken for a duct leakage to outside
(Qnout) of less than 0.080.
Heated water circulation and Heated water circulation and Clarifies that the requirements of this section only
R403.5.1 temperature maintenance R403.5.1 temperature maintenance apply if heated water circulation systems are
systems (Mandatory) systems (Mandatory) installed.
Clarifies whole-house ventilation fan efficacy
Whole-house mechanical Whole-house mechanical exception language for cases in which air handlers
R403.6.1
R403.6.1 ventilation system fan efficacy ventilation system fan efficacy that are integral to HVAC equipment are being used
to provide whole-house mechanical ventilation.
Table Whole-house mechanical Table Whole-house mechanical Adds minimum efficacy requirement of 1.2 cfm/watt
R403.6.1 ventilation system fan efficacy R403.6.1 ventilation system fan efficacy for HRVs and ERVs.
Removes “Mandatory” designation from this section
heading. “Mandatory” and “Prescriptive”
Heating and cooling equipment
R403.7 R403.7 Heating and cooling equipment designations are moved to sub-sections, but these
(Mandatory)
changes are organizational only; no change to code
intent.
“Mandatory” designation is added for this sub-
section since the designation was removed from
R403.7.1 Equipment Sizing R403.7.1 Equipment Sizing (Mandatory)
parent section R403.7; no change to code intent or
requirements.
Corrects reference from “Section 403.7” to “Section
R403.7.1.1 Cooling equipment capacity R403.7.1.1 Cooling equipment capacity
R403.7.”
New sub-section disallows electric resistance space
heating from being the primary heating system used
in Climate Zone 2 for prescriptive compliance.
Electric space heating
- - R403.7.2. Electric resistance space heating can still be the
(Prescriptive)
primary heating system for Climate Zone 2 projects
complying via the performance (section R405) or
Energy Rating Index (section R406) path.
Systems serving multiple Systems serving multiple Replaces reference to “IECC” with “Florida Building
R403.8 R403.8
dwelling units (Mandatory) dwelling units (Mandatory) Code, Energy Conservation.”
New section adds efficiency, control, insulation and
- - R403.13 Dehumidifiers (Mandatory) condensate disposal requirements for dehumidifiers
(only applicable if they are installed).
New sub-section adds configuration and insulation
- - R403.13.1 Ducted dehumidifiers
requirements for ducted dehumidifiers.
Replaces “high-efficacy” term with minimum lumens
per watt efficacy specifications for luminaries (45
lumens per watt) and lamps (65 lumens per watt),
and increases the required percentage of
permanently installed lamps with these minimum
efficacies from 75% to 90%. “High-efficacy lamps”
R404.1 Lighting equipment (Mandatory) R404.1 Lighting equipment (Mandatory)
definition in previous edition included a range of
minimum lumens per watt specifications based on
lamp wattage, all being lower than the 65 lumens per
watt all-lamp specification in Section R404.1 of the
new edition. Exception for low-voltage lighting also
removed.
New sub-section clarifies that if a building air
leakage rate below (the maximum allowed rate of)
7 ACH50 is specified for the proposed design,
- - R405.2.2 Building air leakage testing
testing must verify the air leakage rate does not
exceed the air leakage rate of the proposed design
instead of 7 ACH50.
New sub-section clarifies that if a duct air leakage
lower than the default Qnout of 0.080 is specified for
the proposed design, testing must verify a duct air
- - R405.2.3 Duct air leakage testing leakage rate not exceeding the leakage rate of the
proposed design; otherwise, duct testing is not
mandatory for buildings complying by Section
R405.
Adds exception to compliance report for certificate of
occupancy requirement in cases in which there is no
R405.4.2.2 Compliance report for certificate R405.4.2.2 Compliance report for certificate
change to the proposed design during the course of
of occupancy of occupancy
construction and all required inspections to verify
compliance have been performed.
Clarifies Standard Reference Design specifications
for Vertical fenestration other than opaque doors.
Clarifies Standard Reference Design and Proposed

Specifications for the Standard Specifications for the Standard Design specifications for Skylights.
Table Table
Reference and Proposed Reference and Proposed
R405.5.2(1) R405.5.2(1)
Designs Designs Modifies the Mechanical ventilation Standard
Reference Design annual vent fan energy use
equation, including adding a table-based minimum
exhaust fan efficacy component.
Adds Heating systems Type Standard Reference
Design and Proposed Design specifications,
clarifying that the Standard Reference Design
system type is a heat pump if the proposed heating
system is electric; otherwise as proposed.
Adds new Dehumidification Systems Standard

Reference Design and Proposed Design
specifications (only applicable if dehumidification
equipment is specified for the proposed design)
Adds new Dehumidistat Standard Reference Design

and Proposed Design specifications (only applicable
if dehumidification equipment is specified for the
proposed design)
Modifies Service water heating Standard Reference

Design and Proposed Design specifications, making
use and energy consumption for both determined in
accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301.
Modifies footnote “a” to align air exchange rate

testing with section R402.4.1.2.
Clarifies footnote “e” by specifying that for cases in

which a proposed design does not have a proposed
heating system, the heating system used for both
the standard reference design and proposed design
is a an electric heat pump if the proposed design has
an electric water heater.
Modifies footnote “h” to clarify the standard

reference design of Vertical fenestration other than
opaque doors and Skylights.
Installation criteria for homes Installation criteria for homes
R405.7.7 R405.7.7 Updates the Form 400D reference in Item 1 of this
claiming the heat recovery unit claiming the heat recovery unit
sub-section from the 2017 to 2020 version.
(HRU) option (HRU) option
Addition to section stipulates that energy used to
recharge or refuel a vehicle for on-road (and off-site)
R406.3 Energy Rating Index R406.3 Energy Rating Index
transportation purposes are not to be included in the
ERI reference design or the rated design.
Updates referenced standard ANSI/RESNET/ICC
301 Addendum A from the 2015 to 2019 edition
which will impact ERI calculation results.
R406.4 ERI-based compliance R406.4 ERI-based compliance
Adds exception to section stipulating that ERI-based
compliance cannot be used for
guest suites without kitchens.
Chapter 5 [RE]: Existing Buildings
Adds duct R-value exception for cases in which
Building systems and Building systems and space does not permit replacement air distribution
R501.7 R501.7
components components systems to meet the prescriptive R-value
requirement.
Addition to sub-section stipulates that where more
than one replacement fenestration unit is being
R503.1.1.1 Replacement fenestration R503.1.1.1 Replacement fenestration installed, an area-weighted average U-factor and/or
SHGC of all replacement fenestration units are
permitted to be used to demonstrate compliance.
Replaces use of “energy cost” in this section’s R405
compliance option exception with “total normalized
modified loads” for the proposed design and “total
R503.2 Change in space conditioning R503.2 Change in space conditioning
loads” for the standard reference design, and
clarifies that Appendix RC is to be used for the
compliance calculation.
Replaces use of “energy cost” in this section’s R405
compliance option exception with “total normalized
modified loads” for the proposed design and “total
R505.2 General R505.2 General
loads” for the standard reference design, and
clarifies that Appendix RC is to be used for the
compliance calculation.
Appendix RD: Forms
- - Forms Duct Leakage Test Report New form added to Appendix.
- - Forms Envelope Leakage Test Report New form added to Appendix.
Residential Energy
- - Forms Conservation Code New form added to Appendix.
Documentation Checklist
Forms Form R402-2017 Forms Form R402-2020 Form significantly revised for clarity.
Energy Performance Level Energy Performance Level
Forms Forms Form revised for clarity.
(EPL) Display Card (EPL) Display Card
Form R400D-2017 Form R400D-2020
Desuperheater, Heat Recovery Desuperheater, Heat Recovery
Forms Forms Year updated from 2017 to 2020.
Unit (HRU) Water Heater Unit (HRU) Water Heater
Efficiency Certification Efficiency Certification
Analysis of Changes
for the
th
7 Edition (2020) Florida Building Code
Changes to the Florida Building Code, Building
This Analysis of Changes for the 7th Edition (2020) of the Florida Building Code is intended to provide a comprehensive comparison of the
provisions in the 6th Edition (2017) Florida Building Code, Building (FBCB) and the 7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Code, Building. The 6th
Edition (2017) FBCB is the base code for the 7th Edition (2020) FBCB. The model code used to update the 7th Edition (2020) FBCB is the 2018
International Building Code (IBC). However, not all changes in the 2018 IBC are included in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCB. As a result of changes
from the 2018 IBC and Florida-specific amendments, certain provisions and criteria of the code have changed. This Analysis will serve as a useful
tool to facilitate the transition to the new code.
This Analysis is arranged so that comparable provisions in the two codes can be easily located. The left two columns contain section numbers
and a brief overview of the corresponding requirements from the 6th Edition (2017) FBCB. The next two columns contain section numbers and a
brief overview of the corresponding requirements in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCB. The far-right column contains a brief analysis or comment on the
differences between the provisions.
This Analysis is not intended to replace or interpret the provisions contained in either the 6th Edition (2017) or the 7th Edition (2020) FBCB. This
information simply points out the differences. The Analysis is not designed to be used without the aid of the representative code books, as all the
details pertaining to a specific section may or may not be provided. However, this Analysis will provide an easy means for identifying differences
in the two codes, as well as enabling the user to locate issue specific provisions in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCB by means of a numbered section
cross reference.
This Analysis provides a cross-reference for most of the sections that changed in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCB. In some cases, sections were
grouped together due to substantial differences. This grouping enables the extent of the differences to be more readily identified.
Note: Seismic loading and snow loading provisions in the code are not reserved (deleted) in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCB, even though they do not
apply in the State of Florida. While there are changes to some of these sections and provisions, they are not shown here in this Analysis because
they do not apply to construction in the State of Florida.
1
6th Edition (2017) FBCB 7th Edition (2020) FBCB
Analysis
Chapter 1: Administration
In accordance with Section 553.79(15),
Florida Statutes, new language has been
Additional options for closing a added to the code establishing conditions
105.5 Reserved 105.5
permit for which a building permit may be closed
(conditions of the permit satisfied) by the
property owner.
In accordance with Section 553.79(16),
Florida Statutes, new language has been
added affirming that a permit cannot be
denied to a property owner where a building
105.6 Denial or revocation of a permit 105.6 Denial or revocation of a permit permit applied for by a previous owner of the
property was not closed. Additionally, a
contractor cannot be denied a permit solely
because the contractor is listed on other
building permits that are not closed.
New section requires that where balconies
or other elevated walking surfaces are
exposed to water from direct or blowing rain,
Exterior balcony and elevated snow, or irrigation and the structural framing
- - 107.2.5
walking surfaces is protected by an impervious moisture
barrier, the construction documents must
include details for all elements of the
impervious moisture barrier system.
Clarification of terms by changing
110.1 General (inspections) 110.1 General (inspections)
“accessible” to “provided with access.”
New language added specifically requiring
110.3 Required inspections 110.3 Required inspections in-progress inspections of exterior wall
coverings and soffits.
New section requires that where balconies
or other elevated walking surfaces are
exposed to water from direct or blowing rain,
Exterior balcony and elevated
- - 110.3.6 snow, or irrigation and the structural framing
walking surfaces (inspections)
is protected by an impervious moisture
barrier, that all elements of the impervious
moisture barrier system have to be
2
inspected and approved before being
concealed.
Section has been revised to clarify that the
threshold building inspections required by
Section 110.8 also apply to repair or
110.8.1 Threshold buildings (scope) 110.8.1 Threshold buildings (scope)
restoration projects in which the structural
system or structural loading of a building is
being modified, as well as new construction.
Chapter 2: Definitions
Definitions: Autoclaved aerated
202 - - Definition deleted.
concrete (AAC)
Definition revised to clarify that change of
occupancy specifically includes a change of
Definitions: Change of
202 202 Definitions: Change of occupancy occupancy classification and a change from
occupancy
one group to another group within an
occupancy classification.
New definition added for a term used in the
- - 202 Definitions: Children’s play structure
code.
New definition added for a common deep
- - 202 Definitions: Combined pile raft
foundation.
Definition revised to clarify that common
path of egress travel and exist access travel
Definitions: Common path of Definitions: Common path of egress
202 202 distance are measured the same way.
egress travel travel
While the terminus of each is different, the
route is the same.
Definitions: Conventional light- Definitions: Conventional light-frame Editorial corrections to change “A type of
202 202
frame construction construction construction” to “Construction.”
New definition added to address a type of
- - 202 Definitions: Delayed action closer closer that would allow time for occupants to
pass through a door before closing.
Definition revised to clearly delineate from
202 Definitions: Drilled shaft 202 Definitions: Drilled shaft
auger-cast piles.
New definition of existing building added for
- - 202 Definitions: Existing building consistency with the Florida Building Code,
Existing Building.
Definition revised to be consistent with the
202 Definitions: Existing structure 202 Definitions: Existing structure definition of existing structure in the Florida
Building Code, Existing Building.
Definitions: Exterior elevated New definitions added to correlate with new
- - 202
flooring system Section 3115 that addresses construction of
3
Attached systems exterior elevated flooring systems. These
Independent systems systems are typically installed on roofs of
Accessory components buildings for entertainment purposes but can
Pedestals be installed on other structures such as
Pedestrian deck panels or exterior decks.
pavers
Definitions: Fenestration The definition of fenestration has been
revised to address the most distinguishing
characteristics of that product type. A new
202 Definitions: Fenestration 202 definition of vertical fenestration has been
Definitions: Fenestration, vertical
added to clearly distinguish vertical
fenestrations from skylights and sloped
glazing.
A new, more generic definition of gas
detection system replaces the definition for
Definitions: Continuous gas
202 202 Definitions: Gas detection system continuous gas detection system.
detection system
Continuous gas sampling is now addressed
in Section 916.7.
Definitions: Light-frame Editorial corrections to change “A type of
202 202 Definitions: Light-frame construction
construction construction” to “Construction.”
Definition revised to clarify that sliding or
Definitions: Low-energy power- Definitions: Low-energy power-
202 202 folding doors can also be low-energy power-
operated door operated door
operated doors.
Editorial change for consistency with the
202 Definitions: Lowest floor 202 Definitions: Lowest floor
Florida Building Code, Residential.
New definition added intended to make the
Definitions: Open-air assembly distinction between smoke-protected
- - 202
seating assembly seating and outdoor smoke-
protected assembly seating.
Definition revised to add the term similar
202 Definitions: Plastic composite 202 Definitions: Plastic composite materials for what qualifies as a plastic
composite.
Definition revised to clarify that private
202 Definitions: Private garage 202 Definitions: Private garage garages can also be used by the owner of
the building as well as the tenant.
Definition revised to clarify that a sleeping
202 Definitions: Sleeping unit 202 Definitions: Sleeping unit unit would also apply to suites as well as a
single bedroom.
Definitions: Smoke-protected Definitions: Smoke-protected Definition revised to clarify that smoke-
202 202
assembly seating assembly seating protected assembly seating applies for a
4
specified design time by means of a passive
design or by mechanical ventilation.
Intended to make a distinction from open-air
assembly seating.
Definitions: Soft contained play New definition added for a term used in
- - 202
equipment structure Section 424.
Definition revised to change Item 2 of the
definition from components that "support”
more than 30 percent of the total area of the
Definitions: Substantial Definitions: Substantial structural
202 202 structure’s floors and roof to components
structural damage damage
that have a “tributary area” more than 30
percent of the total area of the structure’s
floors and roof.
Definition of swimming pool revised for
202 Definitions: Swimming pool 202 Definitions: Swimming pool consistency with Florida Statutes 514 and
515.
Definition revised to delete the term
“membrane” so that the definition applies to
Definitions: Vapor permeable the vapor permeance of any material.
202 202 Definitions: Vapor permeable
membrane Testing in accordance with Procedure B of
ASTM E96 has been added as an
alternative to Procedure A
Definition revised to correlate with ASTM
D1079 by deleting the condition that a
202 Definitions: Vegetative roof 202 Definitions: Vegetative roof
vegetative roof normally insulate a building’s
top surface.
Definition revised to correlate with ASCE 7-
Definitions: Wind-borne Debris Definitions: Wind-borne Debris
202 202 16 by including a reference to the new Risk
Region Region
Category IV wind speed map.
Chapter 3: Use and Occupancy Classification
New language added to clarify occupancy
classifications represent varying levels of
301.1 Scope 301.1 General
hazard to building occupants and adjacent
properties.
Section revised to provide clarification
between the terms use and occupancy.
302.1 General 302.1 Occupancy classification New language requires occupied roofs to be
classified in the group that the occupancy
most nearly resembles.
5
New section further establishing the
distinction and differences between use and
- - 302.1.1 Definitions: Use designation
occupancy. Uses are subcategories of the
occupancy classification.
New language adds "stationary fuel cell
power systems" and "capacitor energy
Hazardous material uses Hazardous material uses classified storage systems" to the list of items that can
307.1.1 307.1.1
classified other than Group H other than Group H be stored, used, or handled in an occupancy
without having to classify the building as
Group H.
Revised to require all nontransient boarding
310.4 Residential Group R-2 310.4 Residential Group R-2 houses to be classified as Group R2 instead
of just those with more than 16 occupants.
Revised to require that for lodging houses to
Residential Group R-3 (lodging Residential Group R-3 (lodging be classified as Group R-3, they must be
310.5 310.5
houses) houses) owner-occupied and have 10 or fewer
occupants.
Section revised to require that lodging
310.5.2 Lodging houses and the FBCR 310.5.2 Lodging houses and the FBCR houses built in accordance with the FBCR
are required to have 10 or fewer occupants.
Revised to permit rooms or spaces used for
storage purposes to be classified as part of
311.1.1 Accessory storage spaces 311.1.1 Accessory storage spaces the occupancy they are accessory to. The
size limit of 100 square feet has been
deleted.
Revised to include communication
Utility and Miscellaneous Group structures with a gross floor area of less
312.1 312.1 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U
U than 1500 square feet as a Group U
occupancy.
Chapter 4: Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
Section revised to point the user to all of the
402.8.6.1 Exit passageways 402.8.6.1 Exit passageways
code requirements for exit passageways.
Power and lighting for the fire command
center has been removed from the standby
403.4.8.3 Standby power loads 403.4.8.3 Standby power loads
power loads and relocated to the emergency
power loads.
Power and lighting for the fire command
403.4.8.4 Emergency power loads 403.4.8.4 Emergency power loads center has been added to the emergency
power loads.
6
Section revised to clarify that fire door
Smoke barrier penetration Smoke barrier penetration
405.4.2 405.4.2 assemblies are required to comply with
(underground buildings) (underground buildings)
Section 716.
Section revised to clarify door requirements
405.4.3 Elevators 405.4.3 Elevators
in elevator lobby smoke barriers.
Fire pumps have been removed from the
405.8.1 Standby power loads 405.8.1 Standby power loads standby power loads and relocated to the
emergency power loads.
Fire pumps have been added to the
405.8.2 Emergency power loads 405.8.2 Emergency power loads
emergency power loads.
Section 406 has been reorganized for
clarity. Requirements that are applicable to
all motor-vehicle related occupancies have
been consolidated and relocated to the
general provisions of Section 406.1.
Relocated provisions include:
 Automatic garage door openers and
vehicular gates.
Motor-Vehicle Related  Clear height of floor levels.
406 406 Motor-Vehicle Related Occupancies  Accessible parking spaces.
Occupancies
 Permitted floor surfaces.
 Openings between sleeping rooms
and motor-vehicle related
occupancies.
 Fuel dispensing.
 Electric vehicle charging stations.
 Mixed occupancy and separation.
 Equipment and appliances.
Section editorially revised to change wood
Canopies (motor fuel- Canopies (motor fuel-dispensing
406.7.2 406.7.2 of Type IV size to heavy timber complying
dispensing facilities facilities
with Section 2304.11.
Exception revised to permit the use of
ASTM E648 to determine the required
406.8.3 Floor surface (repair garages) 406.1.4 Floor surfaces
critical radiant flux of slip-resistant,
nonabsorbent interior floor finishes.
Section revised to correlate the
Gas detection system (repair Gas detection system (repair requirements for gas detection systems with
406.8.5 406.8.2
garages) garages) new Section 916. Section 916 consolidates
the requirements for gas detection systems
7
and resolves inconsistencies with how these
systems are treated in the code.
406.8.5.1 System design - - Section deleted.
Gas detection system
406.8.5.1.1 - - Section deleted.
components
406.8.5.2 System activation 406.8.2.1 System activation Section revised for clarity.
Failure of the gas detection
406.8.5.3 406.8.2.2 Failure of the gas detection system Section revised for clarity.
system
New section added to consolidate general
Construction (airport traffic control
- - 412.3.1 construction requirements for airport traffic
towers)
control towers.
New section adding structural integrity
Structural integrity of interior exit criteria for exit enclosures applicable where
- - 412.3.1.2 stairways and elevator hoistway the control cab is located more than 75 feet
enclosures above the lowest level of fire department
vehicle access.
New section increasing the minimum bond
strength for sprayed fire-resistant materials
Sprayed fire-resistant materials
- - 412.3.1.3 applicable where the control cab is located
(SFRM)
more than 75 feet above the lowest level of
fire department vehicle access.
New section requiring a fire command
center in accordance with Section 911 for
airport traffic control towers where the
- - 412.3.3.2 Fire command center
control cab is located more than 75 feet
above the lowest level of fire department
vehicle access.
New section requiring smoke removal in
- - 412.3.3.3 Smoke removal accordance with Section 403.4.7 for airport
traffic control towers.
New section requiring fire pump rooms to be
- - 412.3.4.1 Fire pump rooms separated with minimum 2-hour fire barriers
from all other areas of the building.
Section revised to refer to Section 3007.8.1
Protection of elevator wiring and
412.3.7 Elevator protection 412.3.5 for protection of cables serving elevators in
cables
airport traffic control towers.
Section revised to clarify that only spray
Operations (aircraft paint equipment cleaning operations that exceed
412.6.3 412.6.3 Operations (aircraft paint hangars)
hangars) the maximum allowable quantities per
control area in Table 307.1(1) are required
8
to be conducted in a liquid use, dispensing
and mixing room.
Section revised to clarify that storage of
flammable or combustible liquids is required
412.6.4 Storage 412.6.4 Storage to be in a liquid storage room only when the
maximum allowable quantities per control
area in Table 307.1(1) are exceeded.
Exception revised to add Type IV
Fire-resistance-rating
Fire-resistance-rating requirements construction for the reduced fire-resistance-
414.2.4 requirements (hazardous 414.2.4
(hazardous materials) rating of the floor assembly of the control
materials)
area.
Section revised to clarify that supervision
Supervision (emergency and monitoring of emergency alarm systems
415.5.3 415.5.3 Supervision (emergency alarms)
alarms) applies only to those required by Sections
415.5.1 or 415.5.2.
Section revised to clarify that emergency or
standby power is required to be provided for
415.5.4 Emergency alarm systems 415.5.4 Emergency alarm systems
emergency alarm systems required by
Sections 415.5.1 or 415.5.2.
Continuous gas detection Section revised to refer to new Section 916
415.11.7 415.11.7 Gas detection systems (Group H-5)
systems (Group H-5) for gas detection systems.
Section revised to clarify it applies to HPM
415.11.7.1.1 Fabrication areas 415.11.7.1 Fabrication areas
gas.
415.11.7.1.2 HPM rooms 415.11.7.2 HPM rooms
gas.
Gas cabinets, exhausted Gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures Section revised to clarify it applies to HPM
415.11.7.1.3 415.11.7.3
enclosures and gas rooms and gas rooms gas.
415.11.7.1.4 Corridors 415.11.7.4 Corridors
gas.
415.11.7.2 Gas detection system operation 415.11.7.2 Gas detection system operation
gas.
New section permitting certain spaces to be
open to fire resistance rated corridors,
similar to that permitted in section 407.2.5
and 407.2.6 for Group I-1 nursing homes.
Assisted living housing units (Group
- - 420.7 Shared living spaces, group meeting, or
I-1)
multipurpose therapeutic spaces are
permitted to be open to a fire resistance
rated corridor provided the specified criteria
is met.
9
Section revised to correlate the
requirements for gas detection systems with
new Section 916. Section 916 consolidates
412.6 Gas detection system 412.6 Gas detection system
the requirements for gas detection systems
and resolves inconsistencies with how these
systems are treated in the code.
421.6.1 System design - - Section deleted.
Gas detection system
421.6.2 - - Section deleted.
components
421.6.3 System activation 421.6.1 System activation Section revised for clarity.
Failure of the gas detection
421.6.4 421.6.2 Failure of the gas detection system Section revised for clarity.
system
New section requiring the essential electrical
system for electrical components,
Electrical systems (ambulatory care
- - 422.6 equipment, and systems in ambulatory care
facilities)
facilities to be designed and constructed in
accordance with Chapter 27 and NFPA 99.
New language added requiring building or
structures designated as emergency
423.1 General (storm shelters) 423.1 General (storm shelters)
shelters to be designed as Risk Category IV
structures.
New language added clarifying that facilities
used as emergency shelters after a storm
423.1.1 Scope 423.1.1 Scope are outside the scope of ICC 500 and are
required to be designed as Risk Category IV
structures.
Item 9 has been revised to permit floor
coverings placed under children’s play
Materials (children’s play
424.2 424.2 Materials (children’s play structures) structures to be tested in accordance with
structures)
ASTM E648 to determine the required floor
finish classification.
The requirement that sliding doors located
on an exit access corridor be smoke
449.3.1.1 Sliding doors (hospitals) 449.3.1.1 Sliding doors (hospitals)
resistive has been relocated to new Section
449.3.10
Mobile testing and treatment Terminology revised to refer to
449.3.3 449.3.3 Mobile/transportable medical units
facilities mobile/transportable medical units.
Approval of mobile and transportable New language added limiting the use of
449.3.3.1 Approval of mobile units 449.3.3.1
units these units to 6 months during a 12-month
10
period unless approved by the Agency
(Agency for Healthcare Administration).
References to the Guidelines have been
changed to include Part 1 General and Part
449.3.3.2 Compliance 449.3.3.2 Compliance
2, Chapter 2.8 Specific Requirements for
Mobile/Transportable Medical Units.
449.3.3.3 - - Section deleted.
Special nursing care units or rooms have
been exempted from the general
requirements of this section. New language
limits the sill height of windows to be a
449.3.4.1 Windows 449.3.4.1 Windows maximum of 36 inches. Special nursing
care units or rooms are required to have
windows as required by this section and The
Guidelines except the sill height is permitted
to be a maximum of 60 inches.
Section revised to clarify the minimum
ceiling height also applies to tracks, rails, or
pipes. The scope of this section has been
revised to also apply to patient care areas
and centralized kitchens.
449.3.4.2 Ceiling height 449.3.4.2 Ceiling height
New language eliminates the requirement
for a door coordinator where closers are not
required on a pair of double doors opening
to a room or closet located on an exit
access corridor.
Double doors opening to room
449.3.4.3 or closet on an exit access - - Section deleted.
corridor
Construction of fire walls, Construction of fire walls, fire
Section revised to include fire barriers within
449.3.4.5 smoke barriers, horizontal exits 449.3.4.5 barriers, smoke barriers, horizontal
the scope of this section.
and exit passageways exits and exit passageways
New section containing the sliding door
Sliding doors for access to rooms on
- - 449.3.10 requirements previous addressed in Section
exit access corridors
449.3.1.1.
11
New section requiring sliding doors having
Sliding doors for access to airborne access to airborne infection isolation rooms
- - 449.3.10.1 infection isolation room or protective or protective environment rooms to be
environment room equipped with an automatic closer that will
close and latch when released.
New section prohibiting the use of fire
- - 449.3.4.11 Fire shutters shutters to meet the requirements of
opening protection.
New section permitting shutters in openings
of smoke partitions to rooms and areas that
- - 449.3.4.12 Shutters in smoke partitions are permitted to be open to other areas in
accordance with section 407 to be permitted
without automatic closing of the shutter.
Section revised to clarify that electric motor-
driven fire pumps are to be connected to
449.3.10 Fire pumps 449.3.10 Fire pumps
EPSS unless it is infeasible to provide a
connection to the exiting EPSS equipment.
Section revised to reflect terminology used
449.3.11.10 Receptacle circuitry 449.3.11.10 Receptacle circuitry
in updated reference standards.
Section revises where audible and visual
devices are permitted to be located as part
of the private mode fire alarm requirement.
Audible and visual notification devices are
449.3.12.2 Fire alarm systems 449.3.12.2 Fire alarm systems only permitted to be located at care
provider’s stations, soiled holding rooms,
clean workrooms, staff lounges, medication
preparation rooms, nurse or supervisor’s
offices, and other staff areas.
449.3.12.3 Disconnecting device - - Section deleted as language is redundant.
New language added stating that the nurse
call systems as described in NFPA do not
449.3.13 Nurse call system 449.3.13 Nurse call system apply. Nurse call system requirements in
NFPA 99 are redundant and contradictory to
The Guidelines.
Section deleted because the requirement is
449.3.14.8 Generator remote manual stop - -
now addressed in NFPA 110.
Construction of fire walls, Construction of fire walls, fire
Section revised to include fire barriers within
450.3.5.9 smoke barriers, horizontal exits 450.3.5.9 barriers, smoke barriers, horizontal
the scope of this section.
and exit passageways exits and exit passageways
12
New section prohibiting the use of fire
- - 450.3.5.13 Fire shutters (nursing homes) shutters to meet the requirements of
opening protection.
New section permitting shutters in openings
of smoke partitions to rooms and areas that
- - 450.3.5.14 Shutters in smoke partitions are permitted to be open to other areas in
accordance with section 407 without
automatic closing of the shutter.
New section added prohibiting the use of
- - 450.3.14.2 Nonmetallic sheathed cable nonmetallic sheathed cable for power and
lighting in any facility.
Section revised to change basic care room
450.3.14.2 Electrical requirements 450.3.14.3 Electrical requirements to Category 3 space and general care room
to Category 2 space.
New section requiring at least one duplex
receptacle located at the head of the
- - 450.3.14.4 Duplex receptacle
resident bed connected to the critical branch
of the essential electrical system.
Section revised to require documentation for
450.3.14.5 Equipotential grounding 450.3.14.7 Equipotential grounding equipotential grounding only in areas
defined as patient care areas.
Section revises where audible and visual
devices are permitted to be located as part
of the private mode fire alarm requirement.
Audible and visual notification devices are
450.3.16.2 Fire alarm systems 450.3.16.2 Fire alarm systems only permitted to be located at care
provider’s stations, soiled holding room,
clean workroom, staff lounge, medication
preparation room, nurse or supervisor’s
office, and other staff areas.
450.3.16.3 Disconnecting device - - Section deleted as language is redundant.
New language added stating that the nurse
call systems as described in NFPA do not
450.3.17 Nurse call system 450.3.17 Nurse call system apply. Nurse call system requirements in
NFPA 99 are redundant and contradictory to
The Guidelines.
450.3.17.3 Nurse call master station - - Section deleted as language is redundant.
450.3.17.5 Corridor dome light - - Section deleted as language is redundant.
Section revised to require a Class 54
450.3.18.1 Emergency power 450.3.18.1 Emergency power
generator for emergency power.
13
Illumination of the means of
450.3.18.4 - - Section deleted as language is redundant.
egress
Section revised to require facilities to
provide an alternate power source for
During and Immediately
450.4.1.3 450.4.1.3 During and Immediately Following equipment necessary to maintain safe
Following
indoor air temperatures for not less than 96
hours following the loss of normal power.
Temperature and humidity Section revised to add specific requirements
450.4.2.6.2 450.4.2.6.2 Temperature and humidity control
control for maintaining the temperature in facilities.
Section revised to align fuel requirements
with the applicable rule and clarifies the
450.4.2.9.2 Emergency power supply 450.4.2.9.2 Emergency power supply
method for calculating the required fuel
storage.
Section revised to require new facilities to
be equipped with either a permanent on-site
optional standby standby system to operate
at least the nonessential loads of the
electrical system or the entire normal branch
450.4.2.9.6 Generators 450.4.2.9.6 Generators
of the electrical system for a period of 96
hours for the demand load of the generator.
A new exception to an optional standby
system has been added provided the criteria
specified is met.
New section permitting the fuel for this
- - 450.2.9.6.1 Fuel generator to be natural gas, diesel, or
propane. Gasoline is not permitted.
New section requiring the generator, panel
boards, switchgear, fuel lines and other
- - 450.2.9.6.2 Protection from debris
vulnerable system components to be
protected from debris impact.
New section requiring the system to be
- - 450.2.9.6.3 Protection from flooding
protected from flooding.
New section requiring the system to meet
NFPA 70 Article 702 and be tested and
- - 450.2.9.6.4 NFPA 70
maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
New section referencing 59A-4.1265
- - 450.2.9.6.5 Additional operational requirements
Emergency Environmental Control for
14
Nursing Homes, F.A.C. for additional
operational requirements.
References (ambulatory References (ambulatory surgical Reference to The Guidelines has been
451.2.2 451.2.2
surgical centers) centers) updated to coordinate with the 2018 edition.
New section added specifying the minimum
size of an operating room in an ambulatory
- - 451.3.2 Outpatient operating room surgical center. Requires at least one
operating room with a minimum clear floor
area of 270 square feet.
New section requiring smaller operating
rooms and examination or treatment rooms
- - 451.3.2.1 Small operating rooms
if provided to meet the requirements for
minimum size.
New section permitting visible alarm-
- - 451.3.2.2 Audible alarms and signals indicating appliances to be used in critical
care areas in lieu of audible alarm signals.
Clarifies that this section applies to phase 1
451.3.3.1 Recovery area 451.3.3.1 Recovery area post-anesthesia recovery positions to
coordinate with the Guidelines.
Section revised to require a piped medical
gas installation in the licensed operating
451.3.15 Medical gas 451.3.15 Medical gas room of the ASC that complies with NFPA
99 for a Category 1 piped gas and vacuum
system.
Requirements for qualifying as an exterior
courtyard have been revised to delete the
453.5.5.1 Exterior courtyard 453.5.5.1 Exterior courtyard confusing language regarding the use of
fences between buildings for security
purposes.
Section revised to require enclosed
courtyards to have a minimum width of 40
feet. Also revised to permit the travel
453.5.5.2 Enclosed courtyard 453.5.5.2 Enclosed courtyard
distance to a courtyard opening/exit to
exceed 150 feet if the minimum courtyard
width exceeds 60 feet.
Location of fire extinguishers Location of fire extinguishers and Section revised to change the minimum
453.7.3 453.7.3
and blankets. blankets. height above the finished floor for
15
extinguishers and blankets from 54 inches
to 48 inches.
New exception added clarifying that guards
453.10.2.4 Vertical drops (guards) 453.10.2.4 Vertical drops (guards) are not required for the locations described
in the exception to Section 1015.2.
Section revised to require that exterior
lighting be shielded from adjacent properties
for all exterior lighting equipment as
453.10.3.7 Shielding (exterior lighting)
described in new Sections 453.10.3.7.1 and
453.10.3.7.2. Ten exceptions to this
requirement have been added.
453.10.3.7 Shielding (exterior lighting) 453.10.3.7.1 Light pollution zones New section and table defining various light
pollution zones. Zones range from rural
Table
Light Pollution Zones low-density areas (Zone A) to high-density
453.10.3.7.1
areas (Zone D).
453.10.3.7.2 Light trespass
New section and table limiting the backlight
Table Maximum Allowable Backlight
ratings of exterior luminaires.
453.10.3.7.2 Ratings
Section deleted and the requirements for
453.10.5.4 Playground grading - - playground grading have been relocated
and incorporated in Section 468.2.2.
453.15.4 Toilet room ventilation 468.3.6.7 Toilet room ventilation Section relocated.
453.16.3 Urinals 468.3.5.11 Urinal Section relocated.
Section relocated. Revised to no longer
453.16.6 Hot water 468.3.5.12 Hot water apply to showers. New language sets the
minimum hot water temperature at 95°F.
Terminology revised for consistency with the
NEC. Also revised to recognize that GFCI
Ground-fault interrupter (GFI) Ground-fault circuit-interrupter
453.17.8 453.17.8 protection can be provided by other means
receptacles (GFCI) protection for personnel
that GFCI receptacles, such as GFCI circuit
breakers.
Section editorially revised to change interior
453.18.1.6 Interior courtyards 453.18.1.6 Enclosed courtyards
courtyards to enclosed courtyards.
Section revised to increase the minimum
Enhanced hurricane protection Enhanced hurricane protection areas
453.25.1.1 453.25.1.1 amount of time EHPAs have to provide
areas (EHPAs) (EHPAs)
protection from 8 hours to 24 hours.
Section revised to clarify that mechanical
and electrical rooms, storage rooms, open
453.25.3.1 Excluded spaces 453.25.3.1 Excluded spaces
corridors, kitchens, science rooms and labs,
vocational shop areas and labs, computer
16
rooms and labs, attic and crawl spaces are
to be excluded from EHPA capacity
calculations.
Section revised to clarify that mechanical
and electrical rooms, storage rooms, open
corridors, kitchens, science rooms and labs,
vocational shop areas and labs, computer
rooms and labs, attic and crawl spaces are
453.25.3.2 Capacity 453.25.3.2 Capacity to be excluded from EHPA capacity
calculations.
New language requires the capacity of a

