Confirm the FBC edition and the volume that matches the work, then trace the wind design criteria, product approvals, code analysis, and envelope details through the plans, elevations, structural notes, and schedules. AI can flag conflicts; the design professional and building official decide compliance.
What does the Florida Building Code cover?
The Florida Building Code is the statewide building code maintained by the Florida Building Commission. It is published in volumes such as Building, Residential, Existing Building, Energy, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Accessibility, and Test Protocols.
The Florida Building Commission states that the effective date for the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), is December 31, 2023. Its code resources page also lists analysis-of-changes documents for a 9th Edition (2026), without an effective date on either page when checked October 1, 2026. Confirm which edition applies to the permit application date with the building department, along with any local technical amendments.
The Florida page lists the volumes and official resources. Model code checks are described in the IBC and IRC guides; review against the Florida volume, not the model code alone.
Bring wind design, products, and the code analysis together
Collect the code analysis, structural general notes with wind design criteria, elevations, wall sections, window and door schedules, roof plans and details, product approval or evaluation references for exterior products, energy compliance documents, and accessibility sheets. Add the specifications for windows, doors, roofing, and cladding.
Compare each exterior product across the schedule, the specification, and its approval document, since a substitution can change one without the others.
Trace wind, envelope, and product information
| Review question | Sources to compare | Decision to record |
|---|---|---|
| Edition and volume | Cover sheet, code analysis | Confirm the edition and volume match the work and permit date. |
| Wind design criteria | Structural notes, elevations, component schedules | Match the wind criteria notes to the components that rely on them. |
| Product approvals | Window, door, and roofing schedules, approval references | Check each exterior product has a matching approval reference. |
| Envelope details | Wall sections, window details, roof details | Reconcile installation details with the scheduled products. |
| Code analysis | Occupancy, construction type, area | Match the analysis to current plans and sections. |
| Energy and accessibility | Energy forms, accessibility sheets, specifications | Match glazing, insulation, and accessible features across documents. |
Use the facade review checklist for exterior wall packages and the glazing specification guide to compare window schedules with the specification.
Example: a window substitution without a matching approval
Hypothetical example. The window schedule is revised to a different manufacturer’s product, while the product approval references on the elevations and in the specification still list the original product.
The current window schedule lists a different product than the product approval references on the elevations and in the specification. Please confirm the selected product and coordinate its approval documentation.
The architect confirms the product and updates the approval references and details. The conflict is a coordination question; the building official accepts the product documentation.
Review Florida drawings with Groundbook
Upload the current drawings and specifications to Groundbook, and state the code edition, amendments, and review scope in your instructions. Add the applicable Florida Building Code from a copy you are licensed to use, where the license permits uploading it, and add the jurisdiction’s published amendments. See how Groundbook works with local and licensed codes.
Compare the code analysis, wind design criteria, exterior product schedules, product approval references, envelope details, and specifications. Flag mismatched products, missing approvals, and conflicting criteria. Use the supplied Florida Building Code volume where applicable and cite both sources.
Groundbook links each potential finding to the schedules, details, and references involved. Verify the edition, volume, and product documents before sending a comment.
Document review does not perform wind load calculations, verify product approvals with the issuing body, or approve a permit.