2010handbookerrata

FLORIDA BUILDING CODE HANDBOOK
STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION
Florida Department of Education
2010
Florida Building Code Handbook
State Requirements for New Educational Facilities Construction
This document contains material reproduced from the 2010 Florida Building Code and is used by permission of the
International Code Council. This document can be reproduced but cannot be sold without the express permission of
the Florida Department of Education. Although the authors have done their best to ensure that any advice,
recommendation, interpretation, and information given herein is accurate, no liability or responsibility of any kind
(including liability for negligence) is accepted by the authors or the Department of Education. This document only
contains excerpts from the Florida Building Code and does not duplicate all the requirements for any particular
subject found in the Florida Building Code. Users should review all requirements found in the Florida Building
Code for any omissions in the excerpts of the Florida Building Code represented in this handbook.
Persons contributing to this document:
Jonathon D. Hamrick, Architect

Construction Planning and Design Manager
Edward F. Hubert, P.E.

Civil/Structural Engineer
Larry L. Parish, P.E.

Mechanical Engineer
Darrell D. Phillips, Architect

Senior Projects Architect
Robert H. Raynor, Architect

James U. Watts, P.E.

Electrical Engineer
Don Whitehead, Architect

This edition of the Florida Building Code handbook is a modification of the original 2004 Florida Building Code
handbook that was developed for the Department of Education by Michael W. Kuenstle, A1A, and Nancy Clark,
School of Architecture, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
ii Florida Department of Education

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction xi
FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, BUILDING
CHAPTER 1: ADMINISTRATION
423.3 Code enforcement 11
101 General 1 423.3.1 School boards and
Florida college boards
105 Permits 1 423.3.2 Owner review and
inspection
107 Submittal Documents 1 423.3.3 Local government review
and inspection
423.3.4 Other regulatory agencies
CHAPTER 3: USE AND OCCUPANCY 423.3.5 Day labor projects
CLASSIFICATION 423.3.6 Routine maintenance
423.3.7 Certificate of occupancy
301 General 2 423.3.8 Reuse and prototype plans
302 Classification 2 423.4 Reference documents 11

423.4.1 Rule 6A-2 [State Requirements
303 Assembly Group A 2 for Educational Facilities
(SREF)]
304 Business Group B 3 423.4.2 Flood resistant construction
423.4.3 Florida statutes and state rules
305 Educational Group E 4 423.4.4 Accessibility requirements for
children’s environments
309 Mercantile Group M 4 423.4.5 Handbook for public playground
safety
311 Storage Group S 4 423.4.6 ANSI Z53.1
423.4.7 ASCE 7
313 Day-Care Occupancy Group D 5 423.4.8 Life cycle cost guidelines for
materials and buildings for
Florida public educational
CHAPTER 4: SPECIAL DETAILED facilities
REQUIREMENTS BASED ON
423.5 Definitions 12
USE AND OCCUPANCY 423.5.1 “Assembly”
423.5.2 “Board”
401 Scope 6 423.5.3 “Boiler”
423.5.4 “Certificate of occupancy”
410 Stages and Platforms 6 423.5.5 “Courtyard”
423.5.6 “Facility”
423* State Requirements for 423.5.7 “Maintenance and repair”
Educational Facilities 10 423.5.8 “New construction”
423.5.9 “Open plan building”
423.1 Slope: Public educational 423.5.10 “Open plan instructional
facilities 10 “space”
423.5.11 “Owner”
423.2 Public schools and Florida colleges 423.5.12 “Permit”
general requirements 10 423.5.13 “Remodeling”
423.2.1 Owner
423.2.2 Exemption from local requirements
*For convenience, subsections in Section 423 dealing with public educational facilities are listed.
Florida Building Code Handbook iii

423.5.14.1 “Renovation” 423.10.9 Transmission line right-of-way
423.5.15 “Separate atmosphere” 423.10.10 School site master plan
423.5.16 “Separate building”
423.5.17 Florida College 423.11 Wood: fire-retardant-treated
423.5.18 “Student-occupied space” wood (FRTW) 27
423.11.1 Fire-retardant-treated wood
423.6 Administration of public 423.11.2 Inspection access panels
education projects 16 423.11.3 Evidence of compliance
423.6.1 Occupancy during
construction 423.12 Roofing 28
423.6.2 Contractor toxic substance 423.12.1 Class A materials
safety precautions 423.12.2 Insulation and moisture
423.6.3 Flammable or explosive protection
substances 423.12.3 Phased installation
prohibited
423.7 Life safety 18 423.12.4 Manufacturer’s one-year
423.7.1 Separate exits inspection
423.7.2 Exit access
423.7.3 Location of fire 423.13 Doors and windows 28
Extinguishers and blankets 423.13.1 Doors
423.7.4 Common fire alarm 423.13.2 Recessed
423.7.5 Fire alarm sending stations 423.13.3 Special function doors
423.7.6 Automatic shut off 423.13.4 Overhead and sliding
423.7.7 Unoccupied rooms and security grilles
concealed spaces 423.13.5 Gates
423.7.8 Boiler rooms 423.13.6 Hardware
423.13.7 Safety glazing: panels
423.8 General requirements for new and storefronts
construction additions, renovations 423.13.8 Windows
and remodeling 19
423.8.1 Codes and standards 423.14 Specialty safety
423.8.2 Space standards requirements 30
423.8.3 Construction type 423.14.1 Master control switch
423.8.4 Standard for remodeling 423.14.2 Interior signage
and/or renovation projects 423.14.3 Other potential hazards
423.8.5 Leased facilities 423.14.4 Storage shelving
423.8.6 Asbestos prohibited 423.14.5 Vertical platform lifts and
423.8.7 Life cycle cost guidelines for inclined wheelchairs lifts
materials and building systems 423.14.6 Color code machinery
423.8.8 Safe school design 423.14.7 Anchor equipment
423.14.8 Interior finishes
423.9 Structural design 22
423.9.1 Load importance factor 423.15 Mechanical 32
423.15.1 Gas and fluid piping
423.10 Site requirements 22 423.15.2 Air plenums
423.10.1 Fencing 423.15.3 Residential equipment
423.10.2 Walks, roads, drives, 423.15.4 Toilet room ventilation
and parking areas 423.15.5 Chemistry laboratories
423.10.3 Site lighting required and science classrooms
423.10.4 Building setbacks 423.15.6 Ventilation air make-up for
423.10.5 School board playgrounds, HVAC systems
equipment, and athletic fields
423.10.6 Exterior signage 423.16 Plumbing 33
423.10.7 Landscaping 423.16.1 Standards
423.10.8 Water irrigation systems 423.16.2 Teacher toilets
iv Florida Department of Education

423.16.3 Public shelter 423.19.11 Protection of outdoor play
423.16.4 Urinals areas from the environment
423.16.5 Floor drains and hose bibbs 423.19.12 Play equipment
423.16.6 Exterior entries 423.19.13 Grounds
423.16.7 Hot water
423.16.8 Delayed closing valves 423.22 Clinics 39
423.16.9 Shower facilities 423.22.1 General
423.16.10 Kitchens 423.22.2 Special requirements
423.16.11 Dousing shower and eye wash 423.22.3 Sanitary facilities
423.16.12 Floor drains and plumbing 423.22.4 Beds
fixtures in equipment rooms 423.22.5 Full-service school
health clinics
423.17 Electrical 35
423.17.1 Emergency lighting 423.23 Kilns 40
423.17.2 Electrical rooms and closets
423.17.3 Spare capacity 423.24 Open plan schools 40
423.17.4 Emergency shutoff switches
423.17.5 Emergency disconnect 423.25 Public shelter design criteria 41
423.17.6 Sauna and steam rooms 423.25.1 New facilities
423.17.7 Lighting 423.25.2 Site
423.17.8 Ground fault interrupter 423.25.3 Design
(GFI) receptacles 423.25.4 Structural standard
for wind loads
423.18 Assembly occupancies in public 423.25.5 Electrical and standby
educational facilities 36 emergency power system
423.18.1 Occupant capacity 423.25.6 Inspections
423.19 Shade and green houses 37 423.26 Time-out rooms 46

423.19.1 General 423.26.1 General
423.19.2 Unrestricted exiting 423.26.2 Electromagnetic locking device
423.19.3 Required doors 423.26.3 Door requirements
423.19.4 Accessibility 423.26.4 Finishes
423.19.5 Shade cloth 423.26.5 Minimum size
423.19.6 Fire extinguisher 423.26.6 Lighting
423.19.7 Fire alarm 423.26.7 HVAC required
423.19.8 Space heaters
423.27 New relocatable buildings 47
423.20 Storage 37 423.27.1 Relocatables
423.20.1 General storage 423.27.2 Design, plan approval, construction
423.20.2 Custodial work areas and storage 423.27.3 Construction type
423.20.3 Custodial closets and storage 423.27.4 Accessibility
423.20.4 Chemical and hazardous 423.27.5 Site standards/site plans
materials storage 423.27.6 Structure
423.27.7 Fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW)
423.21 Child care/day-care/pre-kindergarten 423.27.8 Doors
facilities 38 423.27.9 Operable windows
423.21.1 Code enforcement 423.27.10 Finishes
423.21.2 Toilet 423.27.11 Fire extinguishers
423.21.3 Bathing area 423.27.12 Document storage
423.21.4 Toilet facility finishes 423.27.13 Time-out rooms
423.21.5 Drinking fountains 423.27.14 Child care/day-care units
423.21.6 Hand washing areas 423.27.15 Illumination required
423.21.7 Kitchens 423.27.16 Air conditioning, heating and
423.21.8 Sleeping areas ventilation
423.19.9 Sleeping areas 423.27.17 Technology
423.19.10 Hazardous materials 423.27.18 Fire safety requirements
Florida Building Code Handbook v

423.27.19 Inspection of units during 708 Shaft Enclosures 65
construction
423.27.20 Inspection of units prior to 709 Fire Partitions 66
occupancy
710 Smoke Barriers 67
443* Schools, Colleges and Universities 50
443.1 Scope 711 Smoke Partitions 67
443.2 Sites
443.2.1 Drainage 715 Opening Protectives 68
443.2.2 Playgrounds and equipment
443.2.3 Outdoor waste containers 719 Thermal-and Sound-Insulting
443.3 Building construction Materials 70
443.3.1 Rodent proofing
443.3.2 Glare from natural light 720 Prescriptive Fire Resistance 71
443.3.3 Automated external defibrillator
443.3.4 Diaper changing stations 721 Calculated Fire Resistance 71
443.3.5 Plumbing
443.3.6 Mechanical
443.3.7 Lighting CHAPTER 8: INTERIOR FINISHES
801 General 72
CHAPTER 5: GENERAL BUILDING
HEIGHTS AND AREAS 803 Wall and Ceiling Finishes 73
501 General 53
CHAPTER 9: FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
503 General Height and Area
Limitations 53 901 General 74
504 Building Height 53 903 Automatic Sprinkler

Systems 74
506 Building Area Modifications 54
905 Standpipe Systems 75
507 Unlimited Area Buildings 55
907 Fire Alarm and Detection
508 Mixed Use and Occupancy 56 Systems 75
CHAPTER 6: TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION CHAPTER 10: MEANS OF EGRESS
601 General 60 1001 Administration 78
602 Construction Classification 60 1003 General Means of Egress 78
1004 Occupant Load 79

CHAPTER 7: FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION
FEATURES 1005 Egress Width 79
701 General 62 1006 Means of Egress Illumination 80
706 Fire Walls 62 1008 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles 81
707 Fire Barriers 63
* For convenience, subsections in Section 443 dealing with public educational facilities are listed.
vi Florida Department of Education

1009 Stairways 83 FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, MECHANICAL
1010 Ramps 85 CHAPTER 3: GENERAL REGULATIONS

1012 Handrails 87 301 General 107
1013 Guards 88 304 Installation 107
1014 Exit Access 89 307 Condensate Disposal 107
1015 Exit and Exit Access Doorways 90
CHAPTER 4: VENTILATION
1016 Exit Access Travel Distance 91
401 General 108
1017 Aisles 91
403 Mechanical Ventilation 108
1018 Corridors 92
405 Systems Control 108
1019 Egress Balconies 94
1020 Exits 94
CHAPTER 5: EXHAUST SYSTEMS
1022 Exit Enclosures 94
501 General 109
1026 Exterior Exit Ramps
505 Domestic Kitchen
and Stairways 95
Exhaust Equipment 109
1027 Exit Discharge 96
507 Commercial Kitchen Hoods 109
1028 Assembly 96
509 Fire Suppression Systems 109
1029 Emergency Escape
and Rescue 102
CHAPTER 6: DUCT SYSTEMS
1030 Business 102
601 General 110
1031 Educational 103
602 Plenums 110
606 Smoke Detection

CHAPTER 12: INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
Systems Control 111
1201 General 104
607 Ducts and Air Transfer
Openings 111
1205 Lighting 104
1210 Surrounding Materials 104

FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 24: GLASS AND GLAZING CHAPTER 3: GENERAL REGULATIONS
2401 General 105 301 General 112
2403 General Requirements 310 Washroom and Toilet Room

for Glass 105 Requirements 112
2406 Safety Glazing 105 315 Public Food Service Establishments

and Food Establishments 112
Florida Building Code Handbook vii
CHAPTER 4: FIXTURES, FAUCETS AND CHAPTER 4: GAS PIPING INSTALLATIONS
FIXTURE FITTINGS
401 General 120
401 General 113
404 Piping Systems Installation 120
403 Minimum Plumbing Facilities 113
409 Shutoff Valves 120
411 Emergency Showers and Eyewash
Stations 114
CHAPTER 6: WATER SUPPLY AND

DISTRIBUTION
601 General 115
610 Disinfection of Portable

Water System 115
CHAPTER 7: SANITARY DRAINAGE
701 General 116
702 Materials 116
CHAPTER 8: INDIRECT/SPECIAL WASTE
801 General 117
803 Special Wastes 117
CHAPTER 10: TRAPS, INTERCEPTORS AND

SEPARATORS
1001 General 118
1003 Interceptors and Separators 118
FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, FUEL GAS
CHAPTER 3: GENERAL REGULATIONS
301 General 119
304 Combustion, Ventilation, and

Dilution Air 119
viii Florida Department of Education

APPENDIX
Symbol Legend A-2 Exceptions to Separation and Protection

of Exterior Stairs A-44
Minimum Occupant Load A-3
Interior Stairs A-46
Exit and Means of Egress Width A-4
Shaft Enclosure Protection A-48
Number of Required Means of Egress A-6
Auditorium Aisle Widths A-50
Separation of Means of Egress A-8
Auditorium Seating A-52
Travel Distance A-10
Grandstands and Bleachers A-54
Dead-End Corridors A-12
Aisle Ramps and Stairs A-56
Emergency Rescue Openings A-14
Aisles Serving Seating at Tables A-58
Doors A-16
Platforms and Stages A-60
Door Fire-Rating Labels A-18
Legitimate Stage (Stages over 1,00sq/ft in Area
Door Panic Hardware A-20 and with a Stage Height Greater than 50 feet) A-62
Safety and Fire-Rated Glazing A-22 Regular Stage (Stages 1,000 sq/ft maximum Area
and with a Stage Height of 50 ft maximum) A-64
Classrooms with All Primary
Egress to the Exterior A-24 Site Requirements A-66
Classrooms with Convenience Interior Corridor Minimum Parking Requirements A-70

and Exits Directly to the Exterior A-26
Site Lighting Requirements A-72
One or More Classrooms Exiting Through
an Interior Corridor and Remaining Classrooms Roofing Membrane and Draining A-74
Exit Directly to Exterior A-28
Open Plan Classrooms A-76
Classrooms with All Egress Through an Exit
Access Corridor A-30 Relocatables for Classroom Use A-78
Egress From Rooms Divided with a Shade and Green House A-80
Folding Partition A-32
Kitchen and Food Services A-82
Egress from Classrooms through an
Intervening Space A-34 Toilet Rooms A-84
Corridor Protection A-36 Fire Alarm A-86
Stairs A-38 Example EHPA Design Square Footage

and Capacity Calculations A-88
Handrails at Stairs A-40
EHPA Electrical and Emergency Power
Separation and Protection of Exterior Stairs A-42 Systems Standby Circuits A-90
Florida Building Code Handbook ix

Recommended Acreage A-91
FBC Chapter 16 - Structural Loads A-92
FBC Chapter 18 – Soils and Foundations A-94
FBC Chapter 19 – Concrete A-96
FBC Chapter 21 – Reinforced Masonry A-98
FBC Chapter 22 – Steel A-99
FBC Chapter 23 – Wood A-100
Roof Shingles A-101
Section 423 Application Matrix A-103
x Florida Department of Education

INTRODUCTION
This handbook is a guide to the code requirements for the design of new construction, additions, and remodeling of
educational facility buildings and physical plants in the State of Florida. The 2010 edition of the Florida Building
Code handbook: State Requirements for New Educational Facilities Construction replaces the 2007 edition of the
building code handbook. This new handbook incorporates significant changes recently made to Florida’s life safety
and building codes governing new educational facility construction.
This handbook will be helpful to design professional, educational facilities planners, engineers, and building
contractors. It offers guidance for using the 2010 Edition Florida Building Code (FBC) and the 2010 Edition Florida
Fire Prevention Code (FFPC), as well as facilitating a better understanding of the State Requirements for New
Educational Facilities Construction. The handbook provides background information, discussion of code
requirements, and examples of how the code can be applied.
The handbook includes two sections: (1) 2010 Florida Building Code and Commentary and (2) Appendix. In the
first section, the text reproduced from the Florida Building is printed in green and the commentary is printed in
black. The graphic illustrations and diagrams in this section supplement the written commentary. In the second
section, the appendix is formatted as a quick reference guide summarizing code-related issues through the use of
labels and example diagram drawings and illustrations.
The code requirements covered in this handbook represent only a portion of rules and regulations that may apply to
new construction, additions, and remodeling of educational facilities construction. The handbook is intended to be a
general guideline for reference and should not be considered a binding interpretation.
We hope that this document will serve all of the dedicated professionals involved in Florida school design and
construction.
Florida Building Code Handbook xi

Chapter 1
ADMINISTRATION
Florida Building Code, Building
SECTION 101 SECTION 107

GENERAL SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS
101.2 Scope. 107.1 General.
The provisions of this code shall apply to the Construction documents, special inspection and
construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, structural observation programs, and other data shall be
replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, submitted in one or more sets with each application for a
location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every permit. The construction documents shall be prepared
building or structure or any appurtenances connected or by a registered design professional where required by
attached to such buildings or structures. Chapter 471, Florida Statutes or Chapter 481, Florida
Statutes. Where special conditions exist, the building
Exceptions: official is authorized to require additional construction
1. NA documents to be prepared by a registered design
2. Existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations professional.
or additions and change of occupancy shall
comply with Chapter 34 of this code. Exception: The building official is authorized to
waive the submission of construction documents
In accordance with Chapter 34, Section 101.2, and and other data not required to be prepared by a
Scope Exception: additions, remodeling, and/or registered design professional if it is found that the
renovations of existing educational facilities are to nature of the work applied for is such that review of
comply with Section 423, Florida Building Code. construction documents is not necessary to obtain
compliance with this code.
SECTION 105
PERMITS
105.1 Required.
Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct,

enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the
occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install,
enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any
impact resistant coverings electrical, gas, mechanical, or
plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by
this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall
first make application to the building official and obtain
the required permit.
Permits are required for any work performed on an

educational facility. Educational boards may use an
annual maintenance permit for small maintenance
projects in accordance with Section 553.80(6)(d), Florida
Statutes.
Florida Building Code Handbook | 1

Chapter 3
USE AND OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION

GENERAL ASSEMBLY GROUP A
301.1 Scope. 303.1 Assembly Group A.
The provisions of this chapter shall control the Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others,
classification of all building and structures as to use and the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for
occupancy. the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic,
social or religious functions; recreation, food and drink
consumption; or awaiting transportation.
SECTION 302
CLASSIFICATION Exceptions:
1. A building or tenant space used for assembly
302.1 General. purposes with an occupant load of less than 50
persons shall be classified as a Group B
Structures or portions of structures shall be classified occupancy.
with respect to occupancy in one or more of the groups 2. A room or space used for assembly purposes
listed below. A room or space that is intended to be with an occupant load of less than 50 persons
occupied at different times for different purposes shall and accessory to another occupancy shall be
comply with all of the requirements that are applicable to classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of
each of the purposes for which the room or space will be that occupancy.
occupied. Structures with multiple occupancies or uses 3. A room or space used for assembly purposes
shall comply with Section 508. Where a structure is that is less than 750 square feet (70m²) in area
proposed for a purpose that Is not specifically provided and accessory to another occupancy shall be
for in this code, such structure shall be classified in the classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of
group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, that occupancy.
according to the fire safety and relative hazard involved. 4. Assembly areas that are accessory to Group E
occupancies are not considered separate
1. Assembly (see Section 303); Groups A-1, A-2, occupancies except when applying the
A-3, A-4 and A-5. assembly occupancy requirements of the Florida
2. Business (see Section 304); Group B. Building Code, Accessibility.
3. Educational (see Section 305); Group E.
4. NA Assembly occupancies shall include the following:
5. NA
6. NA A-1 Assembly uses, usually with fixed seating,
7. Merchantile (see Section 309); Group M intended for the production and viewing of the
8. NA performing arts or motion pictures including, but
9. Storage (see Section 311); Group S-1 and S-2 not limited to:
10. NA Motion picture theaters
11. Day care (see Section 313); Group D Symphony and concert halls
Television and radio studios admitting an
Pre-K through grade 12 facilities are classified as audience
Educational occupancies. Florida colleges and Theaters
universities are classified as Business occupancies. A-2 Assembly uses intended for food and/or drink
consumption including, but not limited to:
Banquet halls
Night clubs
Restaurants
Taverns and bars
2 | Florida Department of Education

A-3 Assembly uses intended for worship, recreation Even though all spaces in an Educational occupancy are
or amusement and other assembly uses not viewed by the Florida Building Code as a single-use
classified elsewhere in Group A including, but Educational occupancy, Chapter 12, Florida Fire
not limited to: Prevention Code, NFPA 101, requires the exiting
Amusement arcades capacity to be determined separately for an assembly
Art Galleries space, such as an auditorium or gymnasium, when the
Bowling alleys assembly space is to be used by the public while the
Community halls school is occupied by students. Auditoriums and
Exhibition halls gymnasiums are also required to comply with Florida
Gymnasiums (without spectator seating) Building Code requirements for a mixed or separate
Indoor swimming pools (without spectator occupancy.
seating)
Indoor tennis court (without spectator The State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that
seating) assembly spaces, such as cafetoriums, with an
Lecture halls occupancy of 300 persons or more, are considered
Libraries mixed or separate occupancies and shall be fully
Museums sprinklered and have a voice evacuation system as part
A-4 Assembly uses intended for viewing of indoor of the fire alarm system. For additional information, see
sporting events and activities with spectator NFPA 72, Section 6.9.
seating including, but not limited to:
Arenas
Skating rinks SECTION 304
Swimming pools BUSINESS GROUP B
Tennis courts
A-5 Assembly uses intended for participation in or 304.1 Business Group B.
viewing outdoor activities including, but not
limited to: Business Group B occupancy includes, among others,
Amusement park Structures the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for
Bleachers office, professional or service-type transactions,
Grandstands including storage of records and accounts. Business
Stadiums occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
Banks
Barber and beauty shops
Civic administration
Clinic-outpatient
Educational occupancies for students above the
th
12 grade
Electronic data processing
Post offices
Print shops
Professional services (architects, attorneys,
dentists, physicians, engineers, etc.)
Radio and television stations
Telephone exchanges
304.2
Public and private colleges and universities shall comply

with Section 443.
304.3
Florida colleges shall comply with Section 423.
Figure 303.1

EDUCATIONAL GROUP E STORAGE GROUP S
305.1 Educational Group E. 311.1 Storage Group S.
Educational Group E occupancy includes, among others, Storage Group S occupancy includes, among others, the
the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, by use of a building or structure, or apportion thereof, for
six or more persons at any one time for educational storage that is not classified as a hazardous occupancy.
th
purposes through the 12 grade. Religious educational
rooms and religious auditoriums, which are accessory to 311.2 Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1.
places of religious worship in accordance with Section
303.1 and have occupant loads of less than 100, shall Buildings occupied for storage uses that are not
be classified as A-3 occupancies. classified as Group S-2 including, but not limited to,
storage of the following:
305.2 Aerosols, Levels 2 and 3
Bags; cloth, burlap and paper
Public and private educational occupancies shall comply Belting; canvas and leather
with Section 443. Books and paper in rolls or packs
Boots and shoes
305.3 Cardboard and cardboard boxes
Clothing, woolen wearing apparel
Public educational occupancies shall comply with Furniture
Section 423. Glues, mucilage, pastes and size
Leather
Linoleum
SECTION 309 Lumber
MERCANTILE GROUP M Motor vehicle repair garages complying with the
maximum allowable quantities of hazardous
309.1 Mercantile Group M. materials listed in Table 307.1(1) (see Section
406.6)
Mercantile Group M occupancy includes, among others, Resilient flooring
the use of a building or structure or a portion thereof, for Soaps
the display and sale of merchandise, and involves stock Tires, bulk storage of
of goods, wares or merchandise incidental to such
purposes and accessible to the public. Mercantile 311.3 Low-hazard storage, Group S-2.
occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the
following: Includes, among others, buildings used for the storage of
Motor fuel-dispensing facilities noncombustible materials such as products on wood
Retail or wholesale stores pallets or in paper cartons with or without single
Restaurants and drinking establishments with thickness divisions; or in paper wrappings. Such
an occupant load of less than 50 persons. products are permitted to have a negligible amount of
Sales rooms plastic trim, such as knobs, handles or film wrapping.
Group S-2 storage uses shall include, but not be limited
309.2 Quantity of hazardous materials. to, storage of the following:
Beverages
The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and Cement in bags
nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous Chalk and crayons
material stored or displayed in a single control area of Dairy products in nonwaxed coated paper containers
Group M occupancy shall not exceed the quantities in Dry cell batteries
Table 414.2.5(1). Food products
Foods in noncombustible containers
Table 414.2.5(1) lists maximum quantities allowable Fresh fruits and vegetables in nonplastic trays or
without classifying the building as a Group H occupancy. containers
Frozen foods
Glass bottles, empty or filled with noncombustible
liquids

Inert pigments 313.2.4 Group D occupancies.
Meats
Metal cabinets Group D occupancies shall include, among others, the
Metal desks with plastic tops and trim following:
Metal parts Child day care occupancies
Metals Nursery schools
Parking garages, open or enclosed Day care homes
Porcelain and pottery Kindergarten classes that are incidental to a child
Stoves day care occupancy.
Talc and soapstones
Washers and dryers In cases where care is incidental to some other
occupancy, the section of this code governing such other
occupancy shall apply.
SECTION 313
DAY-CARE OCCUPANCY GROUP D Day-care occupancies that are a part of a pre-K through
grade 12 Educational occupancy are classified as
313.1 Scope. Group E, Educational occupancy.
Group D occupancy is the use of a building or structure,

or any portion thereof, in which three or more clients
receive care, maintenance and supervision, by other
than their relative(s) or legal guardian(s), for less than 24
hours per day. Occupancies that include part-day
preschools, kindergartens and other schools whose
purpose is primarily educational even though the
children are of preschool age shall comply with the
provisions for Group E occupancies.
313.2 Subclassifications.
Day care occupancies in which more than 12 clients

receive care, maintenance and supervision, by other
than their relative(s) or legal guardian(s), for less than 24
hours per day shall be classified as day care
occupancies. Day care occupancies of 12 or fewer
clients shall be classified as day care homes and shall
be divided into classifications as set forth in this section.
313.2.1 Family day care home.
A family day care home is a day care home in which

more than three but fewer than seven clients receive
care, maintenance and supervision by other than their
relative(s) or legal guardian(s) for less than 24 hours per
day with no more than two clients incapable of self-
preservation.
313.2.2 Group day care home.
A group day care home is a day care home in which at

least seven but not more than 12 clients receive care,
maintenance, and supervision by other than their
relative(s) or legal guardian(s) for less than 24 hours per
day with no more than three clients incapable of self-
preservation.

Chapter 4
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY
SECTION 401
SCOPE 410.2 Definitions.
401.1 Detailed use and occupancy requirements. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of
this section and as used elsewhere in this code, have
In addition to the occupancy and construction the meanings shown herein.
requirements in this code, the provisions of this chapter
apply to the special uses and occupancies described FLY GALLERY. A raised floor area above a stage
herein. from which the movement of scenery and
operation of other stage effects are controlled.
401.2 Additional design criteria.
GRIDIRON. The structural framing over a stage
401.2.1 Scope. supporting equipment for hanging or flying scenery
and other stage effects.
In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the following
special occupancies, standards, requirements and codes PINRAIL. A rail on or above a stage through
shall conform to the following sections: which belaying pins are inserted and to which lines
are fastened.
Section 423: State requirements for educational facilities
Section 443: Schools, Colleges and Universities. PLATFORM. A raised area within a building used
for worship, the presentation of music, plays or
401.2.2 General. other entertainment; the head table for special
guests; the raised area for lecturers and speakers;
Where in any specific case, Sections 419 through 437 boxing and wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round
and 443 specify different materials, methods of stages; and similar purposes wherein there are no
construction, design criteria or other requirements than overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or
found in this code, the requirements of Sections 419 stage effects other than lighting and sound. A
through 437 and 443 shall be applicable. temporary platform is one installed for not more
than 30 days.
Provisions concerning materials, methods of
construction, design criteria, or any other requirements PROSCENIUM WALL. The wall that separates
specific to educational facilities are found in Section 423, the stage from the auditorium or assembly seating
Florida Building Code. In the event of any conflict area.
between other portions of the Florida Building Code and
Section 423, the requirements of Section 423 govern STAGE. A space within a building utilized for
and shall be applicable. entertainment or presentations, which includes
overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or
In the event of any conflict between the Florida Building stage effects other than lighting and sound.
Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code, the more
restrictive requirement shall be applicable. A stage is defined as a space within a building used
for entertainment or presentations including the use
of drops, scenery, or other stage effects. The intent
SECTION 410 of the Florida Building Code is to permit non-
STAGES AND PLATFORMS theatrical stages to be categorized as platforms.
410.1 Applicability. 410.3 Stages.
The provisions of this Section 410.1 through 410.7 shall Stage construction shall comply with Sections 410.3.1
apply to all parts of buildings and structures that contain through 410.3.7.
stages or platforms and similar appurtenances as herein
defined.

410.3.1 Stage construction. 410.3.3 Exterior stage doors.
Stages shall be constructed of materials as required for Where protection of openings is required, exterior exit
floors for the type of construction of the building in which doors shall be protected with fire door assemblies that
such stages are located. comply with Section 715. Exterior openings that are
located on the stage for means of egress or loading and
Exceptions: unloading purposes, and that are likely to be open during
1. Stages of Type IIB or IV construction with a occupancy of the theater, shall be constructed with
nominal 2-inch (51 mm) wood deck, provided vestibules to prevent air drafts into the auditorium.
that the stage is separated from other areas in
accordance with Section 410.3.4. 410.3.4 Proscenium wall.
2. In buildings of Type IIA construction, a fire-
resistance-rated floor is not required, provided Where the stage height is greater than 50 feet (15 240
the space below the stage is equipped with an mm), all portions of the stage shall be completely
automatic fire-extinguishing system in separated from the seating area by a proscenium wall
accordance with Section 903 or 904. with not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating
3. In all types of construction, the finished floor extending continuously from the foundation to the roof.
shall be constructed of wood or approved
noncombustible materials. Openings through 410.3.5 Proscenium curtain.
stage floors shall be equipped with tight-fitting,
solid wood trap doors with approved safety Where a proscenium wall is required to have a fire-
locks. resistance rating, the stage opening shall be provided
with a fire curtain complying with NFPA 80 or an
410.3.1.1 Stage height and area. approved water curtain complying with Section 903.3.1.1
or, in facilities not utilizing the provisions of smoke-
Stage areas shall be measured to include the entire protected assembly seating in accordance with Section
performance area and adjacent backstage and support 1028.6.2, a smoke control system complying with
areas not separated from the performance area by fire- Section 909 or natural ventilation designed to maintain
resistance-rated construction. Stage height shall be the smoke level at least 6 feet (1829 mm) above the
measured from the lowest point on the stage floor to the floor of the means of egress.
highest point of the roof or floor deck above the stage.
Proscenium opening protection is required for Legitimate
The Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 101, refers to Stages. See the Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA
stages with a height greater than 50 feet as “Legitimate 101, for more information. (See Appendix, Legitimate
Stages” and stages with a height of 50 feet or less as Stage.)
“Regular Stages.”
410.3.7 Stage ventilation.
(See Appendix, Legitimate Stage and Regular Stage.)
Emergency ventilation shall be provided for stages larger
410.3.2 Galleries, gridirons, catwalks and pinrails. than 1,000 square feet (93 m²) in floor area, or with a
stage height greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm). Such
Beams designed only for the attachment of portable or ventilation shall comply with Section 410.3.7.1 or
fixed theater equipment, gridirons, galleries and catwalks 410.3.7.2.
shall be constructed of approved materials consistent
with the requirements for the type of construction of the 410.3.7.1 Roof vents.
building; and a fire-resistance rating shall not be
required. These areas shall not be considered to be Two or more vents constructed to open automatically by
floors, stories, mezzanines or levels in applying this approved heat-activated devices and with an aggregate
code. clear opening area of not less than 5 percent of the area
of the stage shall be located near the center and above
Exception: Floors of fly galleries and catwalks shall the highest part of the stage area. Supplemental means
be constructed of any approved material. shall be provided for manual operation of the ventilator.
Curbs shall be provided as required for skylights in
Educational facilities are required to use non- Section 2610.2. Vents shall be labeled.
combustible construction.

feet (279 m²) in area. Where the space beneath the
permanent platform is used for storage or any other
purpose other than equipment, wiring or plumbing, the
floor assembly shall not be less than 1-hour fire-
resistance-rated construction. Where the space beneath
the permanent platform is used only for equipment,
wiring or plumbing, the underside of the permanent
platform need not be protected.
Fire-retardant wood, as described in the Florida Building

Code, Section 410.4, is prohibited in educational
facilities.
See Section 423.8.3, Florida Building Code, for further

information.
410.4.1 Temporary platforms.
Platforms installed for a period of not more than 30 days

are permitted to be constructed of any materials
permitted by the code. The space between the floor and
the platform above shall only be used for plumbing and
electrical wiring to platform equipment.
410.5 Dressing and appurtenant rooms.
Dressing and appurtenant rooms shall comply with

Sections 410.5.1 through 410.5.3.
410.5.1 Separation from stage.
The stage shall be separated from dressing rooms,

scene docks, property rooms, workshops, storerooms
and compartments appurtenant to the stage and other
parts of the building by fire barriers constructed in
accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies
constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both.
410.3.7.2 Smoke control. The minimum fire-resistance rating shall be 2 hours for
stage height greater than 50 feet (15,240 mm) and 1-
Smoke control in accordance with Section 909 shall be hour for stage heights of 50 feet (15,240 mm) or less.
provided to maintain the smoke layer interface not less
than 6 feet (1829 mm) above the highest level of the (See Appendix, Legitimate Stage.)
assembly seating or above the top of the proscenium
opening where a proscenium wall is provided in
compliance with Section 410.3.4.
410.4 Platform construction.
Permanent platforms shall be constructed of materials

as required for the type of construction of the building in
which the permanent platforms is located. Permanent
platforms are permitted to be constructed of fire-
retardant-treated wood for Types I, II and IV construction
where the platforms are not more than 30 inches (762
mm) above the main floor, and not more than one-third
of the room floor area and not more than 3,000 square

Legitimate Stage
(Stages over 1,000 Sq. Ft. or with a Stage Height over 50 Ft.)
Figure 410.5.1
410.5.2 Separation from each other.
Heat detectors are required under stage storage areas
Dressing rooms, scene docks, property rooms, less than 4 feet clear in height in accordance with
workshops, storerooms and compartments appurtenant Section 423.7.7, Florida Building Code.
to the stage shall be separated from each other by not
less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance (See Appendix, Legitimate Stage and Appendix, Regular
with Section 707 or horizontal assembles constructed in Stage.)
accordance with Section 712, or both.
410.7 Standpipes.
Although Section 12.4, Florida Fire Prevention Code,
NFPA 101, permits an exception to the 1-hour Standpipe systems shall be provided in accordance with
separation requirement for accessory rooms that are Section 905.
contiguous to stages with an area not exceeding 1,000
sq. ft., the Florida Building Code does not grant this
provision and, therefore, this exception is not allowed in SECTION 423
educational facilities. STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATIONAL
FACILITIES
(See Appendix, Legitimate Stage and Appendix, Regular
Stage.) 423.1 Scope: Public educational facilities.
410.5.3 Stage exits. Public educational facilities shall comply with the Florida
Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as
At least one approved means of egress shall be adopted by the State Fire Marshal. These are minimum
provided from each side of the stage and from each side standards; boards may impose more restrictive
of the space under the stage. At least one means of requirements. Additional requirements for public
escape shall be provided from each fly gallery and from educational facilities in Florida, including public schools
the gridiron. A steel ladder, alternating tread stairway or and public Florida colleges, are found in these
spiral stairway is permitted to be provided from the standards.
gridiron to a scuttle in the stage roof.
Note: Other administrative and programmatic
(See Appendix, Legitimate Stage.) provisions may apply. See Department of Education
Rule 6-2 and Chapter 1013, Florida Statutes.
410.6 Automatic sprinkler system.
423.2 Public schools and Florida colleges
Stages shall be equipped with an automatic fire- general requirements.
extinguishing system in accordance with Chapter 9.
Sprinklers shall be installed under the roof and gridiron 423.2.1 Owner.
and under all catwalks and galleries over the stage.
Sprinklers shall be installed in dressing rooms, performer Each school board and Florida college board of trustees
lounges, shops and storerooms accessory to such is deemed to be the owner of facilities within its
stages. respective jurisdiction. Boards shall provide for
enforcement of the Florida Building Code and the Florida
Exceptions: Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the State Fire
1. Sprinklers are not required under stage areas Marshal, including standards for health, sanitation, and
less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in clear height that others as required by law.
are utilized exclusively for storage of tables and
chairs, provided the concealed space is 423.2.2 Exemption from local requirements.
separated from the adjacent spaces by not less
than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board. All public educational and ancillary plants constructed by
2. Sprinklers are not required for stages 1,000 a school board or a Florida college board are exempt
2
square feet (93m ) or less in area and 50 feet from all other state, county, district, municipal, or local
(15 240 mm) or less in height where curtains, building codes, interpretations, building permits, and
scenery or other combustible hangings are not assessments of fees for building permits, ordinances,
retractable vertically. Combustible hangings road closures, and impact fees or service availability
shall be limited to a single main curtain, borders, fees as provided in Section 1013.37(1)(a), Florida
legs and a single backdrop. Statutes.