special needs EHPA to be calculated at 60
square feet per occupant.
EHPA inspection and
recertification
The time limits specified in Exception 2 for
453.27.5.2 Covered walks and technology 453.27.5.2 Covered walks and technology qualifying as temporary relocatable has
been revised.
Section revised to clarify that the limitations
453.27.7 Fire-retardant-treated wood 453.27.7 Fire-retardant-treated wood on the use of FRTW only apply to Type II
construction ancillary facilities.
New definition added describing an offset.
The definition of collector tank has been
revised to clarify that the tank vent is not
required to be 2.25 square feet and provide
Definitions (swimming pools Definitions (swimming pools and material and construction requirements.
454.1 454.1
and bathing places) bathing places) The definition of plunge pool has been
revised to clarify the requirements do not
apply to swimming pools that contain a
water slide that are dedicated solely for that
purpose.
New language specifies bathing loads for
transient and nontransient facilities. New
language added requiring that where a
454.1.1.1 Sizing 454.1.1.1 Sizing
pool’s turnover rate is calculated to be less
than 3 hours it is required to comply with
Section 454.1.7.9 for automated controllers.
New language permits the grout line to be
454.1.2.1 Pool structure 454.1.2.1 Pool structure
included when meeting the 1-inch square
17
tile requirement provided the tile is sold and
distributed as nominal or trade size tile.
Section revised to permit commercially
bottled water in plastic bottles on the pool
454.1.2.3.5 Rules and regulation signage 454.1.2.3.5 Rules and regulation signage
wet deck. Requires signage to indicate the
pool maximum depth.
New language requires pools utilizing
automatic recessed surface skimmers to
have at least one skimmer in each sun shelf
Sun shelf dimensional
454.1.2.8.1 454.1.2.8.1 Sun shelf dimensional requirements area. New language clarifies that three
requirements
sides of the sun shelf are required to be
surrounded by pool deck and requires the
edge to be continuous.
Section revised to coordinate the wet deck
slope with ADA requirements. A 1 percent
deck slope is now permitted for paver-type
decks. New language added addressing the
454.1.3.1.2 Slope 454.1.3.1.2 Slope
maximum slope of deck-level perimeter
overflow systems. Allows infinity edges up
to 60 feet in length provided additional
safety considerations are met.
New language prohibits obstructions on
454.1.3.1.6 Obstructions 454.1.3.1.6 Obstructions
lowered portions of the wet deck.
New language requires operable parts used
for opening doors at access points in the
454.1.3.1.9 Barriers 454.1.3.1.9 Barriers barrier to be a minimum 45 inches and
maximum 48 inches above the finished floor
or ground.
Section revised to provide required wattage
454.1.4.2.1 Outdoor pool lighting 454.1.4.2.1 Outdoor pool lighting
equivalents for LED lighting.
Section revised to provide required wattage
454.1.4.2.2 Indoor pool lighting 454.1.4.2.2 Indoor pool lighting
equivalents for LED lighting.
New section requiring underwater lighting,
or lighting that may be exposed nozzle-
directed pool water, to not exceed 30 volts
- - 454.1.4.2.5 Voltage limitation DC or 15 volts AC, be installed in
accordance with manufacturer’s
specifications, and be approved for such
use by UL or NSF.
18
Section revised to require below-grade
454.1.5.5 Access 454.1.5.5 Access collector tanks to have adequate access for
cleaning, maintenance, and inspection.
New note added clarifying that the square
footage of interactive water features is
Table Public Swimming Pool – Table Public Swimming Pool – Required required to be considered when calculating
454.1.6.1 Required Fixture Count 454.1.6.1 Fixture Count the size of the pool for the purposes of
determining the type and number of fixtures
for sanitary facilities.
Section revised to clarify the exception also
454.1.6.1 Sanitary facilities 454.1.6.1 Sanitary facilities
applies to hotels.
Section revised to clarify that floor drains
454.1.6.1.3 Sanitary facility floors 454.1.6.1.3 Sanitary facility floors
have to be installed in sanitary facilities.
454.1.6.5.3.2. 454.1.6.5.3.2. Section revised to no longer require
Equalizers Equalizers
3 3 skimmer equalizers.
Section revised to include regenerative
454.1.6.5.5.1 Filter capacities 454.1.6.5.5.1 Filter capacities
media type filters.
Section revised to permit higher flows for
454.1.6.5.9.6 Flow rates 454.1.6.5.9.6 Flow rates inlets designed for higher flows as specified
by the manufacturer.
Section revised to permit pool designs that
454.1.6.5.10. 454.1.6.5.10.
Depth at outlet Depth at outlet include circular areas at the deep points that
1 1
are “dished” to the centers.
Section revised to provide protection from
454.1.6.5.12 Cleaning system 454.1.6.5.12 Cleaning system
injury at the vacuum port.
Section revised to require that any treatment
454.1.6.5.16. 454.1.6.5.16.
UV light disinfectant equipment. UV light disinfectant equipment. chemicals are to be injected downstream of
6 6
the UV equipment.
The barrier separation requirements
between swimming pools and wading pools
454.1.7.7 Wading pool decks 454.1.7.7 Wading pool decks now only applies where the distance
between a wading pool and a swimming
pool is less than or equal to 50 feet.
The lighting requirements for indoor wading
454.1.7.8 Lighting 454.1.7.8 Lighting pools has been reduced to 3 footcandles
from 6 footcandles.
454.1.9.2.1.1 Plunge pool water depth 454.1.9.2.1.1 Adequate space at terminus The prescriptive dimensions for plunge
pools have been deleted. New
454.1.9.2.1.1 Plunge pool dimensions 454.1.9.2.1.1 Reserved performance-based language has been
added with a reference to ASTM F2376.
19
454.1.9.2.1.3. 454.1.9.2.1.3. The prescriptive requirements for the slide
Slide flume terminus Slide flume terminus
1 1 flume terminus have been deleted. New
454.1.9.2.1.3. 454.1.9.2.1.3. language requires the design engineer to
Minimum distance -
2 2 document the designed, safe location of the
454.1.9.2.1.3. 454.1.9.2.1.3. terminus relative to the plane of the pool
Minimum length -
3 3 wall and to the water level.
454.1.9.2.1.6. 454.1.9.2.1.6. Section revised to permit paver-type decks
Slope (plunge pool decks) Slope (plunge pool decks)
2 2 to have a minimum 1 percent grade.
New section requiring the total volume of a
plunge pool and its collector tank or tanks to
- - 454.1.9.2.1.7 Plunge pool volume be equal or greater than 3 minutes of the
combined flow rate in gallons per minute of
all filters and slide pumps.
Terminology change to refer to attendants or
lifeguards and to require locations of
454.1.9.2.2.4 Water park personnel 454.1.9.2.2.4 Attendants or lifeguards attendants and lifeguards to be in
accordance with a plan approved by the
Department of Health.
Section revised to require pump reservoirs
454.1.9.2.3 Pump reservoir volume 454.1.9.2.3 Pump reservoir volume
only for slides with run out lanes.
New language permits the pump reservoir
454.1.9.2.3.1 Pump reservoir volume 454.1.9.2.3.1 Pump reservoir volume volume to be specified by the design
engineer.
Section revised to permit pools with collector
454.1.9.2.3.5 Pump reservoir main drains 454.1.9.2.3.5 Pump reservoir main drains tanks where the recirculation and slide
pumps draw suction.
New language added permitting the total
water volume to include the water in the
plunge pool dimensions stipulated by code,
454.1.9.2.6.1 Recirculation rate 454.1.9.2.6.1 Recirculation rate plus the slide water for swimming pools that
are not dedicated as plunge pools, but
include a recreational water slide as part of
the design.
The requirement that the minimum filter area
be twice the filter areas specified for the
recirculation rates stipulated in Section
454.1.9.2.6.2 Filter areas 454.1.9.2.6.2 Filter performance 454.1.6.5.5.1 has been deleted. New
language has been added requiring a
continuous readout/electronic recording in-
line turbidity meter to determine compliance
20
with the NTU criteria or the turnover rate in
the plunge pool’s total water volume must
be 1 hour or less.
454.1.9.2.6.3 Hair and lint strainer - - Section deleted.
Section revised to require zero depth entry
pools to have a continuous floor slope from
the water edge to 3 feet of water depth at
which point the slope can transition to
454.1.9.6.1 Slope (zero depth entry pools) 454.1.9.6.1 Slope (zero depth entry pools)
another, less steep continuous slope.
Floating safety ropes and slope transition
markings are not required at this transition
point.
New language requires the zero-entry grate
to be 8 to 12 inches wide, slip resistant, and
Deck level perimeter overflow Deck level perimeter overflow
454.1.9.6.2 454.1.9.6.2 constructed for the intended purpose of
system system
submersion in water and exposure to UV
sunlight.
Section revised to reduce the lighting
Lighting (interactive water
454.1.9.8.4 454.1.9.8.4 Lighting (interactive water features) requirements from 6 footcandles of light to 3
features)
footcandles of light.
454.1.9.8.6.1 Hydraulics 454.1.9.8.6.1 Hydraulics Section reorganized for clarity.
Section revised to locate the injection points
downstream of any ancillary equipment such
454.1.9.8.6.3 Recirculation system 454.1.9.8.6.3 Recirculation system
as heaters, flowmeters, ozonators, and UV
systems.
Section revised for clarity. New language
requires that barriers designed to define the
454.1.9.8.6.9 Fencing 454.1.9.8.6.9 Fencing
walking path are subject to review and
approval by the department.
454.1.9.8.6.1 454.1.9.8.6.1 The minimum floor slopes for IWFs has
IWF floor slopes IWF floor slopes
2 2 been changed from 1:50 to 1:60.
Section revised to clarify that food, drinks,
454.1.9.8.7.1 Rules and regulations 454.1.9.8.7.1 Rules and regulations glass, and animals are not allowed in the
pool.
Section revised for clarity. New language
requires that barriers designed to define the
454.1.9.8.7.3 Fencing (water theme parks) 454.1.9.8.7.3 Fencing (water theme parks)
walking path are subject to review and
approval by the department.
Public bathing places – artificial New section added to address safety and
- - 454.1.11
lagoons sanitation of artificially impound bathing
21
places and the play features associated with
such bathing places.
Surge protection (mental health Surge protection (mental health Section revised for clarity and to correct the
457.1.4.1.5 457.1.4.1.5
programs) programs) reference to NFPA 70.
References to specific sections of the
Codes and standards (assisted Codes and standards (assisted living
464.3.1 464.3.1 Florida Administrative Code and Florida
living facilities) facilities)
Statutes have been updated.
464.4.2.1 Mechanical systems 464.4.2.1 Mechanical systems Section revised to incorporate the rule
464.4.2.2 Mechanical cooling device 464.4.2.2 Power source developed by the Department of Elder
- - 464.4.2.2.1 Generators Affairs requiring assisted living facilities to
provide an alternate power source for
equipment necessary to maintain safe
indoor air temperatures for not less than 96
hours following the loss of normal power.
- - 464.4.2.2.2 Generator fuel New language provides a reference to the
rule and specifies requirements for a safe
and reliable method for connecting the
alternate power source.
Entire section revised and reorganized to
clarify the requirements for impatient
facilities and units. New definitions have
been added for existing, unit, and inpatient
facility. Reference to the 2018 Guidelines
Hospice Inpatient Facilities and Hospice Inpatient Facilities and Units has been added. Room requirements and
467 467
Units and Hospice Residences and Hospice Residential Facilities window sill heights have be revised to meet
CMS requirements. Redundant language
found in other standards and codes has
been deleted. New language clarifies the
use of Type III EES. Permits the use of
wireless nurse call.
Section revised to require that playgrounds
Playgrounds and equipment be evenly graded and sloped to provide
Playgrounds and equipment
468.2.2 (schools, colleges and 468.2.2 positive surface drainage. Reference has
(schools, colleges and universities)
universities) been added to the Public Playground Safety
Handbook.
New section prohibiting buildings, play
areas, and common areas from being
- - 468.2.4 Transmission line right-of-way
located within a high-voltage power
transmission line right-of-way.
22
Section revised to required illumination at
the normal task level for the type of
Illumination level in Illumination level in
468.3.7.1 468.3.7.1 classroom/instruction space to be designed
classrooms/instructional spaces classrooms/instructional spaces
to provide and maintain an average of 40
footcandles.
Section revised to add general information
Codes and standards (Office Codes and standards (Office common to all outpatient facilities. Corrects
469.2.1.2 469.2.1.2
Surgery Suite) Surgery Suite) the reference to the appropriate provisions
of the FGI Guidelines.
Chapter 5: General Building Heights and Areas
New section establishing criteria for heights
and areas of buildings that have occupied
roofs. An occupied roof is not included in
the building area regulated by Section 506
provided the occupancy of the occupied roof
is an occupancy permitted by Table 504.4
for the story immediately below the roof.
Exception 1 permits the occupied roof to be
any occupancy provided the building is
- - 503.1.4 Occupied roofs
equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system complying with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and occupant
notification in accordance with Section 907.5
is provided in the area of the occupied roof.
Exception 2 permits assembly occupancies
on roofs of open parking garages of Type I
or II construction in accordance with the
exception to Section 903.2.1.6.
Adds rooms or spaces with electrical
installations or transformers as incidental
use areas. Rooms or spaces with stationary
Table 509 Incidental Uses Table 509 Incidental Uses storage battery systems have been revised
to apply to those with an energy capacity
greater than the threshold quantity specified
in the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
Chapter 6: Types of Construction
Editorial revisions to consolidate the heavy
Type IV Heavy Timber timber requirements in Chapter 6 and
602.4 602.4 Type IV Heavy Timber Construction
Construction Chapter 23. Duplicative text has been
eliminated and specific details regarding
23
heavy timber construction have been
relocated to Chapter 23.
Minimum thickness (6 inches) requirements
for fire-retardant-treated wood in exterior
Fire-retardant-treated wood in Fire-retardant-treated wood in
602.4.1 602.4.1 walls has been added to this section from
exterior walls exterior walls
Section 602.4.8.2. Section 602.4.8.2 has
been relocated to Chapter 23.
Minimum thickness (6 inches) requirements
for cross-laminated timber in exterior walls
Cross-laminated timber in Cross-laminated timber in exterior
602.4.2 602.4.2 has been added to this this section from
exterior walls walls
Section 602.4.8.2. Section 602.4.8.2 has
been relocated to Chapter 23.
602.4.3 Columns - - Sections have been deleted and correlated
602.4.4 Floor framing - - with similar requirements in Sections
602.4.5 Roof framing - - 2304.11.1.1, 2304.11.1.2, and 2304.11.1.3
602.4.6 Floors 2304.11.3 Floors Section relocated.
602.4.6.1 Sawn or glued-laminated plank Sawn or glued-laminated plank Section relocated and consolidated into a
2304.11.3.2
2304.11.4 floors floors single section.
602.4.6.2 Cross-laminated timber floors 2304.11.3.1 Cross-laminated timber floors Section relocated.
2304.11.4 Roof decks
Section deleted and provisions have been
2304.11.4.1 Cross-laminated timber roofs
602.4.7 Roofs relocated and folded into Sections
Sawn, wood structural panel, or
2304.11.4.2 2304.11.4, 2304.11.4.1, and 2304.11.4.2.
glued-laminated plank roofs
602.4.8 Partitions and walls 2304.11.2 Partitions and walls Sections relocated. Minimum thickness
602.4.8.1 Interior walls and partitions 2304.11.2.2 Interior walls and partitions. requirements (6 inches) for fire-retardant-
treated wood and cross-laminated timber in
602.4.8.2 Exterior walls 2304.11.2.1 Exterior walls exterior walls has been moved to Sections
602.4.1 and 602.4.2 respectively.
Fire-Resistance Rating Fire-Resistance Rating Reference sections applicable to heavy
Table 601 Requirements for Building Table 601 Requirements for Building Elements timber have been changed to refer to the
Elements (Hour) (Hour) applicable sections in Chapter 23.
Minimum thickness requirements based on
Wood Member Size Table Minimum Dimensions of Heavy loading configurations from previous
Table 602.4
Equivalencies 2304.11 Timber Structural Members Sections 602.4.3 through 602.4.5 have been
added to the table.
Chapter 7: Fire and Smoke Protection Features
Minimum Distance of The description of the fire separation
Minimum Distance of Projections
Table 705.2 Projections (Fire Separation Table 705.2 distance (FSD) has been revised for clarity.
(Fire Separation Distance)
Distance) The minimum distance from the FSD line for
24
projections has been revised for FSD’s of 5
feet and greater. The 20-foot minimum
separation for an FSD of 30 feet and greater
has been deleted. Where the FSD is 5 feet
or greater, the minimum distance of the
projection from the property line (or other
line used to determine the FSD) is now 40
inches.
Section revised to refer to Section 2304.11
705.2.3 Combustible projections 705.2.3 Combustible projections
for combustible projections of heavy timber.
Editorial clarification to refer to general
705.8.2 Protected openings 705.8.2 Protected openings opening protectives in accordance with
Section 716.
Section revised to require that the
unexposed surface temperature limitations
in ASTM E119 or UL 263 apply to the
vertical separations including spandrel
girders, exterior walls or other similar
705.8.5 Vertical separation of openings 705.8.5 Vertical separation of openings
assemblies that have a fire-resistance rating
of not less than 1 hour. The exemption to
the unexposed surface temperature
limitations in ASTM E119 or UL 263 for
flame barriers still applies.
Factory or field-applied protective plates
installed on opposite-swinging doors
installed across a corridor in Group I-1
Condition 2, Group I-2 and ambulatory care
facilities are now not required to be labeled.
709.5 Openings in smoke barriers 709.5 Openings in smoke barriers
In Exception 2, accordion and folding doors
have been added as options for Group I-1
Condition 2, Group I-2 and ambulatory care
facilities.
New section permits membrane
Membrane penetrations in a shaft penetrations on the outside of shaft
- - 713.8.2
enclosure enclosures provided they are protected in
accordance with Section 714.4.2.
Section revised to correct the reference from
Waste and linen chutes and Waste and linen chutes and
713.13 713.13 Chapter 5 to Chapter 6 of NFPA 82. Also
incinerator rooms incinerator rooms
revised to refer to Section 712 to permit the
25
exceptions contained in Section 712 for
shaft construction.
Shaft enclosures containing a Section revised to clarify that a recycling
Shaft enclosures containing a
713.13.1 recycling, or waste or linen 713.13.1 chute is permitted to be located in the same
recycling, or waste or linen chute
chute shaft with a waste chute.
Section revised to also refer to Section 712
Elevator, dumbwaiter and other Elevator, dumbwaiter and other
713.14 713.14 to permit the exceptions contained in
hoistway enclosures hoistway enclosures
Section 712 for shaft construction.
New section requiring listed penetration
Installation of penetration firestop firestop systems to be installed in
- - 714.2
systems accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions and listing criteria.
Section revised to clarify that the method of
Fire-resistance-rated
Fire-resistance-rated assemblies protecting the penetration, not the
713.3.1.1 assemblies (through- 714.4.1.1
(through-penetrations) penetration itself, is the subject of these
penetrations)
requirements.
Section revised to clarify that the method of
Installation (through- Fire-resistance-rated assemblies protecting the penetration, not the
714.4.1.1 714.5.1.1
penetrations) (through-penetrations) penetration itself, is the subject of these
requirements.
Exception 3 has been revised to clarify that
Through-penetration firestop Through-penetration firestop the exception to the T rating applies to metal
714.4.1.2 714.5.1.2
systems systems conduit or tubing of a maximum 4-inch
nominal diameter.
New exception to protecting membrane
penetrations has been added for ceiling
membrane penetrations by listed luminaires
or by luminaires protected with listed
714.4.2 Membrane penetrations 714.5.2 Membrane penetrations
materials which have been tested for use in
fire-resistance-rated assemblies and
installed in accordance with the instructions
included in the listing.
New exception added to clarify that a fire-
General (Fire-resistant joint resistant joint system is not required for the
715.1 715.1 General (Fire-resistant joint systems)
systems) joint between an exterior curtain wall and a
rated or unrated roof slab or deck.
The required fire separation distance for
joint systems on exterior walls to be tested
715.3 Fire test criteria 715.3 Fire test criteria
for interior fire exposure only has been
increased from 5 feet to 10 feet. This will
26
bring consistency between the requirements
for exterior walls (Section 705.5) and fire-
resistant joint systems installed within
exterior walls.
The requirement that opening protectives be
installed in accordance with NFPA 80 has
been relocated to the general requirements
716.1 General (Opening protectives) 716.1 General (Opening protectives)
of Section 716.1 because NFPA 80 applies
to all opening protectives not just fire door
and fire-protection-rated glazing.
New entry added to the table recognizing
ASTM E119 or UL 263 tested and listed
Marking Fire-Rated Glazing Marking Fire-Rated Glazing products for rated floor/ceiling assemblies
Table 716.3 Table 716.3
Assemblies Assemblies using the marking FC. New note a provides
a reference to glass walkways in Section
2409.1.
Section revised to provide reference to fire
test standards UL 10B and UL 10C for
716.3.1 Fire-rated glazing identification 716.3.1 Fire-rated glazing identification
consistency with other sections and tables in
Section 716.
The requirement that fire door and shutter
assemblies be installed in accordance with
Fire door and shutter
716.5 716.5 Fire door and shutter assemblies this section and NFPA has been relocated
assemblies
to the general requirements in Section
716.1.
New Note f added to table providing a
Opening Fire Protection reference to Section 716.3.1 and Table
Opening Fire Protection Assemblies,
Table 716.5 Assemblies, Ratings and Table 716.5 716.3 for fire-rated glazing products that
Ratings and Markings
Markings have product performance markings greater
than the minimum requirement in the code.
Section revised to add rolling steel fire doors
to the list of permitted other types of
Other types of assemblies (fire Other types of assemblies (fire
716.5.2 716.5.2 assemblies provided that they have been
doors) doors)
tested in accordance with NFPA 252 or UL
10B.
Horizontal exits (Fire-
Horizontal exits (Fire-protection- The 10-inch maximum dimension applied to
protection-rated glazing in door
716.5.8.1.2. 716.5.8.1.2. rated glazing in door assemblies in the 100 square inch visions panel limit for
assemblies in fire walls and fire
1 1 fire walls and fire barriers rated swinging doors in horizontal exits has been
barriers rated greater than 1
greater than 1 hour) delete.
hour)
27
Revised to clarify that this section only
716.5.9.1 Latch required 716.5.9.1 Latch required
applies to side-hinged swinging fire doors.
New section permits doors required to be
self-closing, but not automatic closing, to be
- - 716.5.9.3 Delayed action closers (door closing) equipped with delayed action closers. New
definition of delayed action closer has been
added to Chapter 2.
In general, this section has been revised for
clarity. The list of locations for automatic-
closing doors has been revised to eliminate
redundancy in the code. Previous Items 1,
2, 3, 10 and 11 are addressed in the
716.5.9.3 Smoke-activated doors 716.5.9.4 Smoke-activated doors sections specific to smoke barriers, shaft
enclosures, fire barriers and smoke barriers,
respectively. Fire barriers have been added
to the list to address doors that protect
openings in exit enclosures, vertical shafts,
incidental uses, etc.
Section revised to editorially separate
vertical sliding fire doors from rolling steel
716.5.9.4 Doors in pedestrian ways 716.5.9.5 Doors in pedestrian ways
fire doors because rolling steel fire doors
always operate vertically.
The requirement that fire-protection-rated
glazing be installed in accordance with this
716.6 Fire-protection-rated glazing 716.6 Fire-protection-rated glazing
section and NFPA 80 has been relocated to
the general requirements in Section 716.1.
The required fire separation distance for
nonsymmetrical fire-protection-rated glazing
systems on exterior walls to be tested for
Nonsymmetrical glazing interior fire exposure only has been
716.6.2 716.6.2 Nonsymmetrical glazing systems
systems increased from 5 feet to 10 feet. This will
bring consistency between the requirements
for exterior walls (Section 705.5) and glazing
systems installed within exterior walls.
Section editorially revised to change
terminology – “fire damper actuation device”
717.3.3.1 Fire damper actuation 717.3.3.1 Fire damper actuation
has been changed to “primary heat
responsive device.”
717.4 Access and identification Section reorganized into multiple sections
717.4 Access and identification
717.4.1 Access for clarity. New language requires dampers
28
717.4.1.1 Access openings equipped with fusible links, internal
717.4.1.2 Restricted access operators, or both to be provided with an
access door not less than 12 inches square
or provided with a removable duct section.
New section requiring where space
constraints or physical barriers restrict
717.4.2 Identification access to a damper for periodic inspection
and testing, the damper is required to be a
single- or multi-blade type damper and
comply with the remote inspection
requirements of NFPA 80 or NFPA 105.
Ducts and air transfer openings Ducts and air transfer openings of Section revised to clarify that fire dampers
717.5.2 717.5.2
of fire barriers fire barriers have to be listed.
Shaft enclosures penetrated by Shaft enclosures penetrated by Section revised to clarify that fire and smoke
717.5.3 717.5.3
ducts and air transfer openings. ducts and air transfer openings. dampers have to be listed.
Rows 27 and 30 have been revised to
Table Minimum Protection for Floor Table Minimum Protection for Floor and
correctly specify the resilient channels in the
721.1(3) and Roof Systems 721.1(3) Roof Systems
ceiling construction column.
Chapter 8: Interior Finishes
Reference sections and terms have been
revised to correlate with the consolidation of
the heavy timber requirements into Section
2304.11. Section revised to require that
803.3 Heavy timber exemption 803.3 Heavy timber exemption heavy timber construction be subject to
interior finish requirements when it is used
to form the interior surfaces of egress
elements such as interior exit stairways,
interior exit ramps, and exit passageways.
Reference sections and terms have been
revised to correlate with the consolidation of
803.13.3 Heavy timber construction 803.13.3 Heavy timber construction
the heavy timber requirements into Section
2304.11.
Section revised to permit interior floor finish
and floor covering materials required to be
Interior floor finish and covering Interior floor finish and floor of Class I or II materials to be classified in
804.2 804.2
classification classification accordance with ASTM E648, which is
technically equivalent to the existing
reference to NFPA 253.
29
Section revised to permit interior floor finish
Testing and identification of and floor covering materials to be tested in
Testing and identification of interior
804.3 interior floor finish and 804.3 accordance with ASTM E648, which is
floor finish and coverings
coverings technically equivalent to the existing
reference to NFPA 253.
Chapter 9: Fire Protection Systems
The exception to monitoring for limited area
systems has been revised to refer to Section
903.3.8 instead of systems serving fewer
Automatic sprinkler systems Automatic sprinkler systems than 20 sprinklers. Limited areas sprinklers
901.6.1 901.6.1
(supervisory service) (supervisory service) are limited to 6 sprinklers in Section 903.3.8.
The change is essentially a correlation with
the requirements in Section 903.3.8 that are
specific to limited area sprinkler systems.
New section specific to protection of attics
when using an NFPA 13R system has been
added. Some requirements previously only
required for Group R4 Condition 2 now
apply to all attics – 1. Attics used or
intended for living purposes or storage; 2.
Where fuel-fired equipment is installed in an
unsprinklered attic, at least one quick-
response sprinkler is required to be installed
above the equipment. Attic protection is
now required for Types III, IV, and V
- - 903.3.1.2.3 Attics (NFPA 13R systems)
construction where the roof assembly is
located more than 55 feet above the lowest
level of required fire department vehicle
access. Alternatives to sprinkler protection
include constructing the attic of
noncombustible materials or fire-retardant-
treated wood or fill the attic with
noncombustible insulation. The existing
requirements in Section 903.2.8.3 for Group
R-4, Condition 2 have been relocated to this
new section applicable to attic protection.
Attics used for living purposes,
The requirements of this section have been
903.2.8.3.1 storage or fuel fired equipment - -
relocated to Section 903.3.1.2.3.
(Group R4, Condition 2)
30
Attics not used living purposes,
The requirements of this section have been
903.2.8.3.2 storage or fuel fired equipment - -
relocated to Section 903.3.1.2.3.
(Group R4, Condition 2)
In required interior exit stairways, hose
connections are now required to be located
at the main floor landing. A new exception
Location of Class I standpipe Location of Class I standpipe hose for hose connections in interior exit
905.4 905.4
hose connections connections stairways, permits a single hose connection
to be installed in the open corridor or open
breezeway between open stairs that are not
greater than 75 ft apart.
The list of information to be included on the
fire alarm shop drawings has been deleted
907.1.2 Fire alarm shop drawings 907.1.2 Fire alarm shop drawings and the code now requires fire alarm shop
drawings to be prepared in accordance with
NFPA 72.
Section revised to also require a manual fire
alarm system where the Group A occupant
load is more than 100 persons above or
Group A (manual fire alarm below the lowest level of exit discharge.
907.2.1 907.2.1 Group A (manual fire alarm system)
system) This change will make requirements for
Group A occupancies located on a level
other than that of exit discharge to be
consistent with Group B.
Section revised to require an automatic
smoke detection system in areas containing
907.2.23 Battery rooms 907.2.23 Battery rooms stationary battery storage systems in
accordance with the Florida Fire Prevention
Code.
New section requiring an automatic smoke
detection system in areas containing
- - 907.2.24 Capacitor energy storage systems capacitor energy storage systems in
accordance with the Florida Fire Prevention
Code.
Section revised to specifically require that
the emergency/voice alarm communication
Emergency voice/alarm Emergency voice/alarm
907.5.2.2.4 907.5.2.2.4 system provide prerecorded or real-time
communication captions communication captions
captions in stadiums, arenas and
grandstands that have 15,000 fixed seats or
31
more and provide audible public
announcements.
Section revised to clarify that visible alarm
notification is required in habitable spaces in
Groups I-1 and R-1 (visible
907.5.2.3.2 907.5.2.3.2 Groups I-1 and R-1 (visible alarms) dwelling units and sleeping units in Group I-
alarms)
1 and R-1 occupancies in accordance with
Table 907.5.2.3.2.
Section reorganized for clarity. Requires
that the required capability to support visible
alarm notification appliances be able to
accommodate wired or wireless equipment.
907.3.2.3.3 Group R-2 907.3.2.3.3 Group R-2 Also revised to require that the future
capability include one of three capabilities
(interconnection, replacement, or future
extension) that previously were not required
but permitted options.
The carbon monoxide protection provisions
have been relocated to Section 915.
908.8 Carbon monoxide protection 915 Carbon monoxide protection
Requirements are unchanged from the
previous edition.
Requirements for a gas detection system
Group H-5 occupancy Group H-5 occupancy (emergency have been deleted from this section and
908.2 908.2
(emergency alarm systems) alarm systems) relocated to new Section 916 Gas Detection
Systems
Highly toxic and toxic materials
908.3 Provisions for gas detection systems have
(gas detection systems)
908.3.1 Alarms been consolidated into new Section 916.
908.3.2 Shutoff of gas supply Sections 908.3 through 908.7 have been
deleted with the specific requirements
908.3.3 Valve closure 916 Gas Detection Systems
relocated to Section 916. The revisions
908.4 Ozone gas-generator rooms
remove inconsistencies with how gas
908.5 Repair garages
detection systems are treated in the code
908.6 Refrigerant detector and improve enforceability.
908.7 Carbon dioxide (CO2) systems
Ventilation systems (smoke Ventilation systems (smoke control Exception has been reformatted to clarify
909.20.6.1 909.20.6.1
control systems) systems) the intent.
The methods for protecting cables used for
913.2.2 Circuits supplying fire pumps 913.2.2 Circuits supplying fire pumps survivability of circuits supplying fire pumps
have been revised for clarity:
32
 Cables protecting critical circuits
listed in accordance with UL 2196
and have a fire-resistance rating of
1 hour.
 Electrical circuit protective systems
having a fire-resistance rating of 1
hour.
 Construction having a fire-
resistance rating of 1 hour.
Chapter 10: Means of Egress
The occupant load factor for business areas
has been changed from 100 gross to 150
gross.
Table Maximum Floor Area Table Maximum Floor Area Allowances
1004.1.2 Allowances Per Occupant 1004.5 Per Occupant
New table entry added for concentrated
business uses to be determined in
accordance with new Section 1004.8.
New section stipulating that where an area
contains multiple functions having different
occupant load factors, the design occupant
- - 1004.3 Multiple function occupant load
load is required to be based on the floor
area of each function calculated
independently.
Section revised to require the posting of
occupant loads for assembly occupancies to
1004.3 Posting of occupant load 1004.9 Posting of occupant load
include the intended configurations where
multiple configurations are possible.
Occupied roofs are now included within the
1004.5 Outdoor areas 1004.7 Outdoor areas
scope of this section.
New section added addressing occupant
loads for concentrated business uses
including telephone call centers, trading
floors, electronic data processing centers
and similar business use areas that have a
- - 1004.8 Concentrated business use areas
higher density of occupants than a normal
business occupancy. The occupant load is
permitted to be the actual occupant load
when approved by the building official but
not less than 1 occupant per 50 square feet.
33
The term “outdoor smoke protected
1005.3.1 Stairways 1005.3.1 Stairways assembly seating” has been changed to
“open air assembly seating.”
The term “outdoor smoke protected
1005.3.2 Other egress components 1005.3.2 Other egress components assembly seating” has been changed to
“open air assembly seating.”
New language added requiring that the
cumulative occupant load be determined in
accordance with Section 1004.2 to clarify
the capacity determinations for the required
number of exits or access to exits.
Egress based on occupant load Egress based on occupant load and
A new exception has been added permitting
1006.2.1 and common path of egress 1006.2.1 common path of egress travel
the number of exits from foyers, lobbies,
travel distance distance
vestibules, or similar spaces to not be based
on cumulative occupant loads for areas
discharging through such spaces. However,
the capacity of the exits from such spaces
must be based on applicable cumulative
occupant loads.
The maximum occupant load of the space
for Group R-4 occupancies to have one exit
or exit access doorway has been increased
Table Spaces with One Exit or Exit Table Spaces with One Exit or Exit Access
from 10 to 20.
1006.2.1 Access Doorway 1006.2.1 Doorway
Note e has been editorially revised to clarify
the intent.
Section revised to clarify that it is exit and
1006.2.2.2 Refrigeration machinery rooms 1006.2.2.2 Refrigeration machinery rooms exit access doorways that must swing in the
direction of travel, not all doors.
Section revised to clarify that required exits
and access to exits must be separate and
distinct.
Egress from stories of occupied Egress from stories of occupied The requirement that the path of egress
1006.3 1006.3
roofs roofs travel to an exit not pass through more than
one adjacent story has been relocated to
new Section 1006.3.1 and includes multiple
new exceptions.
34
New language has been added clarifying
that where stairways serve more than one
story, only the occupant load of each story
considered individually is to be used in
calculating the required number of exits or
access to exits serving that story for
consistency with occupant load calculations
for stories in Section 1004.2.3.
The requirement that the path of egress
travel to an exit not pass through more than
one adjacent story has been relocated to
- - 1006.3.1 Adjacent story new Section 1006.3.1 and includes multiple
new exceptions to coordinate with the
allowance for exit access stairways in
Section 1019.3.
Section revised to clarify that required exits
1006.3.1 Egress based on occupant load 1006.3.1 Egress based on occupant load and access to exits must be separate and
distinct.
New section added intending to limit the
amount of light required for safe exiting from
a building on large private campuses. A
new exception has been added to the exit
Exit discharge (means of egress discharge illumination requirements where
- - 1008.2.3
illumination) the path of exit discharge is illuminated from
the exit to a safe dispersal area complying
with Section 1028.5 and the safe dispersal
area is illuminated to a level not less than 1
footcandle at the walking surface.
Section revised for consistent use of
terminology.
1010.1.1 Size of doors 1010.1.1 Size of doors
Exceptions have been modified to correlate
with accessibility requirements and
limitations.
Section editorially revised to clarify
1010.1.1.1 Projections into clear width 1010.1.1.1 Projections into clear width projections is not permitted in the clear
opening width as specified.
The term “collapsing force” has been
Other than egress component Other than egress component
1010.1.4.1.2 1010.1.4.1.2 changed to “breakout force” for consistent
(revolving doors) (revolving doors)
use of terminology in this section.
35
New language added requiring low energy
power-operated sliding doors and low
energy power-operated folding doors to
comply with BHMA A156.38.
1010.1.4.2 Power-operated doors 1010.1.4.2 Power-operated doors
Exception 2 has been revised to include
special purpose accordion and folding doors
within its scope.
New section permitting egress doors from
classrooms, offices, and other occupied
rooms in Group E and Group B educational
occupancies to have locking arrangements
designed to keep intruders from entering the
room. The following conditions must be
satisfied:
Locking arrangements in educational  The door must be capable of being
- - 1010.1.4.4
occupancies unlocked from outside the room with
a key or other approved means.
 The door must be openable from
within the room in accordance with
Section 1010.1.9.
 Listed panic hardware, fire door
hardware, and door closers cannot
be modified.
New section permitting remote operation of
- - 1010.1.4.4.1 Remote operation of locks locks complying with new Section
1010.1.4.4.
New exception for doors serving dwelling
units or sleeping units that limits the height
of the threshold to that required to pass the
water resistance test of AAMA/WDMA/CSA
1010.1.7 Thresholds 1010.1.7 Thresholds
101/I.S.2/A440 or TAS 202, or the maximum
allowable height distance between interior
and exterior floor levels as specified in new
Table 1010.1.7.
New table specifying the maximum height
difference between interior and exterior floor
Table
- - Exterior Floor Level Difference levels for primary and secondary doors
1010.1.7
where the exterior floor is of pervious or
impervious construction.
36
New section permitting electrical systems to
monitor, or record egress activity provided
the locking system complies with Section
1010.1.9.7, 1010.1.9.8, 1010.1.9.9,
- - 1010.1.9.3 Monitored or recorded egress
1010.1.9.10, or 1010.1.9.11. Alternatively,
the door must be readily openable from the
egress side without the use of a key or
special knowledge.
New condition for locking and latching of
doors has been added for doors serving
1010.1.9.3 Locks and latches 1010.1.9.4 Locks and latches roofs not intended to be occupied. When
accessing the roof, the locks cannot
automatically lock.
Section deleted in its entirety because it is
an inconsistent requirement that should
Closets and bathroom doors in
apply to other occupancies as well if there
1010.1.9.5.1 Group R-4 occupancies - -
are concerns about persons receiving
(unlatching)
custodial care locking themselves into a
bathroom or closet.
1010.1.9.8 Delayed egress New exceptions added permitting delayed
egress locking systems in Group E
occupancies and courtrooms. Delayed
egress locks are permitted in Group E
occupancies with an occupant load of 10 or
fewer provided the building has an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1 or an approved
automatic smoke or heat detection system
in accordance with Section 907. Delayed
1010.1.9.7 Delayed egress egress locks are permitted on exit or exit
1010.1.9.8.1 Delayed egress locking system
access doors, other than the main exit door,
that serve courtrooms provided the building
has an automatic sprinkler system installed
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Section has been reformatted to specify the

