New Florida Building Codes 2024: Your Commercial Property’s Future Depends on Knowing These Critical Changes
Commercial property owners across Florida are facing significant changes with the implementation of the 8th Edition of the Florida Building Code, which took effect on December 31, 2023. These updates, particularly regarding roofing requirements, will impact how commercial properties must be maintained, repaired, and replaced throughout 2024 and beyond.
Timeline and Implementation
The 8th Edition or 2023 FBC took effect January 1, 2024, meaning any project submitted to a jurisdiction in the State of Florida on or after this date will have to conform to the new 2024 code. However, the implementation started in December 2023 and continues into the first six months of 2024, as part of a periodic update that takes place every three years.
Key Roofing Changes for Commercial Properties
Enhanced Underlayment Requirements
One of the most significant changes affects roofing underlayment specifications. Roof contractors are now required to install two layers of ASTM D6757 underlayment, with a nail penetration of ⅛” minimum, for all roofing installations as a general rule. For commercial properties using asphalt systems, underlayment installed under asphalt shingles or BUR must be ASTM D226 Type II or ASTM D4869 Type III, Type IV, or ASTM D8257.
Nail Penetration Standards
The code now addresses critical installation details with the minimum nail penetration through sheathing or planks changing from 3/16 inches to 1/8 inch to maintain consistency throughout the FBC-Building. These specifications ensure better adherence to standards and promote safer and more reliable roof installations across Florida.
Changes to the 25% Roof Replacement Rule
A major development for commercial property owners is the modification of the 25% roof replacement rule. Enacted on May 26th, 2022, the 25% Roof Replacement Rule has been eliminated in certain situations due to SB-4D. The 25% Rule previously required roofs to be replaced if more than 25% of the roof surface was damaged.
This change provides property owners with more flexibility and cost-efficiency when addressing roof damage, allowing for targeted repairs rather than complete replacements in specific circumstances. However, homes built before March 2009, with no prior roof replacement, are still under the last 25% rule and must undergo a complete roof replacement if they experience damage exceeding 25% of the total surface area.
Regional Considerations: Miami-Dade and Broward Counties
Commercial properties in Miami-Dade and Broward counties face additional considerations. Previously, additional code requirements prevented roofers in the two counties from using a peel-and-stick underlayment, citing additional homeowner expense. However, the peel-and-stick option is typically considered by industry experts to be a superior water barrier that also lends strength to a roof in the face of a hurricane. With the new Edition of the FBC, roofers in Miami-Dade and Broward will now be able to freely install this option.
Why These Changes Matter for Commercial Property Owners
As roofing technology and engineering become more sophisticated, state agencies like the Florida Building Commission and local governments must adapt the Florida Building Code to ensure safety, proper installation procedures, and environmental considerations are maintained. These updates reflect the state’s commitment to enhancing safety, sustainability, and overall structural quality.
For commercial property owners, compliance isn’t optional. Property owners and contractors must stay informed about the changes and ensure their roofs remain compliant. With the discontinuation of the 25% Roof Replacement Rule in certain situations, it becomes even more essential to address roof damage promptly and follow the latest regulations.
Working with Experienced Professionals
Given the complexity of these new requirements, partnering with experienced roofing contractors who understand the updated codes is crucial. Companies like Aastro Roofing, centrally located in Deerfield Beach and managed and operated by family members with a vested interest in their company’s success and customer satisfaction, bring the expertise needed to navigate these changes.
Aastro Roofing’s approach emphasizes providing the highest quality roofing solutions with exceptional customer service, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of every client. Their commitment to integrity, accountability, professionalism, and ensuring they’re the most knowledgeable roofers in the industry, living out their core values every day, makes them well-suited to help commercial property owners comply with the new building codes.
For commercial properties requiring professional Roofing Services Broward County, FL, working with contractors who stay current with code changes ensures compliance and optimal protection for your investment.
Planning Ahead
Commercial property owners should conduct thorough roof inspections to assess current conditions against the new standards. With extreme weather becoming more common in the state, adherence to updated FBC rules by roof contractors becomes more important with every safety update. A respected Florida roofing service that stays informed and executes all work according to FBC rules is the best one to call.
The 2024 Florida Building Code changes represent a significant shift toward enhanced safety and performance standards. By understanding these requirements and working with knowledgeable professionals, commercial property owners can ensure their properties remain compliant, protected, and valuable for years to come. Don’t wait until damage occurs—proactive compliance with the new codes is the smart business decision that protects both your property and your investment.