423.3 Code enforcement. applicable. Other state or local agencies may inspect
new construction or existing facilities when required by
423.3.1 School boards and Florida college boards. law; however, such inspections shall be in conformance
with the code as modified by this section.
Section 553.80(6), Florida Statutes, provides options for
plan review services and inspections by school boards 423.3.5 Day labor projects.
and Florida college boards.
Any one construction project estimated to cost $300,000
Section 1013.38, Florida Statutes, provides options for or less where bonafide board employees or contracted
plan review, services, and inspections. labor provide the work. Day labor projects are subject to
the same Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire
423.3.2 Owner review and inspection. Prevention Code as adopted by the State Fire Marshal
as new construction.
A school board or Florida college board which
undertakes the construction, remodeling, renovation, 423.3.6 Routine maintenance.
lease, or lease-purchase of any educational plant or
ancillary facility, or day labor project, regardless of cost Maintenance projects are subject to the same Florida
or fund source, shall review construction documents as Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code as
required by law in Section 1013.38, Florida Statutes and adopted by the State Fire Marshal as new construction.
Section 553.80(6), Florida Statutes and shall ensure Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, exempts boards from the
compliance with requirements of law, rule, and the use of a licensed general contractor for projects up to
Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention $300,000 where bonafide board employees provide the
Code as adopted by the State Fire Marshal. Section work. Maintenance projects estimated to cost more than
553.80(6), Florida Statutes, states that district school $300,000 and which include construction, renovation
boards and Florida college boards shall provide for plan and/or remodeling, shall be reviewed for compliance with
review and inspections for their projects. They shall use the code.
personnel certified under Part XII of Chapter 468, Florida
Statutes to perform the plan reviews and inspections or 423.3.7 Certificate of occupancy.
use one of the options provided in Section 1013.38,
Florida Statutes. Under this arrangement, school boards New buildings, additions, renovations, and remodeling
and Florida college boards are not subject to local shall not be occupied until the building has received a
government permitting, plan review, and inspection fees. certificate of occupancy for compliance with codes that
were in effect on the date of permit application.
Information regarding owner review and inspection is
provided in Section 1013.38, Florida Statutes. 423.3.8
423.3.3 Local government review and inspection. Reuse and prototype plans shall be code updated with
each new project.
As an option to the owner providing plan review and
inspection services, school boards and Florida college According to Section 1013.37(2)(a), Florida Statutes,
boards may use local government code enforcement when prototype plans are reused on another site, the
offices who will not charge fees more than the actual facilities list and Phase III Construction Documents must
labor and administrative costs for the plan review and be updated for the new site as well as for compliance
inspections. Local government code enforcement with the Florida Building Code, the Florida Fire
offices shall expedite permitting. Any action by local Prevention Code, NFPA 101, and any laws relating to
government not in compliance with Section 553.80(6), fire safety, health and sanitation, casualty safety, and
Florida Statutes may be appealed to the Florida Building access for physically handicapped individuals that are in
Commission, which may suspend the authority of that effect at the time a construction contract is awarded.
local government to enforce the Florida Building Code
and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the 423.4 Reference documents.
State Fire Marshal on the facilities of school boards and
Florida college boards. School Boards and Florida College Boards of Trustees.
In addition to complying with the Florida Building Code
423.3.4 Other regulatory agencies. and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the
State Fire Marshal, and other adopted standards and
Boards shall coordinate the planning of projects with this section, public educational facilities and sites shall
state and regional regulatory and permitting agencies, as comply with applicable federal and state laws and rules.
found online at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/325.pdf.
423.4.1 Rule 6-2 [State Requirements for 423.4.6 ANSI Z53.1.

Educational Facilities (SREF)].
American National Standard Safety Color Code for
A Florida Department of Education document which marking Physical Hazards, is used in shops where
includes required design standards, standards for machinery requires marking and safety zones.
rehabilitation of historical resources, capital outlay
project process requirements, and various agencies For additional information, see www.ansi.org.
having jurisdiction during project planning and
construction. 423.4.7 ASCE 7.
Note: The correct reference is Rule 6A-2.0010, Florida American Society of Civil Engineers.
Administrative Code (FAC).
A commentary for ASCE 7-10 is provided at the end of
Rules 6A-2.0010 FAC, and SREF, Chapters 1-6, can be ASCE 7-10.
found online at www.fldoe.org/edfaci.
For additional information, see www.asce.org.
423.4.2 Flood resistant construction.
423.4.8
Educational facilities in flood hazard areas shall comply
with ASCE 24. Life Cycle Cost Guidelines for Materials and Buildings
for Florida’s Public Educational Facilities, available from
For flood resistant construction, see the Department of Education, Bureau of Educational
www.floods.org/PDF/ASCE24_Highlights_1008.pdf. Facilities shall be considered.
423.4.3 Florida statutes and state rules. 423.5 Definitions.
Including, but not limited to, Chapters 1013, 240, 255, 423.5.1 “Assembly”
468, 471, 481, 489, 553, 633, and Section 287.055,
Florida Statutes, and various state rules as applicable to Assembly occupancies are buildings or portions of
specific projects. buildings used for gatherings of 50 or more persons,
such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms,
Florida Statutes and State Rules can be found online at classrooms and labs, cafeterias, stadiums, media
www.flrules.org. centers and interior courtyards. Assembly occupancies
include adjacent and related spaces to the main seating
See especially Chapter 1013, Florida Statutes area, such as stages, dressing rooms, workshops,
(Educational Facilities). For additional information, see lobbies, rest rooms, locker rooms, and store rooms.
www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes. School board and Florida college facilities shall follow
the requirements of Florida Fire Prevention Code as
423.4.4 Accessibility requirements for adopted by the State Fire Marshal for assembly spaces.
children’s environments.
Auditoriums and gymnasiums are considered mixed
U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Architectural occupancies. See Section 423.8.1.1., Florida Building
and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Code.
Accessibility Guidelines for Children’s Environment are 423.5.2 “Board”

available at www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/final.cfm.
Means a district school board and a Florida college
423.4.5 Handbook for public playground safety. board of trustees.
Playgrounds and equipment shall be designed and 423.5.3 “Boiler”

installed using the Handbook for Public Playground
Safety by the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Is a fuel-fired, heat-producing appliance with a minimum
Commission, and the ASTM/CPSC Playground Audit input capacity of (60,000) Btu per hour and intended to
Guide as applicable. supply hot water or steam. Boilers and the inspection of
boilers shall comply with the Boiler Safety Act of 1987.
The “Handbook for Public Playground Safety,” can be
Any fuel-fired equipment, including fuel-fired water
heaters, having an input capacity of 60,000 BTU's per
hour or more, are considered boilers. The Florida Building Code allows an exterior courtyard,
as defined above, to be considered exterior space and
423.5.4 “Certificate of occupancy” permits it to be used as an exit for adjacent spaces.
Is documentation issued by an authority having

jurisdiction which indicates inspection and approval of
completion of a construction project pursuant to the
requirements of Florida law.
423.5.5 “Courtyard”
Is a court or enclosure adjacent to, or surrounded by, a

building(s) and/or walls.
423.5.5.1 “Exterior courtyard”
Is a courtyard which is not roofed, has a minimum width

of 40 feet (1219 mm), and
a. has an opening a minimum width of 40 feet Figure 423.5.5.1(a)

(1219 mm), with no obstruction, on at least one Exterior Courtyard
end, or
b. has fences between the buildings for security According to the Florida Building Code, a courtyard is
purposes and the required exiting capacity of the considered an Exterior courtyard if its width is 40 feet or
courtyard Is provided for by means of doors or greater, one of its sides has a clear opening width of 40
gates from the courtyard. feet or more, and it is not roofed. The provisions in this
section recognize that courtyards used as a portion of an
An exterior courtyard may be considered exterior space exit discharge to a public way must be of sufficient size
and used for exiting of adjacent spaces. For an exterior and width to provide all occupants with a safe access to
courtyard with an opening between 40 feet (1219 mm) that public way.
and 60 feet wide (18 288 mm), the building walls and
wall openings must meet the requirements of the Florida
Building Code, Building Tables 601 and 602 and the
maximum travel to the courtyard opening/exit shall not
exceed 150 feet (45 720 mm) from any point within the
courtyard. If the minimum courtyard width exceeds 60
feet (18 288 mm), the travel distance to a courtyard
opening/exit may exceed 150 feet (945 720 mm).
Figure 423.5.5.1(b)
Exterior Courtyard
423.5.5.2 “Enclosed courtyard”
Is a courtyard which is not roofed by more than 50

percent of the courtyard area and which is substantially
surrounded by a building(s) on two sides or more and
each opening to the exterior is less than 40 feet (1219
mm) in width. The courtyard area shall be calculated for
maximum occupancy as an assembly space and the

number and size of remotely located exits shall be
calculated for the maximum possible load. The
maximum possible load is the greater of the calculated
capacity of the courtyard or the load imposed by the
surrounding spaces. An enclosed courtyard may be
used as a component of exit access provided that the
walls and wall openings meet the requirements of
Florida Building Code, Building Tables 601 and 602 and
the maximum travel to the exit discharge does not
exceed 150 feet (45 720 mm) from any point within the
enclosed courtyard. An enclosed courtyard cannot serve
as the exterior for exiting or for emergency rescue
openings.
423.5.6 “Facility”
Is additionally defined as follows:
423.5.6.1 “Ancillary facility”
Is a building or other facilities necessary to provide

district-wide support services, such as an energy plant,
bus garage, warehouse, maintenance building, or
administrative building.
423.5.6.2 “Ancillary plant”
Figure 423.5.5.2 Is buildings, site, and site improvements necessary to

Enclosed Courtyard provide district-wide vehicle maintenance, storage,
building maintenance activities, or administrative
Due to the limited size of openings to the exterior, an functions necessary to provide support services to an
enclosed courtyard is not permitted to be used as the educational program.
exterior for exiting or for emergency rescue openings
and may only be used as a component of exit access 423.5.6.3 “Auxiliary facility”
when all of the criteria of Section 423.5.5.2, Florida
Building Code, are met. Consists of the support spaces located at educational
facilities and plants which do not contain student stations
423.5.5.3 “Roofed courtyard” but are used by students, such as libraries,
administrative offices, and cafeterias.
Is a courtyard which is roofed by more than 50 percent
of the courtyard area in any manner. Courtyards may be 423.5.6.4 “Educational facility”
used for assembly spaces and may not be used as a
component of exiting from adjacent spaces. Consists of buildings and equipment, structures, and
special educational use areas that are built, installed, or
A roofed courtyard may be used for assembly purposes established to serve primarily the educational purposes
only and may not be used for egress. and secondarily the social and recreational purposes of
the community.
423.5.6.5 “Educational plant”
Comprises the educational facilities, site, and site

improvements necessary to accommodate students,
faculty, administrators, staff, and the activities of the
educational program.

423.5.6.6 “Existing facility” 423.5.11 “Owner”
Is a facility owned, rented or leased. Of facilities within a respective jurisdiction consists of

each school board and Florida college board of trustees
423.5.6.7 “Leased facility” is deemed to be the owner of facilities within its
respective jurisdiction.
Is a facility not owned, but contracted for use.
423.5.12 “Permit”
423.5.6.8 “Permanent facility”
For construction is documentation issued by an authority
Is a facility designed for a fixed location. having jurisdiction which indicates approval of
construction plans prepared pursuant to the
423.5.6.9 “Relocatable/portable facility” requirements of Florida law.
Is a building which is designed with the capability of Per Section 468.604, Florida Statutes, the permit is
being moved to a new location. issued by the building official.
423.5.6.10 “Modular facility” 423.5.13 “Remodeling”
Is a structure which, when combined with other modules Is the changing of existing facilities by rearrangement of
and/or demountable roof and/or wall sections, forms a space and/or change of use. Only that portion of the
complete building. This facility may be relocatable. building being remodeled must be brought into
compliance with the Florida Building Code and Florida
423.5.7 “Maintenance and repair” Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the State Fire
Marshal unless the remodeling adversely impacts the
Is the upkeep of educational and ancillary plants existing life safety systems of the building.
including, but not limited to, roof or roofing replacement,
short of complete replacement of membrane or
structure; repainting of interior or exterior surfaces;
resurfacing of floors; repair or replacement of glass and
hardware; repair or replacement of electrical and
plumbing fixtures; repair of furniture and equipment;
replacement of system equipment with equivalent items
meeting current code requirements providing that the
equipment does not place a greater demand on utilities,
structural requirements are not increased, and the
equipment does not adversely affect the function of life
safety systems; traffic control devices and signage; and
repair or resurfacing of parking lots, roads, and
walkways. Does not include new construction,
remodeling, or renovation, except as noted above.
423.5.8 “New construction”
Is any construction of a building or unit of a building in

which the entire work is new. An addition connected to
an existing building is considered new construction.
423.5.9 “Open plan building”
Is any building which does not have corridors defined by

permanent walls and is entirely open or divided by
partitions which may be easily rearranged.
423.5.10 “Open plan instructional space”

Figure 423.5.13
Remodeling Example
Are arrangements of two or more class areas with no
permanent partitions or wall separations.
If a student-occupied space is remodeled and if the 423.6 Administration of public education projects.
primary exiting from the remodeled space is required to
go through an existing exit access corridor, the corridor 423.6.1 Occupancy during construction.
shall meet the requirements for 1-hour fire-rated
construction. The existing exit access corridor shall meet School board and Florida college board facilities, or
the 1-hour rating from the remodeled space to the exit portions of facilities, shall not be occupied during
discharge in at least two directions, unless a single exit construction unless exits, fire detection and early
access corridor exists, in which the travel distance to the warning systems, fire protection, and safety barriers are
exit discharge from the most distant point in the space continuously maintained and clearly marked at all times.
does not exceed 75 feet of travel. Corridors in fully Construction on an occupied school board site shall be
sprinklered buildings shall meet requirements for smoke- separated from students and staff by secure barriers.
tight construction. Prior to issuance of the notice to proceed, a safety plan
shall be provided by the contractor which clearly
423.5.14 “Renovation” delineates areas for construction, safety barriers, exits,
construction traffic during the various phases of the
Is the rejuvenating or upgrading of existing facilities by project and when conditions change. Where heavy
installation or replacement of materials and equipment, machinery, as is used for earth moving or scraping, is
The use and occupancy of the spaces remain the same. required to work on a school board’s occupied site, the
Only that portion of the building being renovated must be work shall be separated from occupants by secure
brought into compliance with the Florida Building Code double barriers with a distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) in
and Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the between. New construction, remodeling or renovations in
State Fire Marshal unless the renovation adversely existing facilities shall not reduce the means of egress
impacts the existing life safety systems of the building. below the requirements for new buildings; safe means of
egress from a student-occupied space may be
Examples of renovations in educational facilities include, accomplished as authorized by NFPA 101, Florida
but are not limited to, new ceiling tiles and lighting edition as adopted by the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
fixtures, HVAC upgrades, flooring replacement, and New construction (additions) shall not block or reduce
refinished walls. safe means of egress.
423.5.15 “Separate atmosphere” 423.6.2 Contractor toxic substance

safety precautions.
Is the individual volumes of air in a building which are
divided by smoke proof barriers to limit contamination of When hazardous chemicals as defined by 29 CFR
the air by smoke and fumes during a fire. 1910.1200, OSHA Hazard Communication Standard are
to be used during the maintenance, renovation,
423.5.16 “Separate building” remodeling, or addition to an existing facility, the
contractor shall notify the administrator in writing at least
For the purpose of separate fire alarm systems or three working days before any hazardous chemical is
sprinkler systems is a structure separated from other used. The notice shall indicate the name of each of the
buildings by 60 feet (18 288 mm) or more, or as required hazardous chemicals to be used, where and when they
by other sections of this code. will be used, and a copy of a Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) for each hazardous chemical. The contractor
Separation requirements shall be in accordance with shall comply with the safety precautions and handling
Table 602 of the Florida Building Code. instructions set forth in the MSDS. Copies of hazardous
waste manifests documenting disposal shall be provided
423.5.17 Florida college to the facility’s administrator who will notify occupants of
the anticipated presence of toxic substances during the
Is a public community college, public college, state maintenance, renovation, remodeling, or addition to an
college or public junior college. existing facility.
423.5.18 "Student-occupied space"
Are any area planned primarily for use by six or more

students.

Figure 423.7
Fire Alarm Systems

423.6.3 Flammable or explosive substances. Fire extinguishers and blankets shall be in accordance
with NFPA 10.
No flammable or explosive substances or equipment
shall be introduced during a remodeling or renovation 423.7.4 Common fire alarm.
project in a facility of normally low or ordinary hazard
classification while the building is occupied. Buildings within 60 feet (18 288 mm) of each other shall
have a common fire alarm system. Emergency shelters
423.7 Life safety. shall have the fire alarm panel located in the space
identified as the shelter manager’s office.
423.7.1 Separate exits.
Buildings that have a separate fire alarm system should
In assembly occupancies, each required exit must exit provide notification at the location of the main fire alarm
into a separate atmosphere or to the exterior, to be panel and remote annunciator panel, which is usually
considered as a separate exit. located in or adjacent to the school administrator’s office.
(See Appendix, Number of Required Means of Egress.) 423.7.5 Fire alarm sending stations.
423.7.2 Exit access. Sending stations may be located inside student-

occupied spaces, adjacent to the primary exit door only if
Exit access shall not be through a toilet room, storage the door to the occupied space is unlocked at all times
room, or similar space, or any space subject to being while the facility is occupied. When located inside a
locked. student occupied space, a permanently affixed sign
reading “FIRE ALARM PULL STATION INSIDE” shall be
Exiting is prohibited through intervening spaces or rooms placed outside that space adjacent to the door. This sign
unless all requirements of Section 14.2.5, Florida Fire shall have a red background with white letters. Sending
Prevention Code, NFPA 101, are met. stations shall be mounted to meet accessibility
requirements.
423.7.3 Location of fire extinguishers
and blankets. According to the Florida Building Code, classrooms with
pull stations inside must remain unlocked at all times
Fire extinguishers may be located inside student- while the facility is occupied, including during after-hours
occupied spaces provided they are placed adjacent to use. All classrooms with exiting directly to the exterior
the primary exit door, and the room door remains shall have a pull station within five feet of the exit door.
unlocked when the facility is occupied, and a
permanently affixed sign, with a red background and (See Appendix, Fire Alarm.)
white letters, reading “FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSIDE” is
placed on the outside adjacent to the door. Fire 423.7.6 Automatic shut off.
extinguisher cabinets shall not be locked. Fire blankets
shall be located in each laboratory and each shop where The fire alarm system shall shut off gas and fuel oil
a fire hazard may exist. Fire extinguishers and fire supplies which serve student-occupied spaces or pass
blankets shall be readily accessible and suitable for the through such spaces. The shutoff valve shall be located
hazard present and shall not be obstructed or obscured on the exterior at the service entrance to the building.
from view. Extinguishers and blankets shall be on The shutoff valve shall be of the manual reset type.
hangers or brackets, shelves, or cabinets so that the top
of the extinguisher or blanket is not more than 54 inches 423.7.6.1 Kitchen gas supplies.
(1318 mm) above finish floor (AFF) and complies with
state and federal accessibility requirements. All Kitchen gas supplies shall be shut-off by activation of the
extinguishers shall be installed and maintained in kitchen hood fire suppression system. The shut-off valve
accordance with NFPA. Extinguishers shall remain fully shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
charged and operable at all times and have a current tag instructions and recommendations.
to indicate compliance.
The automatic gas shut-off valve controlled by the
Classrooms with fire extinguishers inside must remain kitchen hood extinguishing system is not required to be
unlocked at all times while the facility is occupied, installed on the exterior of the building.
including during after-hours use.

423.7.6.2 Emergency power. construction, remodeling and renovation of existing
facilities. This is a minimum standard; boards may
The fire alarm system shall not shut off gas supplies impose more restrictive safety and level of quality
which serve emergency power sources. standards for educational, auxiliary, and ancillary
facilities under their jurisdiction, provided they meet or
423.7.7 Unoccupied rooms and concealed spaces. exceed these minimum requirements.
Rooms or spaces for storage, custodial closets, 423.8.1.1 Educational occupancy.

mechanical rooms, spaces under stages with wood
structures and other unoccupied or unsupervised spaces School board educational facility projects whether
in a building shall have automatic fire alarm system owned, lease-purchased or leased shall comply with the
detector devices installed. Any concealed space with educational occupancy and assembly occupancy
exposed materials having a flame spread rating greater portions of the above referenced codes as applicable,
than Class A, including crawl spaces under floors, except where in conflict with this section. The support
interstitial spaces between ceiling and floor or roof above spaces such as media centers, administrative offices
and attic spaces, shall be equipped with heat detector and cafeterias and kitchens located within educational
devices. Smoke and heat detector devices shall be facilities are not separate occupancies.
installed in accordance with NFPA 72.
Even though all spaces in an Educational occupancy are
423.7.7.1 Fully sprinklered buildings. viewed by the Florida Building Code as a single-use
Educational occupancy, Chapter 12, Florida Fire
In fully sprinklered buildings, fire alarm detection devices Prevention Code, NFPA 101, requires the exiting
are not required except where specified in the Florida capacity to be determined separately for an assembly
Fire Prevention Code. space, such as an auditorium or gymnasium, when the
assembly space is to be used by the public while the
See Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 101 Sections school is occupied by students. Auditoriums and
14.3.4 and 15.3.4, for alternative protection systems in gymnasiums are also required to comply with Florida
fully sprinklered buildings. Building Code requirements for a mixed or separate
occupancy.
423.7.8 Boiler rooms.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that
Each boiler room shall be separated from the remainder assembly spaces, such as cafetoriums, with an
of the building by one hour fire rated construction or shall occupancy of 300 persons or more, are considered
be separate from other buildings by 60 feet (18 288 mixed or separate occupancies and shall be fully
mm), and shall have an out-swinging door opening sprinklered and have a voice evacuation system as part
directly to the exterior. A fire door swinging into the boiler of the fire alarm system. For additional information, see
room shall also be provided for any opening into the NFPA 72, Section 6.9.
interior of the building. There shall be no opening into
any corridor or area designed for use by students. 423.8.1.2 Business occupancy.
The requirements in Section 423.7.8, Florida Building Florida college board educational facility projects
Code, apply to rooms containing a boiler, which is whether owned, lease-purchased or leased shall comply
defined in Section 423.5, Florida Building Code, as a with the business occupancy and the assembly
fuel-fired, heat-producing appliance with a minimum occupancy of the above referenced codes as applicable,
input capacity of 60,000 BTU's per hour intended to except where in conflict with this section.
supply hot water or steam.
423.8.1.3 Ancillary facility.
423.8 General requirements for new construction,
additions, renovation, and remodeling. School board and Florida college board ancillary
facilities such as warehouses or maintenance buildings
423.8.1 Codes and standards. shall use the applicable occupancy section of the Florida
Educational facilities owned by school boards and adopted by the State Fire Marshal. Ancillary facilities on
Florida college boards shall meet the construction educational plant sites shall be separated from the
requirements of the Florida Building Code and the educational facility as required by code.
Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the State
Fire Marshal state and federal laws and rules, and this
section for Florida’s public educational facilities for new

423.8.2 Space standards. 423.8.3.4 Exceptions to types of construction:
School board and Florida college board facility sizes 1. Covered walkways open on all sides may be
shall use standards in the “Size of Space and Occupant Type V construction.
Design Criteria Table” found in the Department of 2. Single story dugouts, press boxes, concession
Education document, “State Requirements for stands, related public toilet rooms, detached
Educational Facilities (SREF).” Exiting from occupied covered play areas, and nonflammable storage
spaces shall comply with Table 1004.1.2 of the Florida buildings that are detached from the main
Building Code, Building. educational facility by at least 60 feet (1829 mm),
may be Type V construction.
See Chapter 6 of the State Requirements for
Educational Facilities (SREF) for more information. Spaces used for programmed instruction or field house
are not exempted from Type I, II, or IV construction
423.8.3 Construction type. types.
School board and Florida college buildings including 423.8.4 Standards for remodeling and/or
auxiliary, ancillary and vocational facilities shall comply renovation projects.
with the following:
Portions of buildings being remodeled and/or renovated
423.8.3.1 Noncombustible Type I, II or IV. shall be brought into compliance with current required
Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention
The minimum construction type for one- and two-story Code as adopted by the State Fire Marshal as required
public educational facilities shall be noncombustible by the plan review authority in its best judgment.
Type I, II or IV construction or better.
Remodeling of educational facilities requires the entire
See Table 503, Florida Building Code, for area and space or spaces being remodeled to be brought into
height limitations. code compliance, including exit access to exit discharge.
Items being renovated are required to comply with code
423.8.3.1.1 requirements.
Interior nonload-bearing wood studs or partitions shall 423.8.4.1

not be used in permanent educational and auxiliary
facilities or relocatables buildings. An automatic fire sprinkler system is not required in
existing educational buildings unless 50 percent of the
Exception: Historic buildings to maintain the fabric aggregate area of the building is being remodeled.
of the historic character of the building.
423.8.5 Leased facilities.
423.8.3.2 Type I.
Leased facilities shall be brought into compliance with
Facilities three stories or more shall be Type I applicable occupancy requirements of the Florida
construction. Building Code and the Uniform Fire Safety Standards as
adopted by the State Fire Marshal prior to occupancy.
423.8.3.3 Type IV.
Uniform Fire Safety Standards should read Florida Fire
When Type IV construction is used, wood shall be Prevention Code.
exposed and not covered by ceilings or other
construction. 423.8.6 Asbestos prohibited.
Type IV construction attains fire resistance through the The federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act,
size of heavy timber members. (AHERA) 40 CFR, Part 763, as revised July 1, 1995,
prohibits the use of any asbestos containing materials in
Heavy timber members shall remain exposed to view. any public education construction project and requires
certification of same by the architect of record.
See Chapter 6 of the Florida Building Code for more
information. Information concerning asbestos in Educational Facilities
is available at: www.epa.gov/asbestos.

colleges to enhance security and reduce vandalism
423.8.7 Life cycle cost guidelines for materials through the use of “safe school design” principles. Safe
and building systems. school design strategies are available from
DOE/educational facilities and include but are not limited
An analysis shall be included, as required by Section to the following:
1013.37(1), Florida Statutes, which evaluates building
materials and systems, life cycle costs for maintenance, A publication entitled “Florida Safe School Design
custodial, operating, and life expectancy against initial Guidelines,” which provides information on strategies to
costs, as described in Section 1013(1)(e)4, Florida enhance security and reduce vandalism, is available
Statutes. Standards for evaluation of materials are under Quick Links online at: www.fldoe.org/edfacil.
available from the department in a publication entitled
Life Cycle Cost Guidelines for Materials and Building These guidelines address the heightened awareness of
Systems for Florida’s Public Educational Facilities. school safety and security issues significant to the
planning and design of educational facilities and are
In addition to the above requirements and in accordance based on the idea that the proper design and
with Section 1013.37(1)(e), Florida Statutes, the Florida management of the physical environment can help
Building Code requires a Life Cycle Cost Analysis in prevent criminal behavior in schools and Florida
order to evaluate the energy efficiencies of alternative colleges.
architectural and engineering designs. The Life Cycle
Cost Analysis is the sum of the reasonably expected fuel Sections 423.8.8.1 through 423.8.8.7, Florida Building
costs over the expected life of the building that are Code, provide recommendations for enhancing security
required to maintain illumination, water heating, and reducing vandalism in Florida’s schools and Florida
temperature, humidity, ventilation, and all other energy- colleges.
consuming equipment in a facility, plus the reasonable
costs of probable maintenance, including labor and 423.8.8.1 Natural access and control of
materials, and operation of the building. schools and campuses.
The Department of Education’s general requirements for Natural access control is the use of design, including
documenting the Life Cycle Cost Analysis of mechanical spatial definition and designation strategies, to deny or
systems are as follows: increase the effort and risk of entry and detection to
offenders. An inherent benefit of natural access control
a. A Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) is required for strategies (as opposed to mechanical access control
projects with an air-conditioning load of 360,000 strategies such as locks, bollards, or other similar
BTU per hour (30 tons) or greater. devices) is that they tend to be more cost-effective over
b. At least three schemes shall be included in the time, especially when they are designed into the facility
analysis and one of the schemes considered must during the planning phase, rather than added as a
be a central system (four-pipe chiller/boiler, two-pipe retrofit.
chiller, or water loop heat pump).
c. The scheme having the lowest total life cycle cost 423.8.8.2
shall be installed. If alternative schemes are within
four percent of the lowest total life cycle cost, then Natural surveillance of schools and campuses both from
the board may make the final system selection from within the facility and from adjacent streets by removing
among those within the four-percent range. The obstructions or trimming shrubbery.
Office of Educational Facilities shall be notified, in
writing, of the scheme selected. Surveillance is defined as a general crime prevention
d. EXCEPTION: A Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) is strategy that seeks to decrease criminal opportunity by
not required when tying into an existing chilled-water keeping intruders under observation and/or by
system. The existing system shall have adequate increasing their perception of the risk of being observed.
capacity or be renovated to handle the total load. Natural surveillance uses design, including spatial
definition and designation strategies, to increase the
Life Cycle Cost Analysis data sheets and instructions are actual abilities of guardians to observe intruders.
available online at: Examples include the placement of windows near
www.fldoe.org/edfacil/formsplanreview.asp. building entryways and the design of entrance paths so
www.fldoe.org/edfacil/pdf/lcca.pdf. that they put pedestrians in view of observers.
Removing obstructions and trimming shrubbery can help
423.8.8 Safe school design. facilitate natural surveillance on school campuses.
School boards should design educational facilities and

sites including pre-K through 12, vocational and Florida
423.8.8.3 423.9 Structural design.
School and campus territorial integrity; securing 423.9.1 Load importance factor.
courtyards, site lighting, building lighting.
Structural design shall comply with code requirements
Territorial integrity is the environment’s capacity, through and wind loads as stipulated by the Florida Building
the design and marking of space, to create in users and Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted
residents the sense of responsibility for and control of by the State Fire Marshal. Design shall be based on
that space such that they will protect it. Territorial ASCE 7, with a wind speeds determined from Figure
integrity is enhanced by the clear definition of 26.5-1B and Table 1604.5, FBC.
boundaries such that users can readily determine
whether spaces are public or private in nature. Fences 1.15 should read 1.0, in accordance with ASCE7-10.
and gates, as well as symbolic markers of space, such
as street pavers or ornamental entryways, are examples 423.10 Site requirements.
of boundary markers.
423.10.1 Fencing.
The Florida Building Code also specifies that courtyards
should be properly secured and that school campuses Fencing for school board educational plants shall be of a
and buildings should be adequately lit to prevent material which is nonflammable, safe, durable, and low
opportunities for unauthorized access, as well as reduce maintenance, provides structural integrity, strength and
opportunities for misbehavior, vandalism, and more aesthetics appropriate for the intended location. Fences
serious crimes. shall have no jagged or sharp projections. Fence
heights shall be in compliance with local zoning
423.8.8.4 regulations. Access shall be provided for maintenance
machinery. Prohibited materials for nonagricultural
Audio and motion detection systems covering ground educational plants include razor wire, barbed wire and
floor doors, stairwells, offices and areas where electrically charged systems.
expensive equipment is stored.
423.10.1.1 Required locations.
423.8.8.5
Fencing is required to separate students from potential
Designs which will promote the prevention of school harm, and shall be provided in the following locations:
crime and violence. Exterior architectural features which
do not allow footholds or handholds on exterior walls,
tamperproof doors and locks, non-breakable glass or
shelter window protection system; also landscaping and
tree placement should be designed so they do not
provide access to roofs by unauthorized persons.
Sections of schools commonly used after hours should
be separated by doors or other devices from adjacent
areas to prevent unauthorized access. Install locks on
roof hatches; apply slippery finishes to exterior pipes.
423.8.8.6
Exterior stairs, balconies, ramps, and upper level

corridors around the perimeter of buildings should have
open-type handrails or other architectural features to (See Appendix, Site Requirements.)
allow surveillance.
423.10.1.1.1 Kindergarten through grade 12.
423.8.8.7
Exposed mechanical, plumbing, gas, or electrical
Open areas, such as plazas, the building’s main equipment located on ground level.
entrance, parking lots, and bicycle compounds should be
designed so they are visible by workers at workstations Wall-mounted equipment that can be reached by
inside the buildings. students should also be considered as ground level.

Special hazards as identified by the authority having

jurisdiction including retention ponds whose permanent
water depth or whose water depth over a 24-hour period
exceeds 1 foot (305 mm), deep drainage ditches, canals,
highways, play fields adjacent to roadways.
All child care and kindergarten play areas.
423.10.2 Walks, roads, drives, and parking areas.
Walks, roads, drives, and parking areas on educational

and ancillary sites shall be paved. Roads, drives, and 423.10.2.3 Drainage.
parking areas shall be in compliance with Department of
Transportation (DOT) road specifications and striped in The location of all drains, grates, drop inlets, catch
compliance with DOT paint specifications. All paved basins, other drainage elements and curb cuts shall be
areas shall have positive drainage. out of the main flow of pedestrian traffic.
423.10.2.1 Covered walks. 423.10.2.4 Vertical drops.
All buildings in K-12 educational facilities shall be Walls, railings, or other physical barriers which are at
connected by paved walks and accessible under least a minimum 12 inches (305 mm) in height, shall
continuous roof cover. New relocatable classroom define and protect any vertical drop between joining or
buildings shall be connected to permanent buildings by abutting surfaces of more than 6 inches (152 mm) but
paved covered walks where applicable. Roofs for less than 18 inches (457 mm) in height. Any vertical drop
covered walks shall extend 1 foot (305 mm) beyond of 18 inches (457 mm) or more shall be protected by a
each side of the designated walkway width. Gutters or wall or guardrail a minimum of 42 inches (1067 mm) in
other water funneling devices shall prevent storm water height.
from pouring onto or draining across walks.
Guardrails shall be in accordance with Section 1013,
Wet columns should contain diverters to direct water Florida Building Code.
away from the sidewalk.
423.10.2.5 Roads and streets.
(See Appendix, Site Requirements.)
Educational and ancillary site access shall consist of a
423.10.2.2 Accessible walks and bridges. primary road and another means of access to be used in
the event the primary road is blocked. Stabilized wide
Accessible walks shall connect building entrance(s) to shoulders of the primary road, unobstructed by
accessible parking, public transportation stops, public landscaping, planters, light fixtures, poles, benches, etc.,
streets, sidewalks, loading and drop-off zones, and other which allow a third lane of traffic, may satisfy the
facilities within the site as required by the accessibility requirement for the other means of access. Driveways
standards. School board sites where educational plants shall not completely encircle a school plant, to allow
are separated by highways shall be connected by student access to play areas without crossing roads;
overhead pedestrian bridges. vehicular and pedestrian traffic shall not cross each
other on the site; bus driveways and parent pick-up
(See Appendix, Site Requirements.) areas shall be separated.
Stabilized shoulders on both sides of the primary road

and stabilized surfaces for emergency vehicular access
shall be at least 10 feet wide.