installation and operation of a delayed
egress locking system in accordance with
new Section 1010.1.9.8.1.
37
New exception to item 5 added to allow up
to two delayed egress systems in Group I-1
or I-4 occupancies. The combined delay
cannot exceed 30 seconds and the building
is required to have an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1.
Section revised to improve clarity and
consistency in language. The numbered list
Sensor release of electrically Sensor release of electrically locked of criteria for sensor release of electric
1010.1.9.8 1010.1.9.9
locked egress doors egress doors locking systems has been revised to clarify
the required functions of the electric locking
system.
Section revised to permit door hardware
release of electric locking systems on doors
in the means of egress in all occupancies
except Group H. Additional revisions clarify
Electromagnetically locked Door hardware release of electrically
1010.1.9.9 1010.1.9.10 the required functions of all types of
egress doors locked egress doors
electrical locking systems which are
operated or unlocked by operation of the
door hardware such as panic hardware, fire
exit hardware, or door knobs or levers.
Section revised to permit egress control
Locking arrangements in Locking arrangements in buildings
1010.1.9.10 1010.1.9.11 devices in all buildings with correctional and
correctional facilities with correctional facilities
detention facilities.
Exception 3 has been revised to apply to all
1010.1.9.11 Stairway doors 1010.1.9.12 Stairway doors stairway doors not just stairways serving not
more than four stories.
Section revised to only apply to swinging
doors.
Exception 2 has been revised to allow doors

1010.1.10 Panic and fire exit hardware 1010.1.10 Panic and fire exit hardware in the means of egress of Group A and E
occupancy with occupant load of 50 or more
be equipped with doors complying with
Section 1010.1.9.9 for sensor release of
electrically locked egress doors.
1010.3 Turnstiles and similar devices Section reformatted by relocating the
1010.3 Turnstiles 1010.3.1 Capacity capacity and clear width requirements for
1010.3.1.1 Clear width turnstiles to new sections for clarity.
38
Reference to new Section 1010.3.2 has
been added for security access turnstiles.
New section added permitting security
access turnstiles that inhibit travel in the
direction of egress utilizing a physical barrier
to be considered a component of the means
of egress provided certain criteria are met.
Some of the key criteria include:
 The building is protected by an
approved supervised automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1.
- - 1010.3.2 Security access turnstiles
 Each turnstile has a clear passage
width of 22 inches.
 Depending on the clear passage
width, the maximum egress capacity
is determined.
 The secured physical barrier is
required to automatically retract or
swing to the open position in the
direction of egress for the specified
conditions.
New exception added to the requirement for
a side-hinged swinging door for security
1010.3.2 Additional door 1010.3.4 Additional door
access turnstiles that comply with Section
1010.3.2.
The minimum tread depth for spiral
1011.10 Spiral stairways 1011.10 Spiral stairways stairways has been reduced to 6 ¾ inches
at a point 12 inches from the walkline.
Section revised to clarify that handrails are
1011.11 Handrails 1011.11 Handrails
required on “flights of” stairways.
New language added requiring permanent
ladders to be constructed in accordance
with Section 306.5 of the Florida Building
Code, Mechanical.
1011.16 Ladders 1011.16 Ladders
Item 6 has been revised to apply to ladders
permitted to access equipment and
appliances in accordance with Section 306.5
of the Florida Building Code, Mechanical.
39
The maximum height of floor-level exit sign
Floor-level exit signs in Group
1013.2 1013.2 Floor-level exit signs in Group R-1 has been changed to no more than 18
R-1
inches above the floor level.
The requirement that an exit sign in raised
characters and braille complying with the
Florida Building Code, Accessibility be
Raised character and braille Raised character and braille exit
1013.4 1013.4 provided adjacent to each door to an area of
exit signs signs
refuge has been revised to require such sign
to an area of refuge that provides direct
access to a stairway.
Section revised for clarity by relocating the
exception for Group I-2 Condition 2 exit sign
1013.6.3 Power source 1013.6.3 Power source
illumination from an exception to a
requirement in the main paragraph.
Section revised to clarify that handrails are
1014.1 Where required (handrails) 1014.1 Where required (handrails)
required on “flights of” stairways.
A new exception to the minimum guard
height has been added for Group F
occupancies. Where exit access stairways
serve three or fewer stories and are not
open to the public and where the top of the
1015.3 Height (guards) 1015.3 Height (guards)
guard also serves as the handrail, the top of
the guard is permitted to be no less than 34
inches and not more than 38 inches
measured from a line connecting the leading
edges of the treads.
The minimum height of the top of the sill of
an operable window opening above the
1015.8 Window openings 1015.8 Window openings
finished floor requiring fall protection has
been reduced from 36 inches to 24 inches.
In Item 1, the requirement that access to not
less than one of the required exits be
provided without travel through the enclosed
Egress through intervening Egress through intervening spaces
1016.2 1016.2 elevator lobbies required by Section 3006
spaces (exit access) (exit access)
has been revised to not apply if the lobby is
only provided to meet the requirements of
Section 3007.6 Exception 1
Measurement (exit access Measurement (exit access travel Section revised to clarify that all potential
1017.3 1017.3
travel distance) distance) paths of egress travel must be considered
40
for determining occupant remoteness for
measuring exit access travel distance.
Occupancies other than Groups Occupancies other than Groups I-2
Item 7 revised to clarify terminology by
1019.3 I-2 and I-3 (exit access 1019.3 and I-3 (exit access stairways and
adding smoke-protected assembly seating.
stairways and ramps) ramps)
Group R-4 has been removed from
Exception 2 for dead ends because single
1020.4 Dead ends (corridors) 1020.4 Dead ends (corridors)
exit buildings do not have dead ends and
Group R-4 is permitted to have single exits.
New exception added to the separation
requirements between an interior exit
stairway or ramp and the exit passageway
Extension (interior exit Extension (interior exit stairways and
1023.3.1 1023.3.1 extension where the interior exit stair and
stairways and ramps) ramps)
the exit passageway extension are
pressurized in accordance with Section
909.20.5.
Section revised to permit electrical raceway
1023.5 Penetrations 1023.5 Penetrations for security systems to penetrate into or
through interior exit stairways and ramps.
Reference to Section 412.3.2 for air traffic
1023.11 Smokeproof enclosures 1023.11 Smokeproof enclosures
control towers has been added.
New section added referencing Sections
- - 1023.12 Standpipes 905.3 and 905.4 for standpipes and
standpipe hose connections for clarity.
Penetrations into or through exit
passageways have been revised to include
Penetrations (exit
1024.6 1024.6 Penetrations (exit passageways) two-way communication systems. The term
passageways)
sprinkler piping has been changed to fire
protection systems for clarity.
New exception added to the minimum width
Obstacles (luminous egress Obstacles (luminous egress path of 1 inch for marking of obstacles into the
1025.2.5 1025.2.5
path markings) markings) egress path for markings listed in
accordance with UL 1994.
Section revised to clarify that the anticipated
occupant load of the refuge area needs to
1026.4 Refuge area (horizontal exits) 1026.4 Refuge area (horizontal exits)
be more than the total occupant load of the
adjoining compartment.
41
The refuge area capacity requirements for
Groups I-1, I-2, I-4, and Group B ambulatory
1026.4.1 Capacity 1026.4.1 Capacity
care facilities have been relocated from the
exception into the main body of the section.
New exception added for Group R-3
Location (exterior exit stairways Location (exterior exit stairways and
1027.5 1027.5 occupancies that permits the minimum fire
and ramps) ramps)
separation distance to be 5 feet.
New exception added to exterior exit
stairway and ramp separation for Group R-3
Exterior exit stairway and ramp Exterior exit stairway and ramp
1027.6 1027.6 occupancies not more the 4 stories in height
protection protection
where the exterior exit stairway or ramp
discharges directly to grade.
The requirement to use a 36-inch-tall
Width or capacity (exit guardrail to direct occupants toward the exit
1028.4.1 1028.4.1 Width or capacity (exit discharge)
discharge) when the egress court exceeds the
minimum required width has been deleted.
Section revised to provide terminology
consistency throughout Chapter 10
1029.6 Capacity of aisle for assembly 1029.6 Capacity of aisle for assembly regarding exit access travel distance and
the terms open-air assembly seating and
smoke-protected assembly seating.
Outdoor smoke-protected
1029.6.3 1029.6.3 Open-air assembly seating regarding exit access travel distance and
assembly seating
1029.7 Travel distance 1029.7 Travel distance regarding exit access travel distance and
1029.8 Common path of egress travel 1029.8 Common path of egress travel regarding exit access travel distance and
42
1029.8.1 Path through adjacent row 1029.8.1 Path through adjacent row regarding exit access travel distance and
Section revised for consistency with
1029.9.1 Minimum aisle width 1029.9.1 Minimum aisle width
accessibility requirements.
1029.9.5 Dead end aisles 1029.9.5 Dead end aisles regarding exit access travel distance and
Transitions and stairways that Transitions to stairways that Section revised to clarify the language
1029.10.2 maintain stepped aisle riser and 1029.10.2 maintain stepped aisle riser and regarding transitions between stepped
tread dimensions. tread dimensions. aisles and stairways.
Section revised to clarify the language
Stairways and stepped aisles in Stairways and stepped aisles in a
1029.10.2.1 1029.10.2.1 regarding transitions between stepped
a straight run straight run
aisles and stairways.
Stairways and stepped aisles Stairways that change direction from
1029.10.2.2 1029.10.2.2 regarding transitions between stepped
that change direction stepped aisles
1029.10.3 Transition marking 1029.10.3 Transition marking regarding transitions between stepped
1029.11 Stepped aisles at vomitories
Stepped aisles that change direction
1029.11.1 New sections added that address issues
- - at vomitories
with stepped aisles around vomitories.
Stepped aisle transitions at the top
1029.11.2
of vomitories
1029.12.2.1 Dual access 1029.13.2.1 Dual access regarding exit access travel distance and
1029.12.2.2 Single access 1029.13.2.2 Single access regarding exit access travel distance and
43
Table Smoke-Protected Assembly Table Smoke-Protected or Open-Air
regarding exit access travel distance and
1029.12.2.1 Aisle Accessways 1029.13.2.1 Assembly Aisle Accessways
Chapter 11: Accessibility
No changes.
Chapter 12: Interior Environment
Section revised to add an alternative to
determining the sound transmission class.
Permits the sound transmission class of
walls, partitions, and floor/ceiling assemblies
1207.2 Airborne sound 1207.2 Airborne sound to be established by an engineering analysis
based on a comparison of walls, partitions,
and floor/ceiling assemblies having sound
transmission class ratings determined by the
test procedures set forth in ASTM E90.
Section revised to add an alternative to
determining the impact insulation class.
Permits the impact insulation class of
floor/ceiling assemblies to be established by
1207.3 Structure-borne sound 1207.3 Structure-borne sound an engineering analysis based on a
comparison of floor/ceiling assemblies
having sound transmission class ratings
determined by the test procedures set forth
in ASTM E492.
New language added to clarify that the
1208.2 Minimum ceiling heights 1208.2 Minimum ceiling heights minimum ceiling heights specified are to be
measured from the finished floor.
Chapter 13: Energy Efficiency
No changes.
Chapter 14: Exterior Walls
Reference sections and terminology have
been changed to correlate with the
consolidation of the heavy timber
Balconies and similar requirements in Section 2304.11.
1406.3 1406.3 Balconies and similar projections
projections
Exception 2 (exception to using fire-
resistance rated construction or heavy
timber for balcony construction) now permits
44
the use of plastic composites that comply
with ASTM D7032 and Section 2612 for
pickets and rails or similar guard devices.
The application of MCMs and MCM systems
have been simplified and clarified. The
alternate installation conditions of Section
1407.11 have been deleted and the
limitations and criteria for installing MCMs
and MCM systems on buildings have been
consolidated in Section 1407.10.
For installations up to 40 feet above grade

Type I, II, II and IV construction Type I, II, II and IV construction plane on Types I, II, III, and IV construction,
1407.10 1407.10
(Metal Composite Materials) (Metal Composite Materials) MCMs and MCM systems must comply with
the surface-burning characteristics and
thermal barrier requirements specified in
Section 1407.10.1 through 1407.10.3.
For installations up to 40 feet above grade

plane on Types I, II, III, and IV construction,
MCMs and MCM systems must also comply
with the full-scale test requirements of
Section 1407.10.4
Alternate conditions (MCMs Sections 1407.11 through 1407.11.4.4 have
1407.11 - -
and MCM systems) been deleted in their entirety.
Chapter 15: Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
Exception for the HVHZ has been revised to
also include reference to Section 1507.18.1
which requires solar photovoltaic
panels/modules installed on roofs to comply
with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
1501.1 Scope 1501.1 Scope
Inclusion of Section 1507.18.1 in the High
Velocity Hurricane Zone will provide
pathways on roofs for firefighter access
consistent with the requirements throughout
the rest of the State of Florida.
Section revised editorially to clarify scoping
1503.1 General 1503.1 General
language.
- - 1504.3.3 Metal roof shingles
45
New section requiring that metal roof
shingles applied to a solid or closely fitted
deck to be tested in accordance with FM
4474, UL 580, UL 1897, ASTM D3161, or
Classification of Metal Roof Shingles TAS 107.
Table
Tested in Accordance with ASTM
1504.3.3
D3161 New Table 1504.3.3 specifies the required
classification of metal shingles tested to
ASTM D3161 based on the ultimate design
wind speed (similar to the classification
requirements for asphalt shingles).
Section revised to correlate with ASCE 7-16
by adding a reference to new Figure
Edge securement for low-slope
1504.5 1504.5 Edge securement for low-slope roofs 1609.3(4). Figure 1609.3.(4) specifies the
roofs
ultimate design wind speed for Risk
Category IV buildings and structures.
The reference section for the “Resistance to
1504.7 Impact resistance 1504.7 Impact resistance Foot Traffic Test” in FM 4474 has been
updated to Section 4.6.
Note b has been revised to eliminate the
Minimum Roof Covering Minimum Roof Covering option of using non-classified roof coverings
Table Table
Classification for Types of Classification for Types of on Group R-3 buildings. All buildings within
1505.1 1505.1
Construction Construction the scope of the FBCR require a Class A, B,
or C roof covering.
New section requiring building-integrated
photovoltaic products installed as the roof
Building-integrated photovoltaic
- - 1505.8 covering to be tested, listed, and labeled for
products
fire classification in accordance with Section
1505.1 (See also Section 1510.7).
New section requiring rooftop-mounted
photovoltaic panel systems to be tested
listed and identified with a fire classification
Roof-mounted photovoltaic panel in accordance with UL 1703 or UL2073. The
- - 1505.9
systems fire classification is required to comply with
Table 1505.1 based on the type of
construction of the building. (See also
Sections 1507.17.6 and 1510.7.)
1507.1.1 Underlayment 1507.1.1 Underlayment
46
Underlayment for asphalt, metal, Underlayment types and installation for all
1507.1.1.1 mineral surfaced, slate and slate- roof coverings have been revised to be
type roof coverings consistent the recommendations from IBHS
Underlayment for concrete and clay to create a “sealed roof deck.” The key
1507.1.1.2
tile changes are as follows:
 Where felt underlayment is used, it
must be 30# or equivalent (ASTM D
226 Type II, ASTM D4869 Types III
or IV).
 Installation techniques such as
number of plies, lapping, and
fastener spacing has been
strengthened.
 Where self-adhering strips/tapes are
applied over roof deck joints, a 30#
equivalent underlayment with
enhanced fastening is required over
the strips/tapes.
Underlayment for wood shakes and
1507.1.1.3
shingles. Underlayment for concrete and clay tile
roofs is required to be in accordance
FRSA/TRI Florida High Wind Concrete and
Clay Roof Tile Installation Manual.
A new exception permits an existing self-

adhered membrane to remain on the roof
provided that, if required, re-nailing of the
roof deck in accordance with Section
706.7.1 of the FBCEB can be confirmed or
verified. An approved underlayment for the
applicable roof coverings is required to be
applied over the existing self-adhered
membrane.
Table
Underlayment Table - - Table has been deleted.
1507.1.1
New table specifies the required
Table Underlayment with Self-Adhering underlayment types, lapping, and fasteners
- -
1507.1.1.1 Strips Over Roof Deck Joints where self-adhering strips/tapes are applied
to the roof deck joints.
47
Wind resistance of asphalt Section revised to clarify that shingle
1507.2.7.1 1507.2.7.1 Wind resistance of asphalt shingles
shingles wrappers have to be labeled.
Section revised to require that drip edge at
1507.2.9.3 Drip edge 1507.2.9.3 Drip edge
gables be installed over the underlayment.
Sections 1507.3.1 through 1507.3.9 have
been revised to reference the updated
FRSA/TRI Florida High Wind Concrete and
1507.3 Clay and concrete tile 1507.3 Clay and concrete tile
Clay Roof Tile Installation Manual, 6th
Edition. The 6th Edition has been updated to
comply with ASCE 7-16.
AWPA U1 references have been updated
Table Wood Shake Material Table Wood Shake Material
for preservative-treated taper sawn shakes
1507.9.6 Requirements 1507.9.6 Requirements of Southern Pine.
Material standards (modified Material standards (modified Section revised to delete the withdrawn
1507.11.2 1507.11.2
bitumen roofing) bitumen roofing) standard CGSB 37-GP-56M.
Material standards (thermoset Material standards (thermoset Section revised to delete the withdrawn
1507.12.2 1507.12.2
single-ply roofing) single-ply roofing) standard CGSB 37-GP-56M.
Material standards
Material standards (thermoplastic Section revised to delete the withdrawn
1507.13.2 (thermoplastic single-ply 1507.13.2
single-ply roofing) standard CGSB 37-GP-56M.
roofing)
Type of construction (rooftop Type of construction (rooftop been changed to correlate with the
1510.2.5 1510.2.5
structures) structures) consolidation of the heavy timber
requirements in Section 2304.11.
been changed to correlate with the
1510.3 Tanks 1510.3 Tanks
consolidation of the heavy timber
requirements in Section 2304.11.
The specified wind design criteria for
rooftop-mounted photovoltaic systems has
been deleted and replaced with a reference
Wind resistance of photovoltaic Wind resistance of photovoltaic
1510.7.1 1510.7.1 to designing for wind loads in accordance
systems systems
with ASCE 7. ASCE 7-16 includes new
wind design criteria for roof-top mounted
photovoltaic systems.
New section requires metal electrical
Cable- and raceway-type wiring conduit to be encased in concrete or
- - 1510.11
methods supported above the roof covering when
installed on roofs. Additionally, where metal
48
electrical conduit is installed under
corrugated metal sheet roof decking, it is
required to be located not less than 1.5
inches from the lowest surface of the roof
decking.
Section revised to clarify that existing or
salvaged slate, clay, or concrete tile is
permitted for reinstallation or reuse, to repair
an existing roof provided it is of like kind in
material and profile. New language
1511.5 Reinstallation of materials 1511.5 Reinstallation/reuse of materials
specifically permits the building official to
permit salvaged slate, clay, concrete tile on
additions and new construction provided the
tile is tested and installed in accordance with
Section 1507.
New language added indicating that if roof
1514.4 Roof drainage (HVHZ) 1514.4 Roof drainage (HVHZ) drains are required, they must comply with
the Florida Building Code, Plumbing.
Section revised to require overflow drains
and scuppers be sized in accordance with
Overflow drains and scuppers Overflow drains and scuppers
1514.4.2 1514.4.2 ASCE 7, Chapter 8 with commentary in
(HVHZ) (HVHZ)
addition to the Florida Building Code,
Plumbing.
Section revised to clarify that when
recovering, reroofing, or repairing an
existing roof, the existing size of required
Sizing of scuppers and roof Sizing of scuppers and roof drains
1514.4.2.2 1514.4.2.2 scuppers and/or roof drains are prohibited
drains on existing roofs (HVHZ) on existing roofs (HVHZ)
from being reduced unless a new drainage
system is designed by a registered design
professional.
Section revised to require roof drains,
gutters, conductors, and leaders to be sized
1514.4.3 Sizing and discharge (HVHZ) 1514.4.3 Sizing and discharge (HVHZ) in accordance with ASCE 7, Chapter 8 with
commentary in addition to the Florida
Building Code, Plumbing.
New note added to table permitting standing
Table Table seam metal roof panel systems that pass
Minimum Slope (HVHZ) Minimum Slope (HVHZ)
1515.2 1515.2 the requirements of the Static Water
Leakage Test criteria of FM 4471 Appendix
49
G, to be installed to a minimum slope of
1:12.
Section revised to remove the reference to
Owner notification of the notification by means of the roofing permit
Owner notification of the possibility
1521.13 possibility of ponding water 1521.13 and required owner’s notification. This
of ponding water (HVHZ)
(HVHZ) requirement has been removed from the
HVHZ standard roofing application form.
Section revised indicating that single-ply
Single-ply systems deflection Single-ply systems deflection roofing systems are not required to meet the
1523.6.4 1523.6.4
requirements (HVHZ) requirements (HVHZ) deflection requirements in TAS 124 if
mechanically attached.
New section permitting standing seam metal
roof panel systems that pass the
1523.6.5.2.4 Minimum slope of standing seam
- - requirements of the Static Water Leakage
.1.1 metal roof panel systems (HVHZ)
Test criteria of FM 4471 Appendix G, to be
installed to a minimum slope of 1:12.
The uniform roofing permit application form
for the HVHZ has been updated for
High-Velocity Hurricane Zones High-Velocity Hurricane Zones – consistency with ASCE-16. The specified
1525 1525
– Uniform Permit Application Uniform Permit Application roof zones have been revised to correlate
with the new roof zone designations in
ASCE 7-16.
Chapter 16: Structural Design
Section revised to require machinery or
equipment loads which are a greater
magnitude than the loads defined in the
1603.1.8 Special loads 1603.1.8 Special loads
specified floor and roof loads, to be
specified by their description and locations
on the construction documents.
New section requiring specific roof rain load
data to be included on the construction
- - 1603.1.9 Roof rain load data
documents. The rain load and rain intensity,
i, are required to be identified.
Section revised to update the Steel Joist
1604.3.3 Steel (deflection criteria) 1604.3.3 Steel (deflection criteria) Institute standards which have been
combined into SJI 100 and SJI 200.
Note “d” has been revised to recognize
Table Table
Deflection Limits Deflection Limits different creep behavior of specific wood
1604.3 1604.3
products in accordance with the NDS.
50
New exception added to clarify that the
entire building does not have to be classified
as Risk Category IV where a storm shelter
Multiple occupancies (Risk Multiple occupancies (Risk Category designed and constructed in accordance
1604.5.1 1604.5.1
Category assignment) assignment) with ICC 500 is provided. The risk category
for the normal occupancy of the building
applies unless the storm shelter is a
designated emergency shelter.
Section references have been updated to
1605.2.1 Other loads (flood) 1605.2.1 Other loads (flood)
correlate with ASCE 7-16.
Uniform live loads for balconies and decks
have been modified to be 1.5 times the live
load for the area served but not more than
100 psf. This change will align the uniform
Minimum Uniformly Distributed Minimum Uniformly Distributed Live live loads on decks and balconies with
Table Table
Live Loads, LO, and Minimum Loads, LO, and Minimum ASCE 7-16.
1607.1 1607.1
Concentrated Live Loads Concentrated Live Loads
Additionally, the table and notes have been
revised to identify more clearly which live
loads are permitted to be reduced and which
ones are not.
Editorial clarification that roofs have to be
1607.4 Concentrated live loads 1607.4 Concentrated live loads
designed for concentrated live loads.
Loads on handrails, guards,
Loads on handrails, guards, grab
1607.8 grab bars, seats, and vehicle 1607.8 Section editorially revised for clarity.
bars and seats
barriers
Elements supporting hoists for
Elements supporting hoists for Section editorially revised for consistency
1607.9.3 1607.9.3 facade access and building
facade access equipment with ASCE 7-16.
maintenance equipment
Lifeline anchorages for facade Section editorially revised for consistency
1607.9.4 1607.9.4 Fall arrest and lifeline anchorages
access equipment with ASCE 7-16.
Section revised to require the weight of all
Vegetative and landscaped landscaping materials to be determined in
1607.12.3.1 1607.12.3.1 Vegetative and landscaped roofs
roofs accordance with Section 3.1.4 of ASCE 7
instead of ASTM 2397.
Section editorially reformatted to clarify that
1607.12.5.1 Roof live load 1607.12.5.1 Roof live load roof assemblies and supporting structures
are designed, not the roof surfaces.
Photovoltaic panels installed on New section requiring structures with open
- - 1607.12.5.2.1
open-grid roof structures grid framing and no roof deck or sheathing
51
supporting photovoltaic panel systems to be
designed to support the roof live loads
specified in Section 1607.12.5.1. The
uniform roof live load is be permitted to be
reduced to 12 psf.
New section added requiring fire walls to
- - 1607.14.2 Fire walls (live loads) withstand a minimum horizontal allowable
stress load of 5 psf.
The reference to the alternate all-heights
method for determining wind loads in
Section 1609.6 has been deleted.
Exception 4 has been revised to add the title

