Florida Building Code Basics

• Incorporates portions of the South Florida Building Code.
• Requires wind-borne debris protection of glazed openings in buildings for all areas that fall within:

          -> The 110 mph wind zone within one mile of the coast.
          -> The 120 mph and above wind zone for

               all areas except the Florida Panhandle.
          -> One mile of the coast for the Florida Panhandle.

• Exterior glass products must be tested by an approved, independent testing laboratory.
• Impact-resistant products must comply with ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996, FBC Protocols TAS 201, TAS 202 and TAS 203.
• For complete information on the Florida Building Code, visit their site.

For additional information on wind-borne debris protection, please refer to the following test standards, specifications and certifications:

• ASTM E 1886 - Standard Test for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors and Storm Shutters Impacted by Missiles and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials.
• ASTM E 1996 - Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors and Storm Shutters Impacted by Wind-Borne Debris in Hurricanes.
• Miami-Dade County BCCO (Building Code Compliance Office) – Florida approved certifying agency.

Basic Wind Speed

• Values are nominal design, 3-second gusts, wind-speeds in miles per hour (mph) at 33 feet (10 m) above ground for Exposure C category.
• This map is accurate to the county.  Local governments establish specific wind-speed/wind-borne debris lines using physical landmarks such as major roads, canals, rivers and shorelines.
• Island and coastal areas outside the last contour shall use the last windspeed contour of the costal area.