Florida

Current Codes

2010 Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation

Code Type: Residential, Commercial

Based on: 2009 IECC, State-developed code Mandatory

Date Effective: Thursday, March 15, 2012

Date Passed: Tuesday, June 7, 2011

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Additional Code Information

Code Adoption & Change Process

Code Change Process:

The Florida Building Commission (FBC) is directed to adopt, revise, update, and maintain the Florida Building Code in accordance with Chapter 120 of the state statutes. The code is a mandatory uniform statewide code and need not be adopted by a local government to be applicable at the local level. Local jurisdictions may not adopt more or less efficient codes. Visit the Florida Building Commission website for a detailed overview of the code modification process.

Code Change Cycle:

Triennial code revision process.

Next Code Update:

The 2010 Florida Building Code (FBC) became effective March 15, 2012.

History

Visit the Florida Building Commission website for full details on the history of the Florida Building Code, including a presentation on the changes in the past decade.

In response to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (Public Law 94-163), the 1977 Florida legislature passed two laws requiring local adoption of an energy code for certain building categories for which building permits were issued after March 15, 1979. The two laws enacted by the Florida legislature were the driving force behind the "Florida Thermal Efficiency Code" and the "Florida Lighting Efficiency Code," which were combined in 1980 as the FEECBC, developed to be climate-specific for Florida. The state energy code became effective on March 15, 1979, and was updated in 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1991, 1993, and 1997. The 2001 Florida Building Code went into effect in 2002, and the 2004 Florida Building Code went into effect in January 2005.

As of November 2006, The Florida Energy Office (FEO) was planning to develop an Automated Energy Code Compliance System, a program proposed by the University of Central Florida's Florida Solar Energy Center. This system will be a building standards database allowing designers and builders to access the most up-to-date building energy requirements and to apply for authorization. This will facilitate code compliance and the implementation of energy efficiency measures.

On June 17, 2008, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed HB 697, which outlines the state legislature's mandates to improve the energy performance of Florida's infrastructure. To meet the state's ambitious energy efficiency goals, the Florida Building Commission shall select the most current version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as a foundation code.

The law also directs the Florida Building Commission to include provisions in the 2010 edition of the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction necessary to increase the energy performance of new buildings by at least 20 percent as compared to the energy efficiency provisions of the 2007 Florida Building Code adopted October 31, 2007. Further scheduled provisions shall increase energy efficiency by 30, 40, and 50 percent compared to the 2007 Florida Building Code for the 2013, 2016, and 2019 editions of the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction, respectively.

As a result of a conference call held June 9, 2008, the Florida Building Commission decided to extend the 2007 Florida Building Code implementation date to December 31, 2008, rather than October 1, 2008, as previously announced. At its September 15, 2008, conference call meeting, the Florida Building Commission decided to once again postpone the effective date of the 2007 Florida Building Code from December 31, 2008 to March 1, 2009.
According to a report by the Florida Solar Energy Center, the 2007 FBC would likely result in new homes that are about 17% more efficient than homes built to the standards of the 2006 IECC and about 3% less than the 2009 IECC.

****

The first printing of the 2010 Florida Building Codes, including the now-separate document 2010 Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation, become effective March 15, 2012. Adopted by the Florida Building Commission in 2011, the state-developed code claims the 2009 IECC as its base document, with significant Florida-specific changes integrated throughout. More information on the FBC update process is available here.

The FBC estimates the 2010 state code is 5% more efficient than the 2007 FBC edition, or roughly 20% more efficient than the 2006 IECC. The changes to the 2010 code have been outlined in an FBC presentation.

Basic Facts

Climate Zone:

Zones 1A (bottom tip) and 2A (majority) (zones based on DOE's most recent zoning: zone numbers based on a spectrum, zone 1 represents very hot weather and zone 8 represents subarctic weather. Letters indicate climate type, A-Humid, B-Dry, C-Marine)

Population:

18,537,969 (2009, U.S. Census Bureau)

Construction Activity:

New Housing Units Authorized by Permit:
Total units: 61,042
Number of Housing Units by Structure Type:
1 unit: 38,709
2 units: 652
3 and 4 units: 898
5 or more units: 20,783
(2008, Real Estate Center)

Projected Construction Rate:

Single family dwellings: 38,709 units (-45% from previous yr), with average value of $219,200 per dwelling
(2008, Real Estate Center)

CO2 Emissions:

256.27 MMT CO₂ (2007)

Energy Data

Primary Energy Source:

Petrolium: 39.4% (2007, EIA)

Energy Consumption:

Total annual energy consumption of 4601.9 trillion Btu (2007, EIA)

Energy Expenditures:

60,746.6 Million Nominal Dollars (2007, EIA)

Energy Snapshot:

37% of the state’s natural gas supply and 26% of electricity consumption are used for heating the home.