1609.1.1 Determination of wind loads 1609.1.1 Determination of wind loads Guide Specifications for Design of Metal
Flagpoles to the standard reference
NAAMM FP 1001.
Chapter 35 has been revised to update

ASCE 7 to the 2016 edition (ASCE 7-16).
A new wind speed map specific to Risk
Category IV buildings and structures has
been added. Figure 1609.3(2) now only
applies to Risk Category III buildings and
Ultimate Design Wind Speed, Vult, for structures. The new wind speed map is
Figure
- - Risk Category IV Buildings and consistent with ASCE 7-16 and is based on
1609.3(3)
Other Structures a mean recurrence interval of 3000 years.
Numerous sections throughout the code

have been modified to incorporate reference
to Figure 1609.3(3).
The alternate all-heights method for
1609.6 Alternate all-heights method - - determining wind loads has been deleted in
its entirety.
Nominal (ASD) Garage Door Design pressure values in the table less
Nominal (ASD) Garage Door and
and Rolling Door Wind Loads than 10 psf have been revised to be 10 psf
Rolling Door Wind Loads for a
1609.7(1) for a Building with a Mean Roof 1609.6(1) minimum. Note 2 has been revised to clarify
Building with a Mean Roof Height of
Height of 30 feet Located in that the minimum positive and negative ASD
30 feet Located in Exposure B
Exposure B wind load for garage doors is 10 psf.
52
Section 1609.8 has been deleted as the
1609.8 Rooftop equipment - - requirements are now covered in ASCE 7-
16.
A new exception has been added that
modifies Section 9.6 of ASCE 24 regarding
pools. The exception permits equipment for
pools, spas and water features to be located
below the elevation required in Table 7-1 of
- - 1612.4.2 Modification of ASCE 24 9.6 Pools
ASCE 24 provided the equipment is
elevated to the extent practical, is anchored
to prevent flotation and resist flood forces,
and is supplied by branch circuits that have
ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.
General section revised to clarify that
Section 1615.3 applies to frame structures
1615.1 General (structural integrity) 1615.1 General (structural integrity)
and Section 1615.4 applies to bearing wall
structures.
Specific design wind speeds have been
added for Risk Category IV buildings and
structures located in the HVHZ for
consistency with ASCE 7-16. For Miami-
1620.2 Design wind speeds (HVHZ) 1620.2 Design wind speeds (HVHZ)
Dade County, the Risk Category IV wind
speed for the entire county is 195 mph. For
Broward County, the Risk Category IV wind
speed for the entire county is 185 mph.
The wind loading criteria for rooftop
structures has been deleted and the section
Rooftop equipment and Rooftop equipment and structures now references ASCE 7 for wind loads on
1620.6 1620.6
structures (HVHZ) (HVHZ) rooftop structures. The specific
requirements are now covered in ASCE 7-
16.
The exception to impact testing for louvers
has been revised to require that they also
comply with Section 1626.5.3. New section
1626.5.3 requires open and closed louvers
Impact tests for wind-borne Impact tests for wind-borne debris
1626.1 1626.1 to comply with the uniform pressure testing
debris (HVHZ) (HVHZ)
required in TAS 202 and either the cyclical
wind pressure loading required in TAS 203
or impact and cyclical pressure testing of
AMCA 540.
53
New sections have been added specifying
impact criteria for louvers. Louvers located
on the building envelope and within 30 feet
of grade are now required to meet AMCA
540 or TAS 201 (large missile) or protected
with an impact-resistant cover complying
with TAS 201 (large missile), TAS 202, and
TAS 203.
Louvers required to be open for life safety

- - 1626.5 Louvers (HVHZ)
purposes and located within 30 feet of grade
are required to comply with AMCA 540 or
TAS 201 (large missile).
Open and closed louvers are required to

comply with the uniform pressure testing
required in TAS 202 and either the cyclical
wind pressure loading required in TAS 203
or impact and cyclical pressure testing of
AMCA 540.
Chapter 17: Special Inspections and Tests
New section added specifying minimum
anchorage requirements for window and
door assemblies. These same requirements
are in the FBCR and were also in the 2010
Anchorage of window and door FBCB. The requirements were inadvertently
- - 1710
assemblies omitted from the 5th Edition (2014) and 6th
Edition (2017) FBCB. The provisions
address anchorage to masonry, concrete, or
other structural substrate and wood or other
approved framing materials.
Chapter 18: Soils and Foundations
Section revised to clarify that soil support
below foundations is required in all
directions for excavations. Clarifies that
1804.1 Excavation near foundations 1804.1 Excavation near foundations
excavations cannot reduce the vertical
support for any foundation without
underpinning or other form of protection.
Section revised to permit the slope of
1804.4 Site grading 1804.4 Site grading
impervious surfaces within 10 feet of a
54
building to be sloped less than 2% for
landings and ramps as permitted in Sections
1010.1.5, 1012.3, or 1012.6.1.
Permanent wood foundation Permanent wood foundation Editorial revision to update current AWPA
1807.1.4 1807.1.4
systems systems section references.
Editorial revision to remove the term
Uplift capacity of grouped deep Allowable uplift load of grouped deep
1810.3.3.1.6 1810.3.3.1.6 “working” from working uplift load as it is an
foundation elements foundation elements
outdated term and is confusing.
Editorial correction to clarify that cased
Cased pile (minimum grouted-in-place piles are required to have a
1810.3.5.2.1 1810.3.5.2.1 Cased pile (minimum dimension)
dimension) nominal outside diameter of not less than 8
inches.
Editorial correction to clarify that cased
grouted-in-place piles are required to have a
nominal outside diameter of not less than 12
Uncased pile (minimum
1810.3.5.2.2 1810.3.5.2.2 Uncased pile (minimum dimension) inches.
dimension)
The term average diameter has been
changed to specified diameter for clarity.
The term outside diameter has been
changed to nominal diameter to correlate
Micropiles (minimum
1810.5.2.3 1810.5.2.3 Micropiles (minimum dimensions) with the upper end of conventionally
dimensions)
available diameters of pipe used for
micropiles.
Section revised to permit the bearing
capacity of the soil below the pile cap to be
1810.3.11 Pile caps 1810.3.11 Pile caps
considered as carrying vertical load in some
situations.
Section revised to require that all pile types
1810.4.4 Pre-excavation 1810.4.4 Pre-excavation
meet this section, not just driven piles.
Chapter 19: Concrete
Section revised to add reference to the Risk
Reinforced concrete (special Reinforced concrete (special wind Category IV wind speed map (Figure
1909.1 1909.1
wind provisions) provisions) 1609.3(3)) for correlation with Chapter 16
and ASCE 7-16.
Chapter 20: Aluminum
No changes
Chapter 21: Masonry
55
Section revised to add TMS 404 Standard
2101.2 Design methods 2101.2 Design methods for the Design of Architectural Cast Stone as
a design method for masonry.
Section revised to require architectural cast
stone to also comply with TMS 504. New
2103.1 Masonry units 2103.1 Masonry units language requires adhered manufactured
stone masonry veneer units to comply with
ASTM C1670.
Section revised to permit masonry
2104.1 Masonry construction 2104.1 Masonry construction construction to also comply with either TMS
602 or TMS 604.
Alternate to TMS 402, Section Alternate to TMS 402, Section Section references in TMS 402 have been
2107.2 2107.2
8.6.1.7.1.1 6.1.6.1.1 updated.
Section references in TMS 402 have been
updated.
The lap splice length in regions of moment

Lap splices (Alternate to TMS Lap splices (Alternate to TMS 402,
2107.2.1 2107.2.1 where the design tensile stresses in the
402, Section 8.6.1.7.1.1) Section 6.1.6.1.1)
reinforcement are greater than 80 percent of
the allowable tension stress has been
revised such that the required increase need
not exceed 72 db.
TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5,
TMS 402, Section 6.1.6.1, splices of Section references in TMS 402 have been
2107.3 Section 8.1.6.7, splices 2107.3
reinforcement modification updated.
of reinforcement modification
TMS 402 /ACI 530/ASCE 5,
2107.4 Section 8.3.6, maximum - - Section deleted in its entirety.
bar size modification
TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5, The modification to TMS 402 permitting
2107.5 Section 5.4 Pilasters 2107.5 TMS 402, Section 5.4 modification walls interfacing with pilasters to not be
modification considered as flanges has been deleted.
TMS 402 /ACI 530/ASCE 5, updated.
TMS 402, Section 6.1.5.1.1
Section 6.1.5.1 Development
2107.6 2107.6 Development of bar reinforcement in
of bar reinforcement in tension The required development length of
tension or compression modification
or compression modification reinforcing bars has been changed to be not
less than 12 inches.
2108.2 Section 9.3.3.3 6.1.5.1.1, - - Section deleted in its entirety.
development modification
56
2108.3 Section 6.1.6.1, splices - - Section deleted in its entirety.
modification
TMS 402 /ACI 530/ASCE 5, updated.
TMS 402, Section 6.1.5.1.1
Section 6.1.5.1 Development of
2108.4 2107.6 Development of bar reinforcement in
bar reinforcement in tension or The required development length of
tension or compression modification
compression modification reinforcing bars has been changed to be not
less than 12 inches.
The provisions for empirical design of
masonry have been deleted as they do not
2109 Empirical Design of Masonry - -
apply in the State of Florida due to wind
speed limitations.
New section requiring dry-stack masonry to
comply with Chapters 1 through 8 TMS 402
as modified by new Sections 2109.2 through
2109.5.
Dry-stack masonry is prohibited in Risk

- - 2109 Dry-stack Masonry Category IV structures.
Maximum allowable stresses for dry-stack

masonry are specified in new Table 2109.4.
Construction of dry-stack masonry is

required to comply with ASTM C946.
Chapter 22: Steel
Section updated to reflect the latest
2203.1 Identification of steel 2203.1 Identification of steel generation of AISI standards for cold-formed
steel.
2203.2 Protection of steel 2203.2 Protection of steel generation of AISI standards for cold-formed
steel.
2207.1 General (steel joists) 2207.1 General (steel joists) generation of AISI standards for cold-formed
steel.
New section requiring the design, testing,
- - 2209.2 Cantilevered steel storage racks and utilization of cantilevered storage racks
made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel
57
structural members to be in accordance with
RMI ANSI/MH 16.3.
Requirements for structural and
nonstructural cold-formed steel light-frame
construction have been separated into 2
subsections. Section 2211.1 now only
addresses structural cold-formed steel light-
General (cold-formed steel Structural (cold-formed steel light-
2211.1 2211.1 frame construction. New Section 2211.2
light-frame construction) frame construction)
addresses nonstructural cold-formed steel
light-frame construction.
Section 2211 has been revised throughout

to reflect changes in AISI S240.
2211.2 Headers - - Section deleted.
New section requiring nonstructural
members of cold-formed steel light-frame
- - 2211.2 Nonstructural members construction to comply with AISI S220. This
requirement was previously located in
Section 2211.1.
Requirements for cold-formed steel trusses
are updated and streamlined to reflect
changes in AISI S240. Additionally, in the
process of merging the old AISI S214 into
2211.3 Truss design 2211.1.3 Truss design
the new AISI S240, requirements for truss
design drawings were relocated to AISI
S202. Consequently, a direct pointer was
added to Section 2211.1.3.1.
2211.3.2 Deferred submittals - - Section deleted.
2211.4 Structural wall stud design - - Section deleted.
2211.5 Floor and roof system design - - Section deleted.
2211.6 Lateral design - - Section deleted.
Standard references for steel design and
2214.3 Steel standards (HVHZ) 2214.3 Steel standards (HVHZ) construction have been updated to correlate
with the latest industry standards.
Chapter 23: Wood
Section editorially revised to clarify that
hardboard is required to comply with ANSI
2303.1.7 Hardboard 2303.1.7 Hardboard A135.6 and where used structurally must be
identified by the label of an approved
agency.
58
Language referencing AWPA U1 and M4
standards has been updated for clarity and
2303.1.9 Preservative-treated wood 2303.1.9 Preservative-treated wood
consistency with current section references
in the AWPA standards.
Section revised to clarify that wood products
produced by other means during
manufacture applies to wood products
Other means during impregnated with chemicals.
Other means during manufacture
2303.2.2 manufacture (fire-retardant- 2303.2.2
(fire-retardant-treated wood)
treated wood) New language explicitly prohibits the use of
paints, stains, or other surface treatments as
approved methods of protection as required
in this section.
Section revised to clarify that fire-retardant-
Labeling (fire-retardant-treated Labeling (fire-retardant-treated treated wood must have 2 labels: one for the
2303.2.4 2303.2.4
wood) wood) grading of the wood and the other for the
treatment.
Section revised to clarify that wood
structural panel roof sheathing is required to
2304.8.2 Structural roof sheathing 2304.8.2 Structural roof sheathing
be a type manufactured with exterior glue
(Exposure 1 or Exterior).
Nailing (mechanically laminated Nailing (mechanically laminated New alternative fastener schedules have
2304.9.3.2 2304.9.3.2
decking) decking) been added for construction of mechanically
laminated decking providing specific
guidance for the use mechanically driven
Fastening Schedule for Mechanically
nails. The new fastening schedules are
Table Laminated Decking Using
- - based on equivalency to the 20d common
2304.9.3.2 Laminations of 2-inch Nominal
nail currently required in Section 2304.9.3.2
Thickness
for laminations with a 2-inch nominal
thickness.
The minimum fastening schedule table has
been revised for clarity.
Table Table In Item 7 the length of a 10d common nail

Fastening Schedule Fastening Schedule
2304.10.1 2304.10.1 has been corrected to be 3 inches. The
equivalent number of 16d box nails to
common nails has been corrected to be 4.
59
Item 17 has been deleted because top or
bottom plate to stud nailing is redundant
with nailing in Item 16.
The minimum nail size for roof sheathing

has been changed from 8d box to an 8d
common nail.
The ring shank roof sheathing nail (RSRS-

01) has been added for attaching wood
structural panel roof sheathing.
Fasteners and connectors in New language added requiring stainless
Fasteners and connectors in contact
contact with preservative- steel driven fasteners to be in accordance
2304.10.5 2304.10.5 with preservative-treated and fire-
treated and fire-retardant- with the material requirements of ASTM
retardant-treated wood
treated wood F1667.
New language added requiring staples to be
Fasteners and connectors for Fasteners and connectors for
2304.10.5.1 2304.10.5.1 of stainless steel where in contact with
preservative-treated wood preservative-treated wood
preservative-treated wood.
Fasteners for fire-retardant- New language added requiring staples to be
Fasteners for fire-retardant-treated
treated wood used in exterior of stainless steel where in contact with fire-
2304.10.5.3 2304.10.5.3 wood used in exterior applications or
applications or retardant-treated wood used in exterior
wet or damp locations
wet or damp locations applications or wet or damp locations.
New reference to Section 2304.9 for lumber
decking to make users aware of the
2304.11 Heavy timber construction 2304.11 Heavy timber construction detailing and fastening of lumber decking
where applicable to heavy timber
construction.
The exception to the requirement that posts
or columns be naturally durable or
Posts or columns (protection Posts or columns (protection against
2304.12.2.2 2304.12.2.2 preservative-treated wood when in direct
against decay and termites) decay and termites)
contact with earth has been reformatted into
a numbered list.
New language has been added requiring the
impervious moisture barrier system
Supporting members for Supporting members for permeable protecting the structure-supported floors to
2304.12.2.5 2304.12.2.5
permeable floors and roofs floors and roofs provide positive drainage of water that
infiltrates the moisture-permeable floor
topping.
Ventilation required beneath balcony New section requiring enclosed framing in
- - 2304.12.2.6
or elevated waling surfaces exterior balconies and elevated walking
60
surfaces that are exposed to rain, snow, or
drainage from irrigation to be provided with
openings that provide a net free cross
ventilation area not less than 1/150 of the
area of each separate space.
The formulas for determining the deflection
of wood-frame diaphragms fastened with
2305.2 Diaphragm deflection 2305.2 Diaphragm deflection
staples has been updated for consistency
with the AWC SDPWS.
Values of Gt for Use in
Values of Gt for Use in Calculating
Table Calculating Deflection of Wood Table Note a has been editorially revised for
Deflection of Wood Structural Panel
2305.2(2) Structural Panel Shear Walls 2305.2(2) clarity.
Shear Walls and Diaphragms
and Diaphragms
The formulas for determining the deflection
of wood-frame shear walls fastened with
2305.3 Shear wall deflection 2305.3 Shear wall deflection
staples has been updated for consistency
with the AWC SDPWS.
The referenced standards for ANSI A190.1
for structural glued laminated timber have
Allowable stress design Allowable stress design (reference been updated. ANSI/AITC A190.1 is now
2306.1 2306.1
(reference standards) standards) designated as ANSI A190.1 and AITC 117 is
now designated as ANSI 117. Both ANSI
standards are now published by APA.
Section 2308 has been deleted in its
Conventional Light-Frame entirety. The conventional light-frame
2308 - -
Construction provisions do not apply in Florida due to
design wind speed limitations.
Section revised to clarify that wood
2314.1 Design (HVHZ) 2314.1 Design (HVHZ) members and their fastening have to be
designed to comply with ASCE 7.
The APA referenced standards have been
2314.4.3 APA standards (HVHZ) 2314.4.3 APA standards (HVHZ) updated to include ANSI 117 and ANSI
A190.1.
The AWC standards have been updated to
2314.4.7 AWC standards (HVHZ) 2314.4.7 AWC standards (HVHZ)
correlate with the latest industry standards.
Section revised to clarify the minimum stud
2318.1.1 Minimum size (studs) (HVHZ) 2318.1.1 Minimum size (studs) (HVHZ)
sizes specified are nominal sizes.
Heavy timber construction Section revised to clarify that heavy timber
2319.13 2319.13 Heavy timber construction (HVHZ)
(HVHZ) construction is required to be designed to
61
comply with ASCE 7 using a rational
analysis.
Section revised to clarify that plywood roof
2322.2.3 Plywood roof sheathing (HVHZ) 2322.2.3 Plywood roof sheathing (HVHZ) sheathing is required to be designed to
comply with ASCE 7.
2322.2.5 Nails (roof sheathing) (HVHZ) 2322.2.5 Nails (roof sheathing) (HVHZ) The prescriptive nail spacing for attaching
2322.2.5.1 Nail dimensions (HVHS) - - roof sheathing has been deleted. Nails and
Nail dimensions at gable ends nail spacings are now required to be
2322.2.5.2 - -
(HVHZ) designed in accordance with ASCE 7.
Chapter 24: Glass and Glazing
2405.3 Screening The entire section on screening for skylights
2405.3.1 Screens under monolithic glazing and sloped glazing has been rewritten due
2405.3.2 Screens under multiple-layer glazing to inconsistent interpretations from local
code officials. The new language clearly
states that laminated glass with a 30-mil
interlayer does not require screens.
2405.3 Screening
The term “broken glass retention” has been
2405.3.3 Screens not required added to this section to fully describe the
screen’s purpose. This is to ensure they are
not confused with insect screens or fall
protection screens, which are physically
different and will not serve as effective
retention screens.
New exception added permitting the
outboard sacrificial panes in laminated glass
to not comply with CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201
2406.4.5 Glazing and wet surfaces 2406.4.5 Glazing and wet surfaces
provided the exterior of the unit is not
exposed to any of the hazardous locations
specified in Section 2406.4.3 or 2406.4.5.
Section revised to clarify that panels and
2407.1.1 Loads 2407.1.1 Loads support systems are required to be
designed using a factor of safety of 4.
Section revised to clarify the requirements
for glass panels that are used as a structural
component in a guard. The revised
2407.1.2 Support 2407.1.2 Structural glass baluster panels language specifically requires an attached
top rail or handrail for guards with structural
glass baluster panels. The exception has
been revised to not require a top rail or
62
handrail where the glass baluster panels are
laminated glass with two or more glass plies
of equal thickness and of the same glass
type, and the panels are tested to remain in
place as a barrier following impact or glass
breakage in accordance with ASTM E2353.
Section revised to also require glass
walkway assemblies to comply with the fire-
2409.1 Glass walkways 2409.1 Glass walkways
rated glazing marking requirements where
applicable.
Section revised to remove the reference
standards no longer maintained by AAMA.
Tests (operative window and Tests (operative window and door
2411.3.2.1 2411.3.2.1 The forced entry resistance test is now
door assemblies) (HVHZ) assemblies) (HVHZ)
required to comply with AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440.
Chapter 25: Gypsum Board and Plaster
Table revised to add factory-laminated
gypsum panel products complying with
ASTM D1766. Also adds expandable foam
adhesives for fastening gypsum wallboard
Gypsum Board and Gypsum
Table Table Gypsum Board and Gypsum Panel complying with ASTM D6464.
Panel Products Materials and
2506.2 2506.2 Products Materials and Accessories
Accessories
Reference standards for structural and
nonstructural cold-formed steel studs and
tracks have been updated to AISI S240 and
AISI 220 respectively.
Reference standards for structural and
Table Lath, Plastering Materials and Table Lath, Plastering Materials and nonstructural cold-formed steel studs and
2507.2 Accessories 2507.2 Accessories tracks have been updated to AISI S240 and
AISI 220 respectively.
New section requiring an approved
fastening method for gypsum board and
- - 2508.4 Adhesives
gypsum panel products secured to framing
with adhesives in ceiling assembles.
Table revised to add fiber-reinforced
Table Backerboard Materials Table Backerboard Materials (showers and
gypsum panels complying with ASTM
2509.2 (showers and water closets) 2509.2 water closets)
C1278.
New exception added requiring a ventilated
2510.6 Water-resistive barriers 2510.6 Water-resistive barriers air space between stucco and the water-
resistive barrier where the water-resistive
63
barrier is applied over wood-based
sheathing in Climate Zones 1A, 2A or 3A.
Chapter 26: Plastic
Section revised to permit foam plastic to be
separated from the interior of the building by
2603.4 Thermal barrier 2603.4 Thermal barrier
heavy timber in accordance with Section
602.4.
Foam plastic used as interior
2603.7 The multiple sections addressing the use of
finish or interior trim in plenums
Foam plastic insulation in plenums foam plastic as interior finish or trim in
2603.7.1 Separation required 2603.7
as interior finish or interior trim plenums has been reformatted into a single
2603.7.2 Approval
section.
2603.7.3 Covering
Cladding Minimum Fastening
Requirements for Direct
Table Table Requirements for Direct Attachment The reference to AISI S200 in Note b has
Attachment Over Foam Plastic
2603.12.1 2603.12.1 Over Foam Plastic Sheathing to been updated to reference AISI S240.
Sheathing to Support Cladding
Support Cladding Weight
Weight
Furring Minimum Fastening Furring Minimum Fastening
Table Requirements for Application Table Requirements for Application Over The reference to AISI S200 in Note b has
2603.12.2 Over Foam Plastic Sheathing to 2603.12.2 Foam Plastic Sheathing to Support been updated to reference AISI S240.
Support Cladding Weight Cladding Weight
Cladding attachment over foam
2603.13
sheathing to wood framing New prescriptive requirements have been
2603.13.1 Direct attachment added to the code for attaching cladding
2603.13.2 Furred cladding attachment over foam plastic sheathing to wood
Cladding Minimum Fastening framing. The fastener requirements are
Requirements for Direct Attachment based on supporting the cladding weight.
- - 2603.13.1
Over Foam Plastic Sheathing to The new provisions are consistent with
Support Cladding Weight similar requirements in the Florida Building
Furring Minimum Fastening Code, Residential. An 18 psf cladding
Requirements for Application Over weight category has been included for brick
2603.13.2 veneer.
Foam Plastic Sheathing to Support
Cladding Weight
New section added to provide a pointer for
- - 2604.1.1 Plenums (interior finish and trim)
interior finish and trim installed in plenums.
Labeling and identification
2612.2 Labeling requirements for plastic
(plastic composites)
2612.2 Labeling (plastic composites) composites have been editorially
2612.2.1 Performance levels
reorganized into a single section.
2612.2.2 Loading
64
Section revised to clarify this section applies
2612.3 Flame spread index 2612.3 Flame spread index to plastic composite deck boards, stair
treads, handrails, and guards.
Section revised to clarify this section applies
to plastic composite deck boards, stair
treads, handrails, and guards.
2612.4 Termite and decay resistance 2612.4 Termite and decay resistance
Also clarifies that the requirement for termite
and decay resistance only applies where
required by Section 2304.12
Section revised to permit the use of plastic
composites meeting the requirements of
Section 2612 to be used exterior deck
2612.5 Construction requirements 2612.5 Construction requirements boards, stair treads, handrails and guards
where combustible construction is permitted.
Previous edition limited the use of these
materials to Type VB construction only.
Plastic composite decking, Plastic composite deck boards, stair Section revised to clarify these provisions
2612.6 2612.6
handrails and guards treads, handrails and guards also apply to plastic composite stair treads.
Chapter 27: Electrical
Section revised to provide consistency in the
scoping requirements for the electrical,
plumbing, and mechanical chapters.
Revised language provides direction as to
2701.1 Scope 2701.1 Scope
what codes govern use and maintenance,
and alteration, repair, relocation,
replacement, and additions for existing
electrical systems.
New section requiring fuel lines supplying a
generator set inside a building to be
separated from areas of the building other
than the room the generator is located in by
an approved method, or an assembly that
- - 2702.1.2 Fuel line piping protection
has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2
hours. The fire-resistance rating is
permitted to be reduced to 1 hour where an
automatic sprinkler system is installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Section revised to apply the elevation
2702.1.7 Group I-2 occupancies 2702.1.8 Group I-2 occupancies
requirements in ASCE 24 to new and
65
replacement essential electrical systems.
Also revised to apply to all essential
electrical systems not just essential
electrical system generators.
Where connections for hook up of temporary