423.10.2.6 Bus drives. 423.10.2.7 Vehicle parking areas.
Bus drives on educational sites shall be designed so that Vehicle parking areas shall comply with minimum
buses do not have to back up. The minimum width shall parking space requirements in this section. Except for
be 24 feet (7315 mm) for two-lane traffic. The turning parking space requirements to meet federal and state
radius on educational and ancillary sites and for turning accessibility laws, where alternate transportation or
off public access streets shall be as follows: one-way parking arrangements are available the parking area
traffic, 60 feet (18 288 mm) minimum measured to the requirements may be reduced from these standards if
outside curb or edge of the traffic lane; two-way traffic, sufficient justification documentation is provided and if
60 feet (18 288 mm) minimum measured to the the review authority approves the reduction based on the
centerline of the road. justification. Overflow parking areas may utilize
alternative parking surfaces which facilitate water
absorption rather than runoff when approved for use by
the review authority. This requirement usually applies to
a percentage of the parking spaces, not all of them.
Exception: Accessible parking spaces shall be hard

surface.
423.10.2.8 Minimum parking requirements.
(See Appendix, Minimum Parking Requirements.)
423.10.2.8.1 Faculty and staff.
One space for each member.
423.10.2.8.2 Visitors.
One space for every 100 students.
423.10.2.8.3 Community clinics where provided.
Figure 423.10.2.6 Ten spaces, including one accessible space.

Bus Drives
423.10.2.8.4 High schools.
Many years ago the Florida Department of Education,
sponsored a study through its transportation section, to One space for every 10 students in grades 11 and 12.
determine the minimum turning radius for school buses.
At a school parking lot school buses were turned at their 423.10.2.8.5 Vocational schools.
sharpest radii, and the radii were measured. The result
was the establishment of the 60-feet radius rule for bus One space for every two students.
turning.
423.10.2.8.6 Florida colleges.
Since that time, bus properties have changed, as have
national, state and local safety standards. The 60-feet One space for every two students.
rule, while practical, is flexible today. Other perfectly
good standards are now available for the designer to 423.10.2.8.7 Accessible parking.
use. However, the designer should submit to the
reviewing authority, a copy of the page from the Parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities
standard that the designer wishes to use. Concurrence shall comply with the ADA, the Florida Building Code,
with the building official for using an alternate standard is Accessibility, and Section 316.1955, Florida Statutes.
also required. Radii that are somewhat under the
minimum may be accepted if the district transportation
director is willing to state, in writing, that the district’s
buses can safely negotiate the required turn.

423.10.3.1
423.10.3 Site lighting required.
Auto, bus, and service drives and loading areas.
Design, construction, and installation of exterior security
lighting for educational and ancillary facilities shall be 423.10.3.2
provided for:
Parking areas.
(See Appendix, Site Lighting Requirements.)
423.10.3.3
illuminated to an average maintained horizontal foot-
Building perimeter. candle, measured at the surface as follows:
423.10.3.4 (See Appendix, Site Lighting Requirements.)
Covered and connector walks between buildings and 423.10.3.5.1

between buildings and parking.
Parking areas–1 footcandle (10 lux).
423.10.3.5 Lighting for parking areas.
423.10.3.5.2
Parking area lighting standards shall be designed to
withstand appropriate wind loads. Parking areas shall be Covered and connector walks–1 footcandle (10 lux).
423.10.5.3
423.10.3.5.3
Direct access from the school buildings shall be provided
Entrances/exits – 2 footcandles (20 lux). to play areas and athletic fields without crossing public
roads, on-site traffic lanes, and parking lots.
423.10.3.6 Building exteriors.
423.10.5.4
Building exteriors, perimeters, and entrances may be
illuminated to the minimum number of footcandles, Related facilities such as toilets, concessions, storage,
measured at the surface with a suggested uniformity shower and locker rooms, bleachers, press boxes,
ratio of 2:1 as follows: observation platforms, scoreboards, and dugouts shall
be designed to meet code requirements and the
423.10.3.6.1 occupant capacity anticipated for the program.
Entrances – 5 footcandles (50 lux). 423.10.5.5
423.10.3.6.2 Playgrounds shall be evenly graded and sloped to

provide surface drainage.
Building surrounds–1 footcandle (10 lux).
423.10.6 Exterior signage.
423.10.3.7 Shielding.
All permanent and free-standing exterior signs shall be
Exterior lighting shall be shielded from adjacent designed to withstand appropriate wind loads.
properties. Illuminated signs shall comply with the electrical and
installation requirements of the Florida Building Code
423.10.4 Building setbacks. and Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the
State Fire Marshal.
Building setbacks from the property line, including
relocatables, shall, at a minimum, be 25 feet (7620 mm) 423.10.6.1
or shall comply with local setback requirements if less
than 25 feet (7620 mm). Site signage shall not create visual barriers at entrances,
sidewalks, roads or road intersections.
423.10.5 School board playgrounds,
equipment, and athletic fields. 423.10.6.2
Playgrounds, equipment, and athletic fields shall be Accessible routes, including parking, building directories,
accessible, compatible with the educational facility building identification, and accessible entrances shall be
served and shall comply with the following: marked by exterior signage in conformance with federal
and state accessibility laws.
423.10.5.1
423.10.7 Landscaping.
Kindergarten play areas shall be separated from other
play areas, fenced, and shall be directly accessed from Refer to Section 1013.64(5), Florida Statutes, for school
the kindergarten classrooms. board and Florida college requirements. Xeriscape is
defined in Section 373.185, Florida Statutes.
423.10.8
423.10.5.2
Water irrigation systems shall be equipped with soil
Playgrounds and equipment shall be designed and moisture sensors that will override the irrigation systems
installed using the Handbook for Public Playground cycle when soil contains sufficient moisture.
Safety by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, and the ASTM/CPSC Playground Audit 423.10.9 Transmission line right-of-way.
Guide as applicable, resulting in facilities which are safe,
structurally sound, vermin proof, and do not have jagged Buildings, play areas, and common use areas shall not
or sharp projections. be located within a high-voltage power transmission line
right-of-way.

423.10.10 School site master plan. infrastructure locations for, and extensions of,
technology, telephone, electricity, fire alarm; and, where
New schools planned after the effective date of these applicable, water and sewer utilities, and relocatables.
standards shall include, as applicable: facility design
capacity; floodplain locations; covered accessible walks;
Figure 423.12
Roofing
Exception: Only FRTW which does not contain
423.11 Wood: fire-retardant and ammonium phosphates sulfates, or halides, may be
treated wood (FRTW). used in roof structures of noncombustible Type II
ancillary facilities as allowed by the Florida Building
FRTW shall not be used in permanent educational Code, but only under the following conditions:
facilities.
423.11.1 Fire-retardant treated wood.

All FRTW must meet the requirements of Section 423.13.1 Doors.
2303.2.
All spaces with an occupant load of six or more students,
423.11.2 regardless of use, shall have a door opening directly to
the exterior, or as required in the Florida Fire Prevention
Inspection access panels shall be provided for annual Code as adopted by the State Fire Marshal, in buildings
inspection of the condition of the structure and the of three stories or less shall have a rescue window
connectors. opening directly to the exterior, or shall be fully
sprinklered. All doors and gates from spaces with an
423.11.3 occupant load of six or more students, regardless of use
or location, shall swing in the direction of exit travel, shall
Evidence of compliance shall be provided. be of the side hinged type, and shall always be operable
from the inside by a single operation and without a key.
423.12 Roofing.
In administrative areas subject to student occupancy,
423.12.1 Class A materials. such as conference rooms, career rooms, clinics, and
student services, doors shall swing in the direction of exit
All roofing materials shall be labeled Class A per ASTM travel.
E108 and shall be certified by a nationally recognized
independent testing laboratory. All roofing systems shall (See Appendix, Number of Required Means of Egress
be installed within the limitations of the test procedure for Width and Appendix, Emergency Rescue Openings.)
surfacing, deck cross slope, and combustibility.
423.13.1.1
The Class A rating applies only to the roofing membrane
itself. Incidental materials such as nailers, curbs, Doors for steam rooms, locker rooms, shower rooms
blocking, cant strips, etc., are excluded. and group toilet rooms shall swing in the direction of exit
travel, and shall always be operable for exiting from the
423.12.2 Insulation and moisture protection. inside.
Insulation, moisture protection, roofing, thermal 423.13.1.2

requirements, fireproofing and firestopping shall be
designed and constructed in compliance with the Florida No mirrors, draperies, curtains, equipment, furnishings,
Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code as decorations, or other objects which may confuse,
adopted by the State Fire Marshal. Cellulose insulation obstruct, or conceal the exit or the direction of exit shall
may only be used if it is treated with fire-retardant borate be placed to obstruct a means of egress.
based chemicals; the contractor shall retain bag labels
on site for review by building inspector. 423.13.2 Recessed.
423.12.3 Phased installation prohibited. Doors when fully opened shall not extend into the
required exit width of corridors, except for door thickness
All new installed materials shall be sealed from moisture and required hardware. Doors may both be recessed
penetration at the end of each day. The contractor shall and hinged to swing 90 degrees, or if flush with corridor
provide the architect/engineer (A/E) of record a “final wall shall contain a view panel and be hinged to swing
statement of compliance” for the board. 180 degrees.
423.12.4 Manufacturer’s one-year inspection. 423.13.3 Special function doors.
The roof shall be inspected by the manufacturer’s Special function doors, including balanced doors and
representative within one year of acceptance by the overhead doors, shall not be used in a means of egress.
board.
423.13.4 Overhead and sliding security grilles.
Security grilles shall have an adjacent side-hinged door

swinging in the direction of exit and readily opened from
the inside.
423.13 Doors and windows. 423.13.5 Gates.

are not required to have positive latching. As an
Gates used to secure buildings or used for egress shall exception to Section 1008.1.8.6, delayed egress locks
be side-hinged and readily opened from the side from may be used in media centers, alternative education
which egress is to be made without the use of a key or centers, and exceptional student education centers.
special tool, or shall have a adjacent side hinged door, Delayed egress locks are prohibited at time-out rooms at
or doors as required for occupant load, swinging in the all locations.
direction of exit and readily opened from the inside
without a key. The classroom security function that allows the outside
lever to be locked with a key from either the inside or
423.13.6 Hardware. outside, while keeping the inside lever unlocked for
unrestricted egress, may be used.
Doors and gates shall be equipped with hardware which
will allow egress at all times without assistance. No 423.13.7 Safety glazing: panels and storefronts.
padlock, chain, hasp, lock, deadbolt, or other device
shall be installed at any time on any door used for In addition to the requirements of Section 2406.4, the
exiting. Doors which by code require closers and other following is considered a hazardous location and
doors subject to wind exposure shall be equipped with requires safety glazing; Glazed panels within 48 inches
closers to prevent slamming and uncontrolled opening. (1219 mm) of a door, excluding transoms or vertical
All doors opening into smoke-tight exit access corridors panels above 6 feet 8 inches (2031 mm).
shall be self-closing or automatic closing. Smoke doors
in walls used to divide corridors into separate Wire glass is no longer permitted in Educational
atmospheres shall be provided with push-pull plates and occupancies unless it meets CPSC 16 CFR 121
requirements.
Figure 423.13.7
Safety Glazing: Panels and Storefront
423.13.7.1
All glazing in hazardous locations shall be safety glazing 423.14.1 Master control switch.
meeting the requirements of the Florida Building Code,
Building, Section 2406. In addition to the regular main supply cut-off, each
laboratory type space (such as biology, industrial,
423.13.7.2 chemistry, physics, home economics, and electronics
labs) equipped with unprotected gas cocks, compressed
Large glass panels shall be subdivided by a built-in air valves, water or electric services which are easily
horizontal member or a permanent chair rail not less accessible to students, shall have master control valves
than 1½ inches (38 mm) in width, located between 24 or switches with permanently attached handles, located
and 36 inches (610 and 914 mm) above the floor. and accessible within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the
instructor’s station or adjacent to the door within that
(See Appendix, Safety and Fire-Rated Glazing.) space to allow for emergency cut-off of services. The
cut-offs shall be in a nonlockable place and the location
423.13.8 Windows. and operation shall be clearly labeled. Valves shall be
completely shut off with a one-quarter turn. Computer
423.13.8.1 Natural light and ventilation. labs are exempted from this requirement. (Also, see
“Emergency shut off switches,” and “Emergency
Natural light and ventilation requirements for new disconnects” requirements under “Electrical.”)
construction shall be satisfied by windows with operable
glazing, providing a net free open area equivalent to 5 423.14.2 Interior signage.
percent of the floor area, in all classrooms on the
perimeter of buildings, where required by Chapter 1013, Signage is required in educational and ancillary facilities.
Florida Statutes. Auxiliary spaces, music rooms, gyms, Design, construction, installation, and location of interior
locker and shower facilities, laboratories requiring signage and graphics shall comply with the Florida
special climate control, and large group instructional Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as
spaces having a capacity of more than 100 persons adopted by the State Fire Marshal and the following:
need not have operable windows for the purpose of
providing natural light and ventilation. Emergency 423.14.2.1 Emergency rescue windows:
access, emergency rescue, and secondary means of
egress windows may be included in the calculation to Windows for emergency rescue shall comply with NFPA
comply with this requirement. 101, Florida Edition as adopted by Florida Fire
Prevention Code, shall be operable from the inside by a
Operable glazing for natural ventilation is not required in single operation, and shall be labeled “EMERGENCY
Florida colleges. RESCUE–KEEP AREA CLEAR.” Hinged emergency
rescue windows shall swing in the direction of egress.
423.13.8.2 Projecting and awning windows.
Emergency rescue window signs shall be located so that
Projecting and awning windows shall not be located they are visible and will not be covered by curtains or
below door head height if in, or adjacent to, a corridor or blinds.
walkway.
(See Appendix, Emergency Rescue Opening.)
423.13.8.3 Security/storm screens or grills.
423.14.2.2
If a security/storm screen or grille is installed on the
outside of an emergency access, rescue or egress Maximum capacity signs in each space with a capacity
window assembly then that security/storm screen or of 50 or more occupants. The signs shall be mounted
grille together with the emergency rescue window adjacent to the main entrance door.
assembly shall be operable from the inside by a single
operation without the use of tools to allow for exit under
emergency conditions. The emergency rescue window
shall be identified by signage, and the release device
shall be readily identifiable.
423.14 Special safety requirements.

423.14.2.5
Signs necessary to meet accessibility requirements shall

be provided.
423.14.2.6
Hazardous work and storage areas shall be identified by

appropriate caution signs.
423.14.3 Other potential hazards.
Pipes, ductwork, fans, light fixtures, windows projections,

protruding sharp corners, or other potential hazards shall
not be installed below 6 feet 8 inches (2031 mm) AFF.
Audio/visual aids in classrooms may be mounted below
6 feet 8 inches (2031 mm) provided they are marked and
Figure 423.14.2.1
Emergency Rescue Window
padded in accordance with accepted safety standards or
have permanent cabinets installed below them.
Piping of any kind should not be installed below 6 feet 8

inches.
423.14.4 Storage shelving.
Shelving shall not have sharp corners, splinters, or any

construction feature that would be hazardous to the
occupants. Shelving shall be constructed to carry the
loads imposed. Shelving in science, labs, and shop
storage rooms, and other places which may contain
hazardous materials shall have a ½ inch (12.7 mm) lip
on the front edge of each shelf and shall be constructed
of noncorrosive material.
423.14.5 Vertical platform lifts and inclined

Figure 423.14.2.2 wheelchair lifts.
Signage
The following standards are in addition to the other

requirements of the Florida Building Code, Florida law,
423.14.2.3
and federal requirements:
Room name, room number and, if different, FISH
423.14.5.1
inventory numbers shall be provided for each space.
Lifts shall not reduce the width of required means of
423.14.2.4
egress.
A graphic diagram of primary and emergency evacuation
423.14.5.2
routes shall be posted adjacent to the primary exit door
from each space occupied by six or more students. The
Lifts shall have shielding devices to protect users from
diagram shall clearly indicate, by contrasting color and
the machinery or other hazards and obstructions.
number, each route of evacuation.
423.14.5.3
Signs indicating evacuation routes shall be clear and
shall be revised when conditions for exiting change due
Lifts shall be key operated for attendant operation in all
to remodeling and/or additions.
facilities housing kindergarten to grade 8.

423.14.5.4 Examples of impervious materials for floors are ceramic
tile, quarry tile, and quartz two-part epoxy (at least 1/16
Inclined wheelchair lifts may be installed in facilities inch thick). Examples of impervious materials for walls
provided: are ceramic tile and two-part epoxy. Examples of
impervious materials for ceilings are gypsum board and
423.14.5.4.1 moisture-resistant ceiling tile.
The platform is equipped with bidirectional ramp sensing 423.15 Mechanical.

to stop travel if obstructions are encountered.
423.15.1 Gas and fluid piping.
423.14.5.4.2
423.15.1.1 Flammable liquid/gases.
Guide rails are smooth and continuous with no sharp
edges or obstructions, all drive system components Piping systems for flammable liquids or gases shall not
contain safety features for protection of users, and be installed in or above interior corridors or stairwells.
cables and pulling devices are shielded.
Exceptions: Piping may be located within corridors
423.14.6 Color code machinery. provided that they are enclosed in a minimum 1-hour
fire-rated enclosure.
Working machinery with component parts shall be color-
coded per ANSI Z53.1, American National Standard 423.15.1.2 Piping systems.
Safety Color Code for marking Physical Hazards. Safety
zone lines shall be marked on the floor areas Piping (fluid system) shall not be run where students can
surrounding working machinery. access the pipes, or in areas such as on roofs where
they can be damaged by routine or periodic
423.14.7 Anchor equipment. maintenance activities.
All equipment designed to be permanently mounted shall 423.15.1.3 Main supply valve.
be securely anchored to its supporting surface.
The main supply cut-offs for flammable liquids or gases
423.14.8 Interior finishes. shall shut down upon activation of the fire alarm system.
Refer to the automatic shutoff requirements of Section
423.14.8.1 Floors. 423.7.6.
Floors in instructional spaces shall be covered with 423.15.2 Air plenums.

resilient material or carpet. Floors in gymnasium locker
rooms, showers, drying areas, toilet rooms, kitchens, Corridors shall not be used as supply, return, exhaust,
scullerys, food storage areas and can wash areas shall relief, or ventilation air plenum. The space between the
be impervious. corridor ceiling and the floor or roof structure above, if
used as a plenum, shall be constructed with the ceiling,
423.14.8.2 Walls. floor and walls as a minimum 1-hour fire-rated assembly
or as 1-hour fire-rated horizontal wall supported by the
Walls in kitchens, scullerys, can wash areas, shower corridor walls.
rooms shall be impervious to a height of at least 6 feet
(1829 mm) above the floor. Toilet and shower partitions Exception: A smoke-tight corridor with a solid
shall be impervious. ceiling may be used in a fully sprinklered building.
423.14.8.3 Ceilings. Corridors shall not be used as plenums for supply,

return, exhaust, relief, or ventilation air. The space
Ceilings in group toilet rooms, kitchens, scullerys, can between the corridor ceiling and the floor or roof
wash areas, showers and locker rooms shall be structure above may not be used for return air unless the
impervious. ceiling is constructed as a minimum 1-hour rated or
smoke-tight horizontal wall supported by the corridor
walls.

423.15.3 Residential equipment. Student toilets shall be distributed throughout the facility
and located on each floor for convenient access and
In home economics instructional spaces, faculty continuous supervision. the path of travel to the nearest
lounges, and similar areas where small residential-type toilet facility shall not exceed a distance of 200 feet.
ranges are installed for staff use or student education,
residential-type hoods mechanically exhausted to the 1. Unisex toilet rooms may be provided for Exceptional
outside shall be used. Hood fire suppression systems Student Education (ESE) Classrooms.
are not required to be installed. 2. Unisex toilet rooms should not be provided in
addition to the group toilets in cafetoriums,
The exception for ductless hoods does not apply to gymnasiums, and auditoriums.
educational facilities. A fire extinguisher shall be 3. The total required number of fixtures may be
installed adjacent to the range and shall meet distributed throughout the facility. Student toilets
requirements of NFPA 10. should be strategically located for convenient access
and continuous supervision. The path of travel to
423.15.4 the nearest toilet facility should not exceed a
distance of 200 feet.
Toilet rooms shall be continuously ventilated during 4. Toilet facilities for cafetoriums, gymnasiums, and
building occupancy. auditoriums are not required to be in addition to the
overall required plumbing fixture count. However,
Exception: Individual toilet rooms shall be ventilated toilet fixtures shall be open for public events.
continuously during building occupancy or ventilation
shall turn off with the light switch and run for at least (See Appendix, Toilet Rooms.)
10 minutes after the light has been turned off.
423.16.2 Teacher toilets.
423.15.5 Ventilation air make-up for HVAC In school board facilities, faculty and staff toilets shall be
systems. separate from student toilets.
Where peak occupancies of less than 3 hours duration Exception: Separation of faculty/staff and student
occur, the outdoor air flow may be determined on the toilet facilities is not required for Florida colleges.
basis of average occupancy for school buildings for the
duration of operation of the air-conditioning system, 423.16.3 Public shelter.
provided the average occupancy used is not less than
one-half the maximum. Refer to the public shelter design criteria of section
423.25
423.16 Plumbing.
423.16.4 Urinals.
423.16.1 Standards.
Trough urinals shall not be installed in any location.
Educational and ancillary facilities shall be provided with
toilets, hand washing facilities, and drinking fountains for 423.16.5 Floor drains and hose bibbs.
all occupants, in ratios and accessible as required by the
Florida Building Code, Florida law, and federal All group toilet rooms shall be provided with at least one
requirements. floor drain and one easily accessible hose bibb. The
floor shall be sloped down to the drain. Stall urinals shall
Exception: Unisex toilets shall not be provided in not serve as the required floor drains.
addition to group toilets in assembly occupancies.
423.16.6 Exterior entries.
423.16.1.1 Assembly occupancies.
Exterior entries to toilet rooms shall have outward
Toilet facilities for assembly occupancies (i.e. media swinging doors.
centers, gymnasiums, cafétoriums, and auditoriums) are
not required to be in addition to the overall required
plumbing fixture count.
423.16.1.2 Location. 423.16.7 Hot water.

When hot water is supplied to showers, handwash sinks, Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed, have self-
lavatories in toilet rooms, a mixing valve shall be closing doors, and shall open into vestibules with self-
installed to control the temperature which shall not closing doors. Toilet rooms shall not open directly into
exceed 110˚F (43˚C). food preparation areas, serving areas, or dining areas. A
minimum of one water closet and one lavatory, with hot
Setting the water heater thermostat(s) to one hundred and cold water, shall be provided in each staff toilet.
ten (110) degrees Fahrenheit cannot be substituted for
the mixing valve. This requirement applies to dining areas, cafetoriums,
and faculty dining areas.
423.16.8 Delayed closing valves.
423.16.10.2 Floor drains.
Water supply at toilet room lavatories shall be controlled
by delayed-closing valves. Floor drains shall be provided in the food serving area,
kitchen area, scullery, garbage and rubbish rooms, and
423.16.9 Shower facilities. can wash area.
Showers shall be provided only where required by the 423.16.11 Dousing shower and eye wash.
district’s educational program and, where provided, shall
utilize energy saving concepts for hot water as required Every science room, lab, or shop where instructors and
by Section 1013.44(2), Florida Statutes. When provided, students handle materials or chemicals potentially
shower areas shall comply with the following: dangerous to human tissue shall be provided with a
dousing shower and eye wash for emergency use,
423.16.9.1 Floor finish shall be slip resistant. including a floor drain.
A dousing shower eye wash is required in science rooms

423.16.9.2 and labs where staff and/or students handle materials
and chemicals potentially dangerous to human tissue.
A master control valve shall be provided to control the
shower heads. Showers shall be equipped with flow 423.16.12 Floor drains and plumbing fixtures
control devices to limit total flow to a maximum of 3 gpm in equipment rooms.
(-19 L/s) per shower head.
No floor drain or other plumbing fixtures shall be
Master control valves must be located so that they are installed in a room containing air handling machinery
readily accessible to the instructor. Mixing valves may when such room is used as a plenum. When rooms are
be used as the master control valve if they are suitably used as a plenum, equipment drains shall be conveyed
located and installed. through an indirect waste receptor located outside such
rooms or other approved point or disposal.
423.16.10 Kitchens.
Kitchens and food service areas shall be provided with

toilet and hand washing facilities for employees as
required by code, state rule and statute.
(See Appendix, Kitchens and Food Service.)
(See figure 423.16.10)
423.16.10.1

423.17.2 Electrical rooms and closets.
Main service panels and switches, electrical distribution

panels, cabinets, and rooms shall be lockable and not
readily accessible to teachers or students.
Electric rooms and closets shall meet all requirements of

NFPA 70 - 110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.
In electrical rooms housing equipment of 1200 amperes
or greater, the personnel doors shall open in the
direction of egress and be equipped with panic bars,
pressure plates, or other devices that are normally
latched but open under simple pressure [NFPA
70−110.26(C)(2)]. Also, all electrical rooms and
electrical closet lighting fixtures shall not be controlled by
automatic means, but by a positive throw switch [NFPA
70-110.26(D)].
423.17.3 Spare capacity.
Lighting and power panels shall be provided with a

minimum of 20-percent spare breakers and a minimum
of 10-percent spare capacity in all main panels and
switchboards.
The spare capacity count is per panel or panel/sub-panel

arrangement, not the percentage requirement per the
total number of breakers of all panels. Therefore, panels
Figure 423.16.10 that are not located in the same electrical room as the
Kitchen and Food Service
feed panel cannot be counted as part of the spare
breaker requirement of the feed panel. In addition, sub-
panels fed via transformers cannot be counted as part of
423.17 Electrical.
the spare breaker capacity of the feed panel. Panels
used for HVAC equipment do not have to meet the spare
Electrical design shall comply with Chapter 27, Florida
breaker requirement, but shall meet the spare capacity
Building Code and lighting design shall comply with
requirement and contain space for future breakers.
Section 13-415, Florida Building Code, except where
specific requirements are noted in Section 423.
423.17.4 Emergency shutoff switches.
423.17.1 Emergency lighting.
Every laboratory space which has electrical receptacles
at student workstations shall have an emergency shutoff
Emergency lighting shall be provided at internal and
switch within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the instructor’s
external means of egress, in student-occupied areas, in
workstation. The emergency shut off switch shall be
group toilets, and main electrical rooms.
operable by a single motion and shall interrupt power to
all receptacles in the room.
Emergency lighting requirements for means of egress in
educational facilities shall be provided in accordance
Exception: Emergency shutoff switches are not
with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 101.
required in computer laboratories.
The main electrical room is per building or per floor in
In large labs, it is recommended that a second shutoff
multi-story buildings.
switch should be located at the opposite side of the room
from the first shutoff switch.
As per Section 7.9.2, Florida Fire Prevention Code,
NFPA 101, emergency lighting fixtures shall be arranged
It is recommended that a detailed diagram be provided
to provide initial illumination that is not less than an
showing the operation of the emergency function. Also,
average of 1 foot-candle (10 lux) and, at any point, not
see Section 428.14.1, Florida Building Code.
less than 0.1 foot-candle (1 lux), measured along the
path of egress at floor level.

423.17.5 Emergency disconnect. 3. All mechanical, boiler and electrical rooms
receptacles.
Each space equipped with electrically powered
machinery accessible to students shall have a minimum GFI receptacles shall be installed in mechanical
of two master emergency disconnect switches at mezzanines, as well as pump and chiller rooms.
convenient locations within the space to shutoff all power
tool outlets, power to student accessible machines and Receptacles dedicated to such equipment as HVAC
receptacles in the shop. One emergency shutoff or controls, fire alarm systems, and communication/data
disconnect switch shall be located near the machinery equipment (including backboards) are not required to be
and one emergency shutoff or disconnect switch shall be GFI receptacles.
located in the instructor’s office if there is a clear view of
the entire shop area, others may be required and located 423.18 Assembly occupancies in public
as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. The educational facilities.
emergency disconnects or shutoff switch shall be
operable by a single motion. 423.18.1
Exception: Ordinary office machines, computers, Occupant capacity for egress shall be in accordance
sewing machines, potter’s wheels, residential with Table 1004.1.1 except as follows:
cooking equipment in home economics labs and
other nonhazardous machines do not require (See Appendix, Minimum Occupant Loads.)
emergency disconnect devices.
423.18.1.1 Dressing rooms.
It is recommended that a detailed diagram be provided
2
showing the operation of the emergency function. It is Dressing rooms at 20 net square feet (2m ) per person.
also recommended that each piece of shop equipment’s
disconnect switch be required to be reset after power is 423.18.1.2 Gymnasium.
restored before equipment can be energized. Also, see
Section 423.14.1, Florida Building Code. The number of fixed and telescopic bench-type bleacher
seats plus the main court area at 15 gross square feet
2
423.17.6 Sauna and steam rooms. (1.4 m ) per person, plus locker rooms at 5 net square
2
feet (.5 m ) per person.
A “panic” switch to deactivate power to heating
equipment shall be provided inside sauna and steam 423.18.1.3 Classrooms and labs.
rooms. The panic switch shall also be tied into an alarm
or other approved warning device in a supervised space If spaces are combined through the use of folding
in the area of the sauna and/or steam room. The partitions, the capacity and exiting shall be based on the
operation of the switch shall be labeled to indicate the capacity of all the spaces joined.
intended function.
423.18.1.4 Small group areas in media centers.
423.17.7 Lightning.
Small group room or area (view and preview) in media
2
All facilities in high lightning risk areas shall be evaluated center at 5 net square feet (.5 m ) per person.
using the Risk Assessment Guide in NFPA 780 and
other standards which address lightning protection, and Within the media center, smaller spaces are permitted to
shall be protected accordingly. provide exit through the larger media center room.
Analysis is to be performed and provided to the school 423.18.1.5 Closed circuit television production,
district for review and determination. distribution, and control.
2
423.17.8 Ground fault interrupter (GFI) The main floor area at 15 net square feet (1.4 m ) per
receptacles. person.
GFI receptacles shall be installed as required by NFPA 423.18.1.6 Interior courtyards.

70 of Chapter 27 and in the following locations:
1. All elementary special needs classroom The interior courtyard area at 15 gross square feet (1.4
2
receptacles. m ) per person. Raised, dedicated landscape areas may
2. All building entry vestibule receptacles. be deducted.

Exits for interior courtyards shall comply with Table 423.20 Storage.
1004.1.2, Florida Building Code.
423.20.1 General storage.
423.19 Shade and green houses.
Storage rooms and closets shall not be located over or
(See Appendix, Shade and Green Houses.) under exit stairs and ramps whether interior or exterior.
General storage space(s) shall be included in every
423.19.1 General. educational facility for the bulk storage of materials,
supplies, equipment, and books. Storage rooms shall be
Shade/green houses shall be of Type I, or II construction separated from mechanical and electrical spaces.
(metal frame) capable of withstanding the appropriate Storage spaces shall be mechanically ventilated and
wind load. conditioned as appropriate for the type of materials to be
stored. Sinks located in general storage rooms shall not
423.19.2 Unrestricted exiting. be used for custodial services.
The location of the shade/green house shall not hinder Mechanical and electrical equipment may not be
exiting from new and/or existing structures. installed in storage rooms. Likewise, mechanical and
electrical equipment rooms shall not be used for storage
423.19.3 Required doors. other than in mechanical rooms, where a reasonable
number of items (e.g., filters) that are incidental to the
A minimum of two doors remotely located shall be maintenance of the equipment may be stored.
provided. Doors shall be side hinged and shall swing in
the direction of egress. The type of storage intended for each space will
determine whether or not mechanical ventilation or air-
(See Appendix, Shade and Green Houses.) conditioning is required. Some storage spaces may
require mechanical exhaust to the exterior to expel heat,
423.19.4 Accessibility. dust, or vapors, while others may require conditioned air
to protect the items stored. Storage spaces that do not
Green houses shall meet accessibility requirements. The receive either ventilation or conditioned air should
accessible walkway shall be connected to doors leading provide a clear indication of the items to be stored.
to an accessible route to the permanent structure.
(See Appendix, Shade and Green Houses.)
423.19.5 Shade cloth.
Shade cloth shall be tear-away fabric securely fastened

to the structural frame.
423.19.6 Fire extinguisher.
A minimum of one Type 2A-10B:C fire extinguisher shall

be provided per shade/green house.
423.19.7 Fire alarm.
Fire alarm pull stations shall be located within 200 feet

(60 960 mm) of any shade or green house. Fire alarm
horns mounted on a permanent building must be audible Figure 423.19.8
Space Heaters in Shade and Green Houses
inside the shade/green house.
(See Appendix, Shade and Green Houses.) 423.20.2 Custodial work areas and storage.
423.19.8 Space heaters. Provide custodial work areas with well supported
shelving for supplies, cleaning, and sanitation materials
Space heaters, when provided, shall be mounted at least and an office area including male/female lockers and
6 feet 8 inches (2031 mm) AFF. toilet facilities.
Toilet/locker rooms are required for each sex.

423.20.3 Custodial closets and storage. 423.21.2
Custodial closets shall be provided with storage shelving Toilet facilities shall meet accessibility requirements and
and a service sink supplied with both hot and cold water. should open into the instructional space. The toilet may
They shall be located to serve each instructional floor be used by both sexes and shall contain a water closet,
and wing regardless of floor area, and other areas such lavatory and related accessories.
as stage, kitchen, gym, auditorium, clinic, offices and
shops. The travel distance to the nearest custodial closet 423.21.3
shall not exceed 150 feet.
If child care facilities are provided with a bathing area, it
423.20.4 Chemical and hazardous materials shall be within or adjacent to the child care area and
storage. shall contain either a shower with hand-held sprayer or a
tub. The water temperature shall be controlled by a
In addition to the requirements of the Florida Building mixing valve and shall not exceed 110ºF (43ºC).
Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted
by the State Fire Marshal for separation and protection, 423.21.4
chemical and hazardous storage facilities shall also
include: Toilet facilities shall have a non-slip impervious floor and
6-foot (1829 mm) impervious wainscot.
423.20.4.1 Chemical storage.
423.21.5
Doors shall be lockable from the outside and operable at
all times from the inside. Rooms shall be well Drinking fountain(s) shall be provided for the children
illuminated. Cabinets shall have shelves with a ½ inch and be within close proximity of the child care facility.
12.7 mm) lip on the front and shall be constructed of
noncorrosive material. 423.21.6
423.20.4.2 Hazardous materials storage. A towel and soap dispenser shall be provided at each
sink. Hand wash areas for adults shall be provided with
Buildings and/or rooms used for the storage, handling warm water; the water temperature shall be controlled by
and disposal of flammable, poisonous, or hazardous a mixing valve and shall not exceed 110ºF (43ºC). All
materials or liquids, and equipment powered by internal electrical receptacles shall be placed out of reach of the
combustion engines and their fuels shall be separated children.
from adjacent spaces by 1-hour fire-rated assemblies.
These requirements also apply to completely detached 423.21.7
buildings within 60 feet (18 288 mm) of student-occupied
facilities. Doors shall have a C Label and open directly to When provided, a residential-type kitchen shall include a
the exterior. Storage buildings and/or rooms shall be nonslip floor, a refrigerator, a residential range, a
mechanically ventilated. Electrical fixtures, switches, residential-type range hood mechanically exhausted to
heat detectors and outlets installed in flammable storage the outside, and a fire extinguisher located within 15 feet
rooms shall be explosion proof. (457 mm) of the range within the same room.
423.21 Child care/day care/ 423.21.8

prekindergarten facilities.
Areas designated for children’s sleeping mats, cots or
423.21.1 cribs shall include a clearly marked exit passageway.
Child care/day care/prekindergarten facilities located on 423.21.9

board-owned property shall comply with Florida Building
Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted The child care facility shall not contain any storage of
by the State Fire Marshal and the specific criteria in this cleaning agents, chemicals, or other hazardous
section. Child care/day care/pre-kindergarten facilities materials in student accessible areas.
requiring a license from another agency may also be
required to comply with additional construction 423.21.10
requirements imposed by that agency.
Outdoor play areas shall be provided and shall be
protected from access to streets or other dangers. The

play area shall be fenced or walled to a minimum height 423.22.3.3
of 4 feet (1219 mm) and any latches on maintenance
gates shall be secured or beyond the reach of the Toilet rooms in clinics shall include both hot and cold
children. water at the showers and all lavatories. The water
temperature shall be controlled by a mixing valve and
423.21.11 shall not exceed 110ºF (43ºC).
Shade shall be provided in the play area (a covered play 423.22.3.4

area may be provided).
Toilet rooms shall have exhaust fans vented to the
423.21.12 exterior.
Play equipment shall be firmly anchored, free of sharp 423.22.3.5

corners or pointed surfaces, and shall have cushioning
surfaces such as mats or sand beneath. A working counter top with lavatory/sink and hot water
shall be provided in each clinic.
423.21.13
When separated boy’s and girl’s clinics are provided, a
The grounds shall be free of undergrowth or harmful counter top with a lavatory/sink is required in each. When a
plant material. nurse’s station connects the two clinics, a single counter
top with lavatory/sink in that station is acceptable. A counter
423.22 Clinics. top with sink located in a separate non-connecting office
does not meet the requirement.
423.22.1
423.22.4
Clinics in kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12),
vocational-technical centers (VTC), and full service The bed area shall be designed to maintain constant
schools shall comply with the general criteria found in visual supervision from the office. Space for student
the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention beds shall be provided in each clinic at 50 square feet (5
2
Code as adopted by the State Fire Marshal, as well as the m ) per bed. Space for beds in secondary and VTC
specific criteria found herein. Clinics shall be located and schools shall be equally divided for male and female
equipped to provide emergency aid to students. Closets students. Beds shall be provided based on student
and storage cabinets used for medications and bandages capacity in the following ratios:
shall have locks, and shall be designed to be under
constant supervision. 423.22.4.1
423.22.2 Up to 500 students–three beds.
School clinics shall include locked storage, toilet room 423.22.4.2

and shower, and bed space.
501 to 1,000 students–four beds.
423.22.3
423.22.4.3
Sanitary facilities are required as follows:
1,001 to 2,000 students–five beds.
423.22.3.1
423.22.4.4
Elementary school clinics, including kindergarten, shall
include at a minimum one accessible toilet room, to serve Over 2,000–six beds.
male and female students, complete with a water closet,
lavatory, accessible shower, changing table, and 423.22.5 Full-service school health clinics.
accessories.
423.22.5.1 Location.
423.22.3.2
Clinics shall be located to provide a direct accessible
Secondary and VTC school clinics shall include two route from the exterior and from the interior or by a
accessible toilet rooms complete with water closet, connecting covered walk.
lavatory, accessories and shower.