Florida’s residential sector relies most heavily on solar energy forms for energy consumption

Residential use of natural gas in Florida costs $19.45/thousand cu ft, exceeding the national average.

Source: EIA

Climate Concerns

Regional Issues & State Action:

According to the United States Global Change Research Program, extreme heat, declining air quality, draught and an increase in the frequency of severe precipitation and Atlantic hurricanes are likely to pose increasing problems for the Southeast United States. In addition, sea-level rise is projected to accelerate, endangering shorelines and major coastal cities. In the southeast, the annual average temperature has increased by 2°F since 1970. Annual average temperatures are projected to rise 4.5°F-9°F with the greatest increase occurring in the summer months. The effects of climate change could significantly alter the region’s economy, landscape, character, and quality of life.

Through three executive orders, Governor Crist established the Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change, conducted an emissions inventory, and set emissions reduction goals for the state. The Action Team with assistance from the Center for Climate Strategies was charged with creating the Florida Energy and Climate Change Action Plan which was completed on October 15, 2008 and included recommendations to improve the efficiency of existing residential buildings. In addition, Florida is developing its own cap-and-trade program through the Department of Environmental Protection in order to address the emissions of electric utilities.

BCAP Estimated Energy Savings

Contact Paul Karrer for savings information for your state Pkarrer@ase.org.

Resources

Southeast Regional Energy Codes Needs Assessment

posted by Eric Plunkett
Southern Regional Economic Assessment of Climate Policy Options and Review of Economic Studies of Climate Policy

posted by maria leonardi
Southeast Energy Efficiency Study - Florida

posted by Mark Lessans
Florida Fact Sheet

posted by Paul Karrer
Residential Energy Code Evaluations: Review and Future Directions