generators are provided, the connections
are required to be located at or above the
elevation required in ASCE 24.
New section providing a pointer to new
Ambulatory care facilities
Section 422.6 which specifies what essential
- - 2702.2.1 (emergency and standby power
electrical system requirements are needed
systems)
in an ambulatory care facility.
Section deleted because emergency alarm
systems relate exclusively to hazardous
materials storage and use and to semi-
2702.2.1 Emergency alarm systems - -
conductor manufacturing occupancies.
These are covered in Sections 2702.2.10
and 2702.2.15.
Section revised to require the standby
power system to be capable of operating the
Emergency responder radio Emergency responder radio emergency responder radio coverage
2702.2.3 2702.2.3
coverage systems coverage systems system for a duration of not less than 12
hours at 100 percent system operation
capacity.
New section added to provide general
- - 2702.2.5 Exhaust systems standby and emergency power references
for exhaust systems.
New section requiring emergency or
standby power to be provided for gas
- - 2702.2.7 Gas detection systems
detection systems in accordance with the
Florida Fire Prevention Code.
Special purpose horizontal sliding, Section updated to correlate with the
2702.2.10 Horizontal sliding doors 2702.2.17
accordion or folding doors language used in Section 1010.1.4.3
Section revised to permit alternate methods
to protect required critical circuits:
 Cables protecting critical circuits
2702.3 Critical circuits 2702.3 Critical circuits
listed in accordance with UL 2196
and having a fire-resistance rating of
1 hour.
66
 Electrical circuit protective systems
having a fire-resistance rating of not
less than 1 hour
 Construction having a fire-
resistance rating of not less than 1
hour
Chapter 29: Plumbing Systems
Chapter 29 has been updated to correlate
Chapter 29 Plumbing Systems Chapter 29 Plumbing Systems with the relevant sections from the Florida
Building Code, Plumbing.
Chapter 30: Elevators and Conveying Systems
3001.2 Reference standards Section revised to clearly indicate which
standards apply to the specific types of
Standards for Elevators and elevators and conveying systems. A new
3001.2 Reference standards Table
Conveying Systems and table has been added that specifies the
3001.2
Components types of elevators and conveying systems
and the standards applicable to each type.
Section 712 is now also referenced for
elevator, dumbwaiter, and other hoistway
3002.1 Hoistway enclosure protection 3002.1 Hoistway enclosure protection enclosures to permit the use of applicable
exceptions contained in Section 712 for
shaft construction.
The exception to the clear width for existing
facilities undergoing alterations has been
3004.2.2 Escalators 3004.2.2 Escalators deleted because requirements for
alterations belong in the Florida Building
Code, Existing Building.
Section revised to clarify that where
required, fire service access elevators are
only required on floors above and including
the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access.
General (fire service access General (fire service access
3007.1 3007.1
elevator) elevator) A new exception to fire service access
elevators has been added for elevators that
only service an open or enclosed parking
garage and the lobby of the building is not
required to serve as fire service access
elevators.
67
Provisions for water protection of the
hoistway enclosure have been revised to
Water protection (fire service Water protection (fire service access
3007.3 3007.3 clarify that water protection is required to be
access elevators) elevators)
provided from sprinklers activated outside
the enclosed lobby.
Section editorially revised to clarify that the
fire door assembly must comply with the
Lobby doorways (fire service Lobby doorways (fire service access
3007.6.3 3007.6.3 smoke and draft control door assembly
access elevators) elevators)
requirements of Section 716.5.3.1 and be
tested in accordance with UL 1784.
Section reformatted into a numbered list for
clarity. Cables used for survivability of
3007.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables 3007.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables
required critical circuits are required to be
listed in accordance with UL 2196.
The requirement that all passenger
elevators for general public use comply with
this section where elevators are used for
General (occupant evacuation General (occupant evacuation occupant self-evacuation during fires has
3008.1 3008.1
elevators) elevators) been deleted and the number of required
occupant evacuation elevators is now based
on egress analysis in accordance with new
Section 3008.1.1.
New section delineating the number of
required occupant evacuation elevators
based on an egress analysis addressing the
following scenarios:
 Full building evacuation where the
analysis demonstrates that the
number of elevators provided for
Number of occupant evacuation evacuation results in an evacuation
- - 3008.1.1
elevators time less than 1 hour
 Evacuation of the five consecutive
floors with the highest cumulative
occupant load where the analysis
demonstrates that the number of
elevators provided for evacuation
results in an evacuation time less
than 15 minutes.
68
The minimum number of occupant
evacuation elevators regardless of the
egress analysis is also specified.
Provisions for water protection of the
hoistway enclosure have been revised to
Water protection (occupant Water protection (occupant
3008.3 3008.3 clarify that water protection is required to be
evacuation elevators) evacuation elevators)
provided from sprinklers activated outside
the enclosed lobby.
New exception added for elevators that only
Access to interior exit stairway Access to interior exit stairway or service an open parking garage and the
3008.6.1 3008.6.1
or ramp ramp lobby of building is not required to provide
direct access.
Section editorially revised to clarify that the
fire door assembly must comply with the
Lobby doorways (occupant Lobby doorways (occupant
3008.6.3 3008.6.3 smoke and draft control door assembly
evacuation elevators) evacuation elevators)
requirements of Section 716.5.3.1 and be
tested in accordance with UL 1784.
Section revised to clarify that vision panels
3008.6.3.1 Vision panel 3008.6.3.1 Vision panel have to comply with Section 716 for fire-
protection-rated glazing.
New section providing a pointer to Section
Determination of standby power 3008.1.1 for standby power based on the
- - 3008.8.1
loads number of required occupant evacuation
elevators.
Section reformatted into a numbered list for
clarity. Cables used for survivability of
3008.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables 3008.8.2 Protection of wiring or cables
required critical circuits are required to be
listed in accordance with UL 2196.
Section primarily editorially revised to clarify
Amendments to ASME A17.1 Amendments to ASME A17.1 and which specific ASME standards are being
3010.1.3 3010.1.3
and ASME A17.3 ASME A17.3 amended and update the applicable ASME
standard section numbers.
Chapter 31: Special Construction
Reference to the new provisions for
3101.1 Scope 3101.1 Scope elevated flooring systems has been added
to the scope.
Section editorially revised to change wood
Design and construction Design and construction (awnings
3105.3 3105.3 of Type IV size to heavy timber complying
(awnings and canopies) and canopies)
with Section 2304.11.
69
Scoping and criteria for solar energy
systems, including both solar thermal and
photovoltaic, have been consolidated and
organized into a single section addressing
Photovoltaic Panels and structural, fire, plumbing, and mechanical
3111 3111 Solar Energy Systems
Modules provisions.
New section provides specific pointers for

wind resistance, roof live load, labeling, fire
classification, and access and pathways.
New section added addressing exterior
elevated flooring systems that are installed
over roof assemblies or other exterior
supporting structures.
 Attached systems are required to be
designed as a roofing system in
accordance with Chapter 15.
 Independent systems are required
to comply with Section 3115.
 Specific information on deck panel
or paver dimensions and weight,
pedestals, fasteners, the use of
- - 3115 Exterior Elevated Flooring Systems
plastics, and packaging and
identification is required for permit
application.
 Product approval is required.
 Systems must be designed for the
live loads specified in Section 1607.
 Wind resistance is required to be
determined by wind tunnel testing in
accordance with Chapter 30 of
ASCE 7.
 Capacity and drainage of the
substrate is addressed.
Chapter 32: Encroachments Into the Public Right-of-Way
No changes.
Chapter 33: Safeguards During Construction
Walkways (construction and Walkways (construction and Section revised to require that walkways be
3306.2 3306.2
demolition sites) demolition sites) provided at construction and demolition sites
70
that provide for pedestrian travel that leads
from a building entrance or exit of an
occupied structure to a public way.
Appendix D: Fire Districts
Section editorially revised to change Type IV
D102.2.8 Permanent canopies D102.2.8 Permanent canopies construction to heavy timber complying with
Section 2304.11.
71
Analysis of Changes
for the
th
7 Edition (2020) Florida Codes
Changes to the Florida Building Code, Residential
This Analysis of Changes for the 7th Edition (2020) of the Florida Building Code is intended to provide a comprehensive comparison of the
provisions in the 6th Edition (2017) Florida Building Code, Residential (FBCR) and the 7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Code, Residential. The
6th Edition (2017) FBCR is the base code for the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR. The model code used to update the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR is the 2018
International Residential Code (IRC). However, not all changes in the 2018 IRC are included in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR. As a result of
changes from the 2018 IRC and Florida-specific amendments, certain provisions and criteria of the code have changed. This Analysis will serve
as a useful tool to facilitate the transition to the new code.
This Analysis is arranged so that comparable provisions in the two codes can be easily located. The left two columns contain section numbers
and a brief overview of the corresponding requirements from the 6th Edition (2017) FBCR. The next two columns contain section numbers and a
brief overview of the corresponding requirements in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR. The far-right column contains a brief analysis or comment on the
differences between the provisions.
This Analysis is not intended to replace or interpret the provisions contained in either the 6th Edition (2017) or the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR. This
information simply points out the differences. The Analysis is not designed to be used without the aid of the representative code books, as all the
details pertaining to a specific section may or may not be provided. However, this Analysis will provide an easy means for identifying differences
in the two codes, as well as enabling the user to locate issue specific provisions in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR by means of a numbered section
cross reference.
This Analysis provides a cross-reference for most of the sections that changed in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR. In some cases, sections were
grouped together due to substantial differences. This grouping enables the extent of the differences to be more readily identified.
Note: Seismic loading and snow loading provisions in the code are not reserved (deleted) in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR, even though they do
not apply in the State of Florida. While there are changes to some of these sections and provisions, they are not shown here in this Analysis
because they do not apply to construction in the State of Florida.
1
6th Edition (2017) FBCR 7th Edition (2020) FBCR
Analysis
Chapter 1: Scope and Administration
No changes.
Chapter 2: Definitions
Definition deleted to coordinate the use of
R202 Definitions: Accessible - - the terms accessible and access in the
code.
New definition clarifying the distinction
between accessible and having access to
something. Access To is defined as that
which enables a device, appliance, or
- - R202 Definitions: Access (To)
equipment to be reached by ready access
or by a means that first requires the
removal or movement of a panel, door, or
similar obstruction.
Definition deleted to coordinate the use of
R202 Definitions: Accessible, Readily - - the terms accessible and access in the
code.
New definition of balanced ventilation
systems has been added to coordinate with
- - R202 Definitions: Balanced ventilation
new requirements for such systems in
Chapter 15.
New definition added for stationary storage
Definitions: Battery system, battery systems for coordination with next
- - R202
stationary storage Section R328 Stationary Storage Battery
Systems.
New definition added to correlate with
Definitions: Building-integrated
- - R202 provisions in Chapter 9 for building-
photovoltaic roof panel
integrated photovoltaic roof panels
Definition revised to coordinate the use of
R202 Definitions: Cleanout R202 Definitions: Cleanout the terms accessible and access in the
code.
New definition of a type of deep foundation
- - R202 Definitions: Drilled shaft
type has been added.
New definition of a type of deep foundation
- - R202 Definitions: Drilled shaft, socketed
type has been added.
2
Definition revised to clarify the distinctions
R202 Definitions: Fenestration R202 Definitions: Fenestration between vertical fenestrations such as
windows and skylights and sloped glazing.
New definition added to clarify the
distinctions between vertical fenestrations
- - R202 Definitions: Fenestration, vertical
such as windows and skylights and sloped
glazing.
Definition revised to coordinate the use of
R202 Definitions: Fixture fitting R202 Definitions: Fixture fitting the terms accessible and access in the
code.
New definition added to define a phrase
that is used in various places in the code.
- - R202 Definitions: Full-open valve The new definition encompasses all types
of valves that do not appreciably restrict
the flow of water.
Definition revised for consistency with the
R202 Definitions: Labeled R202 Definitions: Labeled FBCB by changing inspection agency to
approved agency.
Definitions: Light-frame
R202 R202 Definitions: Light-frame construction Definition editorially revised for clarity.
construction
New definition clarifying the distinction
between accessible and having access to
something. Ready Access To is defined as
- - R202 Definitions: Ready Access (To) that which enables a device, appliance, or
equipment to be directly reached, without
requiring the removal or movement of any
panel, door or similar obstruction.
New definition added to coordinate with
- - R202 Definitions: Vapor diffusion port new provisions in Section R806 for attic
ventilation.
Definition revised to delete the term
“membrane” so that the definition applies to
Definitions: Vapor permeable the vapor permeance of any material.
R202 202 Definitions: Vapor permeable
membrane Testing in accordance with Procedure B of
ASTM E96 has been added as an
alternative to Procedure A
Chapter 3: Building Planning
New language has been added to require
R301.2.1 Wind design criteria R301.2.1 Wind design criteria
metal shingles to be designed for wind
3
speeds in accordance with new Section
R905.4.4
The wind design required section has been
reorganized to clarify which provisions of
the code are applicable to various
construction methods. The prescriptive
provisions for low wind areas in Chapters
5, 6, and 8 have been deleted. Wind
design requirements in the FBCR are
generally unchanged but the code now
makes it clear which provisions apply. ICC
600 is now only permitted to be used for
R301.2.1.1 Wind design required R301.2.1.1 Wind design required
the design of concrete and masonry walls.
Wood frame roofs are required to be
designed in accordance with ASCE 7 or in
accordance with the AWC WFCM. New
exceptions specifically reference applicable
sections in the code for the design of
footings and foundations, windows and
doors, SIPs, wall coverings, roof sheathing,
roof coverings, and insulated concrete form
construction.
Table R301.2(2) has been updated to
correlate with ASCE 7-16. ASCE 7 has
been updated in the FBCR from the 2010
Component and Cladding Loads edition to the 2016 edition. Significant
Component and Cladding Loads for
Table for a Building with a Mean Roof Table changes have occurred to roof component
a Building with a Mean Roof Height
R301.2(2) Height of 30 feet Located in R301.2(2) and cladding loads. There are multiple
of 30 feet Located in Exposure B
Exposure B new zones on the roof (previously only 3).
In general, roof component and cladding
loads have increased, significantly for
some slopes and zones.
Table R301.2(3) has been updated to
correlate with ASCE 7-16. Specifically, the
Table Height and Exposure Adjustment Table Height and Exposure Adjustment
adjustment factors for mean roof heights
R301.2(3) Coefficients for Table R301.2(2) R301.2(3) Coefficients for Table R301.2(2)
under 30 feet for Exposure Category B
have been reduced.
Figure R301.2(7) has been updated to
Figure Component and Cladding Figure Component and Cladding Pressure
correlate with ASCE 7-16. The roof figures
R301.2(7) Pressure Zones R301.2(7) Zones
have been revised to indicate the location
4
and designation of the roof zones to
coordinate with changes to Table
R301.2(2) and ASCE 7-16.
Nominal (ASD) Garage Door Nominal (ASD) Garage Door Wind Table values and Note 2 have been
Table Wind Loads for a Building with a Table Loads for a Building with a Mean revised to clarify that the minimum design
R301.2(4) Mean Roof Height of 30 feet R301.2(4) Roof Height of 30 feet Located in wind pressure for garage doors is +/- 10
Located in Exposure B Exposure B psf.
Section editorially revised to clarify it
R301.2.4 Floodplain construction R301.2.4 Floodplain construction applies to the repair of substantial damage
not restoration of substantial damage.
Note g Item 1 has been revised to
Minimum Uniformly Distributed Table Minimum Uniformly Distributed Live
Table R301.5 coordinate the use of the terms accessible
Live Loads R301.5 Loads
and access in the code.
Exception 2 has been revised to clarify that
the exception to fire separation distance
R302.1 Exterior walls R302.1 Exterior walls
only applies to dwellings and their
accessory structures.
Table has been revised to permit the use of
Table heavy timber or fire-retardant-treated wood
Table R302.1 Exterior Walls Exterior Walls
R302.1 on the underside of projections as an
alternate to a 1-hour fire-resistance rating.
Section revised to permit dwelling units to
be separated from each other in
accordance with Section 703.3 of the
R302.3 Two-family dwellings R302.3 Two-family dwellings
FBCB as an alternate to a 1-hour fire-
resistance test in accordance with ASTM
E119 or UL 263.
A new exception to membrane penetration
protection has been added for ceiling
membrane penetrations by listed
R302.4.2 Membrane penetrations R302.4.2 Membrane penetrations
luminaires or by luminaires protected with
listed materials that have been tested for
use in the fire-resistance-rated assemblies.
Section revised to coordinate the use of the
R302.7 Under-stair protection R302.7 Under-stair protection
terms accessible and access in the code.
Section revised to clarify that the
requirements apply to all insulating
Insulation (flame spread and Insulation (flame spread and
R302.10.1 R302.10.1 materials including facings such as vapor
smoke-developed index) smoke-developed index)
retarders and vapor permeable
membranes.
5
Condition 2 has been revised to clarify that
safety glazing is required where an
individual can be jammed between the
door and the glazing. The condition has
R308.4.2 Glazing adjacent to doors R308.4.2 Glazing adjacent to doors been changed to apply from a wall
perpendicular to the plane of the door in a
closed position to a wall less than 180
degrees from the plane of the door in a
closed position.
R308.4.3 Glazing in windows R308.4.3 Glazing in windows
Glazing adjacent to stairs and Glazing adjacent to stairs and Section revised to coordinate the use of the
R308.4.6 R308.4.6
ramps ramps terms accessible and access in the code.
The figure title has been changed to
correctly reflect that the locations indicated
Figure Prohibited Glazing Locations at Figure Hazardous Glazing Locations at are hazardous locations not the glazing is
R308.4.7 Bottom Stair Landings R308.4.7 Bottom Stair Landings prohibited in those locations. Additionally,
the figure has been revised to clarify the
locations considered hazardous locations.
R308.6.2 Materials R308.6.2 Materials
The term retaining screen has been
changed to broken glass retention screen
Screens general (skylights and Screens general (skylights and to better describe the screen’s purpose.
R308.6.3 R308.6.3
sloped glazing) sloped glazing) Additional revisions have been made to
clarify where specifically screens are
required.
The term retaining screen has been
changed to broken glass retention screen
to better describe the screen’s purpose.
R308.6.4 Screens with multiple glazing R308.6.4 Screens with multiple glazing
Additional revisions have been made to
clarify where specifically screens are
required.
New language states specifically that
screens are not required for laminated
glass complying with Item 1 of Section
R308.6.5 Screens not required R308.6.5 Screens not required
R308.6.2 and is used as single glazing or
the inboard pane in multiple glazing.
6
Section also revised to coordinate the use
of the terms accessible and access in the
code.
Section revised to require that screens be
R308.6.7 Screen characteristics R308.6.7 Screen characteristics
installed within 4 inches of the glass.
Emergency escape and rescue Emergency escape and rescue The term bulkhead enclosure has been
R310.3 R310.3
doors doors changed to area well.
The term bulkhead enclosure has been
changed to area well. New language
R310.3.2 Bulkhead enclosures R310.3.2 Area wells
added requiring area wells to have a width
of not less than 36 inches.
New section added requiring ladders or
steps for area wells consistent with that
- - R310.3.2.1 Ladders and steps
required for window wells in Section
R310.2.3.1
The term bulkhead enclosure has been
R310.3.2.1 Drainage R310.3.2.2 Drainage
changed to area well.
Exception 2 has been revised to coordinate
R310.5 Dwelling additions R310.5 Dwelling additions the use of the terms accessible and access
in the code.
The exception has been revised to
Floors and landings at exterior Floors and landings at exterior
R311.3 R311.3 coordinate the use of the terms accessible
doors doors
and access in the code.
The criteria for handrail projections into the
R311.7.1 Width (stairways) R311.7.1 Width (stairways) stairway width has been relocated to new
Section R311.7.8.5.
The maximum vertical rise of a flight of
R311.7.3 Vertical rise R311.7.3 Vertical rise stairs has been increased from 147 inches
to 151 inches.
Section revised to clearly describe and
emphasize consistent nosings and that
R311.7.5.3 Nosings R311.7.5.3 Nosings
nosing projections are required at every
walking surface throughout the stairway.
Section editorially revised to delete
R311.7.8 Handrails R311.7.8 Handrails
redundant language.
Handrail projection limitations into the
stairway width have been relocated from
- - R311.7.8.5 Handrail projection Section R311.7.1 to new Section
R311.7.8.5. A new exception has been
added for instances where handrails pass
7
the projection of landing tread nosings and
tread return nosings that project into the
stairway.
New exception added permitting
alternating tread devices to be used as
an element of a means of egress for
R311.7.11 Alternating tread device R311.7.11 Alternating tread device lofts, mezzanines, and similar areas of
200 gross square feet or less and
not providing exclusive access to a
kitchen or bathroom.
New exception added permitting ships
ladders to be used as an element of a
means of egress for lofts, mezzanines, and
R311.7.12 Ships ladders R311.7.12 Ships ladders
similar areas of 200 gross square feet or
less and not providing exclusive access to
a kitchen or bathroom.
Section revised to clarify that guards are
only required for portions of open-side
R312.1.1 Where required (guards) R312.1.1 Where required (guards)
walking surfaces that located more than 30
inches above grade.
Fiber cement panels, soffit, and backer
board minimum ¼ inch thick has been
R316.5.4 Crawl spaces R316.5.4 Crawl spaces
added to item 3 to qualify as an ignition
barrier for foam plastic insulation.
Location required (protection of Location required (protection of Section revised to update the reference to
R317.1 R317.1
wood against decay) wood against decay) AWPA U1.
Section editorially revised to clarify it
General (flood-resistant General (flood-resistant
R322.1 R322.1 applies to the repair of substantial damage
construction) construction)
not restoration of substantial damage.
New language added permitting equipment
for pools, spas and water features to be
located below the required base flood
elevation provided the equipment is
Protection of mechanical, Protection of mechanical, plumbing,
R322.1.6 R322.1.6 elevated to the extent practical, is
plumbing, and electrical systems and electrical systems
anchored to resist flotation and flood
forces, and supported by branch circuits
having ground-fault circuit-interrupter
protection.
The requirement that slabs, pool decks and
R322.3.3 Foundations R322.3.3 Foundations
walkways be located and constructed to be
8
structurally independent has been
relocated to new Section R322.3.4.
New section containing the slab, pool deck,
and walkway requirements previously in
Section R322.3.3. New language has
been added to clarify that the area below
elevated buildings is required to be free of
obstructions. Two alternatives are
provided. One requires slabs in Coastal
- - R322.3.4 Concrete slabs High Hazard Areas and Coastal A zones to
be frangible and break away under flood
conditions. Turned down edges are
prohibited, and the slab thickness is limited
to 4 inches. The other option is for the slab
to be capable of resisting any added flood
loads and effects of local scour cause by
the presence of the slab.
New section pertaining to stairways and
ramps has been added to clarify that the
area below elevated buildings is required to
be free of obstructions. Four options are
specified:
 They be designed and constructed
to resist flood loads and minimize
the transfer of flood loads to the
building or structure.
- - R322.3.7 Stairways and ramps
 They break away during design
flood conditions provided the
stairways and ramps are not part of
the required means of egress.
 The be retractable or capable of
being raised above the lowest floor
elevation.
 They be designed and constructed
with open or partially open risers.
New section pertaining to decks and
porches has been added to clarify that the
- - R322.3.8 Decks and porches area below elevated buildings is required to
be free of obstructions. Attached decks
and porches are required to meet the base
9
flood elevation requirements. Self-
supporting decks and porches below the
base flood elevation are not permitted to be
enclosed by solid walls and have to be
designed and constructed to remain in
place during the base flood condition or be
frangible and break away.
Section R324 addressing solar energy
systems has been revised to eliminate
R324 Solar Energy Systems R324 Solar Energy Systems redundant requirements and to reorganize
the provisions for consistency with NFPA
70 and the FFPC.
Section revised to clarify the design of the
roof structure for dead and live loads for
roofs with photovoltaic panel systems.
Portions of roof structures covered by
Roof load (rooftop-mounted Roof load (rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panel systems are required to
R324.4.1 R324.4.1
photovoltaic systems) photovoltaic systems) be designed for the following:
 Dead load including photovoltaic
panel weight.
 Dead load excluding photovoltaic
panel weight plus roof live load.
New section providing basic safety
requirements for energy storage systems.
The new provisions address listing
- - R328 Stationary Storage Battery Systems
requirements, installation, electrical
installation, ventilation, and protection from
impact.
Chapter 4: Foundations
Wood treatment (wood AWPA U1 references have been updated
R402.1.2 R402.1.2 Wood treatment (wood foundations)
foundations) for wood foundation systems.
The required depth of footings has been
changed from 12 inches below undisturbed
R403.1.4 Minimum depth (footings) R403.1.4 Minimum depth (footings)
ground surface to 12 inches below finished
grade of ground surface.
Basement or Crawl Space with Basement or Crawl Space with
The dimension T for footing thickness has
R403.4(2) Precast Foundation Wall on R403.4(2) Precast Foundation Wall on Spread
been added to the figure for clarity.
Spread Footing Footing
10
Section revised to clarify that drain tiles,
gravel or crushed stone drains, perforated
Concrete or masonry
Concrete or masonry foundations pipe or other approved drain materials are
R405.1 foundations (foundation R405.1
(foundation drainage) required to be installed at or below the top
drainage)
of the footing or below the bottom of the
slab.
An additional option to not providing
ventilation openings in underfloor space
has been added to Item 2. Item 2.4 now
R408.3 Unvented crawl space R408.3 Unvented crawl space permits the use of dehumidification sized to
provide 70 pints of moisture removal per
day for every 1000 square feet of crawl
space area.
Chapter 5: Floors
ANSI 117 has been added as a reference
Structural glued laminated
R502.1.3 R502.1.3 Structural glued laminated timbers standard for structural glued laminated
timbers
timbers.
Section R502.2 has been revised to require
wood floor framing to be designed in
accordance with the provisions of Section
R301.2.1.1 (AWC WFCM, ASCE 7, or the
FBCB) or in accordance with the AWC
NDS.
The prescriptive provisions for constructing

wood frame floors in Chapter 5 have been
deleted and shown as Reserved. These
R502.2
prescriptive provisions were developed for
through Wood floor framing R502.2 Wood floor framing
low wind regions (Vult < 115 mph) and do
R502.10
not apply to the design and construction of
wood floors in the State of Florida. These
provisions had been carried forward in
many editions of the FBCR as part of the
previous based code (IRC). However, the
wind speed limitations for use of these
prescriptive provisions established in
Section R301.2.1.1 has prohibited their
use. For clarity, these provisions have now
been deleted.
11
wood floor sheathing to be designed in
accordance with the provisions of Section
R301.2.1.1 (AWC WFCM, ASCE 7, or the
FBCB) or in accordance with the AWC
NDS.
The prescriptive provisions for wood frame

floor sheathing in Chapter 5 have been
R503.1
through Floor sheathing R503.1 Floor sheathing
R503.3
not apply to the design and construction of
wood floors in the State of Florida. These
been deleted.
Materials (preservative treated Materials (preservative treated AWPA U1 references have been updated
R504.3 R504.3
wood floors on ground) wood floors on ground) for wood foundation systems.
The prescriptive provisions of Section
R505 for cold-formed steel floor framing
have been deleted in their entirety. Section
R505.1 now requires the design of cold-
form steel floor framing to be in accordance
with AISI S230.
These prescriptive provisions were

R505 Cold-formed steel floor framing R505 Cold-formed steel floor framing
developed for low wind regions and do not
apply to the design and construction of
cold-formed steel floors for most of the
State of Florida. These provisions had
been carried forward in many editions of
the FBCR as part of the previous based
code (IRC). However, the wind speed
limitations for use of these prescriptive
12
provisions established in Section
R301.2.1.1 has prohibited their use. For
clarity, these provisions have now been
deleted.
New language added providing a reference
General (concrete floors on
R506.1 R506.1 General (concrete floors on ground) to Chapter 4 for footings for concrete slab-
ground)
on-grade floors.
Section R507, prescriptive construction of
exterior decks, has been reorganized for
R507 Exterior Decks R507 Exterior Decks clarity. The provisions now start with the
footings and work upwards. No technical
changes to Section R507 have occurred.
Chapter 6: Wall Construction
timbers
timbers.
New section added requiring structural
insulated panels to be manufactured and
- - R602.1.11 Structural insulated panels
identified in accordance with ANSI/APA
PRS 610.1.
exterior walls of wood frame construction to
be designed in accordance with the
provisions of Section R301.2.1.1 (AWC
WFCM, ASCE 7, or the FBCB) or in
accordance with the AWC NDS.
The prescriptive provisions for wood frame

walls in Chapter 6 have been deleted and
R602.3
shown as Reserved. These prescriptive
through Wood wall framing R602.3 Wood wall framing
provisions were developed for low wind
R602.12.8
regions (Vult < 115 mph) and do not apply
to the design and construction of wood
walls in the State of Florida. These
13
been deleted.
The prescriptive provisions of Section
R603 for cold-formed steel walls have been
deleted in their entirety. Section 603.1 now
requires the design of cold-form steel wall
framing to be in accordance with AISI
S230.

R603 Cold-formed steel wall framing R603 Cold-formed steel wall framing
cold-formed steel wall framing for most of
the State of Florida. These provisions had
deleted.
References for the design of masonry have
R606.1 General (masonry construction) R606.1 General (masonry construction) been updated to also include Section
R301.2.1.1 and TMS 404.
Section revised to require AAC masonry
units to conform to ASTM C1691 and
R606.2.3 AAC masonry R606.2.3 AAC masonry
ASTM C1693 for the strength class
specified.
New section added requiring adhered
Adhered manufactured stone
- - R606.2.6 manufactured stone masonry veneer units
masonry veneer
to comply with ASTM C1670.
Section R606.6.4 has been revised to
require masonry walls to be laterally
supported in accordance with Section
R606.6.4
R301.2.1.1, TMS 402, TMS 403, or TMS
through Lateral support of masonry R606.6.4 Lateral support of masonry
404.
R606.6.4.2.2
The prescriptive provisions contained in
Section R606.6.4 through R606.6.4.2.2
14
apply to low wind regions and do not apply
to lateral support required for masonry
construction in the State of Florida. For
deleted.
The prescriptive provisions contained in
Section R606.11 for anchorage of masonry
apply to low wind regions and do not apply
R606.11 Anchorage R606.11 Anchorage to anchorage required for masonry
construction in the State of Florida. For
deleted.
New language added requiring bucks to
extend beyond the interior face of the
Masonry, concrete, or other Masonry, concrete, or other
window or door frame such that full support
R609.7.2.1 structural substrate (anchorage R609.7.2.1 structural substrate (anchorage
of the frame is provided. This requirement
methods) methods)
applies to all thicknesses of wood shims
and bucks.
R610.3 Materials (SIPs)
R610.3.1 Core
R610.3.2 Facing
Requirements for SIP cores, facings, and
R610.3.3 Adhesive
adhesives have been deleted. Section
Minimum Properties for R610.3 Materials (SIPs) R610.3 now references ANSI/APA PRS
Table
Polyurethane Insulation Uses as 610.1 for material requirements for SIP
R610.3.1
SIPs Core
construction.
Minimum Properties for Oriented
Table
Strand Board Facer Material in
R610.3.2
SIP Walls
Section revised to require SIPs to be
identified by a grade mark or certificate of
R610.4 SIP wall panels R610.4 SIP wall panels
inspection issued by an approved agency
in accordance with ANSI/APA PRS 610.1.
Section deleted because labeling
R610.4.1 Labeling - - requirements are covered in ANSI/APA
PRS 610.1.
Figures Figures
R610.5(1) R610.5(1)
SIP connections to framing SIP connections to framing Figures have been revised for clarity.
through through
R610.5(5) R610.5(5)
15
Figures Figures
R610.5.1 R610.5.1
SIP details SIP details Figures have been revised for clarity.
through through
R610.8 R610.8
New section requiring SIP’s to be
connected at vertical in-plane joints in
- - R610.5.3 Panel-to-panel connection
accordance with Figure R610.8 or other
approved methods.
New section requiring corner framing of
- - R610.5.4 Corner framing SIP walls to be constructed in accordance
with Figure R610.5.4.
New language added requiring the strength
R610.8 Headers R610.8 Headers axis of the factors on the header to be
oriented horizontally.
Table Maximum Spans for 11 7/8-inch Table Maximum Spans for 11 7/8-inch or New footnotes have been added to clarify
R610.10 Deep SIP Headers R610.18 Deeper SIP Headers the basis for the table values.
Chapter 7: Wall Covering
Table Cement Plaster Proportions, Table Cement Plaster Proportions, Parts Table has been revised to update the
R702.1(3) Parts by Volume R702.1(3) by Volume blended hydraulic cement types permitted.
References to AISI standards have been
updated. The reference to ASTM C645 for
non-load-bearing cold-formed steel framing
has been deleted because the screw
R702.3.3 Cold-formed steel framing R702.3.3 Cold-formed steel framing penetration test has been incorporated into
AISI S220. For load-bearing cold-formed
steel the framing, the reference to AISI
S200 and ASTM C955 Section 8 has been
changed to AISI S240.
Minimum clear airspaces and Minimum clear airspaces and Polypropylene has been added as a
R702.7.3 vented openings for vented R702.7.3 vented openings for vented recognized cladding with respect to vapor
cladding cladding barriers.
Section editorially revised to clarify this
section applies to cladding not just a
decorative covering.
Water resistance (exterior Water resistance (exterior
R703.1.1 R703.1.1
coverings) coverings) Protection against condensation has been
deleted because it is more appropriately
covered in Section R702.7
16
The reference to Section R703.8 in
Exception 1 has been deleted as that
section does not pertain to flashing.
Section revised to refer to new Section
R703.1.2.1 Wind resistance of soffits R703.1.2.1 Wind resistance of soffits R704 for the design of soffits to resist wind
loads.
Section revised to clarify requirements for
No. 15 asphalt felt and distinguish
requirements for other approved water-
R703.2 Water-resistive barrier R703.2 Water-resistive barrier resistive barriers. Requires other approved
water-resistive barriers to be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
Section revised to clarify that vinyl flashing,
self-adhered membranes, and
R703.4 Flashing R703.4 Flashing
mechanically attached flexible flashing are
permitted to be used as flashing.
Section revised to add ASTM C1787 for
R703.7 Exterior plaster R703.7 Exterior plaster
non-metal lath.
The length of staples used to attach lath
R703.7.1 Lath R703.7.1 Lath has been increased from 7/8 inches to 1 ½
inches.
The acceptable types of cement for plaster
R703.7.2 Plaster R703.7.2 Plaster have been updated to the current ASTM
designations.
New language added referencing new
Table R703.8.4(2) for masonry veneer tie
Anchorage (anchored stone and Anchorage (anchored stone and attachment through insulating sheathing
R703.8.4 R703.8.4
masonry veneer) masonry veneer) not greater than 2 inches in thickness to
not less than 7/16 performance category
wood structural panel.
New note added to the table indicating that
Table Tie Attachment and Airspace Table Tie Attachment and Airspace an airspace that provides drainage is
R703.8.4 Requirements R703.8.4(1) Requirements permitted to contain some mortar from
construction.
New table added for attaching brick veneer
Required Brick Tie Spacing for through insulating sheathing not greater
Table
- - Direct Application to Wood than 2 inches in thickness to not less than
R703.8.4(2)
Structural Panel Sheathing 7/16 performance category wood structural
panel. Attachments are provided for wind
17
speeds up to 140 mph and a building mean
roof height up to 30 feet using ring shank
nails and screws.
Manufacturer specification (vinyl Section deleted as the requirements are
R703.11.2.3 siding installed over foam plastic - - covered by Exception 2 to Section
sheathing) R703.11.2.
Section revised to clarify that
polypropylene siding is required to comply
Polypropylene siding and Polypropylene siding and with the fire separation distance
R703.14 R703.14
accessories accessories requirements of Section R703.14.2 or meet
the flame spread index requirements of
new Section R703.14.3.
New section added requiring polypropylene
siding to be certified by a test report stating
that all portions of the test specimen ahead
- - R703.14.3 Flame spread index
of flame front remained in position during
the flame spread index test in accordance
with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
Table values have been updated by using
Cladding Minimum Fastening a consistent rounding approach by
Table Table Requirements for Direct Attachment rounding the values down to the nearest
Attachment of Foam Plastic
R703.15.1 R703.15.1 of Foam Plastic Sheathing to 0.05 inches for consistency with actual
Support Cladding Weight thicknesses of foam plastic sheathing
Weight
materials.
Furring Minimum Fastening Furring Minimum Fastening a consistent rounding approach by
Table Requirements for Application Table Requirements for Application Over rounding the values down to the nearest
R703.15.2 Over Foam Plastic Sheathing to R703.15.2 Foam Plastic Sheathing to Support 0.05 inches for consistency with actual
Support Cladding Weight Cladding Weight thicknesses of foam plastic sheathing
materials.
Cladding Minimum Fastening a consistent rounding approach by
Table Table Requirements for Direct Attachment rounding the values down to the nearest
Attachment of Foam Plastic
R703.16.1 R703.16.1 of Foam Plastic Sheathing to 0.05 inches for consistency with actual
Support Cladding Weight thicknesses of foam plastic sheathing
Weight
materials.
Furring Minimum Fastening Furring Minimum Fastening Table values have been updated by using
Table Requirements for Application Table Requirements for Application Over a consistent rounding approach by
R703.16.2 Over Foam Plastic Sheathing to R703.16.2 Foam Plastic Sheathing to Support rounding the values down to the nearest
Support Cladding Weight Cladding Weight 0.05 inches for consistency with actual
18
thicknesses of foam plastic sheathing
materials.
New section providing design and
construction requirements for common
soffit materials. Two new figures have
been added depicting proper attachment of
vinyl soffit panels to resist wind loads. The
Section span of vinyl soffit panels is now limited to
- - Soffits
R704 12 inches. Material requirements are
specified for vinyl, fiber-cement, and
hardboard soffit panels. A new prescriptive
option for wood structural panel soffits is
provided for design wind pressures up to
90 psf.
Chapter 8: Roof-Ceiling Construction
timbers
timbers.
New section added requiring the structural
capacities and design provisions for
- - R802.1.8 Prefabricated wood I-joists prefabricated wood I-joists to be
established and monitored in accordance
with ASTM D 5055.
Section revised to require wood roof
framing to be designed in accordance with
R802.2 Design and construction R802.2 Design and construction the provisions of Section R301.2.1.1 (AWC
WFCM, ASCE 7, or the FBCB) or in
accordance with the AWC NDS.
The prescriptive provisions for constructing
wood frame roofs in Chapter 8 have been
R802.3,
R802.4,
Prescriptive provisions for not apply to the design and construction of
R802.5, - -
construction of wood frame roofs wood roofs in the State of Florida. These
R802.8,
R802.11
19
been deleted.
Section revised to refer to new Table
R803.2.2 for the minimum thickness and
R803.2.2 Allowable spans (roof sheathing) R803.2.2 Allowable spans (roof sheathing)
span rating of wood structural panel roof
sheathing.
New language prohibits wood structural
panel roof sheathing from cantilevering
R803.2.3 Installation R803.2.3 Installation more than 9 inches beyond the gable end
wall unless supported by gable overhang
framing.
New table specifying the minimum roof
sheathing thickness based on wind speed
Table
- - Minimum Roof Sheathing Thickness and exposure category. The specified
R803.2.2
sheathing thicknesses are based on a
rafter/truss spacing of 24 inches on center.
Section revised to refer to new Table
R803.2.3.1 to determine the required
spacing of fasteners for attaching wood
structural panel sheathing to roof framing.
Where the sheathing thickness is 15/32
inches and less, sheathing is required to be
R803.2.3.1 Sheathing fastenings R803.2.3.1 Sheathing fastenings
attached with ASTM F1667 RSRS-01 (2
3/8” x 0.113”) nails. Where the sheathing
thickness exceeds 15/32 inches, sheathing
is required to be attached with ASTM
F1667 RSRS-03 (2 ½” x 0.131”) nails or
RSRS-04 (3” x 0.120”) nails.
New table specifying fastener spacing of
wood structural panel roof sheathing based
on wind speed, exposure category, and
framing member specific gravity. The
Table
- - Roof Sheathing Attachment specified fastener spacing is based on a
R803.2.3.1
rafter/truss spacing of 24 inches on center.
Fastener spacing is provided for panel
edges and for intermediate supports in the
panel field.
Cold-Formed Steel Roof The prescriptive provisions of Section
R804 R804 Cold-Formed Steel Roof Framing
Framing R804 for cold-formed steel roof framing
20
have been deleted in their entirety. Section
R804.1 now requires the design of cold-
form steel roof framing to be in accordance
with AISI S230.

