Florida Statewide Rule
Florida Statewide Flood Construction Requirements
Key Facts
- Statute
- Fla. Stat. 553.73
- Design Standard
- ASCE 24
- Code Authority
- Florida Building Code
- Local Floor
- Cannot weaken state rules
Summary
Florida adopts a single statewide building code that incorporates flood-resistant construction standards from FEMA and ASCE, applying uniformly to all jurisdictions.
(5) Notwithstanding subsection (4), counties and municipalities may adopt by ordinance an administrative or technical amendment to the Florida Building Code relating to flood resistance in order to implement the National Flood Insurance Program or incentives. Specifically, an administrative amendment may assign the duty to enforce all or portions of flood-related code provisions to the appropriate agencies of the local government and adopt procedures for variances and exceptions from flood-related code provisions other than provisions for structures seaward of the coastal construction control line consistent with the requirements in 44 C.F.R. s. 60.6.
Full Breakdown
Fla. Stat. 553.73 establishes the Florida Building Code as the sole statewide construction code, incorporating ASCE 24 flood-resistant design and FEMA National Flood Insurance Program standards. Local governments must enforce these requirements without weakening them; they may adopt more stringent floodplain rules but cannot fall below state minimums. Nearly all Florida communities participate in the NFIP, and many earn flood-insurance discounts through the Community Rating System by exceeding the minimums. New construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas must elevate the lowest floor to or above the design flood elevation.
Violations & Penalties
Construction below the required elevation results in failed inspections, certificate of occupancy denial, increased flood insurance premiums, and potential ineligibility for FEMA disaster assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Florida city set its own flood elevation rules?
What flood standard applies to new homes in Florida?
Sources
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