The effective date for the 2007 Florida Building Code has been postponed yet again.

The 2007 Florida Building Code which was originally due to be released in October of 2008 was first pushed back to December 31, 2008 and now to:

March 1, 2009

The decision to delay the effective date was made on September 15, 2008 during the Florida Building Commission meeting. During this meeting the Building Commission decided to postpone the effective date of the 2007 Florida Building Code from December 31, 2008 to March 1, 2009.

Among the changes due to take effect is an expansion in the scope of “Repair” within the Florida Existing Building Code. Based on the Commentary already published, the Florida Building Code has expanded the scope of “Repair” to include the repair and/or restoration of damage resulting from hurricanes or other natural disasters. These provisions serve to clarify and simplify the repair and/or restoration of structures not undergoing reconfiguration.

Also among the changes due to take effect is the elimination of the FBC Simplified Wind Load Design Provisions within the Florida Building Code. The 2007 FBC has eliminated and reassigned section 1609.6 which was the Simplified wind load method. The methods now available to the designer are those found exclusively within ASCE’s 7-05. It is worth noting that ASCE 7-05 does offer design methods for structures greater than 60 feet in height, less than 60 feet in height and a simplified method.

If you would like additional information on any code related matters, our forensic group is ready to assist you. Please contact William Bracken at wbracken@brackenengineering.com.

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