cold-formed steel roof framing for most the
State of Florida. These provisions had
deleted.
Perforated vinyl has been added as option
for covering ventilated openings. New
Ventilation required (roof Ventilation required (roof language has been added to clarify that
R806.1 R806.1
ventilation) ventilation) ventilated openings have to be protected to
prevent the entry of birds, rodents, snakes,
and other similar creatures.
Exception 1 has been deleted as the
climate zones indicated do not apply to
Florida.
R806.2 Minimum vent area R806.2 Minimum vent area
Exception 2 has been revised to permit the
lower vents to be in the bottom one-third of
the attic space instead of only in eaves or
cornices.
Section revised to clarify that blocking and
R806.3 Vent and insulation clearance R806.3 Vent and insulation clearance bridging, in addition to insulation, is not
permitted to block the free flow of air.
A new option has been added for Climate
Zones 1, 2, and 3 permitting the use vapor
Unvented attic and unvented Unvented attic and unvented
R806.5 R806.5 diffusion in lieu of air changes to remove
enclosed rafter assemblies enclosed rafter assemblies
moisture in attics. This option only applies
where air-permeable insulation is located
21
on the top of the attic floor or on top of the
attic ceiling.
Chapter 9: Roof Assemblies
-
New section requiring rooftop-mounted
photovoltaic panel systems to be tested,
Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic
- R902.4 listed, and identified with a fire
panel systems
classification in accordance with UL 1703
and UL 2703.
R905.1.1 Underlayment Underlayment types and installation for all

Underlayment for asphalt, metal, roof coverings have been revised to be
R905.1.1.1 mineral surfaced, slate and slate- consistent with the recommendations from
type roof coverings IBHS to create a “sealed roof deck.” The
Underlayment for concrete and clay key changes are as follows:
R905.1.1.2
tile  where felt underlayment is used, it
must be 30# or equivalent (ASTM
D 226 Type II, ASTM D4869 Types
III or IV)
 installation techniques such as
number of plies, lapping, and
fastener spacing have been
strengthened
R905.1.1 Underlayment  where self-adhering strips/tapes
are applied over roof deck joints, a
30# equivalent underlayment with
Underlayment for wood shakes and
R905.1.1.3 enhanced fastening is required
shingles.
over the strips/tapes

R908.7.1 can be confirmed or verified. An
approved underlayment for the applicable
roof coverings is required to be applied
over the existing self-adhered membrane.
Table
Underlayment Table - - Table has been deleted.
R905.1.1
22
New table specifies the required
Table Underlayment with Self-Adhering underlayment types, lapping, and fasteners
- -
R905.1.1.1 Strips Over Roof Deck Joints where self-adhering strips/tapes are
applied to the roof deck joints.
Section revised to clarify that asphalt
shingles are required to be labeled to
R905.2.6.1 Classification of asphalt shingles R905.2.6.1 Classification of asphalt shingles
indicate compliance with one of the
required classifications.
New language added requiring the drip
R905.2.8.5 Drip edge R905.2.8.5 Drip edge edge at gables to be installed over the
underlayment.
R905.3 R905.3 The FRSA/TRI Florida High Wind Concrete
through Clay and concrete tile through Clay and concrete tile and Clay Tile Installation Manual has been
R905.3.8 R905.3.8 updated to the 6th Edition.
Wind resistance of metal roof New section requiring that metal roof
R905.4.4.1
shingles shingles applied to a solid or closely fitted
deck to be tested in accordance with FM
4474, UL 580, UL 1897, ASTM D3161, or
TAS 107.
- - Classification of Metal Roof
Table New Table R905.4.4.1 specifies the
Shingles Tested in Accordance with
R905.4.4.1 required classification of metal shingles
ASTM D3161
tested to ASTM D3161 based on the
ultimate design wind speed (similar to the
classification requirements for asphalt
shingles).
AWPA U1 references have been updated
Table Wood Shake Material Table Wood Shake Material
for preservative-treated taper sawn shakes
R905.8.5 Requirements R905.8.5 Requirements of Southern Pine.
CGSB 37-GP-56M has been deleted from
Table Modified Bitumen Roof Material Table Modified Bitumen Roof Material
the list of modified bitumen roof membrane
R905.11.2 Standards R905.11.2 Standards
standards.
Material standards (thermoset Material standards (thermoset
R905.12.2 R905.12.2 the list of thermoset single-ply roofing
single-ply roofing) single-ply roofing)
standards.
Material standards Material standards (thermoplastic
R905.13.2 R905.13.2 the list of thermoplastic single-ply
(thermoplastic single-ply roofing) single-ply roofing)
standards.
Wind resistance (photovoltaic Wind resistance (photovoltaic The specified wind design criteria for
R905.17.1 R905.17.1
systems) systems) rooftop-mounted photovoltaic systems has
23
been deleted and replaced with a reference
to designing for wind loads in accordance
with ASCE 7. ASCE 7-16 includes new
wind design criteria for roof-top mounted
photovoltaic systems.
Mineral wool board complying with ASTM
Material Standards for Roof Table Material Standards for Roof
Table R906.2 C726 has been added to the list of material
Insulation R906.2 Insulation
and standards for roof insulation.
New section added requiring rooftop-
Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic mounted photovoltaic panel systems to be
R907.1 Reserved R907.1
systems designed and installed in accordance with
R324, NFPA 70, and the FFPC.
R908.1 General (existing roofing) R908.1 General (existing roofing)
R908.7.1 can be confirmed or verified. An
approved underlayment for the applicable
roof coverings is required to be applied
over the existing self-adhered membrane.
Section revised to clarify that existing or
salvaged slate, clay, or concrete tile is
permitted for reinstallation or reuse, to
repair an existing roof provided it is of like
kind in material and profile. New language
R908.5 Reinstallation/reuse of materials R908.5 Reinstallation/reuse of materials
specifically permits the building official to
permit salvaged slate, clay, concrete tile on
additions and new construction provided
the tile is tested and installed in
accordance with Section 1507.
Section revised to apply to all buildings
with a sawn lumber, wood plank, or wood
R908.7 Wind mitigation R908.7 Wind mitigation
structural panel roof deck not just site-built
single-family dwellings.
Roof decking attachment for Roof decking attachment for
R908.7.1 site-built single-family residential R908.7.1 existing structures with wood roof
structures decks.
24
Roof secondary water barrier for Roof secondary water barrier for
R908.7.2 site-built single-family residential R908.7.2 existing structures with wood roof
structures decks
Roof-to-wall connections Roof-to-wall connections with a sawn lumber, wood plank, or wood
R908.8 R908.8
(mitigation) (mitigation) structural panel roof deck not just site-built
Chapter 10: Chimneys and Fireplaces
1001.2.1 Ash dump cleanout 1001.2.1 Ash dump cleanout
1003.9.2 Spark arrestors 1003.9.2 Spark arrestors
New section requiring insulation shields for
- - 1005.8 Insulation shield factory-built chimneys that pass through
insulated assemblies.
Chapter 11: Energy Efficiency
No changes.
Chapter 12: Mechanical Administration
No changes.
Chapter 13: General Mechanical System Requirements
Appliance access for inspection Appliance access for inspection Section revised to coordinate the use of the
M1305.1 M1305.1
service, repair and replacement. service, repair and replacement. terms accessible and access in the code.
Chapter 14: Heating and Cooling Equipment and Appliances
M1407.4 Access M1407.4 Access
Section revised to change the insulation
M1411.6 Insulation of refrigerant piping M1411.6 Insulation of refrigerant piping size for piping and fittings for refrigerant
vapor lines from R-4 to R-3.
Chapter 15: Exhaust Systems
New section requiring the passageway of
dryer exhaust duct terminals to be
Exhaust termination outlet and
- - M1502.3.1 undiminished in size and to provide an
passageway size
open area of not less than 12.5 square
inches.
Material and size (dryer exhaust Material and size (dryer exhaust For clarity, the equivalent metal gauge size
M1502.4.1 M1502.4.1
duct) duct) has been added.
Section revised to prohibit joining ducts
M1502.4.2 Duct installation M1502.4.2 Duct installation
with screws or similar fasteners.
25
New language added requiring where dryer
exhaust ducts are enclosed in wall or
ceiling cavities, such cavities are required
to allow the installation of the duct without
deformation.
Make-up air required (range Section revised to coordinate the use of the
1503.4 1503.4 Make-up air required (range hoods)
hoods) terms accessible and access in the code.
New language added requiring controls to
System controls (mechanical System controls (mechanical
1507.3.2 1507.3.2 include text or a symbol indicating their
ventilation) ventilation)
function.
Section revised and new exception added
to incorporate the balanced ventilation
provisions that are contained in the FBCM
for one- two-family dwellings.
New Equation 15-1 has been added for

determining the required ventilation rate as
an alternate to Table M1507.3.3(1).
1507.3.3 Mechanical ventilation rate 1507.3.3 Mechanical ventilation rate
New Exception 2 permits the ventilation
rates determined in accordance with Table
1507.3.3(1) or Equation 15-1 to be reduced
by 30% provided a ducted system supplies
ventilation air directly to each bedroom and
to a living room, dining room, or kitchen;
and the whole-house ventilation system is
a balanced ventilation system.
Chapter 16: Duct Systems
M1601.1.2 Underground duct systems M1601.1.2 Underground duct systems
M1601.4.1 Joints, seams and connections M1601.4.1 Joints, seams and connections
Two new exceptions have been added to
the general return air requirements.
M1602.2 Return air openings M1602.2 Return air openings New Exception 3 permits a dedicated
independent dehumidification system to
take return air from spaces such as closets
and bathrooms and discharge air back into
26
the space provided the air is filtered and
dehumidified prior to being returned into
the space.
New Exception 4 permits taking return air

from a closet where the return air serves
only the closet and has no dedicated
supply duct. Additional restrictions apply
where return air is taken from closets
smaller than 30 square feet.
Chapter 17: Combustion Air
No changes.
Chapter 18: Chimneys and Vents
Access (chimney and vent Access (chimney and vent Section revised to coordinate the use of the
M1803.3.5 M1803.3.5
connectors) connectors) terms accessible and access in the code.
Connection to masonry fireplace Connection to masonry fireplace Section revised to coordinate the use of the
M1803.4.3 M1803.4.3
flue. flue. terms accessible and access in the code.
Chapter 19: Special Appliances, Equipment and Systems
No changes.
Chapter 20: Boilers and Water Heaters.
No changes.
Chapter 21: Hydronic Piping
No changes.
Chapter 22: Special Piping and Storage Systems
Shuttoff valves (oil pumps and Shuttoff valves (oil pumps and Section revised to coordinate the use of the
M2204.2 M2204.2
valves) valves) terms accessible and access in the code.
Chapter 23: Solar Thermal Energy Systems
M2301.2.1 Access M2301.2.1 Access
Chapter 24: Fuel Gas
The sub definitions under central furnace
General Definitions: Furnace, General Definitions: Furnace, have been deleted because the code does
G2403 G2403
central central not differentiate between the various
furnace types.
General Definitions: Joint, General Definitions: Joint, Definition editorially revised to change
G2403 G2403
Mechanical Mechanical press joint to press-connect joint.
General Definitions: Regulator, General Definitions: Regulator, The sub definitions under gas appliance
G2403 G2403
Gas Appliance Gas Appliance regulator have been deleted because the
27
code does not differentiate between the
various regulator types.
New definition for monitoring regulator
added. Defined as a pressure regulator set
in series with another pressure regulator
General Definitions: Regulator,
G2403 - G2403 for the purpose of automatically taking
Monitoring
control of the pressure downstream of the
monitored regulator when that pressure
exceeds a set minimum.
New definition for series regulator added.
General Definitions: Regulator,
G2403 - G2403 Defined as a pressure regulator in series
Series
with one or more other pressure regulators.
New definition for gas-fire toilet added.
Defined as a packaged and completely
General Definitions: Toilet, Gas-
G2403 - G2403 assembled appliance containing a toilet
fired
that incinerates refuse instead of flushing it
away with water.
The sub definitions under unit heater have
been deleted because the code does not
differentiate between the high- and low-
static heaters. New language added
defining a unit heater as a self-contained,
G2403 General Definitions: Unit Heater G2403 General Definitions: Unit Heater
automatically controlled, vented, fuel-gas-
burning space-heating appliance, intended
for installation in the space to be heated
without the use of ducts, and having
integral means for circulation of air.
Section revised to add a new item
permitting a clothes dryer to be installed in
a residential bathroom or toilet rom having
Prohibited locations (appliance Prohibited locations (appliance
G2406.2 G2406.2 a permanent opening with an area not less
location) location)
than 100 square inches that communicates
with a space outside of a sleeping room,
bathroom, toilet room or storage closet.
Section revised to clarify that the openings
Combining spaces on the same Combining spaces on the same
G2407.5.3.1 G2407.5.3.1 specified are required to be permanent
story story
openings.
Section revised to clarify that the openings
Combining spaces in different Combining spaces in different
G2407.5.3.2 G2407.5.3.2 specified are required to be permanent
stories stories
openings.
28
Section revised to clarify that this section
applies to corrugated stainless steel tubing
(CSST) that is not listed with an arc-
resistant jacket or coating system in
G2411.1.1 CSST (electrical bonding) G2411.2 CSST (electrical bonding) accordance with ANSI LC 1/CSA 6.26.
CSST gas piping systems and gas piping
systems containing one or more segment
of CSST are required to be electrically
continuous.
Section revised to editorially clarify that this
section applies to additionall grounding
G2411.1.1.3 Bonding jumper length G2411.2.3 Bonding jumper length
electrodes installed to meet the
requirements of this section.
New section added that applies to CSST
that is listed with an arc-resistant jacket or
coating system in accordance with
ANSI LC 1/CSA 6.26. Arc-resistant-
- - G2411.3 Arc-resistant CSST jacketed CSST is considered to be bonded
where it is connected to an appliance that
is connected to the appliance grounding
conductor of the circuit that supplies the
appliance.
Section revised to clarify that this section
G2413.4 Sizing tables and equations G2413.4 Sizing tables and equations applies to piping materials other than
noncorrugated stainless steel tubing.
New section requiring noncorrugated
stainless steel tubing to be sized in
Noncorrugated stainless steel
- - G2413.5 accordance with Equation 24-3 and 24-4 of
tubing
Section 2413.4 in conjunction with Section
2413.4.1, 2413.4.2, or 2413.4.3.
Section revised to change maximum
design operating pressure to maximum
operating pressure. Conditions for
exceeding the maximum 5 psig pressure
Maximum design operating have been revised. Condition 1 clarifies
G2413.6 G2413.7 Maximum operating pressure
pressure that the piping joints are required to be
welded or brazed. New condition 2
requires piping joints to be flanged and
pipe-to-flange connections made by
welding or brazing.
29
Section revised to also apply to stainless
steel metallic pipe. Requires steel to not
G2414.4.2 Steel pipe (piping materials) G2414.4.2 Steel pipe (piping materials) be lighter than Schedule 10. ASTM A312
has been added as a reference standard
for steel pipe.
Section revised to prohibit the use of tubing
G2414.5 Metallic tubing G2414.5 Metallic tubing materials where gases are corrosive to the
tubing material.
New section added requiring stainless steel
- - G2414.5.2 Stainless steel tubing to comply with ASTM A268 or ASTM
A269.
The requirement that plastic pipe, tubing
and fittings, other than polyethylene, be
identified and conform to the 2008 edition
G2414.6 Plastic pipe, tubing and fittings G2414.6 Plastic pipe, tubing and fittings of ASTM D2513 has been deleted. New
language added requiring polyamide pipe,
tubing, and fittings to be identified and
conform to ASTM F2945.
Section revised to require Schedule 40 and
heavier pipe joints to be threaded, flanged,
brazed, welded, or assembled with press-
connect fittings listed in accordance with
G2414.10.1 Pipe joints (metallic) G2414.10.1 Pipe joints (metallic)
ANSI LC4/CSA 6.32. Pipe lighter than
Schedule 40 is required to be connected
using press-connect fittings, flanges,
brazing, or welding.
G2414.10.2 Copper tubing joints Requirements for tubing joints have been
separated into 2 new sections addressing
G2414.10.2 Tubing joints
G2414.10.3 Stainless steel tubing joints copper tubing joints and stainless steel
tubing joints.
The requirements for protecting pipe or
tubing from corrosion have been revised
and reorganized for clarity. Corrosion
protection is required for steel piping
G2415.11 G2415.11
exposed to corrosive action. All steel
through Protection against corrosion through Protection against corrosion
piping is required to be factory coated
G2415.11.4 G2415.11.4
where exposed to corrosive action. An
approved cathodic protective system is
allowed. New section added requiring
protection of risers.
30
A piping or encasement system listed for
Piping underground beneath Piping underground beneath installation beneath buildings has been
G2415.14 G2415.14
buildings buildings added as an option for encasing piping
installed underground beneath buildings.
A product specifically designed for that
purpose has been added as an alternate to
G2415.17.3 Tracer G2415.17.3 Tracer
a yellow insulated copper tracer wire or
approved conductor.
Section editorially revised to clarify that
G2417.2 Test medium G2417.2 Test medium oxygen is not permitted to be used as a
test medium.
New language added recognizing shutoff
valves serving movable appliances such as
Located within same room Located within same room
G2420.5.1 G2420.5.1 cooking appliances and clothes dryers as
(appliance shutoff valve) (appliance shutoff valve)
provided with access where the valves are
installed behind such appliances.
New section requiring shutoff valves
installed in tubing systems to be rigidly and
- - G2420.6 Shutoff valves in tubing systems
securely supported independently of the
tubing.
New language has been added to Item 6
regarding MP regulators clarifying that the
tee fitting is not required where the MP
G2421.2 MP regulators G2421.2 MP regulators regulator serves an appliance that has a
pressure test port on the gas control inlet
side and the appliance is located in the
same room as the MP regulator.
Section revised to require automatic
G2421.4 Excess flow valves G2421.4 Excess flow valves excess flow valves to be listed in
accordance with ANSI Z21.93/CSA 6.30.
Section revised to require mechanical draft
systems to be listed in accordance with UL
G2427.3.3 Mechanical draft systems G2427.3.3 Mechanical draft systems
378 and installed in accordance with the
New language added requiring plastic pipe
venting materials to be labeled in
accordance with the product standards
G2427.4.1 Plastic piping (venting) G2427.4.1 Plastic piping (venting)
specified by the appliance manufacturer or
listed and labeled in accordance with UL
1738.
31
New language added requiring plastic pipe
venting materials listed and labeled in
G2427.4.1.1 Plastic vent joints G2427.4.1.1 Plastic vent joints accordance with UL 1738 to be installed in
accordance with the vent manufacturer’s
instructions.
Section revised to require special gas
vents to be listed in accordance with UL
G2427.4.2 Special gas vent G2427.4.2 Special gas vent
1738 and installed in accordance with the
Section revised to require factory-built
chimneys to be listed in accordance with
G2427.5.1 Factory-built chimneys G2427.5.1 Factory-built chimneys
UL 103 and installed in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
Section revised to require chimney lining
G2427.5.2 Masonry chimneys G2427.5.2 Masonry chimneys systems to be listed and labeled in
accordance with UL 1777.
Section revised to require cleanouts to be
G2427.5.5.2 Cleanouts G2427.5.5.2 Cleanouts repaired or replaced where they do not
remain tightly closed when not in use.
Section revised to clarify that a single
chimney flue serving a listed combination
Combination gas- and oil-fuel- Combination gas- and oil-fuel-
G2427.5.6.4 G2427.5.6.4 gas- and oil-fuel-burning appliance is
burning appliances burning appliances
required to be sized in accordance with the
appliance manufacturer’s instructions.
New section requiring an insulation shield
where a factory-built chimney passes
- - G2427.5.10 Insulation shield through insulated assemblies to provide
clearance between the chimney and the
insulation material.
New section added requiring Type B and
BW gas vents to be listed in accordance
with UL 441. Vents for listed combination
- - G2427.6.1 Materials (gas vents)
gas- and oil-fuel-burning appliances are
required to be listed in accordance with UL
641.
G2427.8 Venting system termination location The required through-the-wall direct vent
termination clearances in Item 3 have been
Venting system termination
G2427.8 Table Through-the-Wall, Direct-Vent relocated to a new table. A new category
location
G2427.8 Termination Clearances requires where the direct-vent appliance
input rating exceeds 150,000 Btu/hr., the
32
clearance from an air opening in the
building is required to be in accordance
with the appliance manufacturer’s
instructions but not less than the
clearances specified in Section G2427.8,
Item 2.
Section revised to require clothes dryer
Exhaust installation (clothes Exhaust installation (clothes dryer
G2439.3 G2439.3 exhaust ducts to be sealed in accordance
dryer exhaust) exhaust)
with Section M1601.4.1.
New section requiring the passageway of
Exhaust termination outlet and dryer exhaust duct terminals to be
- - G2439.3.1
passageway undiminished in size and provide an open
area of not less than 12.5 square inches.
New language added requiring where dryer
ducts are enclosed in wall or ceiling
G2439.7.2 Duct installation G2439.7.2 Duct installation cavities, the cavities are required to allow
the installation of the ducts without
deformation.
G2442.2.2 Forced-air furnaces - - Section deleted in its entirety.
New exception added permitting cooking
appliances for commercial occupancies to
Prohibited location (cooking Prohibited location (cooking be installed within dwelling units where the
G2447.2 G2447.2
appliances) appliances) installation is designed by a licensed
professional engineer, in compliance with
the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Chapter 25: Plumbing Administration
New exception permits testing with
compressed gas as an alternative to
hydrostatic testing for PEX piping systems
P2503.7 Water-supply system testing P2503.7 Water-supply system testing where permitted by the manufacturer’s
instructions for PEX pipe and fittings and
not prohibited by other laws, codes, or
regulations.
Chapter 26: General Plumbing Requirements
New language added to address well
construction in areas in a jurisdiction not
General (individual water supply General (individual water supply covered by state or local laws. Individual
P2602.1 P2602.1
and sewage disposal) and sewage disposal) water supplies are required to comply with
NFWA-01 Water Well Construction
Standard where state or local laws do not
33
address well construction. Additionally,
where such state or local laws do not
address all the requirements set forth in
NGWA-01, individual water supplies are
required to comply with NGWA for those
requirements not addressed.
Piping support for changes in flow direction
greater than 45 degrees for drainage and
waste horizontal pipes 4 inches and larger
has been clarified. New language requires
P2605.1 General (support) P2605.1 General (support) rigid bracing or other rigid support to be
installed to resist movement of the
upstream pipe. A change of flow direction
into vertical pipe does not require the
upstream pipe to be braced.
Chapter 27: Plumbing Fixtures
ASME A112.6.1M has been deleted from
Plumbing Fixtures, Faucets, and Table Plumbing Fixtures, Faucets, and the standard references because the
Table P2701.1
Fixture Fittings (standards) P2701.1 Fixture Fittings (standards) requirements in this standard are now
covered in ASME A112.6.2
ASME A112.6.1M has been deleted as a
reference standard for carriers for wall-
P2702.4 Carriers for wall-hung closets P2702.4 Carriers for wall-hung closets hung water closets because the
requirements in this standard are now
covered in ASME A112.6.2.
Section revised primarily to clarify the code
permits slip joints to be installed upstream
General (access to slip joint
P2704.1 P2704.1 Slip joints of a trap inlet and at the connection of the
connections)
trap arm to the drainage piping. Access
requirements have also been clarified.
The requirement that bathtubs be equipped
with an overflow outlet has been deleted
because the applicable standards in Table
Bathtub waste outlets and P2701.1 do not require an overflow outlet
P2713.1 P2713.1 Bathtub waste outlets and overflows
overflows and they are rarely used. New langue
states that where an overflow outlet is
installed, it is required to be not less than 1
½ inches in diameter.
Chapter 28: Water Heaters
34
The prohibition of using a plastic pan
beneath a gas-fired water heater has been
removed. Plastic pans are now permitted
beneath gas-fired water heaters provided
P2801.6 Required pan P2801.6 Required pan
the material has a flame spread index of 25
or less and a smoked developed index of
450 or less when tested in accordance with
ASTM E84 or UL 723.
The requirement for discharge piping
serving a pressure-relief valve,
temperature-relief valve or combination
valve be one nominal size larger than the
Requirements for discharge pipe Requirements for discharge pipe
P2804.6.1 P2804.6.1 size of the relief valve outlet where the
(relief valves) (relief valves)
piping is constructed of PEX or PE-RT
tubing has been changed to only apply
where the piping is installed with insert
fittings.
Chapter 29: Water Supply and Distribution
New language added requiring water
P2903.5 Water hammer P2903.5 Water hammer hammer arrestors to be installed where
quick-closing valves are utilized
MSS SP-122 and MSS SP-139 have been
Table Table
Valves Valves added as reference standards for certain
P2903.9.4 P2903.9.4
valves.
New section added limiting the developed
length of hot water piping from the source
of hot water to the fixtures to not exceed
- - P2905.3 Hot water supply to fixtures
100 feet. Water heaters and recirculating
system piping are considered sources of
hot water.
CSA B137.18 has been added as a
reference standard for PE-RT plastic
Table Table tubing.
Water Service Pipe Water Service Pipe
P2906.4 P2906.4
ASTM F877 has been removed as a
reference standard for PEX plastic tubing.
CSA B137.18 has been added as a
Table Table reference standard for PE-RT plastic
Water Distribution Pipe Water Distribution Pipe
P2906.5 P2906.5 tubing.
35
ASTM F877 has been removed as a
reference standard for PEX plastic tubing.
ASSE 1061, ASTM D2683, ASTM D3261,
Table Table ASTM F1055, and CSA B137.18 have
Pipe Fittings Pipe Fittings
P2906.6 P2906.6 been added as reference standards for PE-
RT plastic tubing.
Section revised to require all water
distribution piping (hot and cold) to have a
P2906.5 Water-distribution pipe P2906.5 Water-distribution pipe
pressure rating of not less than 100 psi at
180°F.
New section explicitly prohibiting the use of
- - P2906.6.1 Saddle tap fittings saddle tap fittings and combination saddle
tap and valve fittings.
Cross-linked polyethylene plastic Cross-linked polyethylene plastic
P2906.9.1.5 P2906.10 Requirements for PEX plastic tubing and
(PEX) (PEX)
fittings have been relocated to new Section
P2906.9.1.5.1 Flared joints P2906.10.1 Flared joints
P2906.10.
P2906.9.1.5.2 Mechanical joints P2906.10.2 Mechanical joints
New section permitting joints between PVC
water service and CPVC water distribution
Joint between PVC water service
- - P2906.18.2 pipe to be a mechanical fitting, an
and CPVC water distribution
approved adapter fitting, a transition fitting,
or solvent-cemented.
New section permitting heat fusion joints
for PE-RT pipe. Joints are required to be
- - P2906.20.2 Heat fusion joints (PE-RT)
socket-fusion, saddle-fusion, or butt-fusion
type complying with ASTM D2657.
New section permitting electrofusion joints
- - P2906.20.2 Electrofusion joints (PE-RT)
for PE-RT pipe.
New section permitting push-fit joints to be
used only on copper-tube-size outside
- - P2906.21 Push-fit joints diameter dimensioned CPVC, PEX, and
copper tubing. Push-fit joints are required
to conform ASSE 1061.
Chapter 30: Sanitary Drainage
ASTM F714 has been added as a
reference standard for polyolefin pipe.
Table Underground Building Drainage Table Underground Building Drainage and
P3002.1(2) and Vent Pipe P3002.1(2) Vent Pipe PE plastic pipe (SDR-PR) has been added
as a pipe material and is required to
comply with ASTM F714.
36
Polyethylene has been added as pipe
Table Table
Pipe Fittings Pipe Fittings material and is required to comply with
P3002.3 P3002.3
ASTM D2683.
Section revised to permit solvent cement
joints between different types of plastic as
P3003.2 Prohibited joints P3003.2 Prohibited joints
permitted in accordance with Section
P3003.13.4.
Section revised to clarify that approved
primers other than purple primer are
P3003.9.2 Solvent cementing P3003.9.2 Solvent cementing
permitted to be used provided they comply
with ASTM F656.
Section revised to permit solvent-cement
joints complying with ASTM D3138
Plastic pipe or tubing to other Plastic pipe or tubing to other piping between ABS and PVC pipes only for a
P3003.13.4 P3003.13.4
piping material material single joint at the end of a building
drainage pipe and the beginning of a
building sewer pipe.
Section revised to clarify what does not
constitute a reduction in size in the
Change in size (drainage No reduction in size in the direction
P3005.1.6 P3005.1.6 direction of flow. Now includes a water
system) of flow (drainage system)
closet bend fitting having a 4-inch inlet and
a 3-inch outlet, and offset closet flanges.
Language requiring discharge pipe and
Discharge pipe and fittings Discharge pipe and fittings (sumps
P3007.3.3 P3007.3.3 fittings serving sump pumps and ejectors to
(sumps and ejectors) and ejectors)
be approved has been deleted.
The size of spherical solids that pumps and
ejectors must handle for those that do not
P3007.6 Capacity (sumps and ejectors) P3007.6 Capacity (sumps and ejectors)
receive discharge from a water closet has
been reduced from 1 inch to ½ inch.
P3008.1 Where required (backwater valves) Section P3008.1 has been revised and
new Section P3008.2 has been added to
add a distinction between the use of
normally closed backwater valve and
Sewage backflow (backwater
P3008.1 normally open backwater valve. Section
valves) P3008.2 Allowable installation
P3008.2 allows the discharge of fixtures
located above the elevation of the manhole
cover provided that a normally open
backwater valve is installed.
The language requiring backwater valves
P3008.2 Material P3008.2 Material
to be of corrosion-resistant material has
37
been deleted because it is covered in the
reference standards.
Section deleted because the requirements
P3008.3 Seal - -
are covered in the reference standards.
Section deleted because the requirements
P3008.4 Diameter - -
are covered in the reference standards.
Section revised to identify that the internal
P3008.3 Location P3008.5 Location moving components are what must be
accessible.
Section deleted and shown as Reserved
because the Florida Department of Health
Subsurface Landscape Irrigation is the regulatory authority permitting onsite
P3009 - -
Systems sewage treatment and disposal systems
include gray water treatment and disposal
systems.
Section revised to include building drains
Replacement of Underground Replacement of Underground
within the scope of this section. Similar
P3010 Sewers by Pipe Bursting P3010 Building Sewers and Building
changes have been made to Sections
Methods Drains by Pipe Bursting Methods
P3010.1, P3010.2, and P3010.6.
Cell classifications for HDPE pipe have
P3010.4 Pipe P3010.4 Pipe been deleted. The SDR requirement for
pipe fittings has been deleted.
Cell classifications for HDPE pipe have
P3010.5 Pipe fittings P3010.5 Pipe fittings been deleted. The SDR requirement for
pipe fittings has been deleted.
New section added governing the
replacement of existing building sewer
piping by PVC fold and form methods.
Fold and form is a method where a PVC
Replacement of Underground
pipe is manufactured in a plant and is
- - P3011 Sewers by PVC Fold and Form
heated and collapsed to form a roll for
Methods
transport to the worksite. The pipe is
heated and pulled into an existing sewer
pipe in need of rehabilitation. The pipe is
then expanded and installed.
Chapter 31: Vents
Section P3103.1 has been expanded and
P3103.1 Roof extension P3103.1 Vent pipes terminating outdoors
reorganized into 4 new sections.
38
Criteria for roof extensions previously in
P3103.1.1 Roof extension Section P3103.1 have been relocated to
new Section P3103.1.1.
Criteria for vent terminations above roofs
used for recreational purposes has been
P3103.1.2 Roof used for recreational purposes
clarified and relocated from Section
P3103.1 to new Section P3103.1.2.
New section added addressing vent pipe
terminations covered by either a roof-
P3103.1.3 Roof extension covered
mounted photovoltaic panel or an
architectural feature.
Criteria for vent terminations through side
P3103.1.4 Side wall vent terminal walls previously in section P3103.6 has
been relocated to new Section P3103.1.4.
Side wall vent terminations are now
P3103.6 Extension through the wall - -
addressed in new Section P3103.1.4.
The prohibition of a combination waste and
vent system receiving the discharge from a
food waste disposer has been deleted.
Type of fixtures (combination Type of fixtures (combination waste
P3111.1 P3111.1
waste and vent system) and vent system)
The requirements in previous Section
P3111.2.4 have been merged into Section
P3111.1.
New section permitting a horizontal fixture
drain to be considered as a combination
- - P3111.1.1 Single fixture systems
waste and vent system provided the fixture
drain size complies with Table P3111.3.
P3111.2 Installation P3111.2 Installation Section revised for clarity
P3111.2.1 Slope P3111.2.1 Slope Section revised for clarity.
P3111.2.2 Connection P3111.2.2 Vent connection Section revised for clarity.
P3111.2.3 Vent size P3111.2.3 Vent size Section revised for clarity.
Requirements of this section have been
P3111.2.4 Fixture branch or drain - -
merged into Section P3111.1
P3111.3 Size and length P3111.3 Size and length Section revised for clarity.
Chapter 32: Traps
Section revised to require traps having slip
P3201.1 Design of traps P3201.1 Design of traps joint connections to comply with Section
P2704.1.
Chapter 33: Storm Drainage
39
No changes.
Chapters 34 through 43: Electrical
The electrical requirements in the FBCR have been deleted. Section E3401.1 requires electrical systems, equipment and components to comply with
NFPA 70. Section E3401.4 requires additions or alterations to existing electrical systems to comply with the FBCEB and NFPA 70.
Chapter 44: High-Velocity Hurricane Zones
No changes.
Chapter 45: Private Swimming Pools
No changes.
Appendix Q: Tiny Houses
New appendix added addressing construction of tiny houses. Tiny houses are specifically defined as a dwelling that is 400 square feet or less in floor
area excluding lofts. Section AQ101.1 Scope requires to tiny houses to comply with the code except as otherwise stated in this appendix. Due to the
size of these dwellings, Appendix Q relaxes various requirements in the body of the code for tiny houses. These include compact stairways,
headroom, ladders, reduced ceiling heights in lofts and additional options for emergency escape and rescue openings.
Appendix S: Strawbale Construction
Section revised to require two-hour fire-
One-hour rated clay plastered resistance-rated nonload-bearing clay
AS107.1.1 AS107.1.1 One-hour rated clay plastered wall
wall plastered strawbales to have a minimum
density of 7.5 pounds per cubic foot.
Section revised to require two-hour fire-
Two-hour rated clay plastered resistance-rated nonload-bearing clay
AS107.1.2 AS107.1.2 Two-hour rated clay plastered wall
wall plastered strawbales to have a minimum
density of 7.5 pounds per cubic foot.
40
WIND LOADS – IMPACTS
FROM ASCE 7-16
June 2020
CHANGES TO WIND LOADS IN THE 7TH EDITION (2020) FLORIDA BUILDING CODE,
BUILDING AND RESIDENTIAL – IMPACTS FROM ASCE 7-16
American Society of Civil Engineers ASCE 7- New Risk Category IV Wind Speed Map –
16 7th Edition (2020) FBCB (ASCE 7-16 Figure
26.5-1D)
The 7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Code, Building
(FBCB) and Florida Building Code, Residential (FBCR)
While the wind speed maps in ASCE 7-16 have been
have been updated to reference ASCE 7-16 Minimum
revised significantly for the nonhurricane-prone region,
Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and
for the State of Florida, the only significant change to
Other Structures. Accordingly, the wind criteria in the
the wind speed maps is the introduction of a new wind
7th Edition FBCB and FBCR have been updated to
speed map for Risk
correlate with ASCE 7-16. ASCE 7-16 includes a number
Category IV buildings Significant Changes to ASCE
of notable changes to the wind load provisions. A few
and structures. 7-16
key changes are identified as follows and are
Wind speeds for Risk
summarized in this fact sheet: A comprehensive review of
Category I, II, and III
all changes to ASCE 7-16
buildings are
including dead, live, snow,
unchanged from the
and earthquake loads can be
6th Edition (2017)
found in Significant Changes
FBCB. In the 6th
to the Minimum Design Load
Edition (2017) FBCB
Provisions of ASCE 7-16
(and ASCE 7-10),
published by ASCE.
wind speeds for Risk
Category III and IV
buildings were the
same and provided
on a single map.
• New Risk Category IV wind speed map However, Risk
• New wind load criteria for rooftop solar panels Category III and IV
• Revised (higher) design wind pressures on roofs represent different
of buildings with mean roof height ≤ 60 feet levels of risk as Risk
Category IV includes essential facilities whose failure
• New wind load criteria for attached canopies
could pose a substantial hazard to a community if they
• New guidance in the commentary for designing failed. The addition of a new wind speed map specific
for tornadoes to Risk Category IV buildings and structures recognizes
the higher reliabilities required for these buildings and
structures. The Risk Category IV wind speed map is
based on a mean recurrence interval (MRI) of 3000
DISCLAIMER – This piece is intended to give the reader only general factual information current at the
time of publication. This piece is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used for
guidance or decisions related to a specific design or construction project. This piece is not intended to
reflect the opinion of any of the entities, agencies or organizations identified in the materials. Any opinion
is that of the individual author and should not be relied upon.
years. While the impact of the new of Risk Category IV Region (WBDR) in the FBCB. The WBDR for the Risk
wind speed map varies throughout the state, wind Category IV buildings and structures is now based on
speed increases for Risk Category IV buildings range the new Risk Category IV wind speed map which will
from 2% to 6% throughout compared to the 6th Edition result in a moderate increase in the WBDR for Risk
(2017) FBCB. Category IV buildings and other structures compared to
the 6th Edition (2017) FBCB.
Section 202 in the FBCB

