ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT
ASCE
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS FLORIDA SEC TION
Florida Building Code, ASCE Resources Help Keep Florida Ready for the Next Storm Michael Olka, P.E., ENV SP SENIOR ENGINEER FOR LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, present serious threats to human safety and property. For communities, ensuring that buildings are resilient to these hazards is not just about meeting minimum legal requirements—it's about protecting lives and minimizing economic disruption. Preparedness includes planning for infrastructure durability, understanding risks, implementing engineering solutions, and adhering to relevant codes that regulate construction standards. Florida, with its coastlines and frequent hurricane activity, faces the highest risk of damage from severe weather events. It is crucial for buildings in the state to be constructed in accordance with standards that reduce vulnerability to wind, flooding and other natural hazards.
“”
To ensure the resiliency of Florida’s buildings, the Florida Building Code (FBC) was first established in 2002 to create uniformity and consistency in construction standards across the state of Florida. Before its creation, local jurisdictions followed their own codes, which often led to confusion and inconsistency in building practices. The FBC was developed in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which revealed the inadequacy of building standards in Florida, especially in terms of hurricane resistance. After this event, there was a push for statewide standards to improve building safety, particularly for extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. The FBC covers everything from structural design to accessibility and energy efficiency, and it is one of the most comprehensive and stringent building codes in the country. 20 | ENGINEERING FLORIDA
The FBC governs the design, construction and maintenance of buildings in the state and sets the minimum levels for performance and durability. Florida’s vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms necessitates a set of stringent requirements that prioritize the safety of buildings and infrastructure in the face of natural disasters. These codes focus on ensuring that buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions and remain structurally sound during and after a disaster.
The Florida Building Code… is one of the most comprehensive and stringent building codes in the country.