posted by Kelly Guhanick

Discussions

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Groups

Southeast Region

People

John M. Ahern	Brownstone	pfairey	fgonzalez
jimheise	BKerker	tom larson	rlebrun

Advocacy Opportunities	Status	Explanations
Adopt Mandatory Codes		Residential Florida has a mandatory statewide residential code. The state-developed code, Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code, significantly exceeds the stringency of the 2006 IECC. Commercial Florida has a mandatory statewide commercial code. The state-developed code, Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code, has a standard of performance more stringent than ASHRAE 90.1-2007.
Adopt an Automatic Review & Update Process		The Florida Building Commission (FBC) has a triennial code revision process.
Create a Regulatory Process		The Florida Building Commission (FBC) is directed to adopt, revise, update, and maintain the Florida Building Code in accordance with Chapter 120 of the state statutes. The code is mandatory throughout the state and need not be adopted by a local government to be applicable at the local level.
Improve Compliance		Residential Local building departments enforce compliance as part of building permitting and regulatory programs. Any work that would require a permit is subject to inspection by a local building official. Energy Gauge FlaRes, an energy analysis software, may be used to show compliance. Technical assistance is made available through the Department of Community Affairs. Commercial Local building departments enforce compliance as part of building permitting and regulatory programs. Any work that would require a permit is subject to inspection by a local building official. Energy Gauge FlaCom, an energy analysis software, may be used to show compliance. Technical assistance is made available through the Department of Community Affairs.
Eliminate Weakening Amendments		Trade-off credit allowed for user-operated elements such as ceiling fans.
Add Strengthening Amendments		According to the assurance letter sent to the Secretary of the US Department of Energy on March 23, 2009 by Governor Charlie Crist, “the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction is already substantially equivalent to the federal benchmark standards in Section 410 (2)” of the Recovery Act (the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007) and “Florida's Code will be at a minimum 20 percent more stringent than the benchmark standards within eight years of enactment” of the Recovery Act.
Allow Innovation at the Local Level
Set Milestones		On June 17, 2008, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist signed HB 697, which outlines the state legislature's mandates to improve the energy performance of Florida's infrastructure. To meet the state's ambitious energy efficiency goals, the Florida Building Commission will include provisions in the 2010 edition of the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction necessary to increase the energy performance of new buildings by at least 20 percent as compared to the energy efficiency provisions of the 2007 Florida Building Code adopted on October 31, 2007. Further scheduled provisions shall increase energy efficiency by 30, 40, and 50 percent compared to the 2007 Florida Building Code for the 2013, 2016, and 2019 editions of the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction, respectively.
Adopt Green Codes		City Wide Program: Deltona, Florida. Green Building Ordinance, 2009 Description: This mandatory program requires all new and remodeled residential buildings to follow the guidelines of LEED for Homes or the current Green Home Designation Standard of the Florida Green Building Council. It also requires all new and renovated municipal and institutional buildings to follow the guidelines of LEED for New Construction or the current Green Commercial Designation Standard of the Florida Green Building Council. Projects that register intent to complete certification with either standard are eligible for expedited permitting and reduced permitting fees. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification - below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program, mandatory: Minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED Options Include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. Residential - FGBC mandatory prerequisite, HERS index of at least 90, solar pool heating system, pool cover. Point options include: Improved HERS index, proper sizing HVAC, passive solar, exterior shading, solar hot water, insulate hot water pipes, dwelling unit attached or zero-lot line, ENERGY STAR appliances, advanced lighting package, etc Residential LEED H-Mandatory prerequisite, ENERGY STAR certification and refrigerant charge test, options include exceptional energy performance, efficient hot water distribution, pipe insulation, and appropriate HVAC Refrigerants. County Wide Program: Gainesville, Florida. Gainesville Green Building Program Description: The county is providing a fast-track building permit incentive and a 50% reduction in the cost of building permit fees for LEED and FGBC certified projects. New municipal buildings or major renovations must meet LEED certified. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification - below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program, mandatory: Minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. Residential -FGBC mandatory prerequisite, HERS index of at least 90, solar pool heating system, pool cover. Point options include: Improved HERS index, proper sizing HVAC, passive solar, exterior shading, solar hot water, insulate hot water pipes, dwelling unit attached or zero-lot line, ENERGY STAR appliances, advanced lighting package, etc. City Wide Program: Jacksonville, Florida. Sustainable Building Ordinance 2009 Description: Jacksonville's Sustainable Building Ordinance requires all new, and more than 50% renovated, City owned buildings be rated by a sustainable building certifier. Private participation in the program is voluntary and incentive-based. Programs recognized are LEED, FGBC, and Green Globes, but may be expanded to other similar programs. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification - below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program, mandatory: Minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. Residential - FGBC mandatory prerequisite, HERS index of at least 90, solar pool heating system, pool cover. Point options include: improved HERS index, proper sizing HVAC, passive solar, exterior shading, solar hot water, insulate hot water pipes, dwelling unit attached or zero-lot line, ENERGY STAR appliances, advanced lighting package, etc. County Wide Program: Broward County, Florida. Green Building Policy, 2008 Program Description: Broward County Commission adopted a Green Building Policy requiring all new County-owned and operated buildings to be LEED Certified. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification: below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. State Wide Program: Florida. HB7135, 2008 Program Description: All new construction and renovation of state buildings must follow the guidelines of LEED or other green building rating systems, including Green Globes and the Florida Green Building Coalition standards. The bill requires the same of the following public entities in the State of Florida entering design after July 1, 2008: counties, municipalities, school districts, water management districts, state universities, community colleges, and Florida state courts. The bill further requires that all new leases of state-occupied office space must meet ENERGY STAR. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification: below is summarized from LEED New Construction (NC), details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. County Wide Program: Lake County, Florida. Green Building Ordinance, 2008 Program Description: The County's ordinance mandates that county facilities be constructed to, or remodeled to - Green Standards of the Florida Green Building Coalition, LEED, or Green Globes. Incentives are provided for all private applicants that voluntarily attain those standards. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification - below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program, Mandatory: Minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy Performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and Green Power. Residential - FGBC mandatory prerequisite, HERS index of at least 90, solar pool heating system, pool cover. Point options include: improved HERS index, proper sizing HVAC, passive solar, exterior shading, solar hot water, insulate hot water pipes, dwelling unit attached or zero-lot line, ENERGY STAR appliances, advanced lighting package, etc County Wide Program: Miami-Dade County, Florida. Sustainable Development Building Measures for County Buildings, 2005, 2007 Program Description: Increased Energy Performance: Energy performance must be increased by 15% above that required in the 2004 edition of the Building Code, effective with the implementation of the 2007 edition of the Florida Building Code on December 31, 2008. Additional benchmarks are identified in the FL State Building Code. Energy Standard: Mandatory: energy performance must be increased by 15% above that required in the 2004 edition of the building code, effective with the implementation of the 2007 edition of the Florida Building Code on December 31, 2008. County Wide Program: Miami-Dade County, Florida. Building Code, 2008 Program Description: Increased energy performance: energy performance must be increased by 15% above that required in the 2004 edition of the Building Code, effective with the implementation of the 2007 edition of the Florida Building Code on December 31, 2008. Additional benchmarks are identified in the Florida State Building Code. Energy Standard: Mandatory: energy performance must be increased by 15% above that required in the 2004 edition of the Building Code, effective with the implementation of the 2007 edition of the Florida Building Code on December 31, 2008. County Wide Program: Pasco County, Florida. Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, 2002 Program Description: Applying to all single and two-family residences, Pasco County's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires the use of environmentally sustainable principles, incorporate Xeriscape' and other principles, and utilize low maintenance plant species in landscaping. A maximum of 50% of plants (excluding trees) may be non-drought tolerant. City Wide Program: Sanibel, Florida Vegetation Standard, 2004 Program Description: Sanibel requires that all new vegetation planted in new or redevelopment be, by count, no less than 75% native species. The remaining vegetation must be non-competing. Certain zones of the island must be 100% native vegetation. County Wide Program: Sarasota County, Florida. Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, 2005 Program Description: Applying to new construction and remodeling, the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance limits grass and flower area to less than 50% of total irrigation area. Low-volume irrigation is required for plant beds. City Wide Program: Tampa, Florida Tampa Green Fast Track Program, 2008 Program Description: Municipal buildings new and renovated 5000 ft2+ LEED Silver. All commercial 5000 ft2+ required to comply with 3rd party rating system - LEED or FGBC. Other systems evaluated on case-by-case basis. Grants are available to help with permitting costs. Energy Standard: Commercial LEED Certification - below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program, Mandatory: Minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power. FGBC mandatory prerequisite, ENERGY STAR certification and refrigerant charge test, options include exceptional energy performance, efficient hot water distribution, pipe insulation, and appropriate HVAC refrigerants. Residential - mandatory FGBC requirements: HERS index of at least 90, solar pool heating system, pool cover. Point options include: Improved HERS index, proper sizing HVAC, passive solar, exterior shading, solar hot water, insulate hot water pipes, dwelling unit attached or zero-lot line, ENERGY STAR appliances, advanced lighting package, etc.