WIND-BORNE DEBRIS REGION. Areas within hurricane-
prone regions located:
1. Within 1 mile (1.61 km) of the coastal mean high

water line where the ultimate design wind speed, Vult, is
130 mph (58 m/s) or greater; or
2. In areas where the ultimate design wind speed, Vult, is

140 mph (63.6 m/s) or greater.
For Risk Category II buildings and other structures and

Risk Category III buildings and other structures, except
health care facilities, the wind-borne debris region shall
be based on Figure 1609.3(1). For Risk Category III
health care facilities, the wind-borne debris region shall
be based on Figure 1609.3(2). For Risk Category IV
FIGURE 1609.3(3)
buildings and other structures, the wind-borne debris
ULTIMATE DESIGN WIND SPEEDS, VULT, FOR RISK
region shall be based on Figure 1609.3(3).
CATEGORY IV BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
Important Note Regarding the Use of Site-
NOTE: Because the FBCR only addresses one- and two- Specific Wind Speed Websites
family dwellings and townhouses (Risk Category II
The ATC Hazard By Location
buildings and other structures) the new Risk Category IV (hazards.atcouncil.org) and the ASCE
wind speed map was not added to the FBCR. The wind Hazard Tool (www.asce7hazardtool.online)
speed map in the FBCR is unchanged from the 6th websites are commonly used to obtain
Edition (2017) FBCR. site-specific wind speeds. While the 7th
Edition (2020) FBC has adopted ASCE 7-16,
In the High-Velocity Hurricane Zones, where a single
Florida-specific changes to two of the wind
wind speed for each Risk Category is specified for speed maps will make the hazard tool
Miami-Dade County and Broward County, the unreliable for some areas of Florida. The
applicable Risk Category IV wind speeds are as follows: 7th Edition (2020) FBC retained the ASCE 7-
10 Risk Category II map, because the ASCE
Miami-Dade County
7-16 Risk Category II map reduced wind
Risk Category IV Buildings and Structures: 195 mph speeds in the Big Bend area. Additionally,
the 7th Edition (2020) FBC corrects an error
Broward County on the ASCE 7-16 Risk Category IV wind
speed map. The error is primarily limited
Risk Category IV Buildings and Structures: 185 mph
to Franklin and Gulf Counties. In these
The addition of a separate wind speed map for Risk counties, wind speeds should be obtained
Category IV building and structures also required a from the code and not the wind speed
tweak to the definition of the Wind-borne Debris websites.
2
Wind Loads on Rooftop Solar Panels (ASCE 7-10 for effective wind areas of 10 square feet or less,
pressure coefficients are constant. For some roof
7-16 Sections 29.4.3 and 29.4.4) slopes in ASCE 7-16, pressure coefficients are constant
New provisions for for effective wind areas less than 10 square feet (2
Rooftop Solar Panels ASCE 7- square feet in some cases). Roof zones have also
determining wind
16 Example Calculations changed. A new Zone 1 has been added for low slope
loads on rooftop
roofs and the width and shape of Zones 2 and 3 have
solar panels have Example calculations for using changed. For higher sloped roofs, the width of the
been added to the new provisions in ASCE 7- zones has not changed but the zone designations have.
ASCE 7-16. Prior 16 for determining wind loads For example, corner zones include Zone 3es (eave) and
versions of ASCE 7 on rooftop solar panels are 3r (ridge). Similarly, the other edge zone includes Zones
have not provided in the report PV2- 2r (ridge), 2n (rake), and 2e (eave).
specifically 2017 Wind Design for Solar
addressed loads on Arrays published by the
rooftop solar Structural Engineers
Association of California
panels. Two
(www.seaoc.org).
methods for
specific types of
panels have been added. The first method applies
arrays on low sloped roofs (less than 7°) with limitations
on panel length, tilt and height above the roof. The
arrangement and limitations of this type of array have
been subjected to wind tunnel testing and are in
widespread use. This method has specific pressure
coefficients to be used and includes adjustments for the
presence of parapets, length of the panels, and
proximity to the edge of the roof.
The second method applies to solar panels that are

installed close to and parallel to the roof which would
be typical of solar panels installed on one- and two-
family dwellings. Loads for this system are calculated
using the normal roof component and cladding
calculations with adjustments for pressure equalization
and proximity to the edge of the roof. Pressure
equalization lowers the wind pressures on the panels.
Revised (Higher) Design Wind Pressures on

Roofs of Buildings with Mean Roof Height
≤ 60 feet (ASCE 7-16 Section 30.3)
Roof component and cladding loads for buildings with
mean roof heights of 60 feet or less have been revised
significantly from ASCE 7-10. Whereas ASCE 7-10 Excerpt of Figure R301.2(7) from the 7th Edition (2020)
contained 4 pressure coefficient (GCp) graphs for roof FBCR
slopes of 0° to 45°, ASCE 7-16 includes 9 new figures
including 5 new figures specific to hip roofs and hip roof
overhangs. In addition to the new figures, there are a The changes mostly result in significant increases in
couple of other notable changes to the figures. In ASCE design wind pressures on roofs compared to ASCE 7-10.
In some cases, the roof pressures increase by 100% or
3
more. However, this is generally not the case for the updated to correlate with ASCE 7-16. The load table has
high-pressure zones such as corners and roof edges. essentially doubled in size and includes new roof zones
due to the changes in how roof component and
For proper cladding loads are determined in ASCE 7-16. The height
context, when BASF Roof Assemblies Fact Sheet
and exposure adjustment table has also been revised
ASCE 7-10 was The BASF Roof Assemblies Fact slightly by reducing the adjustment factor mean roof
adopted in the Sheet provides an overview of the heights less than 30 feet and located in Exposure
2010 FBC, impact of the increased roof Category B. In the 6th Edition (2017) FBCR, there was no
design wind pressures in ASCE 7-16 on roof
speeds adjustment permitted for mean roof heights less than
assemblies. The BASF Roof 30 feet and located in Exposure Category B.
decreased Assemblies Fact Sheet can be
substantially downloaded at Excerpt of Table R301.2(2) in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR
for most of the www.floridabuilding.org.
State of Ultimate Design Wind
Effective Speed, Vult (mph)
Florida.
Zone Wind
Therefore, it is appropriate to compare the roof design 150 160
Area (ft2)
loads in ASCE 7-16 to the design loads determined from Pos Neg Pos Neg
ASCE 7-98 through ASCE -05 which collectively formed 1,1'g 10 10.0 -38.7 11.2 -44.0
the basis of the wind criteria in the first three editions 1,1'g 20 10.0 -34.4 10.5 -39.1
Gable Roof 0 to 7 degrees

of the FBC. The following figure shows the net change 1,1'g 50 10.0 -28.6 29.9 -32.5
in the “worst-case” Zone 3 design pressure from ASCE 1,1'g 100 10.0 -24.3 29.9 -27.6
2 10 10.0 -51.0 11.2 -58.1
7-05 to ASCE 7-16 (2007 FBC to 7th Edition (2020) FBC).
2 20 10.0 -45.5 10.5 -51.8
2 50 10.0 -38.1 29.9 -43.3
Ratio of ASCE 7-16 to ASCE 7-05 Wind Loads for
2 100 10.0 -32.5 10.0 -37.0
“Worst-Case”
3 10 10.0 -69.6 11.2 -79.1
Zone 3 Design Wind Pressures 3 20 10.0 -58.4 10.5 -66.5
3 50 10.0 -43.6 10.0 -49.6
3 100 10.0 -32.5 10.0 -37.0
1, 2e 10 18.1 -34.6 20.6 -39.3
1, 2e 20 15.6 -34.6 17.8 -39.3
Gable Roof >20 to 27 degrees
1, 2e 50 12.3 -29.4 14.0 -33.5

1, 2e 100 10.0 -25.3 11.2 -28.8
2n,2r,3e 10 18.1 -55.2 20.6 -62.8
2n,2r,3e 20 15.6 -48.4 17.8 -55.0
2n,2r,3e 50 12.3 -39.3 14.0 -44.7
2n,2r,3e 100 10.0 -32.5 11.2 -37.0
3r 10 18.1 -65.4 20.6 -74.5
3r 20 15.6 -55.2 17.8 -62.8
3r 50 12.3 -40.8 14.0 -46.4
3r 100 10.0 -40.8 11.2 -46.4
While roof loads have increased significantly compared

to ASCE 7-10, due to the wind speed changes in ASCE 7- Excerpt of Table R301.2(3) in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR
10 for some areas, the roof design pressures are lower MEAN ROOF EXPOSURE CATEGORY
when compared to ASCE 7-05. HEIGHT (ft) B C D
15 0.82 1.21 1.47
Simplified Component and Cladding Loads 20 0.89 1.29 1.55
– FBCR 25 0.94 1.35 1.61
30 1.00 1.40 1.66
The simplified component and cladding load tables in
the FBCR (Tables R301.2(2) and R301.2(3)) have been
4
Attached Canopies on Buildings with Mean adjustments in the ASCE 7-16 commentary are
summarized as follows:
Roof Heights ≤ 60 feet (ASCE 7-16 Section
30.11) Wind speed – use the upper range wind speed
associated with the targeted Enhanced
New criteria have been added to ASCE 7-16 to address Fujita (EF) number
loads on canopies attached to buildings. Attached
canopies are a common feature on modern buildings Exposure Category – use Exposure Category C
but prior editions of ASCE 7 have provided limited Directionality Factor – use Kd = 1.0
guidance on how these structures should be designed
for wind loads. Due to limited guidance, many Gust Effect Factor – use G = 0.90
engineers have resorted to using roof loads and/or roof
Internal Pressure – use GCpi = +/- 0.55
overhang loads to determine loads on attached
canopies. However, attached canopies are unique in Velocity Pressure – calculate q at mean roof height
that a roof overhang is simply an extension of the roof. for all procedures
The new provisions apply to attached canopies that are
MWFRS – determine wind loads on the
essentially horizontal (maximum slope of 2%) and that
Main Wind-Force Resisting
are attached to buildings with mean roof heights of 60
System (MWFRS) using the
feet or less. Two conditions are addressed – 1)
Directional Procedure in
attached canopies with a covering or soffit on the
Chapter 27
underside, and 2) attached canopies without a covering
or soffit on the underside. A simplified tornado factor (TF) is also provided for
several conditions that captures all the recommended
Designing for Tornadoes (ASCE 7-16 adjustments into a single multiplier that is applied to
Section C26.14) design pressures used for the normal wind load
calculations.
Tornadoes have historically not been addressed in ASCE
7 or building codes because of their low probability of
occurrence, particularly compared to thunderstorms or
hurricanes. Due to
Enhanced Fujita Scale
an increasing focus
on making our EF Number
Wind Speed
(mph)
buildings more EF0 65 – 85
resilient, many EF1 86 – 110
EF2 111 – 135
designers and EF3 136 – 165
building owners EF4 166 – 200
desire to minimize EF5 > 200
the impacts of tornadoes on their buildings by

specifically including them in their designs. The
commentary of ASCE 7-16 new guidance for designing
buildings to minimize damage from tornadoes. While
the recommended methodology is similar to designing
for other wind loads, due to a lack of field pressure
measurements and other uncertainties related to
tornadic wind loads, many of the parameters and
coefficients for normal wind load calculations are
recommended to be adjusted. The recommended
5
Resources
Florida Building Code, www.floridabuilding.org
International Code Council, www.iccsafe.org
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety,

www.ibhs.org
American Society of Civil Engineers, www.asce.org
Significant Changes to the Minimum Design Load

Provisions of ASCE 7-16,
https://sp360.asce.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Merchandis
e/Product-Details/productId/233136876
Don’t know where to go for an answer to a

specific question?
Contact: Florida Building Commission 850-487-

1824 www.floridabuilding.org
Contact: Building A Safer Florida, Inc. 850-222-
2772 www.buildingasaferflorida.org
6
Roof Assemblies
June 2020
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO ROOFING REQUIREMENTS IN THE 7TH EDITION (2020) FLORIDA BUILDING CODE –
BUILDING, RESIDENTIAL, AND EXISTING BUILDING
Overview when insulation is saturated. Also, where power is lost

and/or a building cannot otherwise be quickly dried out,
The 7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Code includes mold growth is common. Research by IBHS
several key changes to the requirements for roof demonstrates that a sealed roof deck can significantly
assemblies. Many changes strengthen the code to reduce the amount of water infiltration when the
improve the resistance wind and water infiltration primary roof covering is lost.
damage. Several of the changes apply to both new
construction and roof replacement. This Fact Sheet FEMA Hurricane Michael in Florida Recovery
provides a summary of the following key changes: Advisory 2
• Changes to roofing underlayment (sealed roof FEMA Hurricane Michael in Florida, Recovery
deck) Advisory 2 Best Practices for Minimizing Wind
• Changes to wind loads on roofs (ASCE 7-16) and Water Infiltration Damage provides
• Roof mitigation guidance on creating a Sealed Roof Deck and
• Roof diaphragms resisting wind loads in high- additional recommendations for reducing wind
wind regions and water infiltration damage to new and
• Soffits existing residential buildings.
• Cable- and raceway-type wiring methods on (https://www.fema.gov/media-
roofs library/resources-documents/collections/24f)
Underlayment (Sealed Roof Deck)

The requirements for type and installation of
underlayment in the 7th Edition (2020) Florida Building
Code, Building (FBCB) and the Florida Building Code,
Residential (FBCR) have been strengthened. The new
underlayment requirements are consistent with those
recommended by the Insurance Institute for Business
and Home Safety (IBHS) to create a sealed roof deck
(SRD). When the primary roof covering is lost due to a
wind event such as a hurricane, water infiltration can
cause extensive damage to interior finishes, furnishings,
and other contents, and can lead to ceiling collapse
DISCLAIMER – This piece is intended to give the reader only general factual information current at the
time of publication. This piece is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used for
guidance or decisions related to a specific design or construction project. This piece is not intended to
reflect the opinion of any of the entities, agencies or organizations identified in the materials. Any opinion
is that of the individual author and should not be relied upon.
The key differences from the 6th Edition (2017) FBCB
and FBCR are
Source: FEMA Hurricane Michael in Florida

• where felt underlayment is used, it must be 30#
or equivalent (ASTM D 226 Type II, ASTM D4869
Types III or IV)
• installation techniques such as number of plies,
lapping, and fastener spacing has been
Recovery Advisory 2
strengthened
There are essentially three options for creating a sealed

roof deck that vary a bit depending on the type of roof
covering. A summary of the three options is as follows:
Sealed Roof Deck Option #1
Option #1 – a self-adhering polymer-modified
bitumen underlayment complying with *3 ¾ inch AAMA 711 flashing tape is also permitted.
**Synthetic underlayment meeting the performance
ASTM D1970 applied over the entire requirements specified is also permitted.
roof.
Option #2 – a minimum 4-inch wide strip of self- **

adhering polymer-modified bitumen
complying with ASTM D1970 or a
minimum 3 ¾ - inch wide strip of self-
adhering flexible flashing tape
complying with AAMA 711, applied over
Recovery Advisory 2
all joints in the roof decking. A felt
underlayment complying with ASTM
D226 Type II, ASTM D4869 Type III or IV,
or ASTM D6757, or a synthetic
underlayment meeting the
performance requirements specified, is
required to be applied over the *Synthetic underlayment meeting the performance requirements
strips/tape over the entire roof. (See specified is also permitted.
Table 1507.1.1.1 of the FBCB or Table
R905.1.1.1 of the FBCR for fastener type
and spacing). *

Option #3 – two layers of felt underlayment comply
ASTM D226 Type II or ASTM D4869
Type III or IV, or two layers of a
Recovery Advisory 2
synthetic underlayment meeting the
performance requirements specified,
lapped and fastened as specified.
For asphalt, metal, mineral surfaced, slate and slate-

type roof coverings, Options 1, 2, or 3 are permitted.
For concrete and clay roof tile, underlayment is
required to be in accordance with the FRSA/TRI Florida
High Wind Concrete and Clay Roof Tile Installation
2
Manual, Sixth Edition. For wood shakes and shingles, F1667 RSRS-03 (2 ½" × 0.131") nails or ASTM F1667
Options 2 and 3 are permitted. It’s worth noting that RSRS-04 (3" × 0.120") nails. The RSRS designation
these requirements do not apply to the High-Velocity indicates the fastener is a ring shank roof sheathing
Hurricane Zones (HVHZ). For additional details see nail.
Section 1507.1.1 of the 7th Edition (2020) FBCB and Excerpt of Table R803.2.2
Section R905.1.1 of the 7th Edition (2020) FBCR. 7th Edition (2020) FBCR
A new exception to Section1507.1.1.1 in the FBCB Table R803.2.2

permits an existing self-adhered membrane to remain Minimum Roof Sheathing Thickness
on the roof provided that, if required, re-nailing of the (excerpt)
roof deck in accordance with Section 706.7.1 of the Roof Sheathing Thickness
FBCEB can be confirmed or verified. An approved
Wind Speed
underlayment for the applicable roof coverings is Rafter/Truss Spacing
required to be applied over the existing self-adhered 24 in. o.c. 140 150 160
mph mph mph
membrane.
Minimum Sheathing
Wind Loads on Roofs (ASCE 7-16) Thickness, inches 7/16 15/32 19/32
(Panel Span Rating) (24/16) (32/16) (40/20)
Exposure B
BASF Wind Loads – Impacts Roof component and
Minimum Sheathing
cladding loads for
from ASCE 7-16 Fact Sheet Thickness, inches 19/32 19/32 19/32
buildings with mean (Panel Span Rating) (40/20) (40/20) (40/20)
The BASF Wind Loads – roof heights of 60 feet Exposure C
or less have been Minimum Sheathing
Impacts from ASCE 7-16
Thickness, inches 19/32 19/32 19/32
Fact Sheet provides an revised significantly
(Panel Span Rating) (40/20) (40/20) (40/20)
overview of the significant from ASCE 7-10. The Exposure D
changes to wind loads in changes mostly result
in significant increases
ASCE 7-16 and the 7th
in design wind Table R803.2.3.1 specifies the maximum fastener
Edition (2020) FBC. The
pressures on roofs spacing based on framing specific gravity, exposure
BASF Wind Loads – Impacts compared to ASCE 7- category, and wind speed. An excerpt of Table
from ASCE 7-16Fact Sheet 10. Due to changes to R803.2.3.1 is shown below.
can be downloaded at roof wind loads, the
www.floridabuilding.org. FRSA/TRI Florida High Excerpt of Table R803.2.3.1
Wind Concrete and 7th Edition (2020) FBCR
Clay Roof Tile Installation Manual has been updated to
comply with ASCE 7-16. Table R803.2.3.1
Roof Sheathing Attachmenta,b
Additionally, the prescriptive fastening requirements for (excerpt)
wood structural panel roof sheathing in Section R803.2 Roof Sheathing Attachment
of the FBCR have been updated to comply with ASCE 7-
Wind Speed
16. Two new tables have been added. Table R803.2.2 Rafter/Truss Spacing
specifies the minimum sheathing thickness for framing 140 150 160
24 in. o.c.
mph mph mph
spaced 24 inches on center based on exposure category
E F E F E F
and wind speed. An excerpt of Table R803.2.2 is shown Exposure B
in the next column. Rafter/Truss SG = 0.42 6 6 6 6 4 4
Rafter/Truss SG = 0.49 6 6 6 6 6 6
While ring shank nails are still required, the nail size Exposure C
depends on the sheathing thickness. Where the Rafter/Truss SG = 0.42 4 4 4 4 4 4
sheathing thickness is 15/32 inches and less, roof Rafter/Truss SG = 0.49 6 6 6 6 6 6
sheathing is required to be fastened with ASTM Exposure D
F1667 RSRS-01 (2 / " × 0.113") nails. Where the
3
8 Rafter/Truss SG = 0.42 4 4 4 4 3 3
sheathing thickness is greater than 15/32 inches, roof Rafter/Truss SG = 0.49 6 6 4 4 4 4
sheathing is required to be fastened with ASTM
3
Roof Mitigation (FBCEB and FBCR)
In the 6th Edition (2017) FBCEB, where roofing materials
The Florida Building Code, Existing Building (FBCEB) has are removed from more than 50 percent of the roof
historically required a certain level of mitigation on roof diaphragm, Section 707.3.2 required an evaluation of
assemblies when existing roofs are removed and the roof diaphragm, its connection to roof framing, and
replaced. This is primarily because the best time to roof-to-wall connections. Where they were not capable
perform mitigation on roof assemblies is when the roof of resisting75% of current wind loads, they were
covering is removed. Sections 706.7 and 706.8 in the required to be replaced or strengthened. The
FBCEB (Sections R908.7 and R908.8 in the FBCR) applicability of this section has been reduced
required that where roof covering is removed and significantly in the 7th Edition (2020). The evaluation
replaced on a site-built single-family dwelling permitted and potential strengthening required now only apply
prior to the implementation of the FBC, the following where structural deck is removed from more than 30
mitigation measures to be completed: percent of the structural roof diaphragm.
• Adding supplement ring shank fasteners to

attach the roof decking where the existing deck
has insufficient fasteners such as staples or 6d
nails or where the spacing of fasteners is lacking
(see Table 706.7.1). Section 707.3.2
• Applying a secondary water barrier (similar to 7th Edition (2020) FBCEB
the sealed roof deck that will now be required
outside the HVHZ). 707.3.2 Roof diaphragms resisting wind loads in high-
• Install roof to wall connections in some wind regions. Where the structural roof deck is
circumstances. removed from more than 30 percent of the structural
diaphragm or section of a building located where the
The 7th Edition (2020) FBCEB has expanded the required ultimate design wind speed, Vult, is greater than 115 mph,
mitigation techniques to apply to all buildings with as defined in Section 1609 (the HVHZ shall comply with
wood roof decks not just site-built single-family Section 1620) of the Florida Building Code, Building, roof
buildings. Buildings such as apartments, office diaphragms, connections of the roof diaphragm to roof
buildings, and modular buildings with wood roof decks framing members, and roof-to-wall connections shall be
will now be required to comply with mitigation evaluated for the wind loads specified in the Florida
provisions of 706.6 and 706.7 of the FBCEB. Building Code, Building, including wind uplift. If the
diaphragms and connections in their current condition
are not capable of resisting at least 75 percent of those
Section 706.7
wind loads, they shall be replaced or strengthened in
7th Edition (2020) FBCEB
accordance with the loads specified in the Florida
Building Code, Building.
706.7 Mitigation. When a roof covering on an
Exception: This section does not apply to
existing structure with a sawn lumber, wood plank,
buildings permitted subject to the Florida
or wood structural panel roof deck is removed and
Building Code.
replaced, the following procedures shall be
permitted to be performed by the roofing
contractor:
(a) Roof-decking attachment shall be as
required by Section 706.7.1.
(b) A secondary water barrier shall be
provided as required by Section 706.7.2.
Exception: Structures permitted subject to

the Florida Building Code are not required to
comply with this section.
4
FEMA Hurricane Irma in Florida Recovery new prescriptive table for wood structural panel soffit
has been added that specifies the minimum wood
Advisory 3
structural panel thickness, fastener size and fastener
FEMA Hurricane Irma in Florida, Recovery spacing to meet the tabulated design wind pressure.
Advisory 3 Mitigation Triggers for Roof Repair
and Replacement in the 6th Edition (2017)
Florida Building Code provides an in depth
analysis of the roof repair and replacement
mitigation triggers in the FBC.
(https://www.fema.gov/media-
library/resources-documents/collections/24)
FIGURE R704.2.1
TYPICAL SINGLE-SPAN VINYL SOFFIT PANEL SUPPORT
Soffits (FBCR)
Field investigations in the aftermath hurricanes have
identified widespread failure of soffits on buildings built
to the FBC. Problems with soffits have been observed
as far back as the 2004 Hurricane Season (Hurricanes
Charley, Frances, Jeanne, and Ivan). When soffits fail,
wind driven rain can enter the attic area of a building
unimpeded resulting significant water intrusion
damage. Design wind loads for soffits were added to
the 2007 FBCB and FBCR. The FEMA Hurricane Irma and
Hurricane Michael Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT)
reports noted that many soffit failures were due to poor
installation. To improve soffit installation, the 7th
Edition (2020) FBCR contains a new section specifically
addressing design wind loads and installation details for FIGURE R704.2.1
soffits. Prescriptive details have been added for various TYPICAL MULTI-SPAN VINYL SOFFIT PANEL SUPPORT
soffit materials including vinyl, fiber-cement, hardboard,
and wood structural panel soffit. Two new figures that
clearly depict the appropriate installation of vinyl soffit
panels have been added. These new figures limit the
span of vinyl soffit panels to 12 inches (unless the
Product Approval specifies otherwise) and illustrate that
vinyl soffit panels have to be fastened at both ends of
the panel – at the fascia ad at the wall. Additionally, a
5
FEMA Hurricane Irma in Florida Recovery
Advisory 2 FRSA - Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors
Association (www.floridaroof.com)
FEMA Hurricane Irma in Florida, Recovery
Advisory 2 Best Soffit Installation in Florida FEMA Hurricane Michael in Florida Recovery Advisory 2,
provides additional soffit installation and Best Practices for Minimizing Wind and Water
guidance to meet the FBC. Infiltration Damage, https://www.fema.gov/media-
(https://www.fema.gov/media- library-data/1560174739479-
8856110e0c3fa30e750370dc5129348a/MichaelRA2_06
library/resources-documents/collections/24)
0719_508_FNALforposting.pdf
FEMA P-2077 Hurricane Michael in Florida Mitigation

Assessment Team Report,
https://www.fema.gov/media-
library/assets/documents/186057
FEMA P-2023 Hurricane Irma in Florida Mitigation

Assessment Team Report,
https://www.fema.gov/media-
library/assets/documents/176315
Significant Changes to the Minimum Design Load

Provisions of ASCE 7-16,
Cable- and Raceway-type Wiring Methods https://sp360.asce.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Merchandis
on Roofs e/Product-Details/productId/233136876
When reroofing, the presence of cable- and race-way

Don’t know where to go for an
wiring systems embedded within a roof assembly or answer to a specific question?
installed under and close to metal roof decking can
present a particular hazard in the event of accidental Contact: Florida Building Commission 850-487-
damage to metal electrical conduit during reroofing 1824 www.floridabuilding.org
operations. To provide additional protection against
accidental damage, the code now requires metal Contact: Building A Safer Florida, Inc.
electrical conduit to be encased in concrete or 850-222-2772 www.buildingasaferflorida.org
supported above the roof covering when installed on
roofs. Additionally, where metal electrical conduit is
installed under corrugated metal sheet roof decking, it
has to be located not less than 1.5 inches from the
lowest surface of the roof decking.
Resources
Florida Building Code, www.floridabuilding.org
International Code Council, www.iccsafe.org
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety,

www.ibhs.org
American Society of Civil Engineers, www.asce.org

6

Significant Commercial and Residential Provision
Changes Between the 6th Edition (2017) and
7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Code,
Energy Conservation Volumes
June 2020
This brochure provides an overview of the most

impactful commercial and residential provision
changes between the 6th Edition (2017) and
7thEdition (2020) Florida Building Code, Energy
Conservation (FBCEC) volumes.