423.22.5.2 Parking. 423.24 Open plan schools.
Clinics shall be provided with 10 designated parking An open plan building or portion of a building may be
spaces immediately adjacent to the clinic, one of which subdivided into smaller areas by use of low partitions
shall be accessible to persons with disabilities. [maximum 5 feet high (1524 mm)], movable partitions, or
movable furnishing, which by location and type do not
423.22.5.3 Sanitary facilities. hinder or obstruct the ability of persons in one area of
the plan to be immediately aware of an emergency
Sanitary facilities are required as follows: condition in any other area of the plan. Corridors shall be
identified with different color or type of flooring materials,
423.22.5.3.1 by permanent low partitions or by other means to
prevent blockage of the path of egress to exits by
Full-service school clinics shall include one accessible partitions or furniture. When open plan schools are
toilet room for males and one for females, complete with partitioned, the work shall conform to the code
water closet, lavatory, accessories, and shower. requirements for new construction. Demountable or
Additional toilets may be required for a full-service movable partitions in open plan classroom areas shall be
school clinic depending on occupant load and program. a maximum of 5 feet (1524 mm) in height and shall
terminate a minimum of 5 feet (1524 mm) from any
423.22.5.3.2 permanent wall. All circulation openings in open plan
areas shall be a minimum of 5 feet (1524 mm) wide.
Hot and cold water shall be provided at the showers and Movable furnishings shall not exceed 5 feet (1524 mm)
lavatories. The water temperature shall be controlled by in height and shall have a stable base.
a mixing valve and shall not exceed 110ºF (43ºC).
See drawing next page.
423.22.5.3.3
(See Appendix, Open Plan Classrooms.)
Toilet rooms shall have exhaust fans vented to the
exterior.
423.22.5.3.4
A nurse’s station shall be provided with a working

counter with lavatory/sink and be located so as to
maintain visual supervision of the bed area.
423.22.5.4
Locked storage rooms shall be provided for a

refrigerator, files, equipment, and supplies.
423.22.5.5
Data outlets shall be provided for computer hook-ups

and computer networking and additional electric outlets
shall be provided for hearing and vision testing
machines.
423.23 Kilns.
Kilns shall not be located near or adjacent to paths of

egress or exit and shall be placed in separate rooms
when serving students through grade 3. Kiln rooms shall
be provided with appropriate smoke/heat detectors
connected to the fire alarm system.

According to Section 1013.372, Florida Statutes, a
written agreement between the school board and the
local emergency management agency is required to be
executed in order for a facility to be exempt as an EHPA.
The Division of Emergency Management is now under

the Executive Office of the Governor.
Exception: Facilities located, or proposed to be

located, in a Category 1, 2, or 3 evacuation zone
shall not be subject to these requirements.
The 2010 Statewide Regional Evacuation Study

introduced alphabetic Evacuation Zones/Levels (A-E)
across the state. For growth management planning, the
reference to areas to be evacuated from a Category 1
hurricane should use Evacuation Zone/Level A,
reference to evacuation areas to be evacuated in
advance of a Category 2 hurricane should use
Evacuation Zone/Level B, and reference to areas to be
evacuated from a Category 3 hurricane should use
Evacuation Zone/Level C. Similarly, in policies that refer
to evacuation areas from a Category 4 or 5 hurricane,
evacuation Zones/Level D or E should be used.
423.25.1.1 Enhanced hurricane protection

areas (EHPA).
The EHPA areas shall provide emergency shelter and

protection for people for a period of up to 8 hours during
a hurricane.
423.25.1.1.1
The EHPA criteria apply only to the specific portions of

(K-12) and Florida college educational facilities that are
designated as EHPAs.
423.25.1.2
The EHPAs and related spaces shall serve the primary

educational or auxiliary use during non-shelter
occupancy.
Figure 423.24
Open Plan School Example 423.25.2 Site.
423.25 Public shelter design criteria. Factors such as low evacuation demand, size, location,
accessibility and storm surge may be considered by the
423.25.1 New facilities. board, with written concurrence of the local emergency
management agency or the DCA, in exempting a
New educational facilities for school boards and Florida particular facility.
college boards, unless specifically exempted by the
board with the written concurrence of the applicable local Concurrence is required between the board and the local
emergency management agency or the Department of emergency management agency for exemption.
Community Affairs (DCA), shall have appropriate areas
designed as enhanced hurricane protection areas
(EHPAs) in compliance with this section.

423.25.2.1 Emergency access. The capacity of an EHPA shall be calculated at 20
2
square feet (2 m ) per occupant (adults and children five
EHPAs shall have at least one route for emergency years or older).
vehicle access. The emergency route shall be above the
100-year floodplain. This requirement may be waived by (See Appendix, Example EHPA Design Square Footage
the board, with concurrence of the local emergency and Capacity Calculations.)
management agency or the DCA.
423.25.3.3 Toilets.
423.25.2.2 Landscaping.
Toilet and hand-washing facilities should be located
Landscaping around the EHPAs shall be designed to within the EHPAs and provided at one toilet and one sink
preserve safety and emergency access. Trees shall not per 40 occupants. These required toilet and hand-
conflict with the functioning of overhead or underground washing facilities are not in addition to those required for
utility lines, or cause lay down or impact hazard to the normal school occupancy and shall be included in the
building envelope. overall facility fixture count.
423.25.2.3 Parking. Since the required fixtures for the EHPA are not in
addition to those for normal school occupancy, urinals
During an emergency condition, vehicle parking shall be may be substituted for up to fifty (50) percent of the
prohibited within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of an EHPA. required water closets in male toilet facilities, as is the
Designated EHPA parking areas may be unpaved. normal design procedure.
423.25.2.4 Signage. Every effort should be made to provide toilet facilities

within the EHPA. It is neither reasonable nor prudent for
Floor plans of the facility, indicating EHPAs, shall be occupants of the EHPA to have to leave the shelter
mounted in the emergency manager’s office/area. during a storm event to use toilet facilities.
423.25.3 Design. 423.25.3.3.1
EHPAs may be above or below ground and may have Support systems for the toilets, e.g., bladders, portable
more than one story, provided the design satisfies the toilets, water storage tanks, etc., shall be capable of
wind load and missile impact criteria. Modular and open- supplying water and containing waste, for the designed
plan buildings may serve as EHPAs provided the design capacity of the EHPAs.
satisfies the wind load and missile impact criteria.
EHPA support systems for toilets must be located on site
423.25.3.1 Excluded spaces. and protected for the storm event. The system(s)
selected must be sized to provide support for at least an
Spaces such as mechanical and electrical rooms, 8-hour period. When using bladders provided by the
storage rooms, open corridors, kitchens, science rooms local emergency management agency, only the
and labs, vocational shop areas and labs, computer connection is required to be provided.
rooms, attic and crawl spaces, shall not be used as
EHPAs. When bottled water and portable toilets are to be used to
meet these requirements, a copy of the written
423.25.3.2 Capacity. agreement between the district and the local emergency
management agency should be submitted with the
Fifty percent of the net square feet of a designated documents.
educational facility shall be constructed as EHPAs. The
net square feet shall be determined by subtracting from a) The agreement should delineate the entity that
the gross square feet those spaces, such as mechanical takes responsibility for providing the water and
and electrical rooms, storage rooms, open corridors, portable toilets.
kitchens, science rooms and labs, vocational shop areas b) The agreement should stipulate that the water
and labs, computer rooms, attic and crawl spaces that and portable toilets will be delivered prior to the
shall not be used as EHPAs. The board, with storm event.
concurrence of the applicable local emergency
management agency or DCA, may adjust this The plans should indicate the proposed location for the
requirement if it is determined to be in its best interest. portable toilets. If they are located outside the envelope
of the EHPA, they must meet the wind load and missile

impact criteria. If they are to be located within the 423.25.4.1.1
EHPA, consideration should be given to how they and/or
the waste will be removed to minimize damage to the Materials used for walls, roofs, windows, louvers, and
building. doors shall be certified for resistance to missile impact
criteria.
423.25.3.3.2
423.25.4.1.2
Plumbing and valve systems of “normal” toilets within the
EHPAs may be designed for conversion to emergency The glazed openings or permanent protective systems
operation to meet the required demand. over glazed openings shall be designed for cyclic
loading.
423.25.3.4 Food service.
423.25.4.2 Roofs.
Where feasible, include counter tops for food distribution
functions in the EHPAs. Roof decks shall be cast-in-place 4-inch (102 mm) or
more, normal weight concrete. Concrete decks shall be
423.25.3.5 Manager’s office. waterproof. Systems other than cast-in-place concrete
shall have adequate bearing, anchorage against wind
An administration office normally used by a school uplift, diaphragm action, and resistance to rain that are
administrator shall be identified as the EHPA manager’s equivalent to a cast-in-place system.
office and shall be located within the EHPA. The office
shall have provisions for standby power, lighting, Exception: Structural pre-cast concrete roofs,
communications, main fire alarm control panel and composite metal decks with normal weight concrete
storage for the manager’s equipment. roofs, or other systems and materials that meet the
wind load and missile impact criteria may be used.
(See Appendix, Fire Alarm.)
Systems other than 4-inch cast-in-place concrete shall
423.25.4 Structural standard for wind loads. be equivalent to a waterproof 4-inch cast-in-place
concrete system with respect to missile impact
At a minimum, EHPAs shall be designed for wind loads resistance and rain resistance. The equivalent system
in accordance with ACSE 7, Minimum Design Loads for shall also have adequate bearing, anchorage against
Buildings and Other Structures, Risk Category IV wind uplift, and diaphragm action as determined by a
(Essential Buildings). Openings shall withstand the professional engineer. Acceptable tested roofing
impact of wind-borne debris missiles in accordance with systems are provided at:
the impact and cyclic loading criteria per ASTM E-1886 www.fldoe.org/edfacil/planreview/pdfroofdocksMemo.
and ASTM E-1996 or SBC/SSTD 12. based on a pdf.
research document, Emergency Shelter Design Criteria
For Educational Facilities, by the University of Florida for 423.25.4.2.1
the DOE, it is highly recommended by the department
that the shelter be designed using the map wind speed Light weight concrete or insulating concrete may be
plus 40 mph. used on roof decks of EHPAs provided the roof decks
are at least 4-inch (102 mm) cast-in-place normal weight
423.25.4.1 Missile impact criteria. concrete or other structural systems of equivalent
strength.
The building enclosure, including walls, roofs, glazed
openings, louvers and doors, shall not be perforated or 423.25.4.2.2
penetrated by a flying object. For walls and roofs, the
missile criteria is as provided in ASTM E-1886, and Roof openings (e.g., HVAC fans, ducts, skylights) shall
ASTM E-1996, or SBC/SSTD 12. be designed to meet the wind load and missile impact
criteria.
This requirement includes the area/space/facility
designated to house the backup portable generator that 423.25.4.2.3
is supplied by others for EHPA operation during an
emergency. Section 423.25.5, Florida Building Code, Roof coverings shall be specified and designed
Building, describes the permanent installation criteria. according to the latest ASTM and Factory Mutual
“SBC/SSTD 12” should read “SSTD 12-99.” Standards for materials and wind uplift forces. Roofs
shall be inspected by a licensed engineer/architect and a
representative of the roofing manufacturer.

423.25.4.2.4 423.25.4.5.1
Roofs shall have adequate slope and drains sized for HVAC equipment mounted on roofs and anchoring
normal use and shall have emergency overflow systems shall be designed and installed to meet the
scuppers. wind load criteria.
423.25.4.2.5 Exhaust fan housings should be included in HVAC

equipment.
Parapets shall satisfy the wind load and missile impact
criteria; roof overhangs shall resist uplift forces. 423.25.4.5.2
423.25.4.3 Windows. Roof mounted HVAC equipment shall have a 12-inch-

high (305 mm) curb around the roof opening and be
All unprotected window assemblies and their anchoring designed to prevent the entry of rain water.
systems shall be designed and installed to meet the
wind load and missile impact criteria. Curb height of 12" applies to all rooftop mounted
equipment, including exhaust fans.
423.25.4.3.1
423.25.4.6 Foundations and floor slabs.
Windows may be provided with permanent protective
systems, provided the protective system is designed and Foundations shall be designed to resist all appropriate
installed to meet the wind load and missile impact loads and load combinations, including overturning
criteria and completely covers the window assembly and moments due to wind. The floor elevation and necessary
anchoring system. life safety and other emergency support systems of
EHPAs shall be elevated above the maximum storm
423.25.4.3.2 surge inundation elevation associated with a Category 4
hurricane event. Storm surge elevations shall be
EHPAs shall have mechanical ventilation systems. identified by the most current edition of the regional Sea
Ventilation shall be provided at a minimum rate of 2 cfm Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH)
per square foot of EHPA floor area. The mechanical studies and atlases.
ventilation system shall be connected to the EHPA’s
emergency power. 423.25.5 Electrical and standby emergency
power system.
All EHPAs must be provided with mechanical ventilation
systems. The EHPA shall be provided with a standby emergency
electrical power system, per Chapter 27, NFPA 70
Section 423.25.5, Florida Building Code, requires EHPA Articles 700 and 701, which shall have the capability of
ventilation fans to be connected to the standby circuits of being connected to a backup generator or other optional
the emergency power system per NFPA 70. power source. Where economically feasible, an
equivalent photovoltaic system may be provided. The
423.25.4.4 Doors. EHPA’s emergency systems includes, but are not limited
to: (1) an emergency lighting system, (2) illuminated exit
All exterior and interior doors subject to possible wind signs, (3) fire protection system(s), alarm (campus wide)
exposure and/or missile impact shall have doors, and sprinkler, and (4) minimum ventilation for
frames, anchoring devices, and vision panels designed health/safety purposes. The fire alarm panel shall be
and installed to resist the wind load and missile impact located in the EHPA manager’s office. A remote
criteria or such doors, frames, anchoring devices, and annunciator panel shall be located in or adjacent to the
vision panels shall be covered with permanent protective school administrator’s office. When generators are
systems designed and installed to resist the wind load installed, the facility housing the generator, permanent or
and missile impact criteria. portable, shall be an enclosed area designed to protect
the generators from wind and missile impact. Air intakes
423.25.4.5 Exterior envelope. and exhausts shall be designed and installed to meet the
wind load and missile impact criteria. Generators
The exterior envelope, louvers over air intakes and hardened by the manufacturer to withstand the area’s
vents, and gooseneck type intakes and vents of EHPAs design wind and missile impact criteria shall be exempt
shall be designed and installed to meet the wind load from the enclosed area criteria requirement.
and missile impact criteria.
The fire alarm annunciator panel shall be located in or 1. Remainder of the school’s campus security
adjacent to the administration office. lighting (building and site).
2. Additional ventilation systems within the EHPA,
Other Optional Power Sources: The Florida Building including heat.
Code requires the EHPA to provide shelter for periods 3. Intercom system.
up to 8 hours (Section 423.25.1.1). In EHPA facilities 4. Food storage equipment.
where emergency generators are not permanently 5. Additional electric receptacles, other than those
installed, consideration should be given to providing an required by Section 423.25.5.3.
8-hour battery-operated emergency lighting system,
including the illuminated exit signs, if no other options Providing power to the campus-wide fire protection
are available. system is the first priority under this section. Illuminated
exit signs, emergency lights, and ventilation follow in
(See Appendix, EHPA Electrical and Emergency Power order of priority. All other requests can be honored,
Systems.) provided that power is available and a method to shed
the requested loads is available to the EHPA manager.
423.25.5.1 EHPA lighting.
(See Appendix, EHPA Electrical and Emergency Power
Emergency lighting shall be provided within the EHPA Systems.)
area, EHPA manager’s office, toilet rooms, main
electrical room and generator spaces and shall be at 423.25.5.3 Receptacle outlets.
least 10 footcandles (100 lux) of general illumination,
which can be reduced to ½ footcandle (5 lux) in the A minimum of four electrical outlets, served with power
sleeping areas during the night. from the standby circuits, shall be provided in the EHPA
manager’s office.
The recommended level of lighting defined under this
section is a mandatory requirement. Higher levels may Consideration should be given to providing an 8-hour DC
be provided if specified by the School Board. to AC battery inverter system in EHPAs that do not have
the emergency generator permanently installed in order
The emergency lights in EHPA manager’s office, to provide a power recharging source for communication
generator spaces/rooms, and electrical rooms within the equipment and to support any medical necessity.
EHPA area, should have battery backup or be a stand-
alone battery-operated fixture with the battery-charging 423.25.6 Inspections.
system connected to the emergency power system.
This will provide backup lighting to troubleshoot any EHPAs shall be considered “threshold buildings” in
electrical problem that may occur during the operation of accordance with Section 553.71(7), Florida Statutes, and
the emergency power system. Footcandle level should shall comply with Sections 553.79(5), 553.79(7), and
be the same as specified in Section 423.25.5.1, Florida 553.79(8), Florida Statutes.
Building Code.
423.25.6.1
423.25.5.2 Optional standby circuits.
Construction of EHPAs shall be inspected during the
Additional nonlife safety systems, as defined by Chapter construction process by certified building code
27, NFPA 70 Article 702 (optional standby circuits), may inspectors or the design architect/engineer(s) certified
be supplied power, if available, by the Standby pursuant to Part XII Chapter 468, Florida Statutes and
Emergency Power System. These systems shall be threshold inspectors for compliance with applicable rules
connected to the Standby Emergency Power System via and laws.
an electrical subpanel to the Standby Electrical Power
System’s main electrical panel. This will allow selective 423.25.6.2
or total load shedding of power if required. The fire
alarm, emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs The emergency electrical systems shall be inspected
throughout the entire campus shall receive first priority to during the construction process by certified electrical
power provided by the Standby Emergency Power inspector or Florida-registered professional engineers
System per Chapter 27, NFPA 70 Article 700. The certified pursuant to Part XII Chapter 468, Florida
systems listed are not all encompassing but are in order Statutes, skilled in electrical design.
of priority. Local officials may request additional non-life
safety systems they deem necessary for health, welfare
and safety of the public during occupancy:

423.25.6.3 inanimate object or in any other manner except by constant
human contact.
EHPAs shall be inspected and recertified for compliance
with the structural requirements of this section every five 423.26.2.2
years by a Florida-registered professional engineer
skilled in structural design. If any structural system, as The push button shall be recessed from the face of the
specified in this section, is damaged or replaced, the unit housing, or in some other way designed to prevent
recertification shall be obtained prior to the beginning of taping or wedging the button in the engaged mode.
the next hurricane season.
423.26.2.3
423.25.6.4
The device shall have an interface relay with the fire
All shutter systems, roofs, overflow scuppers, and alarm system and shall automatically release upon
structural systems of EHPAs shall be inspected and activation of the fire alarm.
maintained annually prior to hurricane season and after
a major event. All emergency generators shall be 423.26.2.4
inspected under load conditions including activation of
the fire alarms, emergency lights as per applicable The locking device shall automatically disengage in the
equipment codes and NFPA standards, and including event of a power failure.
mechanical systems and receptacles connected to the
emergency power. 423.26.2.5
423.26 Time-out rooms. Timers shall not be used on the locking device.
423.26.1 423.26.3 Door requirements.
Locking an individual inside a space without a means of The door shall have only a push plate exposed on the
opening the door from within that space is contrary to the interior of the room.
exiting philosophy of the Florida Building Code and the
Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the State 423.26.3.1
Fire Marshal for educational facilities. The educational
program which requires containment of the out-of-control The door shall swing out of the room and shall be
student can be accommodated within this context only if equipped with a fully concealed track type closer.
the following are met:
423.26.3.2
The connection of the locking device to perform the
operations described in Section 423.26.2, Florida A vision panel shall be provided in the door, and it shall
Building Code, shall not be performed without the written be no larger than 144 square inches (.1 m 2). The view
approval of the State Fire Marshal. panel shall consist of a clear ¼-inch-thick (6 mm)
unbreakable plastic panel flush with the inside face of
Special permitting for the use of time-out rooms is the door on the inside of the room. The panel shall be
required by State Fire Marshal Rule 69A-58. positioned in the door so that a staff member may
continuously keep the student under surveillance.
423.26.2 Electromagnetic locking device.
423.26.3.3
When a time-out room is to be locked, an
electromagnetic locking device may be used and shall The door frame and jamb/head reveal on the inside shall
have the following features: be minimal. If provided, a flat metal threshold shall be
used.
423.26.2.1
423.26.4 Finishes.
The lock shall remain engaged only when a push button
mounted outside the time-out room adjacent to the door The floor and walls shall be durable, vandal-resistant
frame, is continuously depressed by hand. Upon release of materials. The ceiling shall be of a solid and moisture-
pressure, the door shall unlock. The locking device shall be resistant material. There shall be no projections or
designed so that it cannot be engaged by leverage of an protrusions from the walls, ceiling, or floor. All surfaces

shall be smooth and no electrical outlets, switches, 423.27.1.1
plumbing clean-outs or similar items shall be inside the
room. The room shall not contain anything that can be Factory-built school shelter means any site-assembled
set on fire, torn, shredded or otherwise used for self- or factory-built school building that is designed to be
harm. portable, relocatable, demountable or reconstructable
and that complies with the provisions for enhanced
423.26.5 Minimum size. hurricane protection areas, as required by the applicable
code (see Section 423.25).
The room shall be designed for a single occupant only
and shall be a minimum of 6 feet by 6 feet (1828 mm by 423.27.2 Design, plan approval, construction.
1828 mm).
Regardless of cost or fund source, whether used for
423.26.6 Lighting. classroom, auxiliary or ancillary space, whether leased,
purchased, contracted, or constructed by the school
The room shall have a recessed vandal proof light fixture board or Florida college board, plans and documents for
in the ceiling capable of being dimmed. The light switch relocatables, portables and modular schools shall be
shall be located outside the room adjacent to the door prepared by Florida registered design professionals and
jamb. submitted to the authority having jurisdiction for review
and approval for compliance with Florida laws, rules,
423.26.7 HVAC required. building and life safety codes. The buildings shall be
constructed and inspected by personnel licensed,
Time-out rooms shall be mechanically heated and certified or trained as required by Florida construction
cooled. Registers shall be ceiling mounted and vandal industry licensing laws.
proof.
423.27.2.1 District-wide foundation plans.
423.27 New relocatable buildings.
District-wide foundation plans for tie down and wind
423.27.1 Relocatables. resistance for each type of relocatable and each type of
known soil condition in the district, shall be prepared and
The terms “relocatable” and “portable” are reviewed at the time of the design and shall be required
interchangeable and both terms are used to describe as a part of the approval of any relocatable. These
buildings which are constructed to the same building documents shall be kept on file in the district, with an
codes as permanent public school buildings, except they additional copy in each relocatable filed together with
are designed to be moved. These buildings may be current annual local fire inspection reports, as required
manufactured in a plant, constructed on site, may be by law. The foundation plans shall be reviewed and
made of demountable components, and may be updated when necessary for compliance with current
combined. All new relocatables or portable classrooms code for subsequent installations of the relocatable.
shall be designed and constructed in compliance with Relocatables which do not meet the requirements of
the Florida Building Code, the Florida Fire code for tie down and wind resistance shall not be
PreventionCode as adopted by the State Fire Marshal occupied.
and the Department of Community Affairs rules for
factory-built school buildings. (See Section 428) The (See Appendix, Relocatables for Classroom Use.)
requirements for new relocatables contained herein are
in addition to the minimum requirements of the Florida 423.27.2.2 DOT requirements.
adopted by the State Fire Marshal. New relocatables Relocatable units designed to be moved on state roads
which do not comply with the building codes, fire codes shall comply with the maximum unit height, length and
and these standards shall not be used as classrooms or width requirements of the DOT.
for any other student occupancy. For code requirements
and other standards applicable to relocatables 423.27.2.3 Inventory/construction date signage.
constructed prior to this code, which may be Type V
(wood) relocatables, see Existing Relocatables, Volume A FISH inventory room number and the date of
1, Section 5(2), State Requirements for Educational construction shall be noted on an inventory sign
Facilities as referenced in the Florida Fire Prevention permanently affixed outside, beside or above the door,
Code as adopted by the State Fire Marshal. on all relocatables owned or leased by a district.

423.27.3 Construction type. requirements of this code, except that covered
walks may be installed. The term “temporary
All new relocatables constructed, purchased or relocatable” means relocatables which are used
otherwise acquired by a board shall be noncombustible for less than four years to provide temporary
Type I, II or IV construction. housing while permanent replacement
classrooms and related facilities are under
423.27.4 Accessibility. construction, renovation or remodeling. The term
“temporary relocatable” does not apply to
All relocatables constructed, purchased or otherwise relocatables which have been located on a
acquired by a board after the effective date of these school site for more than two years and used for
standards shall comply with the Americans with classrooms or for student occupancy, where
there is no identifiable permanent facility which
Disabilities Act as modified by Chapter 553, Florida is under construction, being remodeled, or
Statutes, the Florida Building Code, Accessibility. renovated to house the students.
Relocatables intended for use at facilities housing up to
grades 5 or 6, shall also conform to the federal criteria 423.27.5.3 Separation of units.
Accessibility Standards for Children’s Environments,
which is available from the U.S. Architectural and Type I, II or IV, (noncombustible) relocatable units shall
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. be separated as required by the Florida Building Code
and the school site plan.
423.27.5 Site standards/site plan.
423.27.6 Structure.
Relocatables placed on educational plant sites shall
comply with federal and state laws and rules relating to Relocatable structures shall be positively anchored and
the placement of structures on sites, as well as building designed to comply with Florida Building Code
code, fire code site requirements. requirements.
423.27.5.1 Floodplain. (See Appendix, Relocatables for Classroom Use.)
Compliance with floodplain standards is required for the 423.27.7 Fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW).
initial and subsequent installation of public educational
relocatable units. The finished floor shall be 12 inches Only FRTW which does not contain ammonium
(305 mm) above base flood elevation, the structure shall phosphates, sulfates, or halides may be used in the roof
be designed to meet the Florida Building Code and structure of Type II construction, as authorized by other
anchored to resist buoyant forces. sections of the Florida Building Code. FRTW shall
comply with the specific requirements found elsewhere
Educational facilities in hazard areas shall comply with in these public educational facilities requirements.
ASCE 24. Contractors shall provide evidence of compliance to
inspectors. Inspection access panels shall be provided
(See Appendix, Relocatables for Classroom Use.) to facilitate initial and annual inspections for general
condition assessment of FRTW and connectors.
423.27.5.2 Covered walks and technology.
423.27.8 Doors.
New relocatables and “modular schools” acquired by a
board which are intended for long term use, shall be Exit doors shall swing in the direction of exit travel.
connected from exit door to the core facilities by
accessible covered walkways, and shall contain wiring 423.27.8.1 Classroom locksets.
and computer technologies which connect to the facility’s
technology, communications and fire alarms Each door shall be equipped with a lockset, which is
infrastructure. readily opened from the side from which egress is to be
made at all times, a threshold, heavy duty hinges, and
Exceptions: closer to control door closing. Each door shall have a
1. Covered walks and public address systems are view panel, with minimum dimensions of 8 inches by 42
not required in Florida college facilities. inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of 1,296 square
2
2. Temporary relocatables constructed after the inches (.84 m ), of ¼ inch (6 mm) tempered or safety
date of this standard shall meet all construction glass installed with the bottom edge of the panel at 30

inches (762 mm) AFF. Each exterior door shall be 423.27.10.3 Toilet rooms, showers and
protected from the elements by a roof overhang. bathing facilities.
(See Appendix, Relocatables for Classroom Use.) Partitions and walls separating group toilet rooms shall
be extended to the bottom of the roof deck.
423.27.8.2 Roofed platform.
423.27.10.3.1
All exterior doors shall open onto a minimum 5 foot by 5
foot (1524 mm by 1524 mm) roofed platform with Toilet room floors and base shall be finished with
handrails, which is level with the interior floor. impervious nonslip materials. Toilet room walls shall be
finished with impervious materials which shall be
(See Appendix, Relocatables for Classroom Use.) extended to a minimum height of 6 feet (1828 mm).
423.27.9 Operable windows. 423.27.10.3.2
Classrooms shall have operable windows equal to at Ceilings shall be of solid-type moisture resistant-
least 5 percent of the floor area of the unit where materials.
required by Section 1013.44, Florida Statutes. Exterior
doors may be included in computing the required 5 423.27.11 Fire extinguishers.
percent. Awning, casement, or projecting windows shall
not be placed in walls with adjacent walks, ramps, steps At least one appropriate fire extinguisher shall be
or platforms. provided in each relocatable classroom unit and in each
classroom of a multiclassroom building.
(See Appendix, Relocatables for Classroom Use.)
423.27.12 Document storage.
423.27.9.1 Rescue.
Provision shall be made to secure foundation plans and
Windows for emergency rescue shall comply with NFPA to post the annual fire inspection report within each
101, Florida edition as adopted by the Florida Fire relocatable unit.
Prevention Code, shall be operable from the inside by a
single operation and shall be labeled “EMERGENCY 423.27.13 Time-out rooms.
RESCUE–KEEP AREA CLEAR.”
Time-out rooms are not recommended but, when
423.27.10 Finishes. provided, shall comply with the specific requirements for
time-out rooms found elsewhere in these public
Finishes in relocatable units shall comply with the educational facilities code requirements.
following:
423.27.14 Child care/day care units.
423.27.10.1 Interior walls and ceilings.
Standard classroom units intended to house birth to age
Interior wall and ceiling finishes in classrooms and other 3 children, including Teenage Parent Programs (TAP),
student use spaces shall be Class A or B as defined in shall meet the additional criteria under the title of Child
NFPA 101, Florida edition as adopted by the Florida Fire Care/Day Care/Prekindergarten Facilities for permanent
Prevention Code. Corridor finishes shall be Class A. buildings contained in these public educational facilities
Formaldehyde levels shall not exceed the minimum HUD requirements, as well as the following:
standards for manufactured housing.
423.27.14.1
423.27.10.2 Floors.
All TAP spaces where residential kitchens are provided
Floors shall be covered with resilient material, carpet, or shall have two doors exiting directly to the outside and
other finished product. Carpet in classrooms shall be remotely located from each other. Areas designated for
tested and certified by the manufacturer as passing the children’s sleeping mats, cots or cribs, shall have a
Radiant Panel Test Class II. Carpet in corridors shall be clearly marked exit passageway.
tested and certified by the manufacturer as passing the
Radiant Panel Test Class I.

