Jacksonville adopts the Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023) which references OSHA scaffold safety standards. Scaffolds on public sidewalks or rights-of-way require a permit from the Planning and Development Department. Florida OSHA (administered by federal OSHA under a federal plan) enforces workplace scaffold safety.
Jacksonville's scaffold requirements are governed by the Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023) and federal OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L standards. Florida does not have a state OSHA plan; federal OSHA directly enforces workplace safety standards in Florida. All scaffolds must be erected under the supervision of a competent person. Fall protection is required at heights of 10 feet or more. Guardrail systems must be 42 inches high with a midrail and toeboard. Scaffolds erected on or over public sidewalks, streets, or rights-of-way require a permit from the Planning and Development Department, Building Inspection Division. The permit requires a site plan showing scaffold placement, pedestrian protection, and traffic control if applicable. A minimum accessible pedestrian path must be maintained under scaffolds extending over sidewalks. Scaffold dismantling must occur promptly after project completion. During hurricane season (June 1 - November 30), the Building Official may require additional scaffold tie-down measures or temporary removal of scaffolding when tropical storms or hurricanes are forecast.
OSHA serious violations: up to $16,131 per violation. Willful violations: up to $161,323. City permit violations: stop work order, fines. Failure to secure scaffolding before storms: liability for damage.
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