The following page is a quick reference, bulleted
list that highlights the most impactful commercial
and residential FBCEC changes. The remaining
pages provide chapter-by-chapter discussions of
impactful changes to the code, again separated
into commercial and residential sections.

Commercial provision changes between the
6th (2017) and 7th (2020) editions include a
number of new definitions, removal of automatic
receptacle control requirement for ASHRAE 90.1
compliance, a new Group R-1 building card key
control requirement, updated equipment
minimum efficiency tables, and extensive revision
and reorganization of indoor and exterior lighting
devices and controls sections. Commercial The 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC is comprised of the
refrigeration equipment provisions are also 6th Edition (2017) FBCEC “base code” plus Florida
revised, and include new maximum energy Building Commission-approved modifications
consumption tables for certain walk-in cooler and coming from both the 2018 International Energy
freezer classes. Conservation Code (IECC) and other proposals
made during the 2020 code change cycle.
Residential provision changes between the
6th (2017) and 7th (2020) editions include a
prescriptive compliance electric resistance
heating prohibition for Climate Zone 2, increased
lighting efficacy requirements, new dehumidifier
provisions, and several changes to performance
compliance calculation specifications. Residential
reporting changes include new building and duct
air leakage test reports and an extensive revision
of the prescriptive compliance Form R402 report.

DISCLAIMER—This document is intended to give the reader only general factual information current at the time of publication. This
document is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used for guidance or decisions related to a specific design or
construction project. This document is not intended to reflect the opinion of any of the entities, agencies or organizations identified in
the materials and if any opinions appear, they are those of the individual author and should not be relied upon in any event. This
document is applicable to the 7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation.

th
2020 Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation 7 Edition — Significant Changes • BLDG-88 1

Commercial Energy Conservation Residential Energy Conservation
Code Change Highlights Code Change Highlights
• Several new definitions added • A new electric resistance space
heating prohibition for prescriptive
• Revised ANSI/ASHRAE 90.1 Standard 2016
projects in Climate Zone 2
code application, exempting Automatic
Receptacle Control and Electrical Energy • Updated residential minimum equipment
Monitoring requirements efficiencies (provided in Commercial
Provision Chapter 4 equipment
• Group R-1 buildings (Boarding houses, hotels
efficiency tables)
or motels) containing over 50 guest rooms
required to provide control technology for • A new whole-house mechanical
each guest room to automatically setup ventilation minimum fan efficacy
thermostat and turn off ventilation fan when stipulation for HRVs and ERVs
not occupied
• Modified mechanical ventilation vent fan
• Revised, re-organized and updated minimum energy use standard reference design
efficiency performance requirements of specification for performance compliance
commercial refrigerators, freezers,
• Increased lighting efficacy requirement
refrigerator-freezers, walk-in coolers, walk-in
freezers and refrigeration equipment • Blower door testing requirement
clarification for performance (section
• Increased minimum efficiencies in six HVAC
R405) projects with proposed air leakage
equipment tables and added new “CEER”
values less than 7 ACH50
rating for room ACs and HPs
• Performance compliance duct testing
• Revised service water heater equipment
exception change that clarifies that ducts
performance efficiency, including adding a
must be tested if an air leakage of less
new draw pattern category and increased
than the (default) Qnout of 0.080 is
minimum efficiency requirements for most
proposed
water heater types and introduced new “UEF”
efficiency rating metric • New dehumidifier provisions and
dehumidifier performance compliance
• Extensively revised and re-organized lighting
specifications (only applicable if the
devices and lighting controls sections for
proposed project has a dehumidifier)
interior lighting. Reduced maximum interior
Lighting Power Density (LPD) allowance for • Revised service water heating
many building types; added new occupant performance compliance specifications,
sensor controls function requirement for now based on ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301
open office areas
• New building and duct air leakage
• Exterior lighting controls required to have compliance forms and extensively
daylight shutoff, decorative lighting shutoff, reformatted prescriptive compliance
lighting setback, and exterior time-switch; (R402) form
exterior lighting power base and surface

allowances are reduced significantly
• Certain electric motor types excluded from
code provisions and increased minimum
efficiency of other electric motors
• New provisions and clarifications for
construction documents
th

Commercial Energy Conservation
Code Change
This overview of commercial provision
changes in the 7th Edition (2020) Florida Building
Code, Energy Conservation (FBCEC) focuses on
code sections with significant changes and
highlights changes with energy impacts.

Chapter 1 [CE] Scope and Administration
There are no changes to the commercial Chapter
1 Scope and Administration chapter between the
6th Edition (2017) and 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC. Automatic receptacle control is no longer required
under the ASHRAE 90.1 method of compliance for
Chapter 2 [CE] Definitions commercial buildings.
New commercial definitions added to the 7th Chapter 4 [CE] Commercial Energy Efficiency
Edition (2020) FBCEC include “Access (To)”,
The Commercial Energy Efficiency chapter saw
“Captive Key Override”, “Cavity Insulation”, “Fan,
Embedded”, “Fan Array”, “Fan Energy Index extensive changes between the 6th Edition (2017)
(FEI)”, “Fan Nameplate Electrical Input Power”, and 7th Edition (2020) FBCECs, including a
number of clarifications, the re-organization of
“Fan System Electrical Input Power”, “IEC Design
several sections, and several new and modified
H Motor”, “IEC Design N Motor”, “Isolation
Devices”, “Luminaire-Level Lighting Controls”, system requirement revisions.
“NEMA Design A Motor”, “NEMA Design B Motor”, C401.2 Application
“NEMA Design C Motor”, “Networked Guestroom This section is revised to exclude Sections 8.4.2
Control System”, “Ready Access (To)”, and Automatic Receptacle Control and 8.4.3 Electrical
“Visible Transmittance (Annual) [VTannual].” Energy Monitoring in addition to Section
Modified definitions include “Computer Room”, 9.4.1.1(g) Interior Lighting Controls of the
“Entrance Door”, “Fan System Design Conditions”, ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 standard for the
“Fenestration”, “Nameplate Horsepower”, and commercial building compliance code. It is also
“Roof Assembly.” revised to comply with the updated Section C408
Deleted definitions include "Fan efficiency grade Maintenance Information and System
(FRG)", "General Purpose Electric Motor (subtype Commissioning.
I)", "General Purpose Electric Motor (subtype II)",
"Low-voltage Lighting", "Readily Accessible", and
"Screw Lamp Holders."

Chapter 3 [CE] General Requirements
Changes to general commercial requirements in
the 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC included
clarification of the fenestration products U-factor
ratings provisions in section C303.1.3, modified
table captions for Table C303.1.3(2) and Table
C303.1.3(3), and updating section C304.2.1 Single
Group R-1 buildings (boarding houses, hotels or
materials by replacing building material R-values
motels) containing over 50 guest rooms, must have
and thermal conductivities determination testing
each guest room able to have temperature and
standard ASTM 236 with ASTM 1363. ventilation controlled with card keys. See sections
C403.2.4.8 – C403.3.4.8.2.
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C403.2.4.8 Automatic control of HVAC systems C403.2.3 HVAC equipment performance
serving guest rooms requirements
New section C403.2.4.8 Automatic control of This section is revised and minimum efficiencies
HVAC systems serving guest rooms is added. For of HVAC equipment are updated in Tables
Group R-1 buildings (boarding houses, hotels or C403.2.3(1), C403.2.3(2), C403.2.3(3),
motels) containing over 50 guest rooms, each C403.2.3(5), C403.2.3(9), and C403.2.3(11). New
guest room must be provided with Card key “CEER” rating is added for room ACs and HPs.
controls that comply with the two new sub-
sections C403.2.4.8.1 Temperature setpoint C404.2 Service water-heating equipment
controls and C403.2.4.8.2 Ventilation controls. performance efficiency
This section is revised, and Table C404.2
C403.2.14 Refrigeration equipment performance Minimum Performance of Water-Heating
This revised section requires commercial Equipment, is reorganized and updated with new
refrigerators, freezers, refrigerator-freezers, minimum efficiency requirements. Water-heating
walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers and equipment Energy Factor (EF) is now replaced
refrigeration equipment performance to be with newly introduced Uniform Energy Factor
determined in accordance with new sections (UEF) performance ratings metric together with a
C403.2.14.1 and C403.2.14.2. Table related new draw pattern category.
C403.2.14.2(1) for Walk-in Cooler and Freezer
Display Door minimum efficiency requirements is C405 Electrical Power and Lighting Systems
updated, and new Table C403.2.14.2(2) is added Lighting devices and lighting controls sections for
for Walk-in Cooler and Freezer Non-Display Door interior and exterior lighting are extensively
minimum efficiency requirements. Another new revised and re-organized. The maximum interior
Table, C403.2.14.2(3) for Walk-in Cooler and Lighting Power Density (LPD) allowance for the
Freezer Refrigeration System minimum efficiency Building Area Method in Table C405.3.2(1) and for
requirements is also added. the Space-by-space methods in Table C405.3.2(2)
are reduced for most categories. The exterior
lighting power base and surface allowances in
Table C405.4.2(2) and Table C405.4.2(3) are
reduced significantly for all lighting zones.

Partial 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC Table C403.2.3(1) with updated minimum equipment efficiencies shown in red.
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C405.1 General (Mandatory) sensor controls requirement were revised to
Lighting system controls and maximum lighting automatically turn off lights within 20 minutes
power allowance requirements in section C405.1 after all occupants have left the space.
General are revised and applicable lighting code
is clarified, including: dwelling units within C405.2.1.3 Occupant sensor control function in
multifamily buildings must comply with section open plan office areas
R404.1; all other dwelling units must comply This new section requires occupant sensor
with Section R404.1, or with Sections C405.2.4 control function in open plan office space type.
and C405.3; sleeping units must comply with
section C405.2.4, and with section R404.1 or C405.2.3 Daylight-responsive controls
C405.3; and lighting installed in walk-in coolers, Daylight-response controls are re-organized and
walk-in freezers, refrigerated warehouse coolers extensively edited for clarity and consistency.
and refrigerated warehouse freezers must Sidelight Daylight Zones is replaced with Sidelit
comply with the lighting requirements of section Zones, and Toplight Daylight Zones is replaced
C403.2.14. with Toplit Zones. Dwelling and sleeping unit’s
exemption from daylight-responsive controls
C405.2 Lighting controls (Mandatory) requirement is removed. New buildings where
Section C405.2 Lighting controls is revised and re- the total connected lighting power calculated in
organized for clarity. Revised lighting control accordance with Section C405.3.1 is less than or
requirements can be met either via Sections equal to the adjusted interior lighting power
C405.2.1 through C405.2.6, or luminaire level allowance calculated using Equation 4-8 are
lighting controls (LLLC) and lighting controls in exempt from the daylight-responsive controls
Sections C405.2.1, C405.2.4 and C405.2.5 by requirement.
independently monitoring occupant activity,
monitoring electric lighting and daylighting levels C405.2.4 Specific application controls
using sensors, setpoints, timers, and dimmers. Revised specific application lighting controls
section C405.2.4 requirement. Besides occupant
C405.2.1 Occupant sensor controls sensor based lighting control complying with
This section updates and adds new space types section C405.2.1.1 or a time-switch control
that require occupant sensor controls. complying with section C405.2.2.1, a manual
control separate from general lighting control is
C405.2.1.1 Occupant sensor control function required for display and accent lighting, display
cases lighting, task lighting, permanently installed
under-shelf or under-cabinet lighting, and
lighting equipment used for sale or education
demonstration.
C405.2.6 Exterior lighting controls

This section is reorganized for clarification and
lighting systems controls are revised to comply
with new sub-sections C405.2.6.1 Daylight
shutoff, C405.2.6.2 Decorative lighting shutoff,
C405.2.6.3 Lighting setback, and C405.2.6.4
Exterior time-switch control function.

Daylight-response controls are re-organized and
extensively edited for clarity and consistency. C405.3.1 Total connected interior lighting power
Equation 4-9 used to calculate total connected
This section clarifies that occupant sensor interior lighting power (TCLP) is updated, and
controls in warehouses must comply with section clarification is added to task and display lighting
C405.2.1.2 and occupant sensor controls in open exemption and excluded television broadcast
plan office areas must comply with new section lighting power for playing areas in sports arenas
C405.2.1.3. All other space types with occupant from TCLP calculation.
th

C405.3.2 Interior lighting power allowance C405.4.2 Exterior lighting power allowance
The total interior lighting power allowance Changes require that the exterior lighting power
(watts) is determined according to updated Table be determined in accordance with exterior
C405.3.2(1) using the Building Area Method, or lighting zones definition in Table C405.4.2(1) and
updated Table C405.3.2(2) using the Space-by- the lighting power allowances be as specified in
Space Method. The interior Lighting Power updated Table C405.4.2(2). The latter table
Density (LPD) values in Table C405.3.2(1) and contains base site allowance and all other
Table C405.3.2(2) are both reduced. Section allowances except the formerly known as non-
C405.3.2.2.1 Additional interior lighting power is tradable surfaces only. Lighting power
revised to use an updated additional interior allowances for most applications are reduced for
lighting power allowance calculation Equation all lighting zones.
4-10 and set new maximum limits for additional
LPD used for the purpose of decorative C405.4.2.1 Additional exterior lighting power
appearance. This new sub-section states that any increase in
the exterior lighting power allowance is limited
C405.4 Exterior lighting power requirements to specific lighting applications indicated in the
(Mandatory) new Table C405.4.2(3). Allowances in this table
This revision requires that the total connected are reduced significantly for all categories except
exterior lighting power be calculated in Building facades.
accordance with section C405.4.1 and not exceed
the exterior lighting power allowance calculated C405.5.1 Applicability
in accordance with a new section C405.4.2. A new exception is added that excludes
compliance requirement with ANSI/ASHRAE 90.1
C405.4.1 Total connected exterior building exterior Standard sections 8.4.2 Automatic Receptacle
lighting power Control and 8.4.3 Electrical Energy Monitoring.
This exception parallels the ASHRAE 90.1
controls exclusion in section C401.2
(discussed above).
C408.3.2 Documentation requirements

Revisions clarify that the construction documents
must be provided to the building owner or
owner’s authorized agent. New provisions are
also added that require the construction
document include three new sub-sections:
C408.3.2.1 Drawings, C408.3.2.2 Manuals and
C408.3.2.3 Reports.

Exterior lighting power allowances are reduced for C405.7 Electrical motors (Mandatory)
most applications. A new exemption is added for certain electric
motor application types from the minimum
This section is revised to provide definition that efficiency requirements, and minimum efficiency
the total exterior connected lighting power must requirements are increased for electric motors in
be the total maximum rated wattage of all lighting Tables C405.7(1) and C405.7.(2) due to new U.S.
that is powered through the energy service for federal minimum motor efficiency upgrade.
the building. Five new exterior lighting
application exemptions are added.

th

Chapter 5 [CE] Existing Buildings
The only changes to the commercial Chapter 5
Existing Buildings chapter between the 6th
Edition (2017) and 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC are
two new exceptions added in sections C503.2 and
C505.1, concerning when unconditioned or low-
energy space is altered to conditioned space and
when spaces undergo a change in occupancy.

APPENDIX CA Forms
Commercial form changes in the 7th Edition
(2020) FBCEC include editorial changes and a
new Commercial Compliance Checklist is added
to help clarify reporting requirements and
facilitate code compliance verification.

Appendix CB Solar-Ready Zone—Commercial
This appendix is for new construction where
solar-ready provisions are required. SOLAR-
READY ZONE is defined in sections CB102 and
CB103. Sub-section CB103.1 General defines
solar-ready zone location requirements and
requires compliance with additional new
provisions in sub-sections CB103.2 through A new Commercial Compliance Checklist is added in the
CB103.8. 7th Edition to help clarify reporting requirements and
facilitate code compliance verification.

A Solar-Ready Zone is defined and includes new provisions.
th

Residential Energy Conservation testing is required if the compliance report shows
credit has been taken for a duct leakage to
Code Changes outside (Qnout) of less than 0.080.
This overview of residential provision
changes in the 7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Table R403.6.1 Whole-house mechanical
Code, Energy Conservation (FBCEC) focuses on ventilation system fan efficacy
code sections with significant changes and This change adds a minimum efficacy
highlights changes with energy impacts. requirement of 1.2 cfm/watt for heat and energy
recovery ventilators (HRVs and ERVs) to the
Chapter 1 [RE] Scope and Administration existing fan efficacy requirements in this table.

There are no changes to the residential Chapter 1
R403.7.2. Electric space heating (Prescriptive)
Scope and Administration chapter between the
6th Edition (2017) and 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC.

Chapter 2 [RE] Definitions
New residential definitions for “cavity insulation”
and “guest suite” are added to the 7th Edition
(2020) FBCEC. A definition for “High-efficacy
Lamps” is deleted and instead incorporated into a
modified Chapter 4 Lighting equipment section
(discussed below). Wording changes and
clarifications are also made to four existing
residential definitions: “Approved Agency,”
“Building Thermal Envelope,” “Labeled,” and
“Skylight.”

Chapter 3 [RE] General Requirements
Changes to the residential General Requirements
in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC include a
formatting change to the fenestration product
rating provisions in Section R303.1.3 and two The 2020 FBCEC prohibits resistance space heating
clarifying table heading revisions. from being the primary heating system used for
prescriptive residential compliance in Climate Zone 2.
Chapter 4 [RE] Residential Energy Efficiency It is still allowed under performance code compliance
methods.
The Residential Energy Efficiency chapter saw a
number of changes between the 6th (2017) and This new Systems section prohibits resistance
7th (2020) editions including a number of space heating from being the primary heating
clarifications and several new and modified system used in Climate Zone 2 for residential
system requirements and specifications. projects complying via the prescriptive path.
Resistance space heating can still be the primary
R403.3.3 Duct testing (Mandatory) heating system for Climate Zone 2 projects
An existing 6th Edition (2017) FBCEC exception to complying via the performance (section R405)
this Systems section states that duct testing is not or Energy Rating Index (section R406) path.
mandatory for buildings complying via the
performance (section R405) method. This
exception remains in the 7th Edition (2020)
FBCEC but an added clarification states that
performance path (section R405) duct leakage

th

design specifications are also added in new
Residential Lighting Efficacy Dehumidification Systems and Dehumidistat
sections in Table R405.5.2(1).
Changes to the residential lighting efficacy
requirements in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC R403.13.1 Ducted dehumidifiers
include 1) removing a high-efficacy lamp This new Systems sub-section addresses ducted
definition that, in part, based minimum lumens dehumidifiers, stipulating where backdraft
per watt specifications on lamp wattage, and 2) dampers are required and prohibiting
increasing minimum efficacy requirements: dehumidifiers from being ducted to or from a
central ducted cooling system on the return duct
6th Edition (2017) FBCEC: side (upstream from the central cooling
[Def.] HIGH-EFFICACY LAMPS. Compact evaporator coil). The sub-section also requires
fluorescent lamps, T-8 or smaller diameter dehumidifier ductwork located in unconditioned
space to be insulated to a minimum of R-6.
linear fluorescent lamps, or lamps with a

minimum efficacy of:
R404.1 Lighting equipment (Mandatory)
1. 60 lumens per watt for lamps over 40 watts;
2. 50 lumens per watt for lamps over 15 watts to
40 watts; and
3. 40 lumens per watt for lamps 15 watts or less.
R404.1 Lighting equipment (Mandatory).
Not less than 75 percent of the lamps in
permanently installed lighting fixtures shall be
high-efficacy lamps or not less than 75 percent
of the permanently installed lighting fixtures
shall contain only high-efficacy lamps.
Exception: Low-voltage lighting.
7th Edition (2020) FBCEC:

High-efficacy-lamps definition deleted.
Now 90% of permanently installed lamps are
R404.1 Lighting equipment (Mandatory). required to be luminaires of at least 45 lumens
Not less than 90 percent of the lamps in per watt or lamps need to be at least 65 lumens
permanently installed luminaires shall have an per watt.
efficacy of at least 45 lumens-per-watt or shall
Changes to this Electrical Power and Lighting
utilize lamps with an efficacy of not less than 65
Systems section replace “high-efficacy” term with
lumens-per-watt. minimum lumens per watt efficacy specifications
for luminaries (45 lumens per watt) and lamps
R403.13 Dehumidifiers (Mandatory) (65 lumens per watt). The required percentage of
For the first time in the residential Florida Energy permanently installed lamps with these minimum
Code, this new Systems section addresses efficacies has increased from 75% to 90%. An
residential dehumidifiers. In cases where a exception for low-voltage lighting is also
dehumidifier is installed, requirements include removed.
minimum rated efficiencies based on capacity,
sensor control with sensor location where it is
exposed to mixed house air, a minimum R-2
insulation level if installed in unconditioned
space, and condensate disposal as specified.
Corresponding performance (section R405)
th

This new Simulated Performance Alternative sub-
Residential Building Air Leakage Testing section clarifies that if a duct air leakage lower
than the default Qnout of 0.080 is specified for the
With some exceptions, both the 6th Edition proposed design, testing must verify a duct air
(2017) and 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC require leakage rate not exceeding the leakage rate of the
residential building air leakage testing, and proposed design; otherwise (per Exception 2 in
that the tested air leakage rate not exceed section R403.3.3) duct testing is not mandatory
7 ACH50 (7 air changes per hour at a test for buildings complying via the performance
pressure of 50 pascals). path.
Since performance (section R405) compliance Table R405.5.2(1) Specifications for the Standard
credit is provided for ACH50 values of less Reference and Proposed Designs: Mechanical
than 7, a new sub-section, R405.2.2, is added Ventilation
in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC that clarifies This performance compliance path Specifications
that if a building air leakage rate below 7 table change modifies the Mechanical ventilation
Standard Reference Design annual vent fan
ACH50 is proposed, testing must verify the air
energy use equation, including adding a table-
leakage does not exceed the proposed rate
based minimum exhaust fan efficacy component.
instead of the 7 ACH50 maximum.
Table R405.5.2(1) Specifications for the Standard

Reference and Proposed Designs:
Service Water Heating
R405.2.2 Building air leakage testing
This performance compliance path Specifications
This new Simulated Performance Alternative sub-
table change modifies the Service water heating
section clarifies that if a building air leakage rate
Standard Reference Design and Proposed Design
below (the maximum allowed rate of) 7 ACH50 is
specifications, making use and energy
specified for the proposed design, testing must
consumption for both determined in accordance
verify the air leakage rate does not exceed the air
with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301. The change to
leakage rate of the proposed design instead of
Standard 301 allows the calculation to account
7 ACH50.
for 1) climate-specific effects on domestic hot
R405.2.3 Duct air leakage testing water use, 2) the hot water distribution system
type, and 3) the use of additional conservation
measures.
R406.4 ERI-based compliance

The standard followed for the ERI method of code
compliance has been updated to
ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019 with Addendum A.

For performance (R405) compliance, if a duct air

leakage lower than the default Qnout of 0.080 is specified

for the proposed design, testing must verify a duct air
leakage rate not exceeding the leakage rate of the
proposed design.
th

Chapter 5 [RE] Existing Buildings The Envelope Leakage Test Report provides a
standardized means of reporting section
The changes to the residential Existing Buildings
R402.4.1.2 building air leakage (blower door)
chapter in the 7th Edition (2020) FBCEC include a
testing results.
duct R-value exception for cases in which space
does not permit replacement air distribution Duct Leakage Test Report
systems to meet the prescriptive R-value This new form provides a standardized means of
requirement (section R501.7). Another Chapter 5 reporting section R403.3.2 and R403.3.3 duct air
change allows an area-weighted average U-factor leakage testing results.
and/or SHGC of all replacement fenestration
units to be used to demonstrate compliance in Form R402-2020
cases in which more than one replacement
fenestration unit is being installed.

Appendix RD: Forms
Residential form changes between the 6th Edition
(2017) and 7th Edition (2020) FBCECs include
new forms and one significant form revision.
Envelope Leakage Test Report

As shown by the red font indicating changes, Form R402
is extensively revised to clarify the prescriptive
requirements and eliminate redundancy.
The prescriptive compliance Form R402 is

The new residential Envelope Leakage Test Report extensively revised from its 6th Edition (2017)
provides a standardized means of reporting building air version to eliminate redundancy and provide
leakage (blower door) test results. A similar new Duct fenestration and insulation requirements in the
Leakage Test Report is also included in the 2020 FBCEC. same format as FBCEC Table R402.1.2.

th

Resources Answers to Specific Questions
7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Code, Energy Florida Department of Business and Professional
Conservation, International Code Council, Inc. Regulation: 1-850-487-1824 and
Accessible online at https://www.floridabuilding.org.
https://www.floridabuilding.org/bc/bc_default.aspx.

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Analysis of Changes for the

Fan efficiency grade (FRG)

New definitions added:

Table Default Glazed Fenestration Table Default Window, Glass Door

Replaced building material R-values and thermal

Also, the revised skylights Visual Transmittance (VT)

Modified exceptions item(5) that spaces where the

Skylights and/or tubular daylighting devices

Daylight zones referenced in sections C402.4.1.1

Minimum cooling efficiency of split system air-cooled

Minimum heating efficiency of SPVHP for cooling

New “CEER” rating replaces “SEER” and “EER” for

Minimum cooling efficiency of room air conditioners,

Minimum cooling efficiency of room air-conditioner

Minimum cooling efficiency of room air-conditioner

Minimum cooling efficiency of room air-conditioner

Minimum efficiency of oil-fired hot water boiler for

Minimum efficiency of gas-fired natural draft steam

For air-cooled units and capacity less than 65 kBtu/h

For air-cooled units and capacity greater or equal to

For air-cooled units and capacity greater than 240

For water-cooled units and capacity greater or equal

For water-cooled with fluid economizer units and

For water-cooled with fluid economizer units and

For water-cooled with fluid economizer units and

For glycol-cooled units and capacity greater or equal

For glycol-cooled units and capacity greater than

For glycol-cooled with fluid economizer units and

For water-cooled with fluid economizer units and

For water-cooled with fluid economizer units and

Deleted item (3): Systems complying with section

Added four new exceptions:

Added a new requirement that each fan and fan

Edited existing exceptions to add clarification and

UEF of storage water heaters, electric, tabletop, size

Added grid-enabled electric storage water heater as

UEF of instantaneous water heaters, electric, size

UEF of storage water heaters, gas, size less than or

Storage water heaters, gas, size greater than

UEF of instantaneous water heaters, gas, size

Storage water heaters, oil, size greater than

UEF of storage water heaters, oil, size greater than

C404.12.1 Showers C404.11.1 Showers Sub-section re-numbered.

Lavatories or restrooms of Lavatories or restrooms of

Revised lighting controls requirements must be met

C405.2.3.2 Figure C405.2.3.2(1) C405.2.3.2 Figure C405.2.3.2 Figure re-numbered.

C405.2.3.2 Figure C405.2.3.2(2) C405.2.3.3 Figure C405.2.3.3(2) Figure re-numbered.

C405.2.3.2 Figure C405.2.3.2(3) C405.2.3.3 Figure C405.2.3.3(3) Figure re-numbered.

Modified sub-section title and made editorial

C405.3 Exit signs - - Deleted this section.

Interior lighting power Interior lighting power

The total interior lighting power allowance (watts) is

Added five more new exterior lights applications that

• This new section requires that the total exterior

Section re-numbered and added new exception.

C405.6.2 Electrical metering C405.5.2 Electrical metering Section re-numbered.

C405.6.3 Voltage drop C405.5.3 Voltage drop Section re-numbered.

C405.6.4 Completion requirements C405.5.4 Completion requirements Section re-numbered.

C405.6.4.2 Completion requirements C405.5.4.2 Manuals Section re-numbered.

Section re-numbered and made editorial changes for

Air-over electric motors, Component sets of an

C405.9.1 Elevator cabs C405.8.1 Elevator cabs Section re-numbered.

Added new exception: A variable voltage drive