423.27.15 Illumination required. SECTION 443
SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES
Illumination in classroom units shall be designed to
provide an average maintained 50 footcandles (500 lux) 443.1 Scope.
at desk top.
Florida’s public and private schools, colleges, and
423.27.15.1 Emergency lighting. universities shall comply with all applicable requirements
of the code and the following standards. These are
Each classroom unit shall be equipped with emergency minimum standards; boards or owners may impose
lighting. more restrictive requirements. Additional requirements
for public educational facilities in Florida, including public
423.27.15.2 Exterior lighting. schools and Florida’s colleges, are found in Section 423,
State Requirements for Educational Facilities.
Exterior lighting shall be provided as required elsewhere
in these public educational facilities code requirements. 443.2 Sites.
423.27.15.3 Exit lighting. 443.2.1 Drainage.
Exit lights shall be provided as required by the Florida Soil, grass, and planting beds shall provide positive
Fire Prevention Code adopted by the State Fire Marshal. drainage away from sidewalks, but shall not fall away at
more than a 3-percent gradient slope for a minimum
423.27.16 Air conditioning, heating distance of 5 feet (1524 mm) from the edge.
and ventilation.
Wheelchair-bound individuals can inadvertently drift off a
Relocatable facilities shall meet Florida Building Code sidewalk. The 3 percent slope for 5 feet gives a
requirements. wheelchair-bound individual a fairly flat surface from
which to re-access the sidewalk. Also, a step-down
423.27.17 Technology. between the sidewalk and the adjacent zone should not
be allowed. A step-down presents an obstacle
Relocatables shall contain wiring and computer preventing an individual in a wheelchair from re-
technology appropriate for the programs to be housed. accessing the sidewalk and can also present a tripping
hazard to a disabled person walking with a cane.
423.27.18 Fire safety requirements.
443.2.2 Playgrounds and Equipment.
New relocatables shall be provided with fire alarm
devices meeting the code requirements for permanent Playground and equipment shall be safe, structurally
educational facilities and shall be connected to the sound, verminproof, and shall not have jagged or sharp
facility’s main fire alarm system as required by code. projections. Playground equipment shall be anchored to
suitable foundations to prevent toppling or dislodgement.
423.27.19 Inspection of units during construction. Cushioning materials such as mats, wood chips, or sand
shall be used under climbing equipment, slides, and
Boards shall provide for the inspection of relocatables swings.
during construction, as required by the Florida Building
Code, as authorized by statute. 443.2.3 Outdoor waste containers.
423.27.20 Inspection of units prior to occupancy. A smooth nonabsorbent surface shall be provided for
outdoor waste containers.
Prior to occupancy new relocatables shall be inspected
and approved for compliance to the Florida Building 443.3 Building construction.
Code. New units shall have foundation plans provided
and secured, in the relocatable along with the local fire 443.3.1 Rodent proofing.
inspector report. Certification of such inspection shall
remain on file with the district. Inventory/date of Buildings for Group E occupancies shall be rodent
construction signage shall be affixed to the relocatable. proofed per Appendix F, Rodentproofing.
Where FRTW is used inspection access panels shall be
provided and within easy reach to facilitate inspection for
general condition assessment of FRTW and connectors.
443.3.2 Glare from natural light. 443.3.5.3.2 Access to group toilet rooms.
Sources of natural light in instructional spaces shall be Access to student group toilet rooms shall not be
glazed with glare reducing materials or shall be shielded through an occupied space, storage space, or
to prevent glare that can interfere with seeing task within equipment space.
the instructional space.
443.3.5.4 Shielding device.
443.3.3 Automated external defibrillator.
The entry to each group toilet room shall be provided
Automated external defibrillators shall be provided in with a door, partition, or other shielding device to block
public educational facilities that are a member of the from view the occupants in the toilet room. If a door is
Florida High School Athletic Association. provided, it shall have a closer and shall swing out in the
direction of egress.
443.3.4 Diaper changing stations.
443.3.5.5 Walls.
A diaper changing station shall be located in or adjacent
to any classroom where children wearing diapers are in Walls in toilet rooms shall be impervious to a height of at
attendance. A hand washing lavatory shall be provided least 4 feet (1219 mm) above the floor. Walls in
within the changing station area. Access shall be kitchens, sculleries, can wash areas, and shower rooms
provided to the lavatory without opening doors or shall be impervious to a height of at least 6 feet (1829
touching a handle. mm) above the floor. Toilet and shower partitions shall
be impervious.
443.3.5 Plumbing.
443.3.5.6 Floor drains and hose bibbs.
443.3.5.1 Standards.
All group toilet rooms shall be provided with at least one
Educational and ancillary facilities shall be provided with floor drain and one easily accessible hose bibb. The
toilets, hand washing facilities, and drinking fountains for floor shall be sloped down to the drain.
all occupants, in ratios and accessible as required by the
Florida Building Code, Florida law, and federal 443.3.5.7 Handwashing facilities.
requirements.
443.3.5.7.1
Exception: A single unisex toilet room is allowed
where provided in child care, pre-kindergarten Handwashing facilities shall be located within or
through grade 3 and ESE classrooms. adjoining each toilet room.
443.3.5.2 Teacher toilets. 443.3.5.7.2
Faculty and staff toilets shall be separate from student Soap dispensers for liquid, foam or powdered soap shall
toilets. be provided at all handwashing basins.
Exception: Separation of faculty/staff and student 443.3.5.7.3

toilet facilities is not required for colleges and
universities. Individual towel dispensers or hot-air hand drying
devices shall be provided near handwashing basins.
443.3.5.3 Toilet room access.
443.3.5.8 Showers.
443.3.5.3.1
443.3.5.8.1
Toilet facilities for Pre-K through Grade 12 shall be
accessible under continuous roof cover from all student Shower heads shall be based on the peak load to be
occupied spaces. accommodated at one time and provided at the ratio of
one shower head for each five students, located a
Exception: Relocatable classrooms installed for minimum of 30 inches (762 mm) apart.
temporary use.

conditioning return air system, and the rooms shall be
443.3.5.8.2 kept at moderate temperatures. Chemical storage

cabinets, when vented to the exterior, shall be
Floors shall be drained in such a manner that waste mechanically vented in accordance with NFPA 30 and
water from any shower head will not pass over areas NFPA 91.
occupied by other bathers.
443.3.7 Lighting.
443.3.5.8.3
See Section 423.17.1 Florida Building Code for
Water shall be heated and the temperature at the emergency lighting.
shower head shall not exceed 110°F (43°C) nor be less
than 95°F (35°C). 443.3.7.1 Illumination level in classrooms/
instructional spaces.
443.3.6 Mechanical.
Illumination at the normal task level for the type of
443.3.6.1 Natural ventilation. classroom/instruction space shall be a minimum of forty
(40) foot-candles (400 Lux).
Natural ventilation shall not be provided in toilet rooms,
shower rooms, locker rooms, and storage rooms for The forty (40) foot-candles (400 Lux) is a minimum.
athletic equipment or soiled clothes. DOE recommends fifty (50) foot-candles in classrooms,
fifty to sixty (50 to 60) foot-candles in science labs, thirty
443.3.6.2 Fans and blowers. to forty (30 to 40) in computer labs, and fifty to seventy-
five (50 to 75) in technology labs, depending on the type
Fans and blowers shall be sized and designed to provide of technology.
the required air movement without excessive or
disturbing noise that would interfere with the educational 443.3.7.2 Illumination uniformity in classrooms/
program provided in the space being ventilated. instruction spaces.
443.3.6.3 Kilns. Luminaries shall have a ceiling arrangement or

positioned around the walls such that a uniformed
Kiln rooms and areas shall be provided with adequate illumination level, within ten (10) foot-candles (100 Lux),
exhaust to dispel emitted heat to the exterior, and they is maintained at the students required normal task level
shall not be connected to any other exhaust system. for the type of classroom/instruction space.
443.3.6.4 Chemistry laboratories and science Placement of the luminaries should be such that
classrooms. overlapping reduces shadows and increases task level
illumination.
HVAC systems in chemistry labs and science
classrooms shall be designed and installed to ensure 443.3.7.3 Brightness ratio in classrooms/
that chemicals originating from the space are not re- instructional spaces.
circulated.
The brightness ratio between the student task level and
Exception: A high capacity emergency exhaust the instruction area or areas or visual display location
system providing twenty (20) air changes per hour shall be one (1) to five (5) or less.
may be used in chemistry laboratories and science
classrooms with fume hoods. Positive ventilation 443.3.7.4 Illumination failure of general and
may be provided via doors or windows opening to means of egress luminaries.
the exterior. Signs providing operational instructions
shall be permanently installed at the emergency Illumination systems shall be designed and maintained
exhaust system fan switch and adjacent to the so that the failure of any single lighting unit, such as an
door(s) or window(s) to be opened. electric luminary, does not leave any occupied space or
means of egress in the dark. (See FBC 1006 for
443.3.6.5 Chemistry storage. additional means of egress requirements.)
Rooms used for the storage, handling, and disposal of 443.3.7.5 Glare elimination.
chemicals used in school, college, and university
laboratories shall be vented to the exterior. The Illumination of permanently installed markerboards,
ventilation system shall not be connected to the air- chalkboards, and other instruction aids shall be designed
to eliminate glare and shadows.
Chapter 5
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
SECTION 501
GENERAL 503.1 General.
501.1 Scope. The building height and area shall not exceed the limits
specified in Table 503 based on the type of construction
The provisions of this chapter control the height and area as determined by Section 602 and the occupancies as
of structures hereafter erected and additions to existing determined by Section 302 except as modified hereafter.
structures. Each portion of a building separated by one or more fire
walls complying with Section 706 shall be considered to
SECTION 503 be a separate building.
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHT
AND AREA LIMITATIONS Area separations require a fire wall constructed as
defined in Section 702.1, Florida Building Code.
TABLE 503
a
ALLOWABLE BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS When the square footage of an addition to an existing
Building height limitations shown in feet above grade plane. Story limitations building increases the overall square footage in excess of
shown as stories above grade plane. Building area limitation shown in square
feet, as determined by the definition of “Area, building”, per story. the area limits allowed for the construction type, as set
forth in Table 503, a fire wall shall divide the building into
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION allowable areas.
TYPE
TYPE I TYPE II 503.1.2 Buildings on same lot.
IV
A B A B HT Two or more buildings on the same lot shall be regulated
GROUP as separate buildings or shall be considered as portions
HEIGHT UL 160 65 55 65 of one building if the building height of each building and
the aggregate building area of the buildings are within the
S UL 5 3 2 3
A-1
A UL UL 15,500 8,500 15,000 limitations of Table 503 as modified by Sections 504 and
506. The provisions of this code applicable to the
S UL 11 3 2 3
A-2 aggregate building shall be applicable to each building.
A UL UL 15,500 9,500 15,000
S UL 11 3 2 3
A-3 503.1.5 Group A and E basements.
A UL UL 15,500 9,500 15,000
S UL 11 3 2 3 Group A and E basements used as classrooms or
A-4
A UL UL 15,500 9,500 15,000
assembly rooms shall be counted as a story.
S UL UL UL UL UL
A-5
A UL UL UL UL UL
When the square footage of an addition to an existing
S UL 11 5 3 5 building increases the overall square footage in excess of
B
A UL UL 37,500 23,000 36,000 the area limits allowed for the construction type, as set
S UL 5 3 2 3 forth in Table 503, a fire wall shall divide the building into
E/D
A UL UL 26,500 14,500 25,500 allowable areas.
S UL 11 4 2 4
M
A UL UL 21,500 12,500 20,500
S UL 11 4 2 4 SECTION 504
S-1
A UL 48,000 26,000 17,500 25,500 BUILDING HEIGHT
UL = unlimited, NP – Not permitted
a. See the following section for general exceptions to Table 503:
1. Section 504.2, Allowable building height and story increase due to
504.2 Automatic sprinkler system increase.
automatic sprinkler system installation.
2. Section 506.2, Allowable building area increase due to street Where a building is equipped throughout with an
frontage. approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
3. Section 506.3, Allowable building area increase due to automatic
sprinkler system installation.
Section 903.3.1.1, the value specified in Table 503 for
4. Section 507, Unlimited area buildings. maximum building height is increased by 20 feet (6096
b. For open parking structures, see Section 406.3. mm) and the maximum number of stories is increased by
one. These increases are permitted in addition to the
building area increase in accordance with Sections 506.2
and 506.3. each portion of exterior wall and open space where the
value of W is greater than or equal to 20 feet (6096 mm)
Exceptions: Where the value of W exceeds 30 feet (9144 mm), a

1. NA value of 30 feet (9144 mm) shall be used in calculating
2. Buildings, or potions of buildings classified as a the weighted average, regardless of the actual width of
Group H-1, H-2, H-3 or H-5 occupancy. the open space. Where two or more buildings are on the
same lot, W shall be measured from the exterior face of a
building to the exterior face of an opposing building, as
SECTION 506 applicable.
BUILDING AREA MODIFICATIONS
Exception: The value of W divided by 30 shall be
506.1 General. permitted to be a maximum of 2 when the building
meets all requirements for Section 507 except for
The building areas limited by Table 503 shall be permitted compliance with the 60-foot (18 288 mm) public way
to be increased due to frontage (If) and automatic or yard requirement, as applicable.
sprinkler system protection (Is) in accordance with the
following: 506.2.2 Open space limits.
Aa = {A t + [A t x I f] + [A t x Is]} Such open space shall be either on the same lot or

(Equation 5-1) dedicated for public use and shall be accessed from a
street or approved fire lane.
where:
A a = Allowable building area per story(square feet). 506.3 Automatic sprinkler system increase.
A t = Tabular building area per story in accordance
with Table 503 (square feet). Where a building is equipped throughout with an
I f = Area increase factor due to frontage as approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
calculated in accordance with Section 506.2. Section 903.3.1.1, the building area limitation in Table
I s = Area increase factor due to sprinkler protection 503 is permitted to be increased by an additional 200
as calculated in accordance with Section 506.3. percent (Is =2) for buildings with more than one story
above grade plane and an additional 300 percent (Is =3)
506.2 Frontage increase. for buildings with no more than one story above grade
plane. These increases are permitted in addition to the
Every building shall adjoin or have access to a public way height and story increases in accordance with Section
to receive a building area increase for frontage. Where a 504.2.
building has more than 25 percent of its perimeter on a
public way or open space having a minimum width of 20 Exceptions: The building area limitation increases
feet (6096 mm), the frontage increase shall be shall not be permitted for the following conditions:
determined in accordance with the following:
1. The automatic sprinkler system increase shall not
I f = [F / P - 0.25] W/30 apply to buildings with an occupancy in Group H-
(Equation 5-2) 1.
2. The automatic sprinkler system increase shall not
Where: apply to the building area of our occupancy in
I f = Area increase due to frontage. Group H-2 or H-3. For buildings containing such
F = Building perimeter that fronts on a public way or occupancies, the allowable building area shall be
open space having 20 feet (6096 mm) open determined in accordance with Section 508.4.2,
minimum width (feet). with the sprinkler increase applicable only to the
P = Perimeter of entire building (feet). portions of the building not classified as Group H-
W = Width of public way or open space (feet) in 2 or H-3.
accordance with Section 506.2.1.
506.4 Single occupancy building with more
506.2.1 Width limits. than one story.
The value of W shall be at least 20 feet (6096 mm). The total allowable building area of a single occupancy
Where the value of W varies along the perimeter of the building with more than one story above grade plane shall
building, the calculation performed in accordance with be determined in accordance with this section. The
Equation 5-2 shall be based on the weighted average of actual aggregate building area at all stories in the building
shall not exceed the total allowable building area. above grade plane, the total building area shall be such
Exceptions: A single basement need not be that the aggregate sum of the ratios of the actual area of
included in the total allowable building area, each story divided by the allowable area of such stories
provided such basement does not exceed the area based on the applicable provisions of Section 508.1 shall
permitted for a building with no more than one story not exceed 3.
above grade plane.
506.4.1 Area determination. SECTION 507

UNLIMITED AREA BUILDINGS
The total allowable building area of a single occupancy
building with more than one story above grade plane shall 507.3 Sprinklered, one story.
be determined by multiplying the allowable building area
per story (Aa), as determined in Section 506.1, by the The area of a Group B, F, M or S building no more than
number of stories above grade plane as listed below: one story above grade plane, or a Group A-4 building no
more than one story above grade plane of other than
1. For building with two stories above grade plane, Type V Construction, shall not be limited when the
multiply by 2; building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system
2. For buildings with three or more stories above throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and is
grade plane, multiply by 3; and surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less
3. No story shall exceed the allowable building area than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.
per story (Aa), as determined in Section 506.1, for
the occupancies on the story. Exceptions:
Exceptions: 1. Building and structures of Types I and II

construction for rack storage facilities that do
1. Unlimited area buildings in accordance with not have access by the public shall not be
Section 507. limited in height, provided that such buildings
2. The maximum area of a building equipped conform to the requirements of Section 507.3,
throughout with an automatic sprinkler 903.3.1.1 and Chapter 23 of the Florida Fire
system in accordance with Section Prevention Code.
903.3.1.2 shall be determined by 2. The automatic sprinkler system shall not shall
multiplying the allowable area per story not be required In areas occupied for indoor
(Aa), as determined in Section 506.1, by the participant sports, such as tennis, skating,
number of stories above grade plane. swimming and equestrian activities in
occupancies In Group A-4, provided that:
506.5 Mixed occupancy area determination. 2.1 Exit doors directly to the outside are
provided for occupants of the participant
The total allowable building area for buildings containing sports areas; and
mixed occupancies shall be determined in accordance 2.2 The building is equipped with a fire alarm
with the applicable provisions of this section. A single system with manual fire alarm boxes
basement need not be included in the total allowable installed in accordance with Section 907.
building area, provided such basement does not exceed
the area permitted for a building with no more than one 507.3.1 Mixed occupancy buildings with
story above grade plane. Group A-1 and A-2.
506.5.1 No more than one story above grade plane. Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies of other than Type V
construction shall be permitted within mixed occupancy
For buildings with no more than one story above grade buildings of unlimited area complying with Section 507.3,
plane and containing mixed occupancies, the total provided:
building area shall be determined in accordance with the
applicable provisions of Section 508.1. 1. Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies are separated
from other occupancies as required for
506.5.2 More than one story above grade plane. separated from other occupancies as required
for separated occupancies in Section 508.4.4
For buildings with more than one story above grade plane with no reduction allowed in the fire-resistance
and containing mixed occupancies, each story shall rating of the separation based upon the
individually comply with the applicable requirements of installation of an automatic sprinkler system;
Section 508.1. For building with more than three stories
above grade plane, used as a place of religious worship,
community hall, dance hall, exhibition hall, gymnasium,
2. Each area of the portions of the building used lecture hall, indoor swimming pool or tennis court of Type
for Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies shall not IV construction, shall not be limited when all of the
exceed the maximum allowable area permitted following criteria are met:
for such occupancies In Section 503.1; and
3. All exit doors from Group A-1 and A-2 1. The building shall not have a stage other than a
occupancies shall discharge directly to the platform.
exterior of the building. 2. The building shall be equipped throughout with
an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
507.4 Two story. with Section 903.3.1.1.
3. The assembly floor shall be located at or within
The area of a Group B, F, M, or S building no more than 21 inches (533 mm) of street or grade level and
two stories above grade plane shall not be limited when all exits are provided with ramps complying with
the building is equipped throughout with an automatic Section 1010.1 to the street or grade level.
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 4. The building shall be surrounded and adjoined
and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet
not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width. (18 288 mm) in width.
507.5 Reduced open space. 507.10 Group E buildings.
The public ways or yards of 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width The area of a Group E building no more than one story
required in Section 507.2, 507.3, 507.4, 507.6 and 507.11 above grade plane, of Type II or IV construction, shall not
shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than 40 feet be limited when all the following criteria are met:
(12 192 mm) in width provided all of the following
requirements are met: 1. Each classroom shall have not less than two
means of egress, with one of the means of
1. The reduced width shall not be allowed for egress being a direct exit to the outside of the
more than 75 percent of the perimeter of the building complying with Section 1020.
building. 2. The building is equipped throughout with an
2. The exterior walls facing the reduced width automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
shall have a minimum fire-resistance rating 3 Section 903.3.1.1.
hours. 3. The building is surrounded and adjoined by
3. Openings in the exterior walls facing the public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18
reduced width shall have opening protectives 288 mm) in width.
with a minimum fire protection rating of 3 hours.
If the second exit is to an interior corridor, the interior
507.6 Group A-3 buildings of Type II construction. corridor shall meet requirements for smoke-tight
construction.
The area of a Group A-3 building no more than one story
above grade plane, used as a place of religious worship,
community hall, dance hall, exhibition hall, gymnasium, SECTION 508
lecture hall, indoor swimming pool or tennis court of Type MIXED USE AND OCCUPANCY
II construction, shall not be limited when all of the
following criteria are met: 508.1 General.
1. The building shall not have a stage other than a Each portion of a building shall be individually classified in
platform. accordance with Section 302.1. Where a building
2. The building shall be equipped throughout with contains more than one occupancy group, the building or
an automatic sprinkler system in accordance portion thereof shall comply with the applicable provisions
with Section 903.3.1.1. of Section 508.2, 508.3 or 508.4, or a combination of
3. The building shall be surrounded and adjoined these sections.
by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet
(18 288 mm) in width. Exceptions:
1. Occupancies separated in accordance with
507.7 Group A-3 building of Type IV construction. Section 509.
2. Where required by Table 415.3.2, areas of
The area of a Group A-3 building no more than one story Group H-1, H-2, and H-3 occupancies shall be
located in a separate and detached building or
structure.
3. Uses within live/work units, complying with 508.2.5.1 Fire-resistance-rated separation.

Section 438, are not considered separate
occupancies. Where Table 508.2.5 specifies a fire-resistance-rated
separation, the incidental accessory occupancies shall be
508.2 Accessory occupancies. separated from the remainder of the building by a fire
barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 or a
Accessory occupancies are those occupancies that are horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with
ancillary to the main occupancy of the building or portion Section 712, or both. Construction supporting 1-hour fire-
thereof. Accessory occupancies shall comply with the resistance-rated fire barriers or horizontal assemblies
provisions of Sections 508.2.1 through 508.2.5.3. used for incidental accessory occupancy separations in
buildings of Type IIB construction are not required to be
508.2.1 Area limitations. fire-resistance rated unless required by other sections of
this code.
Aggregate accessory occupancies shall not occupy more
than 10 percent of the building area of the story In which Fire-rated walls shall extend from the floor to the deck
they are located and shall not exceed the tabular values above. If the fire-rated walls stop at the ceiling, verify that
In Table 503, without building area Increases in the ceiling assembly itself is fire-rated for the entire floor
accordance with Section 506 for such accessory level.
occupancies.
508.2.5.2 Nonfire-resistance-rated separation
508.2.2 Occupancy classification. and protection.
Accessory occupancies shall be individually classified in Where Table 508.2.5 permits an automatic fire-
accordance with Section 302.1. The requirements of this extinguishing system without a fire barrier, the incidental
code shall apply to each portion of the building based on accessory occupancies shall be separated from the
the occupancy classifications of that space. remainder of the building by construction capable of
resisting the passage of smoke. The walls shall extend
508.2.3 Allowable building area and height. from the top of the foundation or floor assembly below to
the underside of the ceiling that is component of a fire-
The allowable building area and height of the building resistance-rated floor assembly or roof assembly above
shall be based on the allowable building area and height or to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or
for the main occupancy in accordance with Section 503.1. slab above. Doors shall be self- or automatic-closing
The height of each accessory occupancy shall not exceed upon detection of smoke in accordance with Section
the tabular values In Table 503, without Increases in 715.4.8.3. Doors shall not have air transfer openings and
accordance with Section 504 for such accessory shall not be undercut in excess of the clearance permitted
occupancies. The building area of the accessory in accordance with NFPA 80. Walls surrounding the
occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 508.2.1. incidental accessory occupancy shall not have air transfer
opening unless provided with smoke dampers in
508.2.4 Separation of occupancies. accordance with Section 711.7.
No separation is required between accessory 508.2.5.3 Protection.

occupancies and the main occupancy.
Except as specified in Table 508.2.5 for certain incidental
Exceptions: accessory occupancies, where an automatic fire-
1. Group H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 occupancies shall extinguishing system or an automatic sprinkler system is
be separated from all other occupancies in provided in accordance with Table 508.2.5, only the
accordance with Section 508.2.5 space occupied by the incidental accessory occupancy
2. Incidental accessory occupancies required to be need be equipped with such a system.
separated or protected by Section 508.4.
508.3 Nonseparated occupancies.
508.2.5 Separation of incidental accessory
occupancies. Building or portions of buildings that comply with the
provisions of this section shall be considered as
The Incidental accessory occupancies listed in Table nonseparated occupancies.
508.2.5 shall be separated from the reminder of the
building or equipped with an automatic fire-extinguishing
system, or both, in accordance with table 508.2.5.
508.3.1 Occupancy classification. 508.4.4.1 Construction.
Nonseparated occupancies shall be individually classified Required separation shall be fire barriers constructed in
in accordance with Section 302.1. The requirements of accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies
this code shall apply to each portion of the building based constructed in accordance with section 712, or both, so
on the occupancy classification of that space except that as to completely separate adjacent occupancies.
the most restrictive applicable provisions of Section 403
and Chapter 9 shall apply to the building or portion TABLE 508.2.5
thereof in which the nonseparated occupancies are INCIDENTAL ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES
located. SEPARATION and/or
ROOM OR AREA
PROETECTION
508.3.2 Allowable building area and height. Furnace room where any piece of 1 hour or provide
equipment is over 400,000 BTU per automatic fire-
The allowable building area and height of the building or hour input extinguishing system
portions thereof shall be based on the most restrictive Rooms with any boiler where the 1 hour or provide
allowances for the occupancy groups under consideration largest piece of equipment is over automatic fire-
15 psi and 10 horsepower extinguishing system
for the type of construction of the building in accordance
with Section 503.1. 1 hour or provide
Refrigerant machinery rooms automatic sprinkler
system
508.4 Separated occupancies.
2 hours and
Incinerator rooms automatic sprinkler
Buildings or portions of buildings that comply with the system
provisions of this section shall be considered as 2 hours; or 1 hour
separated occupancies. Paint shops, not classified as Group
and provide
H, located in occupancies other
automatic fire-
than Group F
508.4.1 Occupancy classification. extinguishing system
Laboratories and vocational shops, 1 hour or provide
Separated occupancies shall be individually classified in not classified as Group h, located in automatic fire-
accordance with Section 302.1. Each separated space Group E or I-2 occupancies extinguishing system
shall comply with this code based on the occupancy 1 hour or provide
classification of that portion of the building. Laundry rooms over 100 square feet automatic fire-
extinguishing system
508.4.2 Allowable building area. 1 hour or provide
Waste and linen collection rooms
automatic fire-
over 100 square feet
extinguishing system
In each story, the building area shall be such that the sum
Stationary storage battery systems
of the ratios of the actual building area of each separated having a liquid electrolyte capacity 1 hour in Group B, F,
occupancy divided by the allowable building area of each of more than 50 gallons, or a M, S, and U
separated occupancy shall not exceed 1. lithium-ion capacity of 1,000 pounds occupancies; 2 hours
used for facility standby power, in Group A, E, I
508.4.3 Allowable height. emergency power or uninterrupted occupancies
power supplies
Each separated occupancy shall comply with the building 2 hours; or 1 hour
height limitations based on the type of construction of the and provide
Rooms containing fire pumps in
building in accordance with Section 503.1. automatic sprinkler
nonhigh-rise buildings
system throughout
the building
Exception: Special provisions permitted by Section
For SI:
509. 1 square foot = 0.0929 m, 1 pound per square inch = 6.9 kPa,
1 British thermal unit (BTU) per hour = 0.293 watts,
508.4.4 Separation. 1 horsepower = 746 watts,
1 gallon = 3.785 L.
Individual occupancies shall be separated from adjacent
occupancies in accordance with Table 508.4. The Florida Building Code identifies assembly areas in
Educational occupancies as part of the Educational
occupancy and does not classify them as a mixed or
separate occupancy for the purposes of space
separation, construction type, and fire sprinkler systems.
Section 423.8.1.1 indicates that support spaces such as occupancies shall be met.
Gymnasiums, auditoriums, and cafeterias are classified

media centers, administrative offices, cafeterias and as separate assembly occupancies and shall be
kitchens are not separate or mixed occupancies, but that separated from Educational occupancies in accordance
auditoriums and gymnasiums are separate or mixed with Table 1.1.14.4.1(a), Florida Fire Prevention Code.
occupancies. The Florida Fire Prevention Code and
recent rulings for the State Fire Marshal’s Office identify
assembly spaces with 300 occupants or more as either a
mixed or separate occupancy and the Florida Fire
Prevention Code requirements for mixed and separate
TABLE 508.4
REQUIRED SEPARATION OF OCCUPANCIES (HOURS)
F-2, F-3, S- B, F-1, M, H-3, H-4,
Ad, D, E I-1 R H-1 H-2
2b, U S-1 H-5
Occupancy
S NS S NS S NS S NS S NS S NS S NS S NS
d
A , D, E N N 1 2 1 2 N 1 1 2 NP NP 3 4 2 3a
S-2b, U - - - - - - N N 1 2 NP NP 3 4 2 3a
B, M, S-1 - - - - - - - - N N NP NP 2 3 1 2a
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m²
S = Building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
NS = Building not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
N = No separation requirement.
NP = Not permitted
a. For Group H-5 occupancies, see Section 903.2.5.2
b. The required separation from areas used only for private or pleasure vehicles shall be reduced by 1 hour but to not less than 1 hour.
c. See Section 406.1.1.
d. Commercial kitchens need not be separated from the restaurant seating area that they serve.
e. Separation is not required between occupancies of the same classification.

Chapter 6
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 601 the five construction types defined in Sections 602.2

GENERAL through 602.5. The building elements shall have a fire-
resistance rating not less than that specified in Table
601.1 Scope. 601 and exterior walls shall have a fire-resistance rating
not less than that specified in Table 602. Where
The provisions of this code shall control the classification required to have a fire-resistance rating by Table 601,
of building as to type of construction. building elements shall comply with the applicable
provisions of Section 703.2. The protection of openings,
ducts and air transfer openings in building elements shall
SECTION 602 not be required unless required by other provisions of
CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION this code.
602.1 General. Only construction Types I, II and IV are permitted in the

construction of public educational facilities.
Buildings and structures erected or to be erected, altered
or extended in height or area shall be classified in one of
TABLE 601
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS (hours)
TYPE I TYPE II TYPE III TYPE IV TYPE V
BUILDING ELEMENT
A B A B A B HT A B
Primary structural frameg
3ah 2a 1 0 1 0 HT 1 0
(see Section 202)
Bearing walls
Exteriorf,g 4 3 1 0 2 2 2 1 0
Interior 4a 3a 1 0 1 0 2α/HT 1 0
Nonbearing walls and partitions
See Table 602
Exterior
Nonbearing walls and partitions See Section
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interiore 602.4.6
Floor construction and secondary d d, i
3h 2 1d 0d,i 1 0 HT 1 0
members (see Section 202)
Roof construction and secondary
1½b, h 1b,c 1b,c 0c 1b,c 0 HT 1b,c 0
members (see Section 202)
For SI: 1 foot = 304.7 mm.

a. Fire-resistance rating of primary structural frame and bearing walls are permitted to be reduced by 1-hour where supporting one floor or one roof
only.
b. Except in Group F-1, H, M and S-1 occupancies, fire protection of structural members shall not be required, including protection of roof framing
and decking where every part of the roof construction is 20 feet or more above any floor immediately below. Fire-retardant-treated wood
members shall be allowed to be used for such unprotected members.
c. In all occupancies, heavy timber shall be allowed where a 1-hour or less fire-resistance rating is required.
d. Group B and M in occupancies of Type II construction five stories in height shall be required to have a minimum 2-hour fire-resistance rating for
the floor construction located over the basement.
e. Not less than the fire-resistance rating required by other sections for this code.
f. Not less than the fire-resistance rating based on the fire separation distance (see Table 602).
g. Not less than the fire-resistance rating as references in Section 704.10.
h. For Group A, B, and E occupancies and parking garages, the required fire-resistance rating for the structural frame, floor and roof construction,
including supporting beams and joists, shall be permitted to be reduced by 1-hour where the building is protected throughout with an approved
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with section 903.3.1.1, but the fire-resistance rating shall not be less than 1-hour.
i. For unsprinklered Group E occupancies of Type II-B and IV construction, the floor construction located immediately above usable space in
basements shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1-hour.

602.1.1 Minimum requirements. 602.4 Type IV.
A building or portion thereof shall not be required to Type IV Construction (Heavy Timber, HT) is that type of
conform to the details of a type of construction higher construction in which the exterior walls are of
than that type which meets the minimum requirements noncombustible materials and the interior building
based on occupancy even though certain features of elements are of solid or laminated wood without
such a building actually conform to a higher type of concealed spaces. The details of Type IV construction
construction. shall comply with the provisions of this section.
TABLE 602 Fire-retardant-treated wood is not permitted in public

FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING educational facilities.
REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTERIOR
a, e
WALLS BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE 602.4.6 Partitions.
FIRE
GROUP A,
SPARATION TYPE OF GROUP
B, E, I, S-2, Partitions shall be of solid wood construction formed by
DISTANCE CONSTRUCTION M, S-1 not less than two layers of 1-inch (25 mm) matched
Ub
= x (feet) boards of laminated construction 4 inches (102 mm)
I-A, I-B, IV 3 3 thick, or of 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
X < 5c
others 2 1
I-A, I-B, IV 2 2 In accordance with Section 423.11.7, Florida Building
5 ≤ X < 10
others 1 1
Code, interior non-loaded-bearing wood studs or
I-A, I-B, IV 2 2d partitions shall not be used in permanent educational
10 ≤ X < 20 IIB, 0 0
others 1 1d
and auxiliary facilities or relocatable buildings.
I-A, I-B, IV 1 1d
20 ≤ X < 30
others 0 0 602.4.7 Exterior structural members.
X ≥ 30 ALL 0 0
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. Where a horizontal separation of 20 feet (6096 mm) or
a. Load-bearing exterior walls shall also comply with the fire- more is provided, wood columns and arches conforming
resistance rating requirements of Table 601. to heavy timber sizes shall be permitted to be used
b. For special requirements for Group U occupancies see externally.
Section 406.1.2.
c. See Section 706.1.1 for party walls.
d. Open parking garages complying with Section 406 shall not 602.5 Type V.
be required to have a fire resistance rating.
e. The fire-resistance rating of an exterior wall is determined Type V construction is that type of construction in which
based upon the fire separation distance of the exterior wall
and the story in which the wall is located. the structural elements, exterior walls and interior walls
f. For special requirements for Group H occupancies, see are of any materials permitted by this code.
Section 412.4.1.
Combustible construction is not permitted in public
602.2 Types I and II. educational facilities.
Type I and II construction are those types of construction
in which the building elements listed in Table 601 are of
noncombustible materials, except as permitted in
Section 603 and elsewhere in this code.
602.3 Type III.
Type III Construction is that type of construction in which

the exterior walls are noncombustible materials and the
interior building elements are of any material permitted
by this code. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing
complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within
exterior wall assemblies of a 2-hour rating or less.
Combustible construction is not permitted in public

educational facilities.
Fire-retardant-treated wood is not permitted in public

Chapter 7
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
SECTION 701 TABLE 706.4

GENERAL FIRE WALL FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS
GROUP FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
701.2 Scope. A, B, D, E, 3a
M; S-1 3
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, a. In Type II construction, walls shall be permitted to have a 2-hour
systems and assemblies used for structural fire fire-resistance rating.
resistance and fire-resistance-rated construction
separation of adjacent spaces to safeguard against the 706.5 Horizontal continuity.
spread of fire and smoke within a building and the
spread of fire to or from buildings. Fire walls shall be continuous from exterior wall to
exterior wall and shall extend at least 18 inches (457
mm) beyond the exterior surface of exterior walls.
SECTION 706
FIRE WALLS See the Florida Building Code, Section 706.5 for
exceptions.
706.1 General.
706.5.1 Exterior walls.
Each portion of a building separated by one or more fire
walls that comply with provisions of this section shall be Where the fire wall intersects exterior walls, the fire-
considered a separate building. The extent and location resistance rating and opening protection of the exterior
of such fire walls shall provide a complete separation. walls shall comply with one of the following:
Where a fire wall also separates occupancies that are
required to be separated by a fire barrier wall, the most 1. The exterior walls on both sides of the fire wall
restrictive requirements of each separation shall apply. shall have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating with ¾-
hour protection where opening protection is
706.1.1 Party walls. required by Section 705.8. The fire-resistance
rating of the exterior wall shall extend a
Any wall located on a lot line between adjacent buildings minimum of 4 feet (1220 mm) on each site of the
which is used or adapted for joint service between the intersection of the fire wall to exterior wall.
two buildings, shall be constructed as a fire wall in Exterior wall intersections at fire walls that form
accordance with Section 706, without openings and shall an angle equal to or greater than 180 degrees
create separate buildings. (3.14 rad) do not need exterior wall protection.
2. Buildings or spaces on both sides of the
706.2 Structural stability. intersection fire wall shall assume to have an
imaginary lot line at the fire wall and extending
Fire walls shall have sufficient structural stability under beyond the exterior of the fire wall. The location
fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either of the assumed line in relation to the exterior
side without collapse of the wall for the duration of time walls and the fire walls shall be such that the
indicated by the required fire-resistance rating. exterior wall and opening protection meet the
requirement set forth in Section 705.5 and
706.3 Materials. 705.8. Such protection is not required for
exterior walls terminating at fire walls that form
Fire walls shall be of any approved noncombustible an angle equal to or greater than 180 degrees
materials. (3.14 rad).
706.4 Fire-resistance rating. 706.5.2 Horizontal projecting elements.
Fire walls shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less Fire walls shall extend to the outer edge of horizontal
than required by Table 706.4. projecting elements such as balconies, roof overhangs,
canopies, marquees and similar projections that are
within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall.

See the Florida Building Code, Section 706.5.2, for be allowed provided the penetrations comply with
exceptions. Section 716. The size and aggregate width of all
openings shall not exceed the limitations of Section
706.6 Vertical continuity. 706.8.
Fire walls shall extend from the foundation to a

termination point at least 30 inches (762 mm) above SECTION 707
both adjacent roofs. FIRE BARRIERS
See Florida Building Code, Section 706.6 for exceptions. 707.1 General.
706.6.1 Stepped buildings. Fire barriers installed as required elsewhere in this code
or the Florida Fire Prevention Code, shall comply with
Where a fire wall serves as an exterior wall for a building this section.
and separates buildings having different roof levels, such
wall shall terminate at a point not less than 30 inches Exit passageways and horizontal exits are not permitted
(762 mm) above the lower roof level, provided the in public educational facilities.
exterior wall for a height of 15 feet (4572 mm) above the
lower roof is not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated 707.2 Materials.
construction from both sides with openings protected by
fire assemblies having a fire protection rating of no less Fire barriers shall be of material permitted by the
than 3/4 hour. building type of construction.
See the Florida Building Code, Section 706.6.1, for 707.3 Fire-resistance rating.
exceptions.
The fire-resistance rating of fire barriers shall comply
706.8 Openings. with this section.
Each opening through a fire wall shall be protected in 707.3.1 Shaft enclosures.
accordance with Section 715.4 and shall not exceed 156
2
square feet (15m ). The aggregate width of openings at The fire-resistance rating of the fire barrier separating
any floor level shall not exceed 25 percent of the length building areas from a shaft shall comply with Section
of the wall. 708.4.
Exceptions: 707.3.2 Exit enclosures.

1. Openings are not permitted in party walls
constructed in accordance with Section 706.1.1. The fire-resistance rating of the fire barrier separating
2. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet building areas from an exit shall comply with Section
2
(15 m ) where both buildings are equipped 1022.1.
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. 707.3.6 Incidental accessory occupancies.
706.9 Penetrations. The fire barrier separating incidental accessory

occupancies from other spaces in a building shall have a
Penetrations of fire walls shall comply with Section 713. fire-resistance rating of not less than that indicated in
Table 508.2.5.
706.10 Joints.
707.3.8 Separated occupancies.
Joints made in or between fire walls shall comply with
Section 714. Where the provisions of Section 508.4 are applicable,
the fire barrier separating mixed occupancies shall have
706.11 Ducts and air transfer openings. a fire-resistance rating of not less than that indicated in
Section 508.4 based on the occupancies being
Ducts and air transfer openings shall not penetrate fire separated.
walls.
Educational occupancies shall be separated from other
Exception: Penetrations by ducts and air transfer occupancies, such as auditoriums and gymnasiums, by
openings of fire walls that are not on a lot line shall at least 2-hour fire-rated construction.