August 2009

Resources:

ICLEI - international association of local governments and their associations
www.iclei.org
There are twenty government members from Florida:
Boynton, Clearwater, Cutler Bay, Delray Beach, Gainesville, Key West, Leon County, Marathon, Miami, Miami-Dade County, Monroe County, Naples, North Miami, Orange County, Orlando, Pinellas County, Sarasota County, Sarasota, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.

Mayors Climate Protection Center
www.usmayors.org
Seventy-five Florida Mayors have signed The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement:
(City)
Atlantic Beach, Aventura, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Clearwater, Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Gables, Coral Spring, Cutler bay, Dania Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Doral, Edgewater, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Greenacres, Gulfport, Hallandale Beach, Hialeah, Holly Hill, Hollywood, Hypoluxo, Jacksonville, Key Biscayne, Key West, Lake Worth, Lakeland, Largo, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Layton, Leesburg, Margate, Melbourne, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Miramar, Naples, New Smyrna Beach, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Oakland Park, Orlando, Palm Bay, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, South Bay, South Miami, St. Augustine Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Sunrise, Sweetwater, Tallahassee, Tamarac, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Treasure Island, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, West Park, and Wilton Manors.

International Codes Council (ICC) Regional Support and State Offices:
Ms. Janice Moy
ICC Chicago District Office
4051 West Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills, IL 60478
1-888-422-7233, Ext. 4525
jmoy@@iccsafe.orgMr. Philip McMahan
Senior Regional Manager
Government Relations
3697 Lake Emma Road
Lake Mary, FL 32746-6121
Phone: 1-888-422-7233, ext. 7102
PMcMahan@iccsafe.org

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