Preparing for an industrial construction project in Florida is a collaboration with the construction service providers you select. One of the most critical things your industrial project partners must bring to the table is an understanding of Florida building codes.
Your project must be code-compliant to finish on time, within budget, and minimize risk. If anyone involved fails to adhere to Florida building codes, the state may require you to pay fines. You may also have to do costly backtracking to correct problems.
In a worst-case scenario, you might have to halt the project permanently. But there are more than just financial consequences if a project fails to meet the code. There are also severe safety risks.
However, you can avoid these issues by working with industrial contracting companies with a track record of delivering code-compliant work. When you execute projects without code-related disruptions, you’ll please your clients. Plus, you’ll promote long-lasting relationships with all the contractors involved.
History of Florida Industrial Codes
Florida has some of the country’s strictest building codes, including for commercial buildings. That’s great for people who work in those facilities. But adhering to Florida’s building codes can be challenging for project stakeholders. This includes project managers, maintenance or operations managers, and service providers like mechanical contractors, crane and rigging companies, and others.
Florida implemented “bare minimum” building codes in 1974. One of the reasons is that builders in the state face many environmental challenges. Heavy rainfall, severe storms, and high winds are common in Florida. And the humid conditions and corrosive, salty air in coastal communities are also hard on structures.
Authorities took building safety even further in 1996. They consolidated the way counties enforce building codes with the Statewide Florida Building Code. The Florida Building Commission reviews the code every three years to ensure it aligns with evolving national and international building codes.
Florida Building Codes and Permits
The Statewide Florida Building Code is a comprehensive set of requirements. It covers many features, including:
- Strength and stability
- Means of egress
- Sanitation
- Ventilation
- Lighting
- Energy efficiency
Before starting construction, project managers and their construction partners must understand these requirements and obtain the necessary permits. For example, a company providing lifting services using industrial cranes or construction cranes must understand how building codes affect its operations.
Find a detailed example of Florida building permits on this Polk County page under “Work Requiring a Construction Permit.” Of course, be sure to always check the permit requirements and building codes of the county your project is located.
Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code explains the requirements. The text states: “A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy content of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes.”
Benefits of Working With an Experienced Industrial Partner
To ensure your projects run smoothly, you must work with industrial partners that understand and diligently adhere to Florida building codes.
Local companies like Coker Industrial are the most knowledgeable about Florida building requirements and permits. Our team of experts has more than 50 years of experience in every aspect of mechanical and industrial construction. We’ve also invested in the most prestigious safety certifications in the industry, such as ISNetworld, Avetta, Browz, NCCCO, and more. That’s why we’re one of Northeast Florida’s most trusted providers of commercial cranes and other industrial services.
To ensure that your project is conducted safely and completed on schedule and within budget, contact Coker Industrial today. We’ll discuss your project, the challenges you may encounter, and promptly provide a detailed quote for our services.