707.3.9 Fire areas. Exceptions:
1. The maximum required fire-resistance rating for
The fire barrier or horizontal assembly, or both, assemblies supporting fire barriers separating
separating a single occupancy into different fire areas tank storage as provided for in Section 415.6.2.2
shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that shall be 2 hours, but not less than required by
Indicated In table 707.3.9. Table 601 for the building construction type.
2. Shaft enclosures shall be permitted to terminate
707.5 Continuity. at a top enclosure complying with Section
708.12.
Fire barriers shall extend from the top of the floor/ceiling 3. Supporting construction for 1-hour fire barriers
assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof required by Table 508.2.5 in buildings of Type
sheathing, slab or deck above and shall be securely IIB construction is not required to be fire-
attached thereto. Such fire barriers shall be continuous resistance rated unless required by other
through concealed spaces, such as the space above a sections of this code.
suspended ceiling
All fire-rated partitions shall extend tight to the deck
707.5.1 Supporting construction. above, except in exit access corridor walls, which may
terminate at a ceiling where the ceiling is a complete
The supporting construction for a fire barrier shall be assembly having a 1-hour fire-resistance rating when
protected to afford the required fire-resistance rating of tested as a wall.
the fire barrier supported. Hollow vertical spaces within
a fire barrier shall be fireblocked in accordance with (See Appendix, Corridor Protection.)
Section 717.2 at every floor level.
Figure 707.4
Shaft Enclosure Fire-Resistance Rating

SECTION 708 708.7 Openings.
SHAFT ENCLOSURES
Openings in a shaft enclosure shall be protected in
708.1 General. accordance with Section 715 as required for fire barriers.
Doors shall be self or automatic closing by smoke
The provisions of this section shall apply to shafts detection in accordance with Section 715.4.8.3.
required to protect openings and penetrations through
floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies. Shaft 708.7.1 Prohibited openings.
enclosures shall be constructed as fire barriers in
accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies in Openings other than those necessary for the purpose of
accordance with Section 712, or both. the shaft shall not be permitted in shaft enclosures.
708.3 Materials. 708.8 Penetrations.
The shaft enclosure shall be of materials permitted by Penetrations in a shaft enclosure shall be protected in
the building type of construction. accordance with Section 713 as required for fire barriers.
Only noncombustible construction shall be used in public 708.8.1 Prohibited penetrations.

Penetrations other than those necessary for the purpose
708.4 Fire-resistance rating. of the shaft shall not be permitted in shaft enclosures.
Shaft enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not Section 1022.4, Florida Building Code, allows
less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more penetrations in vertical exit enclosures for ductwork
and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four necessary for independent pressurization.
stories. The number of stories connected by the shaft
enclosure shall include any basements but not any 708.9 Joints.
mezzanines. Shaft enclosures shall have a fire-
resistance rating not less than the floor assembly Joints in a shaft enclosure shall comply with Section
penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours. Shaft 714.
enclosures shall meet requirements of Section 703.2.1.
708.10 Ducts and air transfer openings.
708.5 Continuity.
Penetrations of a shaft enclosure by ducts and air
Shaft enclosures shall be constructed as fire barriers in transfer openings shall comply with Section 716.
accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies
constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both and 708.11 Enclosure at the bottom.
shall have continuity in accordance with Section 707.5
for fire barriers or Section 712.4 for horizontal Shafts that do not extend to the bottom of the building or
assemblies as applicable. structure shall comply with one of the following:
708.6 Exterior walls. 1. They shall be enclosed at the lowest level with
construction of the same fire-resistance rating as
Where exterior walls serve as a part of a required shaft the lowest floor through which the shaft passes,
enclosure, such walls shall comply with the requirements but not less than the rating required for the shaft
of Section 705 for exterior walls and the fire-resistance- enclosure;
rated enclosure requirements shall not apply. 2. They shall terminate in a room having a use
related to the purpose of the shaft. The room
Exception: Exterior walls required to be fire- shall be separated from the remainder of the
resistance rated in accordance with Section 1019.2 building by a fire barrier constructed in
for exterior egress balconies, Section 1022.6 for exit accordance with Section 707 or of horizontal
enclosures and Section 1026.6 for exterior exit assemblies constructed in accordance with
ramps and stairways. Section 712, or both. The fire resistance rating
and opening protective shall be at least equal to
The above exception applies to exterior ramps and the protection required for the shaft enclosure;
stairway protection.

3. They shall be protected by approved fire sq. ft. per person. If the total number of occupants
dampers installed in accordance with their listing exceeds 30, the exit access corridor must have a fire-
at the lowest floor level within the shaft resistance rating of not less than 1-hour, or meet
enclosure. requirements for smoke-tight construction if the building
is fully sprinklered.
Exceptions:
1. The fire-resistance-rated room separation is not 709.2 Materials.
required, provided there are no openings in or
penetrations of the shaft enclosure to the interior The walls shall be of materials permitted by the building
of the building except at the bottom. The bottom type of construction.
of the shaft shall be closed off around the
penetrating items with materials permitted by 709.3 Fire-resistance rating.
Section 717.3.1 for draft stopping, or the room
shall be provided with an approved automatic Fire partitions shall have a fire-resistance rating of not
fire suppression system. less than 1 hour.
2. A shaft enclosure containing a refuse chute or
laundry chute shall not be used for any other Exceptions:
purpose and shall terminate in a room protected 1. Corridor walls permitted to have a 1/2-hour fire-
in accordance with Section 708.13.4. resistance rating by Table 1018.1.
3. The fire-resistance-rated room separation and
the protection at the bottom of the shaft are not 709.4 Continuity.
required provided there are no combustibles in
the shaft and there are no openings or other Fire partitions shall extend from the top of the foundation
penetrations through the shaft enclosure to the or floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the
interior of the building. floor or roof sheathing, slab or deck above or to the fire-
resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly
above, and shall be securely attached thereto. If the
SECTION 709 partitions are not continuous to the sheathing, deck or
FIRE PARTITIONS slab, and where constructed of combustible construction,
the space between the ceiling and the sheathing, deck
709.1 General. or slab above shall be fireblocked or draftstopped in
accordance with Sections 717.2 and 717.3 at the
The following wall assemblies shall comply with this partition line. The supporting construction shall be
section. protected to afford the required fire-resistance rating of
the wall supported, except for walls separating tenant
1. NA spaces, sleeping units and corridor walls in buildings of
2. NA Type IIB construction.
3. NA
4. Corridor walls as required by Section 1018.1. Only noncombustible construction shall be used in public
5. Elevator lobby separation as required by Section educational facilities.
708.14.1
6. Wall separating individual tenant spaces. Exceptions:
1. The wall need not be extended into the crawl
Exceptions: space below where the floor above the crawl
1. In Group B and S occupancies, walls used space has a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance
to separate tenants shall not be required to rating.
have a fire-resistances rating, provided no 2. Where the room-side fire-resistance-rated
area between partitions having a 1-hour membrane of the corridor is carried through to
fire-resistance rating exceeds 3,000 square the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck
2
feet (279 m ) or slab of a fire-resistance-rated floor or roof
above, the ceiling of the corridor shall be
The occupant load for administration areas should not permitted to be protected by the use of ceiling
only be based on 100 gross sq. ft. per person. However, materials as required for a 1-hour fire-
spaces such as conference rooms, career rooms, and resistance-rated floor or roof system.
other similar rooms are considered unconcentrated 3. Where the corridor ceiling is constructed as
Assembly; these occupant loads are based on 15 net required for the corridor walls, the walls shall be
permitted to terminate at the upper membrane of
such ceiling assembly.
4. NA 710.6 Penetrations.
5. NA
6. Fireblocking or draftstopping is not required at Penetrations through smoke barriers shall comply with
the partition line in buildings equipped with an Section 713.
automatic sprinkler system installed throughout
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 710.7 Joints.
903.3.1.2 provided that automatic sprinklers are
installed in combustible floor/ceiling and Joints made in or between smoke barriers shall comply
roof/ceiling spaces. with Section 714.
710.8 Ducts and air transfer openings.

SECTION 710
SMOKE BARRIERS Penetration in a smoke barrier by ducts and air transfer
openings shall comply with Section 716.
710.1 General.
Sections 714 and 716, Florida Building Code, pertain to
Smoke barriers shall comply with this section. the materials and methods of protection of fire-rated
walls from penetrations and openings made by items
710.2 Materials. such as ducts and air transfer openings.
Smoke barriers shall be of materials permitted by the

building type of construction. SECTION 711
SMOKE PARTITIONS
710.3 Fire-resistance rating.
711.1 General.
A 1-hour fire-resistance rating is required for smoke
barriers. Smoke partitions installed as required elsewhere in the
code shall comply with this section.
710.4 Continuity.
711.2 Materials.
Smoke barriers shall form an effective membrane
continuous from outside wall to outside wall and from the The walls shall be of materials permitted by the building
top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to type of construction.
the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab
above, including continuity through concealed spaces, 711.3 Fire-resistance rating.
such as those found above suspended ceiling, and
interstitial structural and mechanical spaces. The Unless required elsewhere in the code, smoke partitions
supporting construction shall be protected to afford the are not required to have a fire-resistance rating.
required fire-resistance rating of the wall or floor
supported in building of other than Type IIB, IIIB or VB 711.4 Continuity.
construction.
Smoke partitions shall extend from the top of the
Only noncombustible construction shall be used in public foundation or floor below to the underside of the floor or
educational facilities. roof sheathing, deck or slab above or to the underside of
the ceiling above where the ceiling membrane is
Exception: Smoke-barrier walls are not required in constructed to limit the transfer of smoke.
interstitial spaces where such spaces are designed
and constructed with ceilings that provide resistance 711.5 Openings.
to the passage of fire and smoke equivalent to that
provided by the smoke barrier walls. Windows shall be sealed to resist the free passage of
smoke or be automatic-closing upon detection of smoke.
710.5 Openings. Doors in smoke partitions shall comply with this section.
Openings in a smoke barrier shall be protected in 711.5.1 Louvers.

accordance with Section 715.
Doors in smoke partitions shall not include louvers.

711.5.2 Smoke and draft control doors. 715.4 Fire door and shutter assemblies.
Where required elsewhere in the code, doors in smoke Approved fire door and fire shutter assemblies shall be
partitions shall meet the requirements for a smoke and constructed of any material or assembly of component
draft control door assembly tested in accordance with UL materials that conforms to the test requirements of
1784. The air leakage rate of the door assembly shall Section 715.4.1, 715.4.2 or 715.4.3 and the fire
not exceed 3.0 cubic feet per minute per square foot protection rating indicated in Table 715.4. Fire door
(0.015424 m³/(s•m²)) of door opening at 0.10 inch (24.9 frames with transom lights, sidelights or both shall be
Pa) of water for the ambient temperature test and permitted in accordance with Section 715.4.5. Fire door
elevated temperature exposure test. Installation of assemblies and shutters shall be installed in accordance
smoke doors shall be in accordance with NFPA 105. with the provisions of this section and NFPA 80.
711.5.3 Self-or automatic-closing doors. Exceptions:

1. Labeled protective assemblies that conform to
Where required elsewhere in the code, doors in smoke the requirements of this section or UL 10A, UL
partitions shall be self-or automatic-closing by smoke 14B and UL 14C for tin-clad fire door
detection in accordance with Section 715.4.8.3. assemblies.
2. Floor fire door assemblies in accordance with
711.6 Penetrations and joints. Section 712.8.
The space around penetrating items and in joints shall 715.4.1 Side-hinged or pivoted swinging doors.
be filled with an approved material to limit the free
passage of smoke. Fire door assemblies with side-hinged and pivoted
swinging doors shall be tested in accordance with NFPA
711.7 Ducts and air transfer openings. 252 or UL 10C. After 5 minutes into the NFPA 252 test,
the neutral pressure level in the furnace shall be
The space around a duct penetrating a smoke partition established at 40 inches (1016 mm) or less above the
shall be filled with an approved material to limit the free sill.
passage of smoke. Air transfer openings in smoke
partitions shall be provided with a smoke damper 715.4.2 Other types of assemblies.
complying with Section 716.3.2.2.
Fire door assemblies with other types of doors, including
Exception: Where the installation of a smoke swinging elevator doors and fire shutter assemblies shall
damper will interfere with the operation of a required be tested in accordance with NFPA 252 or UL 10B. The
smoke control system in accordance with Section pressure in the furnace shall be maintained as nearly
909, approved alternative protection shall be utilized. equal to the atmospheric pressure as possible. Once
established, the pressure shall be maintained during the
entire test period.
SECTION 715
OPENING PROTECTIVES 715.4.3 Door assemblies in corridors and
smoke barriers.
715.1 General.
Fire door assemblies required to have a minimum fire
Opening protectives required by other sections of this protection rating of 20 minutes where located in corridor
code shall comply with the provisions of this section. walls or smoke-barrier walls having a fire-resistance
rating in accordance with Table 715.4 shall be tested in
715.2 Fire-resistance-rated glazing. accordance with NFPA 252 or UL 10C without the hose
stream test.
Fire-resistance-rated glazing tested as part of a fire-
resistance-rated wall assembly in accordance with (See Appendix, Doors and Appendix, Door Fire-Rating
ASTM E119 or UL 263 and labeled in accordance with Label.)
Section 703.5 shall be permitted in fire doors and fire
window assemblies in accordance with their listings and
shall not otherwise be required to comply with this
section.

715.4.4 Doors in exit enclosures and exit See Section 423.13.7, Florida Building Code, for
passageways. required locations of safety glazing.
Fire door assemblies in exit enclosures and exit 715.4.8 Door closing.
passageways shall have a maximum transmitted
temperature end point of not more than 450°F (250°C) Fire doors shall be self-or automatic closing in
above ambient at the end of 30 minutes of standard fire accordance with this section.
test exposure.
715.4.8.1 Latch required.
Exception: The maximum transmitted temperature
rise is not limited in buildings equipped throughout Unless otherwise specifically permitted, single fire doors
with an automatic sprinkler system installed in and both leaves of pairs of side-hinged swinging fire
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. doors shall be provided with an active latch bolt that will
secure the door when it is closed.
Exit passageways are not permitted in public educational
facilities. 715.4.8.2 Automatic-closing fire door assemblies.
715.4.4.1 Glazing in doors. Automatic-closing fire door assemblies shall be self-

closing in accordance with NFPA 80.
Fire-protection-rated glazing in excess of 100 square
2
inches (0.065 m ) shall be permitted in fire door 715.4.8.3 Smoke-activated doors.
assemblies when tested as components of the door
assemblies and not as glass lights, and shall have a Automatic-closing doors installed in the following
maximum transmitted temperature rise of 450°F (250°C) locations shall be automatic closing by the actuation of
in accordance with Section 715.4.4. smoke detectors installed in accordance with Section
907.3 or by loss of power to the smoke detector or hold-
Exception: The maximum transmitted temperature open device. Doors that are automatic-closing by smoke
end point is not required in buildings equipped detection shall not have more than a 10-second delay
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system before the door starts to close after the smoke detector
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or is actuated:
903.3.1.2.
1. Doors installed across a corridor.
715.4.6 Labeled protective assemblies. 2. Doors that protect openings in exits or corridors
required to be of fire-resistance-rated
Fire door assemblies shall be labeled by an approved construction.
agency. The labels shall comply with NFPA 80, and shall 3. Doors that protect openings in walls that are
be permanently affixed to the door or frame. capable of resisting the passage of smoke in
accordance with Section 508.2.5.2.
715.4.7.2 Exit and elevator protectives. 4. Doors installed in smoke barriers in accordance
with Section 710.5.
Approved fire-protection-rated glazing used in fire door 5. Doors installed in fire partitions in accordance
assemblies in elevator and exit enclosures shall be so with Section 709.6.
located as to furnish clear vision of the passageway or 6. Doors installed in a fire wall in accordance with
approach to the elevator ramp or stairway. Section 706.8.
7. Doors installed in shaft enclosures in
715.4.7.3 Labeling. accordance with Section 708.7
8. Doors installed in refuse and laundry chutes and
Fire-protection-rated glazing shall bear a label or other access and termination rooms in accordance
identification showing the name of the manufacturer, the with Section 708.13.
test standard and information required in Section 9. Doors installed in the walls for compartmentation
715.5.9.1 that shall be issued by an approved agency of underground buildings in accordance with
and shall be permanently affixed to the glazing. Section 405.4.2.
10. Doors installed in the elevator lobby walls of
715.4.7.4 Safety glazing. underground buildings in accordance with
Section 405.4.3.
Fire-protection-rated glazing installed in fire doors in 11. Doors installed in smoke partitions in
areas subject to human impact in hazardous locations accordance with Section 711.5.3.
shall comply with Chapter 24.

715.5 Fire-protection-rated glazing. set forth in Sections 707.3.6 and 707.3.8 where the fire-
resistance rating does not exceed 1 hour.
Glazing in fire window assemblies shall be fire-
protection-rated in accordance with this section and 715.5.8.2 Area limitations.
Table 715.5. Glazing in fire door assemblies shall
comply with Section 715.4.7. Fire-protection-rated The total area of windows shall not exceed 25 percent of
glazing shall be tested in accordance with and shall the area of a common wall with any room.
meet the acceptance criteria of NFPA 257 or UL 9. Fire-
protection-rated glazing shall also comply with NFPA 80. The 25 percent includes the area of the wall within the
Openings in nonfire-resistance-rated exterior wall corridor from the floor to the ceiling. The area does not
assemblies that require protection in accordance with include the space above the ceiling.
Section 705.3, 705.8, 705.8.5 or 705.8.6 shall have a
fire-protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. (See Appendix, Safety and Fire-Rated Glazing.)
Exceptions: 715.5.9 Labeling requirements.

1. NA
2. Fire-protection-rated glazing in 0.5-hour fire- Fire-protection-rated glazing shall bear a label or other
resistance-rated partitions is permitted to have identification showing the name of the manufacturer, the
an 0.33-hour fire-protection rating. test standard and information required in Section
715.5.9.1 that shall be issued by an approved agency
715.5.5 Nonwired glass. and shall be permanently affixed to the glazing.
Glazing other than wired glass in fire window assemblies

shall be fire-protection-rated glazing installed in SECTION 719
accordance with and complying with the size limitations THERMAL-AND SOUND-INSULATING MATERIALS
set forth in NFPA 80.
719.1 General.
Wire glass shall meet CPSC 16 CFR 1201 requirements.
Insulating materials, including facings such as vapor
715.5.6 Installation. retarders and vapor-permeable membranes, similar
coverings, and all layers of single and multilayer
Fire-protection-rated glazing shall be in the fixed position reflective foil insulations, shall comply with the
or be automatic-closing and shall be installed in requirements of this section. Where a flame spread
approved frames. index or a smoke-developed index is specified in this
section, such index shall be determined in accordance
715.5.7 Window mullions. with ASTM E 84 or UL 723. Any material that is subject
to an increase in flame spread index or smoke-
Metal mullions that exceed a nominal height of 12 feet developed index beyond the limits herein established
(3658 mm) shall be protected with materials to afford the through the effects of age, moisture, or other
same fire-resistance rating as required for the wall atmospheric conditions shall not be permitted.
construction in which the protective is located.
Exceptions:
715.5.8 Interior fire window assemblies. 1. Fiberboard insulation shall comply with Chapter
23.
Fire-protection-rated glazing used in fire window 2. Foam plastic insulation shall comply with
assemblies located in fire partitions and fire barriers shall Chapter 26.
be limited to use in assemblies with a maximum fire- 3. Duct and pipe insulation and duct and pipe
resistance rating of 1 hour in accordance with this coverings and linings in plenums shall comply
section. with the Florida Building Code, Mechanical.
715.5.8.1 Where ¾-hour fire protection window 719.2 Concealed installation.

assemblies permitted.
Insulating materials, where concealed as installed in
Fire-protection-rated glazing required 45-minute opening buildings of any type of construction, shall have a flame
protection in accordance with Table 715.5 shall be spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-
limited to fire partitions designed in accordance with developed index of not more than 450.
Section 709 and fire barriers utilized in the applications

Exception: Cellulose loose-fill insulation that is not SECTION 721
spray applied, complying with the requirements of CALCULATED FIRE RESISTANCE
Section 719.6, shall only be required to meet the
smoke-developed index of not more than 450. 721.1 General.
See Section 423.12.2, Florida Building Code, for The provisions of this section contain procedures by
additional requirements. which the fire resistance of specific materials or
combinations of materials is established by calculations.
719.3 Exposed insulation These procedures apply only to the information
contained in this section and shall not be otherwise
Insulating materials, where exposed as installed in used. The calculated fire resistance of concrete,
buildings of any type of construction, shall have a flame concrete masonry, and clay masonry assemblies shall
spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke- be permitted in accordance with ACI 216.1/TMS 0216.
developed index of not more than 450. The calculated fire resistance of steel assemblies shall
be permitted in accordance with Chapter 5 of ASCE 29.
Exception: Cellulose-fill insulation that is not spray
applied complying with the requirements of Section The code allows both a prescriptive and calculated
719.6 shall only be required to meet the smoke- method for figuring assembly fire ratings. See Sections
developed index of not more than 450. 720 and 721, Florida Building Code, for specific
requirements.
See Section 423.12.2, Florida Building Code, for
additional requirements.
Glass fiber batt insulation placed above the ceiling

requires a flame-spread rating of not more than 25 and a
smoke-developed rating of not more than 450.
SECTION 720
PRESCRIPTIVE FIRE RESISTANCE
720.1 General.
The provisions of this section contain prescriptive details

of fire-resistance-rated building elements components or
assemblies. The materials of construction listed in
Tables 720.1(1), 720.1(2), and 720.1(3) shall be
assumed to have the fire-resistance ratings prescribed
therein. Where materials that change the capacity for
heat dissipation are incorporated into a fire-resistance-
rated assembly, fire test results or other substantiating
data shall be made available to the building official to
show that the required fire-resistance-rating time period
is not reduced.
See commentary under Section 721.

Chapter 8
INTERIOR FINISHES
SECTION 801 801.3 Interior floor finish.

GENERAL
The provisions of Section 804 shall limit the allowable
801.1 Scope. fire performance of interior floor finish materials based
on occupancy classification.
Provisions of this chapter shall govern the use of
materials used as interior finishes, trim and decorative 801.4 Decorative materials and trim
materials.
Decorative materials and trim shall be restricted by
See Section 423, Florida Building Code, for interior finish combustibility and the flame propagation performance
requirements in educational facilities. criteria of NFPA 701, in accordance with Section 806.
801.2 Interior wall and ceiling finish.
The provisions of Section 803 shall limit the allowable

fire performance and smoke development of interior wall
and ceiling finish materials based on occupancy
classification.
TABLE 803.9
INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH REQUIREMENTS BY OCCUPANCY *
SPRINKLERED NONSPRINKLERED
GROUP Exit Room and enclosed Exit Room and enclosed
Corridors Corridors
enclosures a,b spaces c enclosures a,b spaces c
A-1 & A-2 B B C A Ad Be
A-3, A-4 & A-5 B B C A Ad C
B, E, M B C C A B C
S C C C B B C
For SI: 1 inch - 25.4mm, 1 square foot - 0.0929m²

a. Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted for wainscoting or paneling of not more than 1,000 square feet of applied surface area in the grade
lobby where applied directly to enclose noncombustible base or over furring strips applied to a noncombustible base and fireblocked as required by Section
803.11.1.
b. In exit enclosures of buildings less than three stories above grade plane in other than Group I-3, Class B interior finish for nonsprinklered building and
Class C interior finish for sprinklered building shall be permitted.
c. Requirements for room and enclosed spaces shall be based upon spaces enclosed by partitions. Where a fire-resistance rating is required for structural
elements, the enclosed partitions shall extend from the floor to the ceiling. Partitions that do not comply with this shall be considered enclosed spaces and
the rooms or spaces on both sides shall be considered one. In determining the applicable requirements for rooms and enclosed spaces, the specific
occupancy thereof shall be the governing factor regardless of the group classification of the building or structure.
d. Lobby areas in Group A-1, A-2 and A-3 occupancies shall not be less than Class B materials.
e. Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted in place of assembly with an occupant load of 300 persons or less.
f. For places of religious worship, wood used for ornamental purposes, trusses, paneling or chancel furnishing shall be permitted.
g. Class B material is required where the building exceeds two stories.
h. Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted in administrative spaces.
i. Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted in rooms with a capacity of four persons or less.
j. Class B materials shall be permitted as wainscoting extending not more than 48 inches above the finished floor in corridors
k. Finish materials as provided for in other sections of this code.
l. Applies when the exit enclosures, exit passageways, corridors or rooms and enclosed spaces are protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
Exit passageways are not allowed in educational facilities.

SECTION 803
WALL AND CEILING FINISHES
803.1 General.
Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be

classified for fire performance and smoke development
in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2, except as
shown in Sections 803.2 through 803.13. Materials
tested in accordance with Section 803.1.2 shall not be
required to be tested in accordance with Section
803.1.1.
803.1.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials.
Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be

classified in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723.
Such interior finish materials shall be grouped in the
following classes in accordance with their flame spread
and smoke-developed indexes.
Class A: Flame spread index 0-25; smoke-

developed index 0-450.
Class B: Flame spread index 26-75; smoke-
developed index 0-450
Class C: Flame spread index 76-200; smoke-
developed index 0-450.
803.9 Interior finish requirements based on group.
Interior wall and ceiling finish shall have a flame spread

index not greater than that specified in Table 803.9 for
the group and location designated. Interior wall and
ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA
286 and meeting the acceptance criteria of Section
803.1.2.1 shall be permitted to be used where a Class A
classification in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723
is required.

Chapter 9
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
SECTION 901 [F] 903.2.1.3 Group A-3.

GENERAL
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for
901.1 Scope. Group A-3 occupancies where one of the following
conditions exists:
The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire
protection systems are required and shall apply to the 1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet
2
design, installation and operation of fire protection (1115m );
systems, and carbon monoxide detection alarms. 2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or
more; or
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the
SECTION 903 level of exit discharge, serving such
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS occupancies.
[F] 903.1 General. [F] 903.2.1.4 Group A-4.
Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for
section. Group A-4 occupancies where one of the following
conditions exists:
[F] 903.2 Where required.
1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115
2
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings m;
and structures shall be provided in the locations 2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or
described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12. more; or
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the
[F] 903.2.1 Group A. level of exit discharge, serving such
occupancies.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided
throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group [F] 903.2.3 Group E.
A occupancies as provided in this section. For Group A-
1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for
system shall be provided throughout the floor area Group E occupancies as follows:
where the Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancy is
located, and in all floors from the Group A occupancy, to 1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than
2
and including, the nearest level of exit discharge serving 12,000 square feet (1115 m ) in area.
the Group A occupancy. For Group A-5 occupancies, 2. Throughout every portion of educational
the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in the buildings below the lowest level of exit
spaces indicated in Section 903.2.1.5 discharge, serving that portion of the building.
[F] 903.2.1.1 Group A-1. Buildings housing classrooms under 12,000 square feet
with fire-rated separation walls and independent exiting
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for directly to the exterior are not required to be sprinklered.
Group A-1 occupancies where one of the following
conditions exists: Exception: An automatic fire sprinkler system is not
1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet required in existing educational buildings unless 50
2
(1115m ); percent of the aggregate area of the building is
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or being remodeled.
more;
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the When 50 percent or more of the aggregate area of an
level of exit discharge, serving such existing educational facility is being remodeled, and the
occupancies; or facility’s fire areas are greater than 12,000 square feet,
4. The fire area contains a multitheater complex. an automatic sprinkler system is required.

[F] 903.2.7 Group M. protection shall be in accordance with the Florida Fire
Prevention Code.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided
throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy [F] 905.2 Installation standard.
where one of the following conditions exists:
Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with
1. A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet this section and NFPA 14.
2
(1115 m ).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three [F] 905.3 Required installations.
stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on Standpipe systems shall be installed where required by
all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds Sections 905.3.1 through 905.3.7 and in the locations
2
24,000 square feet (2230 m ). indicated in Sections 905.4, 905.5 and 905.6. Standpipe
4. A Group M occupancy is used for the display systems are allowed to be combined with automatic
and sale of upholstered furniture. sprinkler systems.
[F] 903.2.9 Group S-1. [F] 905.3.4 Stages.

2
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided Stages greater than 1,000 square feet in area (93 m )
throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 shall be equipped with a Class III wet standpipe system
occupancy where one of the following conditions exists: with 1 ½ -inch and 2 ½ - inch (38 mm and 64 mm) hose
connections on each side of the stage.
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square
2
feet (1115 m ); Exception: Where the building or area is equipped
2. NA throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, a
3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas 1½-inch (38 mm) hose connection shall be installed
on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds in accordance with NFPA 13 or in accordance with
24,000 square feet (2230 m²). NFPA 14 for Class II or III standpipes.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of
commercial trucks or buses where the fire area (See Appendix, Legitimate Stage.)
exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m²).
905.3.4.1 Hose and cabinet.
[F] 903.2.11.6 Other required suppression systems.
The 1½-inch (38 mm) hose connections shall be
In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, the equipped with sufficient lengths of 1½-inch (38 mm)
provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.6 also require the hose to provide fire protection for the stage area. Hose
installation of a fire suppression system for certain connections shall be equipped with an approved
buildings and areas. adjustable fog nozzle and be mounted in a cabinet or on
a rack.
Stages with an area over 1,000 square feet require an
automatic sprinkler system.
SECTION 907
(See Appendix, Legitimate Stage.) FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS
(F) 907.1 General.

SECTION 905
STANDPIPE SYSTEMS This section covers the application, installation,
performance and maintenance of fire alarm systems and
905.1 General. their components.
Standpipe systems shall be provided in all new buildings [F] 907.2 Where required new buildings
and structures in accordance with this section. Fire hose and structures.
threads used in connection with standpipe systems shall
be approved and shall be compatible with fire An approved fire alarm system installed in accordance
department hose threads. The location of the fire with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 shall be
department hose connections shall be approved. In provided in new buildings and structures in accordance
buildings used for high piled combustible storage, fire with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 and provide
occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.5,

unless other requirements are provided by another 907.2.2 Group B.
section of this code. A minimum of one manual fire
alarm box shall be provided in an approved location to A manual fire alarm system in accordance with Section
initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems 907 shall be provided in all business occupancies where
employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow any one of the following conditions exists:
detection devices. Where other sections of this code
allow elimination of fire alarm boxes due to sprinklers, a 1. The building is two or more stories in height
single fire alarm box shall be installed. above the level of exit dischange.
2. The occupancy is subject to 50 or more
Exceptions: occupants above or below the level of exit
1. The manual fire alarm box is not required for dischange.
fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator 3. The occupancy is subject to 300 or more total
recall control and supervisory services. occupants.
Alarms for warning devices must meet Section 11-4.28 Exceptions: Manual fire alarm boxes are not
Alarms, Florida Building Code. required where the building is equipped throughout
with an automatic sprinkler system installed in
See [F] 907.2.3, Group E Exceptions for further accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant
restrictions on a single pull station. notification appliances will activate throughout the
notification zones upon sprinkler waterflow.
[F] 907.2.1 Group A.
[F] 907.2.3 Group E.
A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant
notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant
shall be installed in Group A occupancies having an notification system in accordance with Section 907.5
occupancy load of 300 or more. Portions of Group E shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When
occupancies occupied for assembly purposes shall be automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are
provided with a fire alarm system as required for the installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected
Group E occupancy. to the building fire alarm system.
Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not Exceptions:

required where the building is equipped throughout 1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in
with an automatic sprinkler system installed in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant less than 50.
notification appliances will activate throughout the 2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in
notification zones upon sprinkler waterfl ow. Group E where all of the following apply:
2.1. Interior corridors are protected by
This exception does not apply to educational facilities. smoke detectors.
See Sections 9.6.2.1 and 14.3.4.2.2, Florida Fire 2.2. Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums
Prevention Code. and similar areas are protected by heat
detectors or other approved detection
[F] 907.2.1.1 System initiation in Group A devices.
occupancies with an occupant load 2.3. Shops and laboratories involving dusts
of 1,000 or more. or vapors are protected by heat
detectors or other approved detection
Activation of the fire alarm in Group A occupancies with devices.
an occupant load of 1,000 or more shall initiate a signal 2.4. The capability to activate the evacuation
using an emergency voice/alarm communications signal from a central point is provided.
system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. 2.5. In buildings where normally occupied
spaces are provided with a two-way
Exception: Where approved, the prerecorded communication system between such
announcement is allowed to be manually spaces and a constantly attended
deactivated for a period of time, not to exceed 3 receiving station from where a general
minutes, for the sole purpose of allowing a live voice evacuation alarm can be sounded,
announcement from an approved, constantly except in locations specifically
attended location. designated by the fire code official.

When following these exceptions, carefully read Section
14.3.4.2 and all subsections and Section 15.3.4.2 and all
subsections of the 2010 Florida Fire Prevention Code.
Please note that Exception 2.5 does not apply to new
facilities. Also, note that if an off-site monitoring service
is not used, the central point capability to activate the
evacuation system, or Exception 2.4, shall be manned at
all times unless the five alarm system is simultaneously
capable of automatically providing the evacuation signal
and notifying the fire department. All exceptions must be
met collectively.
[F] 907.4.2 Manual fire alarm boxes.
Where a manual fire alarm system is required by another

section of this code, it shall be activated by fire alarm
boxes installed in accordance with Sections 907.4.2.1
through 907.4.2.5.
[F] 907.4.2.1 Location.
Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located not more than 5

feet (1524 mm) from the entrance to each exit.
Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so
that travel distance to the nearest box does not exceed
200 feet (60 960 mm).
[F] 907.4.2.2 Height.
The height of the manual fire alarm boxes shall be a

minimum of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of 48
inches (1219 mm), measured vertically, from the floor
level to the activating handle or lever of the box.

Chapter 10
MEANS OF EGRESS
SECTION 1001 walks, corridors, aisles and passageways. Not more

ADMINISTRATION than 50 percent of the ceiling area of a means of egress
shall be reduced in height by protruding objects.
1001.1 General.
Exception: Door closers and stops shall not reduce
Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a headroom to less than 78 inches (1981 mm).
means of egress system as required by this chapter. The
provisions of this chapter shall control the design, A barrier shall be provided where the vertical clearance
construction and arrangement of means of egress is less than 80 inches (2032 mm) high. The leading edge
components required to provide an approved means of of such a barrier shall be located 27 inches (686 mm)
egress from structures and portions thereof. maximum above the floor.
1003.5 Elevation change.

