Notice from the Florida Building Commission regarding

Florida Building Code:

This is a reminder that the 2007 Florida Building Code went into effect March 1, 2009. The 2009 Supplement to the 2007 Florida Building Code will also became effective March 1, 2009. Replacement pages for the 2007 Florida Building Code will be available from ICC in July 2009. In the interim the 2009 Supplement to the 2007 Florida Building Code is only available in legislative format. You may copy or print the supplement at the following link:

http://www.dca.state.fl.us/fbc/thecode/Draft_trackingcharts_to_comm_june08.htm

Also, this is to let you know that the new prescriptive 2008 energy code forms for use in demonstrating compliance by Method B of the 2007 Florida Building Code (including the 2009 Supplement) are available on our website for downloading. Please navigate to the following link to download:

http://www.dca.state.fl.us/fbc/committees/energy/energy_forms/1_energy_forms.htm

The EnergyGauge USA Fla/Res 2008 and EnergyGauge Summit Fla/Com 2008 computer programs for use in demonstrating compliance by Method A of the code can be purchased from their vendor at www.energygauge.com

Changes to International Residential Building Code:

• Fire sprinkler mandates will be required in all one- and two-family homes and townhouses as of Jan. 1, 2011 despite NAHB concerns about maintenance to ensure sprinklers remain operational; potential for pipes in attics to freeze; accidental discharge damaging results; adequate water supply. While the sprinkler requirement will be included in the 2009 IRC, it will not become effective until 2011, to give the industry three years to prepare. The American and National Fire Sprinkler Associations offer programs for residential sprinkler installation and certification.



• Bracing amounts will increase for three-story homes, homes with large open plans and homes built in high-wind areas. An IECC proposal nicknamed the “30% Solution” was defeated.

Financial Rescue Plan:

NAHB asked Congress to pass the emergency financial rescue plan proposed by Treasury Secretary Paulson to stabilize worldwide financial markets and restore consumer and investor confidence in the U.S. economy to prevent a global financial meltdown, “The financial markets are in turmoil and the flow of credit has been severely curtailed for housing and other sectors of the economy."

State Infrastructure Stimulus Project:

Governor Crist announced an economic stimulus package that would have a $7.8 billion impact by investing $1.4 billion in state transportation projects would be fast-tracked for adoption. The more than 179 proposed projects will employ about 39,000 workers and have a $5.60 return on each state dollar invested. The projects, which involve road surfacing, lane additions, bridge rehabilitation and safety enhancements, are previously approved and funded but will begin earlier than planned.