SECTION 1003
GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS Where changes in elevation of less than 12 inches (305
mm) exist in the means of egress, sloped surfaces shall
1003.1 Applicability. be used. Where the slope is greater than one unit
vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), ramps
The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 complying with Section 1010 shall be used. Where the
through 1013 shall apply to all three elements of the difference in elevation is 6 inches (152 mm) or less, the
means of egress system, in addition to those specific ramp shall be equipped with either handrails or floor
requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit finish materials that contrast with adjacent floor finish
discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter. materials.
1003.2 Ceiling height. Exceptions:

1. A single step with a maximum riser height of
The means of egress shall have a ceiling height of not 7 inches (178 mm) is permitted for buildings
less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm). with occupancies in Group S at exterior
doors not required to be accessible by
Exceptions: Chapter 11.
1. Sloped ceilings in accordance with Section 2. A stair with a single riser or with two risers
1208.2. and a tread is permitted at locations not
2. NA required to be accessible by Chapter 11,
3. Allowable projections in accordance with Section provided that the risers and treads comply
1003.3. with Section 1009.4, the minimum depth of
4. Stair headroom in accordance with Section the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and at least
1009.2. one hand-rail complying with Section 1012 is
5. Door height in accordance with Section provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of the
1008.1.1. centerline of the normal path of egress travel
on the stair.
(See Appendix, Doors.) 3. A step is permitted in aisles serving seating
that has a difference in elevation less than
1003.3 Protruding objects. 12 inches (305 mm) at locations not required
to be accessible by Chapter 11, provided
Protruding objects shall comply with the requirements of that the risers and tread comply with Section
Sections 1003.3.1 through 1003.3.4. 1028.11 and the aisle is provided with a
hand-rail complying with Section 1028.13.
1003.3.1 Headroom.
Protruding objects are permitted to extend below the

minimum ceiling height required by Section 1003.2
provided a minimum headroom of 80 inches (2032
mm)shall be provided for any walking surface, including

SECTION 1004 occupancy as set for the in table 1004.1.1. Where an
OCCUPANT LOAD intended use is not listed in Table 1004.1.1, the building
official shall establish a use based on a listed use that
1004.1 Design occupant load. most nearly resembles the intended use.
In determining means of egress requirements, the (See Appendix, Minimum Occupant Loads.)
number of occupants for whom means of egress
facilities shall be provided shall be determined in See Section 423, Florida Building Code, for additional
accordance with this section. Where occupants from requirements on occupant load that may be more
accessory areas egress through a primary space, the restrictive.
calculated occupant load for the primary space shall
included the total occupant load of the primary space 1004.2 Increased occupant load.
plus the number of occupants egressing through it from
the accessory area. The occupant load permitted in any building, or portion
thereof, is permitted to be increased from that number
established for the occupancies in Table 1004.1.1 provided
TABLE 1004.1.1 that all other requirements of the code are also met based
MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA ALLOWANCES PER OCCUPANT on such modified number and the occupant load does not
FLOOR AREA 2
exceed one occupant per 7 square feet (0.65 m ) of
IN SQ. FT. occupiable floor space. Where required by the building
FUNCTION OF SPACE
PER official, an approved aisle, seating or fixed equipment
OCCUPANT
diagram substantiating any increase in occupant load shall
Accessory storage areas, mechanical
300 gross be submitted. Where required by the building official, such
equipment room
diagram shall be posted.
See Section
Assembly with fixed seats
1004.7
1004.3 Posting of occupant load.
Assembly without fixed seats
Concentrated (chairs only-not fixed) 7 net
Standing space 5 net Every room or space that is an assembly occupancy
Unconcentrated (tables and chairs) 15 net shall have the occupant load of the room or space
Business areas 100 gross posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit
Day Care 20 net access doorway from the room or space. Posted signs
Dormitories 50 gross shall be of an approved legible permanent design and
Educational shall be maintained by the owner or authorized agent.
Classroom area 20 net
Shops and other vocational room areas 50 net This section addresses the location of occupant load
Kitchens, commercial 200 gross signs in rooms or spaces used for assembly. The intent
Library of the Florida Building Code is not to specify the exact
Reading rooms 50 net location for these signs and only requires that they
Stack area 100 gross should be located to be easily visible. However, Section
Locker rooms 50 gross 423, Florida Building Code, does specify the location of
Mercantile such signs in public educational facilities. See Section
Areas on other floors 60 gross 423.14.2.2 and Figure 423.14.2.2, Florida Building Code,
Basement and grade floor areas 30 gross Building, for these additional requirements.
Stages and platforms 15 net
Warehouses 500 gross
SECTION 1005
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929m²
EGRESS WIDTH
See 423.18.1 for occupant load for dressing rooms and 1005.1 Minimum required egress width.
gymnasiums.
The means of egress width shall not be less than required
1004.1.1 Areas without fixed seating.
by this section. The total width of means of egress in inches
(mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served
The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate
by the means of egress multiplied by 0.3 inch (7.62 mm)
of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table
per occupant for stairways and by 0.2 inch (5.08 mm) per
1004.1.1. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant
occupant for other egress components. The width shall not
load shall not be less than that number determined by
be less than specified elsewhere in this code. Multiple
dividing the floor area under consideration by the
means of egress shall be sized such that the loss of any
occupant per unit of area factor assigned to the

one means of egress shall not reduce the available TABLE 1006
capacity to less than 50 percent of the required capacity. EMERGENCY LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS
The maximum capacity required from any story of a OCCUPANCY CONDITIONS EXCEPTIONS
building shall be maintained to the termination of the For interior stairs
Exempted from
means of egress. and corridors,
administrative
normally occupied
areas, general
spaces, flexible and
(See Appendix, Exit and Means of Egress Width.) Educational classrooms,
open-plan areas,
mechanical
interior or
SECTION 1006 rooms and
windowless portions
MEANS OF EGRESS ILLUMINATION storage rooms.
shops and labs.
>1 story > 3000 sq ft
1006.1 Means of egress illumination. Mercantile None
gross sales area.
> 2 stories above
1006.1.1 LED or ≥ 50 people
Business None
above or below LED
Illumination of means of egress shall be provided in or ≥ 300 people total
accordance with this section for every building and When
structure. For the purposes of this requirement, exit approved by
access shall include only designed stairs, aisles, the building
official, special
corridors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading
purpose
to an exit. For the purpose of this requirement, exit Storage None
without routine
discharge shall include only designed stairs, aisles, occupancy or
corridors, ramps, escalators, walkways and exit day light
passageways leading to a public way. operations
with windows.
Exit passageways and horizontal exits are not permitted For interior stairs
Exempted from
in public educational facilities. and corridors,
administrative
normally occupied
areas, general
See also Section 423.17.1, Florida Building Code, for Day Care spaces, flexible and
classrooms,
Centers open plan areas,
additional requirements for educational occupancy mechanical
interior or
emergency lighting. windowless portions,
rooms and
storage rooms.
shops and labs.
1006.2 Emergency lighting and standby power
In accordance with Section 423.17.1, Florida Building
1006.2.1 Code, emergency lighting is required in all student-
occupied areas including general classroom,
Emergency lighting facilities for means of egress shall be administration areas, and group toilets.
provided in accordance with this section for the
following: 1006.3 Exit signs.
1. Every building or structure where required in 1006.3.1
Table 1006
2. Windowless and underground structures Exits shall be marked by an approved sign readily visible
3. High-rise structures. from any direction of exit access. Every exit sign shall
be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source.
Externally and internally illuminated signs shall be visible
in both normal and emergency lighting.

SECTION 1008 required exit width of corridors. See Section 423.13.2 for
DOORS, GATES AND TURNSTILES more information regarding doors in educational
facilities.
1008.1 Doors.
(See Appendix, Doors.)
Means of egress doors shall meet the requirements of
this section. Doors serving a means of egress system
shall meet the requirements of this section and Section
1020.2. Doors provided for egress purposes in numbers
greater than required by this code shall meet the
requirements of this section. For accessibility provisions
related to doors, refer to the Florida Building Code,
Accessibility.
Means of egress doors shall be readily distinguishable

from the adjacent construction and finishes such that the
doors are easily recognizable as doors. Mirrors or similar
reflecting materials shall not be used on means of
egress doors. Means of egress doors shall not be
concealed by curtains, drapes, decorations or similar
materials. 1008.1.4.4 Access-controlled egress doors.
(See Appendix, Exit and Means of Egress Width.) The entrance doors in a means of egress in buildings
with an occupancy in Group A, B, D, E, M, and entrance
1008.1.1 Size of doors. doors to tenant spaces in occupancies in Groups A, B,
D, E, and M are permitted to be equipped with an
The minimum width of each door opening shall be approved entrance and egress access control system
sufficient for the occupant load thereof and shall provide which shall be installed in accordance with all of the
a clear width of 32 inches (813 mm). Clear openings of following criteria:
doorways with swinging doors shall be measured
between the face of the door and the stop, with the door 1. A sensor shall be provided on the egress side
open 90 degrees (1.57 rad). Where this section requires arranged to detect an occupant approaching the
a minimum clear width of 32 inches (813 mm) and a doors. The doors shall be arranged to unlock by
door opening includes two door leaves without a mullion, a signal from or loss of power to the sensor.
one leaf shall provide a clear opening width of 32 inches 2. Loss of power to that part of the access control
(813 mm). The maximum width of a swinging door leaf system which locks the doors shall automatically
shall be 48 inches (1 219 mm) nominal. The height of unlock the doors.
doors shall not be less than 80 inches (2032 mm). 3. The doors shall be arranged to unlock from a
manual unlocking device located 40 inches to 48
In accordance with Section 423.13, Florida Building Code, inches (1016 mm to 1219 mm) vertically above
doors when fully opened shall not extend into the required the floor and within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the
exit width of corridors and should be either recessed or secured doors. Ready access shall be provided
hinged to swing 90 degrees. See Section 423.13.2 for to the manual unlocking device and the device
more information regarding doors in educational facilities. shall be clearly identified by a sign that reads
“PUSH TO EXIT.” When operated, the manual
(See Appendix, Doors.) unlocking device shall result in direct interruption
of power to the lock—independent of the access
1008.1.1.1 Projections into clear width. control system electronics— and the doors shall
remain unlocked for a minimum of 30 seconds.
There shall not be projections into the required clear 4. Activation of the building fire alarm system, if
width lower than 34 inches (864 mm) above the floor or provided, shall automatically unlock the doors,
ground. Projections into the clear opening width between and the doors shall remain unlocked until the fire
34 inches (864mm) and 80 inches (2032 mm) above the alarm system has been reset.
floor or ground shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). 5. Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or
fire detection system, if provided, shall
In accordance with Section 423.13, Florida Building automatically unlock the doors. The doors shall
Code, doors when fully opened shall not extend into the remain unlocked until the fire alarm system has
been reset.

6. Entrance doors in buildings with an occupancy
in Group A, B, E or M shall not be secured from
the egress side during periods that the building
is open to the general public.
Public educational facilities shall allow egress at all

times.
1008.1.5 Floor elevation.
There shall be a floor or landing on each side of a door.

Such floor or landing shall be at the same elevation on
Figure 1008.1.6
each side of the door. Landings shall be level except for Threshold
exterior landings, which are permitted to have a slope
not to exceed 1 unit vertical in 50 units horizontal (2- 1008.1.9.7 Delayed egress locks.
percent slope).
Approved, listed, delayed egress locks shall be
Exceptions: permitted to be installed on doors serving any
1. NA occupancy except Group A, E and H occupancies in
2. NA buildings that are equipped throughout with an automatic
3. NA sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or
4. Variations in elevation due to differences in an approved automatic smoke or heat detection system
finish materials, but not more than ½ inch (12.7 installed in accordance with Section 907, provided that
mm). the doors unlock in accordance with Items 1 through 6
below. A building occupant shall not be required to pass
(See Appendix, Doors.) through more than one door equipped with a delayed
egress lock before entering an exit.
1008.1.6 Landings at doors.
1. The doors unlock upon actuation of the
Landings shall have a width not less than the width of automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire
the stairway or the door, whichever is the greater. Doors detection system.
in the fully open position shall not reduce a required 2. The doors unlock upon loss of power controlling
dimension by more than 7 inches (178 mm). When a the lock or lock mechanism.
landing serves an occupant load of 50 or more, doors in 3. The door locks shall have the capability of being
any position shall not reduce the landing to less than unlocked by a signal from the fire command
one-half its required width. Landings shall have a length center.
measured in the direction of travel of not less than 44 4. The initiation of an irreversible process which
inches (1 118 mm). will release the latch in not more than 15
seconds when a force of not more than 15
1008.1.7 Thresholds. pounds (67 N) is applied for 1 second to the
release device. Initiation of the irreversible
Thresholds at doorways shall not exceed ¾ inch (19.1 process shall activate an audible signal in the
mm) in height for sliding doors serving dwelling units or vicinity of the door. Once the door lock has been
½ inch (12.7 mm) for other doors. Raised thresholds and released by the application of force to the
floor level changes greater than ¼ inch (6.4 mm) at releasing device, relocking shall be by manual
doorways shall be beveled with a slope not greater than means only.
one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent
slope). Exception: Where approved, a delay of not more
than 30 seconds is permitted.
5. NA
6. Emergency lighting shall be provided at the
door.

Section 423.13.6, Florida Building Code, provides an 3. The actuating portion of the releasing device
exception for media centers, alternative education shall extend at least one-half of the door leaf
centers, and exceptional student education centers. width; and
4. The maximum unlatching force shall not exceed
1008.1.9.10 Stairways doors. 15 pounds (67 N).
Interior stairway means of egress doors shall be

openable from both sides without the use of a key or SECTION 1009
special knowledge or effort. STAIRWAYS
Exceptions: 1009.1 Stairway width.

1. Stairways discharge doors shall be
openable from the egress side and shall The width of stairways shall be determined as specified
only be locked from the opposite side. in Section 1005.1, but such width shall not be less than
2. This section shall not apply to doors 44 inches (1118 mm). See Section 1007.3 for accessible
arranged in accordance with Section means of egress stairways.
403.5.3.
3. In stairways serving not more than four Exceptions:
stories, doors are permitted to be locked 1. Stairways serving an occupant load of less than
from the side opposite the egress side, 50 or less shall have a width of not less than 36
provided they are openable from the egress inches (914 mm).
side and capable of being unlocked 2. Spiral stairways as provided for in Section
simultaneously without unlatching upon a 1009.9.
signal from the fire command center, if 3. Aisle stairs complying with Section 1028.
present or a signal by emergency personnel
from a single location inside the main
entrance to the building.
1008.1.10 Panic and fire exit hardware.
Doors serving a Group H occupancy and doors serving

rooms or spaces with an occupancy load of 50 or more
in a Group A or E occupancy shall not be provided with a
latch or lock unless it is panic hardware or fire exit
hardware.
Exception: A main exit of a Group A occupancy

in compliance with Section 1008.1.3, Item 2.
Electrical rooms with equipment rated 1,200 amperes or

more and over 6 feet (1829 mm) wide that a contain
overcurrent devices, switching devices or control devices
with exit or exit access doors shall be equipped with
panic hardware or fire exit hardware. The doors shall
wing in the direction of egress travel.
1008.1.10.1 Installation.
Where panic or fire exit hardware is installed, it shall

comply with the following:
1. Panic hardware shall be listed In accordance

with UL 305:
2. Fire exit hardware shall be listed in accordance
with UL 10C and UL 305;

1009.2 Headroom.
inches (102 mm) in height with the variation in height of
Stairways shall have a minimum headroom clearance of the bottom or top riser not to exceed one unit vertical in
80 inches (2032 mm) measured vertically from a line 12 units horizontal (8.333-percent slope) of stairway
connecting the edge of the nosings. Such headroom width. The nosings or leading edges of treads at such
shall be continuous above the stairway to the point nonuniform height risers shall have a distinctive marking
where the line intersects the landing below, one tread stripe, different from any other nosing marking provided
depth beyond the bottom riser. The minimum clearance on the stair flight. The distinctive marking stripe shall be
shall be maintained the full width of the stairway and visible in descent of the stair and shall have a slip-
landing. resistant surface. Marking stripes shall have a width of at
least 1 inch (25 mm) but not more than 2 inches (51mm).
Exception:
1. Spiral stairways complying with Section 1009.9 1009.5 Stairway landings.
are permitted a 78-inch (1981 mm) headroom
clearance. There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of
each stairway. The width of landings shall not be less
1009.4.2 Riser height and tread depth than the width of stairways they serve. Every landing
shall have a minimum dimension measured in the
Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches (178 mm) maximum direction of travel equal to the width of the stairway.
and 4 inches (102 mm) minimum. The riser height shall Such dimension need not exceed 48 inches (1219 mm)
be measured vertically between the leading edges of where the stairway has a straight run. Doors opening
adjacent treads. Rectangular tread depth shall be 11 onto a landing shall not reduce the landing to less than
inches (279 mm) minimum measured horizontally one-half of the required width. When fully open, the door
between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of shall not project more than 7 inches (178 mm) into a
adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's landing. When wheelchairs spaces are required on the
leading edge. Winder treads shall have a minimum stairway landing in accordance with the Florida Building
tread depth of 11 inches (279 mm) measured between Code, Accessibility, the wheelchair spaces shall not be
the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent located in the required width of the landing and doors
treads at the intersection with the walkline and a shall not swing over the wheelchair spaces.
minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm) within the
clear width of stair. (See Appendix, Stairs.)
Exceptions: Exception:
1. Alternating tread devices in accordance with 1. Aisle stairs complying with Section 1028.
Section 1009.10.
2. Ship ladders in accordance with Section 1009.12 Handrails.
1009.11.
3. Spiral stairways in accordance with Section Stairways shall have handrails on each side and shall
1009.9. comply with Section 1012. Where glass is used to
4. Aisle stairs in assembly seating areas where the provide the handrail, the handrail shall also comply with
stair pitch or slope is set, for sightline reasons, Section 2407
by the slope of the adjacent seating area in
accordance with Section 1028.11.2. Exceptions: Handrails for aisle stairs are not
required where permitted by Section 1028.13.
1009.4.4 Dimensional uniformity.
SECTION 1010
Stair treads and risers shall be of uniform size and RAMPS
shape. The tolerance between the largest and smallest
riser height or between the largest and smallest tread 1010.1 Scope.
depth shall not exceed ⅜ inch (9.5 mm) in any flight of
stairs. The greatest winder tread depth at the walkline The provisions of this section shall apply to ramps used
within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by as a component of a means of egress.
more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
Exceptions:
(See Appendix, Stairs.) 1. Other than ramps that are part of the accessible
routes providing access in accordance with the
Where the bottom or top riser adjoins a sloping public provision of the Florida Building Code,
way, walkway or driveway having an established grade Accessibility, ramped aisles within assembly
and serving as a landing, the bottom or top riser is rooms or spaces shall conform with the
permitted to be reduced along the slope to less than 4 provisions in Section 1028.11.
2. Curb ramps shall comply with ICC A117.1.
3. Vehicle ramps in parking garages for pedestrian
exit access shall not be required to comply with
the provision of the Florida Building Code,
Accessibility, when they are not an accessible
route serving accessible parking spaces, other
required accessible elements or part of an
accessible means of egress.
1010.2 Slope.
Ramps used as part of a means of egress shall have a

running slope not steeper than one unit vertical in 12
units horizontal (8.333-percent slope). The slope of other
pedestrian ramps shall not be steeper than one unit
vertical in eight units horizontal (12.5-percent slope).
Exceptions:
1. Aisle ramp slope in occupancies of Group A
shall comply with Section 1028.11.
1010.3 Cross slope.
The slope measured perpendicular to the direction of

travel of a ramp shall not be steeper than one unit
vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope).
1010.4 Vertical rise.
The rise for any ramp run shall be 30 inches (762 mm)
maximum.
1010.5 Minimum dimensions.
The minimum dimensions of means of egress ramps

shall comply with Sections 1010.5.1 through 1010.5.3.
1010.5.1 Width.
The minimum width of a means of egress ramp shall not

be less than that required for corridors by Section
1018.2. The clear width of a ramp between handrails, if
provided or other permissible projections shall be 36
inches (914 mm) minimum.
1010.5.2 Headroom. 1010.5.3 Restrictions.

The minimum headroom in all parts of the means of Means of egress ramps shall not reduce in width in the
egress ramp shall not be less than 80 inches (2032 mm). direction of egress travel. Projections into the required
ramp and landing width are prohibited. Doors opening
onto a landing shall not reduce the clear width to less
than 42 inches (1067 mm).

1010.6 Landings. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings. Top of the
handrail gripping surface shall be not less than 34 inches
Ramps shall have landings at the bottom and top ofeach (864 mm) nor more than 38 inches (965 mm) above the
ramp, points of turning, entrance, exits and at doors and ramp surface.
in accordance with the Florida Building Code,
Accessibility. Landings shall comply with Sections Exceptions:
1010.6.1 through 1010.6.5. 1. Handrails are not required when the total ramp
run rise is 6 inches (152 mm) or less and the
1010.6.1 Slope. horizontal projection is 72 inches or less, except
where required to be accessible.
Landings shall have a slope not steeper than one unit 2. Aisles in Group A occupancies (see Section
vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope) in any 1028.13).
direction. Changes in level are not permitted. 3. NA
4. Handrails are not required on curb ramps.
1010.6.2 Width.
1010.9 Edge protection.
The landing shall be at least as wide as the widest ramp
run adjoining the landing. Edge protection complying with Sections 1010.9.1 or
1010.9.2 shall be provided on each side of ramp runs
1010.7 Ramp construction. and at each side of ramp landings.
All ramps shall be built of materials consistent with the 1010.10 Guards.
types permitted for the type of construction of the
building, except that wood handrails shall be permitted Guards shall be provided where required by Section
for all types of construction. Ramps used as an exit shall 1013 and shall be constructed in accordance with
conform to the applicable requirements of Sections Section 1013.
1022.1 through 1022.6 for exit enclosures.
In accordance with Section 423.10.2.1, Florida Building
1010.7.1 Ramp surface. Code, guardrails shall be required where difference in
elevation is 18 inches or more.
The surface of ramps shall be of slip-resistant materials
that are securely attached.
SECTION 1012
1010.7.2 Outdoor conditions. HANDRAILS
Outdoor ramps and outdoor approaches to ramps shall 1012.1 Where required.
be designed so that water will not accumulate on walking
surfaces. Handrails for stairways and ramps shall be adequate in
strength and attachment in accordance with Section
1010.7.3 1607.7. Handrails required for stairways by Section
1009.12 shall comply with Sections 1012.2 through
All ramps that serve as required means of egress shall 1012.9. Handrails required for ramps by Section 1010.8
be of permanent, fixed construction. shall comply with Sections 1012.2 through 1012.8.
1010.7.4 1012.2 Heights.
The ramp floor and landings shall be solid and without Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosings, or
perforations. finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uniform, not less
than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches
1010.8 Handrails. (965 mm).
Handrails shall be provided along both sides of a ramp Exception: Handrails for stairs not required to be
run with a rise greater than 6 inches (152 mm) and shall accessible that form part of a guardrail may be 42
conform to the requirements in Sections 1012. If inches (1067 mm) high.
handrails are not continuous, they shall extend at least
18 inches (305 mm) beyond the top and bottom of the
ramp segment and shall be parallel with the floor or
ground surface. Ends of handrails shall be either
rounded or returned smoothly to floor, wall or post.
1012.3 Handrail graspability. 1012.7 Clearance.
All required handrails shall comply with Section 1012.3.1 Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other
or shall provide equal graspability. surface shall be a minimum of 1½ inches (38 mm). A
handrail and a wall or other surface adjacent to the
Exceptions: handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.
1. NA
2. Accessible handrails shall meet the Exception: Accessible handrails shall comply with
requirements of Florida Building Code, Accessibility. Section 11-4.8.5(3).
1012.4 Continuity. 1012.8 Projections.
Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous, without On ramps, the clear width between handrails shall be 36
interruption by newel posts or other obstructions. inches (914 mm) minimum. Projections into the required
width of stairways and ramp at each handrail shall not
Exception: exceed 4½ inches (114 mm) at or below the handrail
1. NA height. Projections into the required width shall not be
2. NA limited above the minimum headroom height required in
3. Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the Section 1009.2.
bottom surface of the handrail that do not project
horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail 1012.9 Intermediate handrails.
within 1½ inches (38 mm) of the bottom of the
handrail shall not be considered obstructions. Stairways shall have intermediate handrails located in
For each ½ inch (12.7 mm) of additional handrail such a manner that all portions of the stairways width
perimeter dimension above 4 inches (102 mm), required for egress capacity are within 30 inches (762
the vertical clearance dimension of 1½ inches mm) of a handrail. On monumental stairs, handrails
(38 mm) shall be permitted to be reduced by ⅛ shall be located along the most direct path of egress
inch (3 mm). travel.
4. Where handrails are provided along walking
surfaces with slopes not steeper than 1:20, the
bottoms of the handrails gripping surfaces shall SECTION 1013
be permitted to be obstructed along their entire GUARDS
length where they are integral to crash rails or
bumper guards. 1013.1 Where required.
1012.6 Handrail extensions. Guards shall be located along open-sided walking,

surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms,
Handrails shall return to a wall, guard or the walking stairs, ramps and landings that are located more than 30
surface or shall be continuous to the handrail of an inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or
adjacent stair flight or ramp run. Where handrails are grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm)
not continuous between flights, the handrails shall horizontally to the edge of the open side. Guards shall
extend horizontally at least 12 inches (305 mm) beyond be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance
the top riser and continue to slope for the depth of one with Section 1607.7.
tread beyond the bottom riser. At ramps where
handrails are not continuous between runs, the handrails Exception: Guards are not required for the following
shall extend horizontally above the landing 12 inches locations:
(305 mm) minimum beyond the top and bottom of ramp 1. On the loading side of loading docks and piers.
runs. The extensions of handrails shall be in the same 2. On the audience side of stages and raised
direction of the stair flights at stairways and the ramp run platforms, including steps leading up to the
at ramps. stage and raised platforms.
3. On raised stage and platform areas such as
Exception: runways, ramps and side stages used for
1. NA entertainment or presentations.
2. Aisle handrails in Group A and E occupancies in 4. At vertical openings in the performance area of
accordance with Section 1028.13. stage and platforms.
3. NA 5. At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to
4. Accessible handrail extensions shall be as per stages and platforms for access to and
the Florida Building Code, Accessibility. utilization of special lighting or equipment.
6. Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the balconies and galleries shall not have openings
public. which allow passage of sphere 4 inches in
7. In assembly seating where guards in diameter (102 mm) up to a height of 26 inches
accordance with Section 1028.14 are permitted (660 mm). From a height of 26 inches to 42
and provided. inches (660 mm to 1067 mm) above the
adjacent walking surfaces, guards shall not have
In public educational facilities, any vertical drop of 18 openings which allow passage of a sphere 8
inches or more shall be protected by a wall or guardrail a inches (203 mm) in diameter.
minimum of 42 inches in height. Guardrails shall have
intermediate rails or ornamental patterns such that a 4-
inch diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening SECTION 1014
up to a height of 34 inches. EXIT ACCESS
See Sections 423.10.2.4 and 1013.3, Florida Building 1014.1 General.

Code, for further information.
The exit access shall comply with the applicable
1013.2 Height. provisions of Sections 1003 through 1013. Exit assess
arrangement shall comply with Section 1014 through
Required guards shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 1019.
mm) high, measured vertically above the adjacent
walking surfaces, adjacent to fixed seating of the line 1014.2 Egress through intervening spaces.
connecting the leading edge of treads.
Egress through intervening spaces shall comply with this
Exceptions: section.
1. NA
2. NA 1. Egress from a room or space shall not pass
3. The height in assembly seating areas shall be in through adjoining or intervening rooms or areas,
accordance with Section 1028.14 except where such adjoining rooms or areas and
the area served are accessory to one or the
1013.3 Opening limitations. other, are not a Group H occupancy and provide
a discernible path of egress travel to an exit.
Required guards shall not have openings which allow
passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter from Exception: Means of egress are not prohibited
the walking surface to the required guard height. The through adjoining or intervening rooms or space in a
High Velocity Hurricane Zone shall comply with Sections Group H, S or F occupancy when the adjoining or
1618.4.3 and 1618.4.4. intervening rooms or space are the same or a lesser
hazard occupancy group.
Exceptions:
1. From a height of 36 inches (914 mm) to 42 2. An exit access shall not pass through a room
inches (1067 mm), guards shall not have that can be locked to prevent egress.
opening which allow passage of a sphere 4⅜ 3. NA
inches (111 mm) in diameter. 4. Egress shall not pass through kitchens, storage
2. The triangle openings at the open sides of a rooms, closets or space used for similar
stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail purposes.
shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches
(152 mm) in diameter. Exceptions:
3. At elevated walking surfaces for access to and 1. Means of egress are not prohibited through a
use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing kitchen area serving adjoining rooms
systems or equipment, guards shall not have constituting part of the same dwelling unit or
opening which allow passage of a sphere 21 sleeping unit.
inches (533 mm) in diameter. 2. Means of egress are not prohibited through
4. In areas that are not open to the public within stockrooms in Group M occupancies when all of
occupancies in Group I-3, F, H or S and for the following are met:
alternating tread devices and ship ladders, 2.1 The stock is of the same hazard
guards shall not have opening which allow classification as that found in the main
passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in retail area;
diameter. 2.2 Not more than 50 percent of the exit
5. In assembly seating areas, guards at the end of access is through the stockroom;
aisles where they terminate at a fascia of boxes,
2.3 The stockroom is not subject to SECTION 1015
locking from the egress side; and EXIT AND EXIT ACCESS DOORWAYS
2.4 There is a demarcated, minimum 44-
inch-wide (1118 mm) aisle defined by 1015.1 Exits or exit access doorways from spaces.
full-or partial-height fixed walls or
similar construction that will maintain Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall
the required width and lead directly be provided where one of the following conditions exists:
from the retail area to the exit without
obstructions. 1. The occupant load of the space exceeds the
values in Table 1015.1.
1014.3 Common path of egress travel. 2. The common path of egress travel exceeds the
limitations of Section 1014.3.
In occupancies other than Groups H-1, H-2 and H-3, the 3. Where required by Sections 1015.3, 1015.4,
common path of egress travel shall not exceed 75 feet 1015.5, 1015.6 or 1015.6.1.
(22 860 mm). In Group H-1, H-2 and H-3 occupancies,
the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 25 Table 1015.1
feet (7620 mm). For common path of egress travel in SPACES WITH ONE EXIT OR EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY
Group A occupancies and assembly occupancies Occupancy Maximum Occupant Load
accessory to Group E having fixed seating, see Section A, B, Ea, F, M, U 49
1028.8. H-1, H-2, H-3 3
D, H-4, H-5, I-1, I-3 10
Exceptions: S 29
1. The length of a common path of egress travel in
Group B, M and S occupancies shall not be a daycare maximum occupancy load is 10.
more than 100 feet (30 480 mm), provided that
the building is equipped throughout with an (See Appendix, Number of Required Means of Egress.)
automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. 1015.2 Exit or exit access doorway arrangement.
2. Where a tenant space in Group B, S and U
occupancies has an occupant load of not more Required exits shall be located in a manner that makes
than 30, the length of a common path of egress their availability obvious. Exits shall be unobstructed at
travel shall not be more than 100 feet (30 480 all times. Exit and exit access doorways shall be
mm). arranged in accordance with Sections 1015.2.1 and
3. NA 1015.2.2.
4. NA
5. Where a tenant space In Group A occupancy 1015.2.1 Two exits or exit access doorways.
has an occupant load of more than 50, the
length of a common path of egress travel shall Where two exits or exit access doorways are required
not be more than 20 feet (6098 mm). from any portion of the exit access, the exit doors or exit
6. NA access doorways shall be placed a distance apart equal
7. The common path of egress travel in to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum
occupancies in group F and S shall be 50 feet overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be
(15 240 mm) in unsprinklered buildings. served measured in a straight line between exit doors or
8. The common path of egress travel in group S2 exit access doorways. Interlocking or scissor stairs shall
parking garages shall be 50 feet (15 240 mm). be counted as one exit stairway.
9. In occupancy group S2 common paths of egress
travel shall not be limited. (See Appendix, Separation of Means of Egress.)
(See Appendix, Travel Distance.) Exceptions:

1. Where exit enclosures are provided as a portion
of the required exit and are interconnected by a
1-hour fire-resistance-rated corridor conforming
to the requirements of Section 1018, the
required exit separation shall be measured
along the shortest direct line of travel within the
corridor.

2. Where a building is equipped throughout with an provided with at least two means of egress.
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Such interconnected stories shall not be open to
Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the separation other stories.
distance of the exit doors or exit access
doorways shall not be less than one-third of the Where applicable, travel distance on unenclosed exit
length of the maximum overall diagonal access stairways or ramps and on connecting stories
dimension of the area served. shall also be included in the travel distance
measurement. The measurement along stairways shall
1015.6 Stage means of egress. be made on a plane parallel and tangent to the stair
tread nosings in the center of the stairway.
Where two means of egress are required, based on the
stage size or occupant load, one means of egress shall Exit passageways and horizontal exits are not allowed in
be provided on each side of the stage. educational facilities.
(See Appendix, Legitimate Stage.) (See Appendix, Travel Distance and Appendix, Dead-
End Corridors.)
SECTION 1016 TABLE 1016.1

EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCE EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCE ª
WITHOUT WITH
1016.1 Travel distance limitations. OCCUPANCY SPRINKLER SPRINKLER
SYSTEM (feet) SYSTEM (feet)
M 150 250 c
Exits shall be so located on each story such that the
A 200 250 b
maximum length of exit access travel, measured from
the most remote point within a story along the natural B 200 300 c
and unobstructed path of egress travel to an exterior exit S-1 200 400 c
door at the level of exit discharge, an entrance to a S-2 300 400 c
f
vertical exit enclosure an exit passageway, a horizontal E, D, S-2 150 200 c
exit, an exterior exit stairway or an exterior exit ramp, For SI: 1 foot = 304.8
shall not exceed the distances given in Table 1016.1. a. See the following sections for modifications to exit access travel
distance requirements:
Exceptions: Section 402.4: For the distance limitation in malls.
Section 404.9: For increased limitation through an atrium space.
1. Travel distance in open parking garages is Section 1021.2: For buildings with one exit.
permitted to be measured to the closest riser of Section 1028.7: For increased limitation for assembly seating
open exit stairways. b. Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
2. In outdoor facilities with open exit access in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. See Section
903 for occupancies where sprinklers systems are permitted in
components and open exterior exit stairways or accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
exit ramps, travel distance is permitted to be c. Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
measured to the closest riser of an exit stairway in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
or the closest slope of the exit ramp. d. NA
e. NA
3. In other than occupancy Group H and I, the exit f. Enclosed parking garage.
access travel distance to a maximum of 50
percent of the exits is permitted to be measured
from the most remote point within a building to SECTION 1017
an exit using unenclosed exit access stairways AISLES
or ramps when connecting a maximum of two
stories. The two connected stories shall be 1017.1 General.
provided with at least two means of egress.
Such interconnected stories shall not be open to Aisles serving as a portion of the exit access in the
other stories. means of egress system shall comply with the
4. In other than occupancy Groups H and I, exit requirements of this section. Aisles shall be provided
access travel distance is permitted to be from all occupied portions of the exit access which
measured from the most remote point within a contain seats, tables, furnishings, displays and similar
building to an exit using unenclosed exit access fixtures or equipment. Aisles serving assembly areas
stairways or ramps in the first and second shall comply with Section 1028. Aisles serving reviewing
stories above grade plane in buildings equipped stands grandstands and bleachers shall also comply
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in with Section 1028. The required width of aisles shall be
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. The first unobstructed.
and second stories above grade plane shall be
1017.2 Aisles in Groups B and M. 1017.4.2 Table and seating accessway width.
In Group B and M occupancies, the minimum clear aisle Aisle accessways shall provide a minimum of 12 inches
width shall be determined by Section 1005.1 for the (305 mm) of width plus ½ inch (12.7 mm) of width for
occupant load served, but shall not be less than 36 each additional 1 foot (305 mm), or fraction thereof,
inches (914 mm). beyond 12 feet (3658 mm) of aisle accessway length
measured from the center of the seat farthest from an
Exception: Non public aisles serving less than 50 aisle.
people and not required to be accessible by
Chapter 11 need not exceed 28 inches (711 Exception: Portions of an aisle accessway having a
mm) in width. length not exceeding 6 feet (1829 mm) and used by
a total of not more than four persons.
1017.3 Aisle accessway in Group M.
1017.4.3. Table and seating aisle
An aisle accessway shall be provided on at least one accessway length.
side of each element within the merchandise pad. The
minimum clear width for an aisle accessway not required The length of travel along the aisle accessway shall not
to be accessible shall be 30 inches (762 mm). The exceed 30 feet (9144 mm) from any seat to the point
required clear width of the aisle accessway shall be where a person has a choice of two or more paths of
measured perpendicular to the elements and egress travel to separate exits.
merchandise within the merchandise pad. The 30-inch
(762 mm) minimum clear width shall be maintained to
provide a path to an adjacent aisle or aisle accessway. SECTION 1018
The common path of travel shall not exceed 30 feet CORRIDOR
(9144 mm) from any point in the merchandise pad.
1018.1 Construction.
Exception: For areas serving not more than 50
occupants, the common path of travel shall not Corridors shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance
exceed 75 feet (22880 mm). with Table 1018.1. The corridor walls required to be fire-
resistance rated shall comply with Section 709 for fire
1017.4 Seating at tables. partitions.
Where seating is located at a table or counter and is Exceptions:

adjacent to an aisle or aisle accessway, the 1. A fire-resistance rating is not required for
measurement of required clear width of the aisle or aisle corridors in an occupancy in Group E where
accessway shall be made to a line 19 inches (483 mm) each room that is used for instruction has at
away from and parallel to the edge of the table or least one door opening directly to the exterior
counter. The 19-inch (483 mm) distance shall be and rooms for assembly purposes have at least
measured perpendicular to the side of the table or one-half of the required means of egress doors
counter. In the case of other side boundaries for aisle or opening directly to the exterior. Exterior doors
aisle accessways, the clear width shall be measured to specified in this exception are required to be at
walls, edges of seating and tread edges, except that ground level.
handrail projections are permitted. 2. NA.
3. A fire-resistance rating is not required for
Exception: Where table or counters are served by corridors in open parking garages.
fixed seats, the width of the aisle accessway shall be 4. A fire-resistance rating is not required for
measured from the back of the seat. corridors in an occupancy in Group B which is a
space requiring only a single means of egress
1017.4.1 Aisle accessway for tables and seating. complying with Section 1015.1
Aisle accessways serving arrangements of seating at

tables or counters shall have sufficient clear width to
conform to the capacity requirements of Section 1005.1
but shall not have less than the appropriate minimum
clear width specified in Section 1017.4.2.

TABLE 1018.1 1018.5. Air movement in corridors.
CORRIDOR FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING
REQUIRED FIRE- Corridors shall not serve as supply, return, exhaust,
RESISTANCE relief or ventilation air ducts.
OCCUPANT RATING (hours)
OCCUPANCY LOAD SERVED
Without With
BY CORRIDOR Exceptions:
sprinkler sprinkler
system system c 1. Use of a corridor as a source of makeup air for
exhaust system in rooms that open directly
B, D, E c, M, S Greater than 30 1 0
onto such corridors, including toilet rooms,
c. In buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised
bathrooms, dressing rooms and janitor
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903, corridor closets, shall be permitted, provided that each
walls shall not be required to be rated, provided that such walls form such corridor is directly supplied with outdoor
smoke partitions in accordance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code air at a rate greater than the rate of makeup
air taken from the corridor.
1018.2 Corridor width. 2. NA
3. Where located within tenant spaces of 1,000
The minimum corridor width shall be as determined in square feet (93 m²) or less in area, utilization
Section 1005.1, but not less than 44 inches (1118 mm). of corridors for conveying return air is
permitted.
Exceptions:
1. Twenty-four inches (610 mm) -For access to 1018.5.1 Corridor ceiling.
and utilization of electrical, mechanical or
plumbing systems or equipment. Use of the space between the corridor ceiling and the
2. Thirty-six inches (914 mm)-with a required floor or roof structure above as a return plenum is
occupancy capacity of less than 50. permitted for one or more of the following conditions:
3. Thirty-six inches (914 mm)-within a dwelling
unit. 1. The corridor is not required to be for fire-
4. Seventy-two inches (1829 mm)-In Group E resistance-rated construction;
with a corridor having a required capacity of 2. The corridor is separated from the plenum by
100 or more. fire-resistance-rated construction;
3. The air-handling system serving the corridor is
1018.3 Corridor obstruction. shut down upon activation of the air-handling
unit smoke detectors required by the Florida
The required width of corridors shall be unobstructed. Building Code, Mechanical;
Exception: Door complying with Section 1005.2 shut down upon detection of sprinkler waterflow
where the building is equipped throughout with
1018.4 Dead ends. an automatic sprinkler system; or
5. The space between the corridor ceiling and the
Where more than one exit or exit access doorways is floor or roof structure above the corridor is used
required, the exit access shall be arranged such that as a component of an approved engineered
there are no dead ends in corridors more than 20 feet smoke control system
(6096 mm) in length.
1018.6 Corridor continuity.
Exceptions:
1. NA Fire-resistance-rated corridors shall be continuous from
2. In occupancies in Groups B, F, M, S and U, the point of entry to an exit, and shall not be interrupted
where the building is equipped throughout with by intervening rooms.
an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1, the length of the dead- Exception: Foyers, lobbies or reception rooms
end corridors shall not exceed 50 feet (15 constructed as required for corridors shall not be
2440 mm). construed as intervening rooms.
3. A dead-end corridor shall not be limited in
length where the length of the dead-end
corridor is less than 2.5 times the least width
of the dead-end corridor.

SECTION 1019 less than the floor assembly penetrated, but need not
EGRESS BALCONIES exceed 2 hours. Exit enclosures shall lead directly to the
exterior of the building or shall be extended to the
1019.1 General. exterior of the building with an exit passageway
conforming to the requirements of Section 1023, except
Balconies used for egress purposes shall conform to the as permitted in Section 1027.1. An exit enclosure shall
same requirements as corridors for width, head-room, not be used for any purpose other than means of egress.
dead ends and projections.
Exit passageways and horizontal exits are not permitted
1019.2 Wall separation. in public educational facilities.
Exterior egress balconies shall be separated from the Exception:

interior of the building by walls and opening protective’s 1. In all occupancies, other than Group H and I
as required for corridors. occupancies, a stairway is not required to be
enclosed when the stairway serves an occupant
Exception: Separation is not required where the load of less than 10 and the stairway complies with
exterior egress balcony is served by at least two either Item 1.1 or 1.2. In all cases, the maximum
stairs and a dead-end travel condition does not number of connecting open stories shall not exceed
require travel past an unprotected opening to reach two.
a stair. 1.1. The stairway is open to not more
than one story above its level of exit
1019.3 Openness. discharge; or
1.2 The stairway is open to not more
The long side an egress balcony shall be at least 50 than one story below its level of exit
percent open, and the open area above the guards shall discharge.
be so distributed as to minimize the accumulation of 2. Exits in buildings of Group A-5 where all portions
smoke or toxic gases. of the means of egress are essentially open to
the outside need not be enclosed.
3. NA
SECTION 1020 4. Stairways in open parking structures that serve
EXITS only the parking structure are not required to be
enclosed.
1020.1 General. 5. NA
6. Means of egress stairways as required by
Exits shall comply with Sections 1020 through 1026 and Sections 410.5.3 and 1015.6.1 are not required
the applicable requirements of Sections 1003 through to be enclosed.
1013. An exit shall not be used for any purpose that 7. Means of egress stairways from balconies,
interferes with its functions as a means of egress. Once galleries or press boxes as provided for in
a given level of exit protection is achieved, such level of Section 1028.5.1 are not required to be
protection shall not be reduced until arrival at the exit enclosed.
discharge.
(See Appendix, Interior Stairs.)
SECTION 1022 1022.3 Openings and penetrations.

EXIT ENCLOSURES
Exit enclosure opening protectives shall be in
1022.1 Enclosures required. accordance with the requirements of Section 715.
Interior exit stairways and interior exit ramps shall be Openings in exit enclosures other than unexposed
enclosed with fire barriers constructed in accordance exterior openings shall be limited to those necessary for
with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in exit access to the enclosure from normally occupied
accordance with Section 712, or both. Exit enclosures spaces and for egress from the enclosure. Elevators
shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 shall not open into an exit enclosure.
hours where connecting four stories or more and not
less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. Spaces such as mechanical rooms, custodial rooms,
The number of stories connected by the exit enclosure storage rooms, and any other non-occupied space shall
shall include any basements but not any mezzanines. not open into an exit enclosure.
Exit enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating not (See Appendix, Stairs.)
1022.6 Exit enclosure exterior walls. 1026.6 Exterior ramps and stairway protection.
Exterior walls of an exit enclosure shall comply with the Exterior exit ramps and stairways shall be separated
requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls. Where from the interior of the building as required in Section
nonrated walls or unprotected openings enclose the 1022.1. Openings shall be limited to those necessary for
exterior of the stairway and the walls or openings are egress from normally occupied spaces.
exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of less
than 180 degrees (3.14 rad), the building exterior walls Exceptions:
within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of a nonrated wall 1. Separation from the interior of the building is not
or unprotected opening shall have a fire-resistance required for occupancies, other than those in
rating of no less than 1 hour. Openings within such Group R-1 or R-2, in buildings that are no more
exterior walls shall be protected by opening protective’s than two stories above grade plane where the
having a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. level of exit discharge serving such occupancies
This construction shall extend vertically from the ground is the first story above grade plane.
to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the top most landing 2. Separation from the interior of the building is not
of the stairway or to the roof line, whichever is lower. required where the exterior ramp or stairway is
served by an exterior ramp or balcony that
connects two remote exterior stairways or other
SECTION 1026 approved exits, with a perimeter that is not less
EXTERIOR EXIT RAMPS AND STAIRWAYS than 50 percent open. To be considered open,
the opening shall be a minimum of 50 percent of
1026.1 Exterior exit ramps and stairways. the height of the enclosing wall, with the top of
the openings no less than 7 feet (2134 mm)
Exterior exit ramps and stairways serving as an element above the top of the balcony.
of a required means of egress shall comply with this 3. Separation from the interior of the building is not
section. required for an exterior ramp or stairway located
in a building or structure that is permitted to
Exception: Exterior exit ramps and stairways for have unenclosed interior stairways in
outdoor stadiums complying with Section 1022.1, accordance with Section 1022.1.
Exception 2. 4. Separation from the interior of the building is not
required for exterior ramps or stairways
1026.2 Use in a means of egress. connected to open-ended corridors, provided
that Items 4.1 through 4.4 are met:
For occupancies in other than Group I-2, exterior exit 4.1. The building, including corridors, ramps
ramps and stairways shall be permitted as an element of and stairs, shall be equipped
a required means of egress for buildings not exceeding throughout with an automatic sprinkler
four stories above grade plan or having occupied floors system in accordance with Section
more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
fire department vehicle access. 4.2. The open-ended corridors comply with
Section 1018.
1026.3 Open side. 4.3. The open-ended corridors are
connected on each end to an exterior
Exterior exit ramp and stairways serving as an element exit ramp or stairway complying with
of a required means of egress shall not be less than 50 Section 1026.
percent open on one side. Outside stairs shall be 4.4. At any location in an open-ended
arranged to restrict the accumulation of smoke. corridor where a change of direction
exceeding 45 degrees (0.79 rad)
1026.4 Side yards. occurs, a clear opening of not less
2
than 35 square feet (3.3 m ) or an
The open areas adjoining exterior exit ramps or exterior ramp or stairway shall be
stairways shall be either yards, courts or public ways; provided. Where clear openings are
the remaining sides are permitted to be enclosed by the provided, they shall be located so as
exterior walls of the building. to minimize the accumulation of
smoke or toxic gases.
1026.5 Location.
(See Appendix, Separation and Protection of Exterior
Exterior exit ramps and stairways shall be located in Stairs and Appendix, Exceptions to Separation and
accordance with Section 1027.3. Protection of Exterior Stairs.)

SECTION 1027 exit level shall not be reduced in accordance with
EXIT DISCHARGE Section 1018.1, Florida Building Code.
1027.1 General. 2.4. The area is used only for means of

egress and exits directly to the outside.
Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior of the 3. Stairways in open parking garages complying
building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall with Section 1022.1, Exception 4, are permitted
provide direct access to grade. The exit discharge shall to egress through the open parking garage at
not reenter a building. The combined use at Exceptions the level of exit discharge.
l and 2 below shall not exceed 50 percent of the number
and capacity of the required exits. 1027.2 Exit discharge capacity.
Exceptions: The capacity of the exit discharge shall be not less than
1. A maximum of 50 percent of the number and the required discharge capacity of the exits being
capacity of the exit enclosures is permitted to served.
egress through areas on the level of discharge
provided all of the following are met: 1027.3 Exit discharge location.
1.1. Such exit enclosures egress to a free
and unobstructed path of travel to the Exterior balconies, stairways and ramps shall be located
exterior exit door and such exits is readily at least 10 feet (3 048 mm) from adjacent lot lines and
visible and identifiable from the point of from other buildings on the same lot unless the adjacent
termination of the exit enclosure. building exterior walls and openings are protected in
1.2. The entire area of the level of discharge accordance with Section 705 based on fire separation
is separated from areas below by distance.
construction conforming to the fire-
resistance rating for the exit enclosure. (See Appendix, Exceptions to Separation and Protection
1.3. The egress path from the exit enclosure of Exterior Stairs.)
on the level of discharge is protected
throughout by an approved automatic
sprinkler system. All portions of the level of SECTION 1028
discharge with access to the egress path ASSEMBLY
shall either be protected throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system installed in 1028.1 General.
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or
903.3.1.2, or separated from the egress path Occupancies in Group A and assembly occupancies
in accordance with the requirements for the accessory to Group E which contain seats, tables,
enclosure of exits. displays, equipment or other material shall comply with
2. A maximum of 50 percent of the number and this section.
capacity of the exit enclosures is permitted to
egress through a vestibule provided all of the 1028.2 Assembly main exit.
following are met:
2.1. The entire area of the vestibule is Every assembly occupancy shall be provided with a
separated from areas below by construction main entrance/exit. The minimum aggregate width of
conforming to the fire-resistance rating for the main entrance for Group A occupancies shall be
the exit enclosure. sufficient to accommodate 50 percent of the occupant
2.2. The depth from the exterior of the load and shall be at the level of exit discharge or shall
building is not greater than 10 feet (3048 connect to a stairway or ramp leading to a street. Each
mm) and the length is not greater than 30 level of a Group A occupancy shall have access to a
feet (9 144 mm). main exit and such access shall have sufficient capacity
2.3. The area is separated from the to accommodate 50 percent of the occupant load of such
remainder of the level of exit discharge by levels. Where the main exit from an assembly
construction providing protection at least the occupancy is through a lobby or foyer, the aggregate
equivalent of approved wired glass in steel capacity of all exits from the lobby or foyer shall be
frames. permitted to provide the required capacity of the main
exit regardless of whether all such exits serve as
Wire glass shall comply with CPSC 16 CFR 1201 in entrances to the building.
Educational occupancies. In educational facilities the

Exception: 1028.9 Assembly aisles are required.
1. NA
2. In assembly occupancies where there is no Every occupied portion of any occupancy in Group A or
well-defined entrance/exit, exits may be assembly occupancies accessory of Group E that
distributed around the perimeter of the contains seats, tables, displays, similar fixtures or
building, provided the total exit width equipment shall be provided with aisles leading to exits
furnishes a minimum of 100 percent of the or exit access doorways in accordance with this section.
width needed to accommodate the Aisle accessways for tables and seating shall comply
maximum occupant content. with Section 1017.4.
1028.3 Assembly other exits. 1028.9.1 Minimum aisle width.
Each level of an assembly occupancy shall have access The minimum clear width for aisles serving seating not at
to a main exit and shall be provided with additional exits tables shall be as shown:
of sufficient width to accommodate one-half of the total
occupant load served by that level. Such additional exits 1. Forty-eight inches (1219 mm) for aisle stairs
shall be located as far from the main entrance/exit as having seating on each side.
practicable. Such exits shall be accessible from a cross Exception: Thirty-six inches (914 mm)
aisle or a side aisle. where the aisle serves less than 50 seats.
2. Thirty-six inches (914 mm) for aisle stairs having
Exception: In assembly occupancies where seating on only one side.
there is no well-defined main exit or where 3. Twenty-three inches (584 mm) between an aisle
multiple main exits are provided, exits shall be stair handrail or guard and seating where the
permitted to be distributed around the perimeter aisle is subdivided by a handrail.
of the building, provided that the total width of 4. Forty-two inches (1067 mm) for level or ramped
egress is not less than 100 percent of the aisles having seating on both sides.
required width needed to accommodate the Exceptions:
maximum occupant content. 1. Thirty-six inches (914 mm) where the
aisle serve less than 50 seats.
1028.8 Common path of egress travel. 2. Thirty inches (762 mm) where the aisle
does not serve more than 14 seats.
A common path of travel shall be permitted for the 20 5. Thirty-six inches (914 mm) for level or ramped
feet (6.1 m) from any point where serving any number of aisles having seating on only one side.
occupants and for the first 75 feet (22 860 mm) from any Exception:
point where serving not more than 50 occupants. 1. Thirty inches (762 mm) where the aisle
does not serve more than 14 seats.
Exception: 2. Twenty-three inches (584 mm) between
1. For smoke-protected assembly seating, the an aisle stair handrail and seating where
common path of travel shall not exceed 50 feet an aisle does not serve more than five
(1524 mm) from any seat to a point where a person rows on one side.
has a choice of two directions of egress travel.
1028.9.2 Means of egress capacity.
1028.8.1 Path through adjacent row.
The capacity of means of egress shall be in accordance
Where one of the two paths of travel is across the aisle with Section 1005. The width of aisles and other means
through a row of seats to another aisle, there shall be of egress serving theater-type seating or similar seating
not more than 24 seats between the two aisles, and the arranged in rows shall provide sufficient capacity in
minimum clear width between rows for the row between accordance with Section s 1028.9.2.1 and 1028.9.2.2.
the two aisles shall be 12 inches (305 mm) plus 0.6 inch
(15.2 mm) for each additional seat above seven in the 1028.9.2.1
row between aisles.
Minimum clear widths of aisles and other means of
Exception: For smoke-protected assembly seating egress serving theater-type seating, or similar seating
there shall not be more than 40 seats between the arranged in rows, shall be in accordance with Table
two aisles and the minimum clear width shall be 12 1028.9.2.1.
inches (305 mm) plus 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) for each
additional seat.

1028.9.2.2 1028.9.5 Assembly aisle termination.
The minimum clear widths shown in Table 1028.9.2.1 Each end of an aisle shall terminate at cross aisle, foyer,
shall be modified in accordance with all of the following: doorway, vomitory or concourse having access to an
exit.
1. If risers exceed 7 inches (178 mm) in height,
multiply the stair width in the table by factor Exceptions:
A, where 1. Dead-end aisles shall not be greater than 20
feet (6096 mm) in length.
A = 1 + (riser height - 7 inches) 2. Dead-end aisles longer than 20 feet (6096 mm)
5 are permitted where seats beyond the 20-foot
(6096 mm) dead-end aisle are no more than 24
2. Stairs not having a handrail within a 30-inch seats from another aisle, measured along a row
(762 mm) horizontal distance shall be 25 of seats having a minimum clear width of 12
percent wider than otherwise calculated (i.e. inches (305 mm) plus 0.6 inch (15.2 mm) for
multiply by factor B=1.25). each additional seat above seven in the row.
3. Ramps steeper than 1:10 slope where used 3. For smoke-protected assembly seating, the
in ascent shall have their width increased by dead-end aisle length of vertical aisles shall not
10 percent (i.e. multiply by factor C=1.10). exceed a distance of 21 rows.
Exceptions: 4. For smoke-protected assembly seating, a longer
1. NA dead-end aisle is permitted where seats beyond
2. Grandstand, bleachers and folding and the 21-row dead-end aisle are not more than 40
telescopic seating as permitted by seats from another aisle, measured along a row
Section 1028.6.2. of seats having an aisle accessway with a
minimum clear width of 12 inches (305 mm) plus
1028.9.2.3 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) for each additional seat above
seven in the row.
Clear width shall be measured to walls, edges of seating
and tread edges except for permitted projections. 1028.9.6 Assembly aisle obstructions.
There shall be no obstructions in the required width of

TABLE 1028.9.2.1 aisles except for handrails as provided in Section
CAPACTY FACTORS 1028.13.
Inch of Clear Width Per Seat
Nominal Served 1028.10 Aisle accessways.
No. of
Flow Time Passageways,
Seats
(sec) Stairs Ramps and The aisle accessway between rows of seating shall have
Doorways
a clear width of not less than 12 inches (305 mm), and
Unlimited 200 0.300 AB 0.220 C the minimum width shall be increased in accordance
with Sections 1028.10.2 for seating not at tables and
Section 1028.10.2.2 for seating at tables. The width of
1028.9.3 Converging aisles. aisle access-ways shall be the clear horizontal distance
from the back of the row ahead and the nearest
Where aisles converge to form a single path of egress projection of the row behind. Where chairs have
travel, the required egress capacity of that path shall not automatic or self-rising seats that comply with ASTM F
be less than the combined required capacity of the 851, Test Method for Self-Rising Seat Mechanisms, the
converging aisles. measurement shall be made with seats In the raised
position. Where any chair in the row does not have an
1028.9.4 Uniform width. automatic or self-rising seat, the measurements shall be
made with the seat in the down position. For seats with
Those portions of aisles, where egress is possible in folding tablet arms, row spacing shall be determined with
either of two directions, shall be uniform in required the tablet in the useable position.
width.

Exception: When not more than four persons 1028.10.2.1
are served, there shall be no minimum clear
width requirement for the portion of the aisle For rows of seating not at tables served by an aisle or
accessway having a length not exceeding 6 feet doorway at one end only, the 12 inches (305 mm)
(1.8 m) measured from the center of the seat minimum clear width of aisle accessways shall be
farthest from the aisle. increased by 0.6 inch (15.2 mm) for every additional seat
beyond seven, but the minimum clear width shall not be
required to exceed 22 inches (559 mm).
Exception: For smoke-protected assembly seating,

the row length limits for a 12-inch-wide (305 mm)
aisle accessway, beyond which the aisle accessway
minimum clear width shall be increased, are in Table
1028.10.2.
1028.10.2.1.2
For rows of seating not at tables served by an aisle or

doorway on one end only, the path of travel shall not
exceed 30 feet (9144 mm) from any seat to a point
where a person has a choice of two paths of travel to
two exits.
(See Appendix, Auditorium Seating.)
1028.10.2.2
Aisle accessways serving seating at tables shall have a

minimum clear width of 12 inches (305 mm).
(See Appendix, Aisle Serving Seating at Tables.)

Figure 1025.10
Auditorium Seating 1028.10.2.2.1
Where nonfixed seating is located between a table and

1028.10.1 Dual access. an aisle accessway, the measurement of required clear
width of the aisle accessway shall be made to a line 19
Reserved inches (483 mm) away from the edge of the table. The
19 inches (483 mm) distance shall be measured
1028.10.2 Single access. perpendicularly to the edge of the table.
For rows of seating not at tables served by aisles or (See Appendix, Aisle Serving Seating at Tables.)
doorways at both ends there shall be no more than 100
seats per row and the 12 inches (305 mm) minimum 1028.10.2.2.2
clear width of aisle accessways shall be increased by
0.3 inch (7.6 mm) for every additional seat beyond 14, The minimum 12-inches (305 mm) width required for an
but the minimum clear width shall not be required to aisle accessway shall be increased by 0.5 inches (13
exceed 22 inches (559 mm). mm) for each additional 12 inches (305 mm) or fraction
thereof beyond 12 feet (3.7 mm) of aisle accessway
(See Appendix, Auditorium Seating.) length where measured from the center of the seat
farthest from an aisle.
Exception: For smoke-protected assembly seating,
the row length limits for a 12-inch-wide (305 mm) (See Appendix, Aisle Serving Seating at Tables.)
aisle accessway, beyond which the aisle accessway
minimum clear width shall be increased, are in Table
1028.10.2.

1028.10.2.2.3 Exception: The tolerance between adjacent treads
shall not exceed ³/16 (4.8 mm).
The path of travel along the aisle accessway shall not
exceed 36 feet (10.9 m) from any seat to the closest (See Appendix, Aisle Ramps and Stairs.)
aisle or egress doorway.
(See Appendix, Aisle Serving Seating at Tables.) 1028.11.2 Risers.
1028.11 Assembly aisle walking surfaces. Where the gradient of aisle stairs is to be the same as
the gradient of adjoining seating areas, the riser height
Aisles with a slope not exceeding one unit vertical in shall not be less than 4 inches (102 mm) nor more than
eight units horizontal (12.5-percent slope) shall consist 8 inches (203 mm) and shall be uniform within each
of a ramp having a slip-resistant walking surface. Aisles flight.
with a slope exceeding one unit vertical in eight units
horizontal (12.5-percent slope) shall consist of a series Exceptions:
of risers and treads that extends across the full width of 1. The riser height of aisle stairs in folding and
aisles and complies with Sections 1028.11.1 through telescopic seating shall be permitted to be not
1
1028.11.3. less than 3 /2 inches (89 mm) and shall not
exceed 11 inches (279 mm).
(See Appendix, Aisle Ramps and Stairs.) 2. Riser heights not exceeding 9 inches (229 mm)
shall be permitted where they are necessitated
1028.11.1 Treads. by the slope of the adjacent seating areas to
maintain sightlines.
Tread depths shall be a minimum of 11 inches (279 mm)
and shall have dimensional uniformity. (See Appendix, Aisle Ramps and Stairs.)
Figure 1025.11
Aisle Ramps and Stairs

1028.11.3 Tread contrasting marking stripe. 9. Seats in balconies, galleries, railed in
enclosures, boxes or loges with level floor
A contrasting marking stripe shall be provided on each surfaces and having occupant loads not
tread at the nosing or leading edge such that the location exceeding 14.
of each tread is readily apparent when viewed in 10. Assembly occupancies in accordance with
descent. Such stripe shall be a minimum of 1 inch (25 Exceptions 1 or 3 shall not have more than one
2
mm), and a maximum of 2 inches (51 mm), wide. seat for 15 square feet (1.4 m ) of net floor area
and shall provide adequate aisles to reach exits.
Exception: The contrasting marking stripe is
permitted to be omitted where tread surfaces are 1028.13 Handrails.
such that the location of each tread is readily
apparent when viewed in descent. Ramped aisles having a slope exceeding one unit
vertical in 15 units horizontal (6.7-percent slope) and
1028.12 Seat stability. aisle stairs shall be provided with handrails located
either at the side or within the aisle width. Handrails shall
In places of assembly, the seats shall be securely not be required where otherwise permitted by the
fastened to the floor. following:
Exceptions: Exceptions:
1. In places of assembly or portions thereof without 1. Handrails shall not be required for ramped aisles
ramped or tiered floors for seating and with 200 having a gradient not steeper than 1:8 and
or fewer seats, the seats shall not be required to having seating on both sides where the aisle
be fastened to the floor. does not serve as an accessible route.
2. In places of assembly or portions thereof with 2. The requirement for a handrail shall be satisfied
seating at tables and without ramped or tiered by the use of a guard provided with a rail that
floors for seating, the seats shall not be required complies with the graspability requirements for
to be fastened to the floor. handrails and located at the consistent height
3. In places of assembly or portions thereof without between 34 inches and 42 inches (865 mm and
ramped or tiered floors for seating and with 1065 mm), measured using one of the following
greater than 200 seats, the seats shall be methods:
fastened together in groups of not less than a. Vertically from the top of the rail to the
three or the seats shall be securely fastened to leading edge (nosing) of stair treads.
the floor. b. Vertically from the top of the rail to the
4. In places of assembly where flexibility of the adjacent walking surface in the case of a
seating arrangement is an integral part of the ramp.
design and function of the space and seating is 3. Handrail extensions are not required at the top
on tiered levels, a maximum of 200 seats shall and bottom of aisle stairs and aisle ramp runs to
not be required to be fastened to the floor. permit crossovers within the aisles.
Plans showing seating, tiers and aisles shall be
submitted for approval. (See Appendix, Aisle Ramps and Stairs.)
5. Groups of seats within a place of assembly
separated from other seating by railings, guards, 1028.13.1 Discontinuous handrails.
partial height walls or similar barriers with level
floors and having no more than 14 seats per Where there is seating on both sides of the aisle, the
group shall not be required to be fastened to the handrails shall be discontinuous with gaps or breaks at
floor. intervals not exceeding five rows to facilitate access to
6. Seats intended for musicians or other seating and to permit crossing from one side of the aisle
performers and separated by railings, guards, to the other. These gaps or breaks shall have a clear
partial height walls or similar barriers shall not width of at least 22 inches (559 mm) and not greater
be required to be fastened to the floor. than 36 inches (914 mm), measured horizontally, and
7. Restaurants, cafeterias, cafetoriums, the handrail shall have rounded terminations or bends.
gymnasiums, gymnatoriums and similar
multipurpose assembly occupancies. (See Appendix, Aisle Ramps and Stairs.)
8. Movable seating in rows with seats fastened
together in groups of not less than three nor
more than seven.

1028.13.2 Intermediate handrails. 1. Such windows shall be openable from the inside
without the use of tools and shall provide a clear
Where handrails are provided in the middle of aisle opening of not less than 20 inches (508 mm) in
stairs, there shall be an additional intermediate handrail width, 24 inches (610 mm) in height, and 5.7
2
located approximately 12 inches (305 mm) below the square feet (0.53 m ) in area.
main handrail. 2. The bottom of the opening shall be not more
than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor, and
any latching device shall be capable of being
SECTION 1029 operated from not more than 54 inches (1372
EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE mm) above the finished floor.
1029.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape openings are not required in Florida
Colleges in accordance with Section 1029.4.1, Florida
Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be Building Code.
operational from the inside of the room without the use
of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices (See Appendix, Emergency Rescue Openings.)
are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and
rescue openings provided the minimum net clear
opening size complies with Section 1029.2 and such SECTION 1030
devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside BUSINESSS
without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that
which is required for normal operation of the escape and 1030.1 Doors.
rescue opening. Where such bars, grilles, grates or
similar devices are installed in existing buildings, smoke Egress doors shall conform to the requirements of
alarms shall be installed in accordance with Section Section 1008 except doors serving office areas with an
907.2.11 regardless of the valuation of the alteration. occupant load of 10 or less need not be side-swinging
type.
1029.4.1
1030.2 Handrails and guardrails.
Every room or space greater than 250 square feet (23.2
2
m ) in educational occupancies used for classroom or Handrails and guardrails shall be in accordance with
other educational purposes or normally subject to Section 1012 and 1013.
student occupancy and every room or space normally
subject to client occupancy, other than bathrooms, in Exception: In areas not accessible to the public
Group D occupancies shall have not less than one and in fully enclosed stairways in office buildings
outside window for emergency rescue that complies with not serving a Group A or E occupancy, the
the following: cleardistance between rails or ornamental
pattern shall be such as to prevent the passage
of a 21-inch (533 mm) diameter sphere.
1030.3. Stairs. Section 1008.1.10, Florida Building Code, requires panic
hardware for an occupant load of 50 or more.
Spiral stairs complying the Section 1009.9 shall be
permitted as a component in a means of egress. 1031.2.2
1030.4 Common path of travel. If balanced doors are used and panic hardware is
required, the panic hardware shall be of the pushpad
In Group B buildings, which are sprinkle red throughout, type and the pad shall not extend more than one-half the
a common path of travel not exceeding 100 feet (30 480 width of the door measured from the latch side.
mm) shall be permitted.
1031.3
SECTION 1031 Doors that swing into an exit access corridor shall be
EDUCATIONAL recessed to prevent interference with corridor traffic; any
doors not recessed shall open 180 degrees (3.1 rad) to
1031.1 Exterior corridors or balconies. stop against the wall. Doors in any position shall not
reduce the required corridor width by more than one-
1031.1.1 half.
A corridor roofed over and enclosed on its long sides

and open to the atmosphere at the ends may be
considered an exterior corridor provided:
1. Clear story openings not less than one-half the

height of the corridor walls are provided on both
sides of the corridor and above adjacent roofs or
buildings, or
2. The corridor roof has unobstructed openings to
the sky with the open area not less than 50
percent of the area of the roof. Openings shall
be equally distributed with any louvers fixed
open. The clear area of openings with fixed
louvers shall be based on the actual openings
between louver vanes.
1031.1.2
The minimum width of such corridors shall be sufficient

to accommodate the occupant load but shall in no case
be less than 6 feet (1829 mm).
1031.2 Panic and fire exit hardware.
1031.2.1
Each door in a means of egress from an area of Group E

occupancy having an occupant load of 100 or more may
be provided with a latch or lock only if it is panic
hardware or fire exit hardware, which releases when a
force of no more than 15 pounds (67 N) is applied to the
releasing devices in the direction of exit travel. Such
releasing devices may be bars or panels extending not
less than one-half the width of the door and placed at
heights suitable for the service required, but not less
than 34 inches (864 mm) nor more than 48 inches (1219
mm) above the floor. Whenever panic hardware is used
on a labeled fire door, the panic hardware shall be
labeled as fire exit hardware.

Chapter 12
INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
SECTION 1201 Accessories such as grab bars, towel bars, paper

GENERAL dispensers and soap dishes, provided on or within walls,
shall be installed and sealed to protect structural
1201.1 Scope. elements from moisture. For wall and partitions also see
Section 2903
The provisions of this chapter shall govern ventilation,
temperature control, lighting, yards and courts, sound See Section 423.14.8, Florida Building Code, Interior
transmission, room dimensions, surrounding materials Finishes.
and rodent proofing associated with the interior spaces
of buildings. 1210.3 Showers.
Shower compartments and walls above bathtubs with

SECTION 1205 installed shower heads shall be finished with a smooth,
LIGHTING nonabsorbent surface to a height not less than 70 inches
(1778 mm) above the drain inlet.
1205.1 General.
1210.4 Waterproof joints.
Every space intended for human occupancy shall be
provided with natural light by means of exterior glazed Built-in tubs with showers shall have waterproof joints
openings in accordance with Section 1205.2 or shall be between the tub and adjacent wall.
provided with artificial light in accordance with Section
1205.3. Exterior glazed openings shall open directly
onto a public way or onto a yard or court in accordance
with Section 1206.
SECTION 1210
SURROUNDING MATERIALS
1210.1 Floors and walls base finished materials.
In other than dwelling units, toilet, bathing and shower

room floor finish materials shall have a smooth, hard,
nonabsorbent surface. The intersection of such floors
with walls shall have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent
vertical base that extends upward onto the walls at least
4 inches (102 mm).
1210.2 Walls and partitions.
Walls and partitions within 2 feet (610 mm) of urinals and

water closets shall have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent
surface, to a height of 4 feet (1219 mm) above the floor
and except for structural elements, the material used in
such walls shall be of a type that Is not adversely
affected by moisture.
Exceptions:
1. Dwelling units and sleeping units.
2. Toilet rooms that are not accessible to the
public and which have not more than one
water closet.

Chapter 24
GLASS AND GLAZING
SECTION 2401
GENERAL 2403.3 Framing.
2401.1 Scope. To be considered firmly supported, the framing members

for each individual pane of glass shall be designed so
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, the deflection of the edge of the glass perpendicular to
design, construction and quality of glass, light the glass pane shall not exceed 1/175 of the glass edge
transmitting ceramic and light-transmitting plastic panels length or 3/4 inch (19.1mm), whichever is less, when
for exterior and interior use in both vertical and sloped subjected to the larger of the positive or negative load
applications in buildings and structures. where loads are combined as specified in Section 1605.
Exception: Buildings and structures located within

the high-velocity hurricane zone shall comply with SECTION 2406
the provisions of Sections 2410 through 2415. SAFETY GLAZING
2406.1 Human impact loads.

SECTION 2403
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GLASS Individual glazed areas, including glass mirrors, in
hazardous locations as defined in Section 2406.4 shall
2403.1 Identification. comply with Sections 2406.1.1 through 2406.1.4.
Each pane shall bear the manufacturer’s mark 2406.1.1 Impact rest.
designating the type and thickness of the glass or
glazing material. With the exception of tempered glazing Except as provided in Sections 2406.1.2 through
materials or laminated materials, the identification shall 2406.1.4, all glazing shall pass the test requirements of
not be omitted unless approved and an affidavit is Section 2406.2.
furnished by the glazing contractor certifying that each
light is glazed in accordance with approved construction Wire glass in educational facilities shall comply with
documents that comply with the provisions of this CPSC 16 CFR 1201.
chapter. Safety glazing shall be identified in accordance
with Section 2406.2. 2406.1.2 Plastic glazing.
Each pane of tempered glass, except tempered spandrel Plastic glazing shall meet the weathering requirements
glass, shall be identified by the manufacturer and each of ANSI Z97.1.
panel of laminated glass shall be permanently identified
with the laminator, overall glass thickness and trade 2406.1.3 Glass block.
name of the interlayer. The identification mark shall be
acid etched, sand blasted, ceramic fired, laser etched, Glass-block walls shall comply with Section 2101.2.5.
embossed or of a type that, once applied, cannot be
removed without being destroyed. 2406.1.4 Louvered windows and jalousies.
Tempered or laminated spandrel glass shall be provided Louvered windows and jalousies shall comply with
with a removable paper marking by the manufacturer. Section 2403.5.
2403.2 Glass supports. 2406.3 Identification of safety glazing.
Where one or more sides of any pane of glass are not Except as indicated in Section 2406.3.1, each pane of
firmly supported, or are subjected to unusual load safety glazing installed in hazardous locations shall be
conditions, detailed construction documents, detailed identified by a manufacturer's designation specifying
shop drawings and analysis or test data assuring safe who applied the designation, the manufacturer or
performance for the specific installation shall be installer and the safety glazing standard with which it
prepared by a registered design professional. complies, as well as the information specified in Section
2403.1. The designation shall be acid etched, sand
blasted, ceramic fired, laser etched, embossed or of a
type that once applied, cannot be removed without being
2
greater than 9 square feet (0.84 m );
destroyed. A label as defined in Section 202.1 and 7.2. Exposed bottom edge less than 18
meeting the requirements of this section shall be inches (457 mm) above the floor;
permitted in lieu of the manufacturer's designation. 7.3. Exposed top edge greater than 36
inches (914 mm) above the floor; and
Exceptions: 7.4. One or more walking surface(s) within
1. For other than tempered glass, manufacturer's 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally of the
designations are not required, provided the plane of the glazing.
building official approves the use of a certificate,
affidavit or other evidence confirming In educational facilities, a horizontal bar not less than 1½
compliance with this code. inches wide, set between 24 and 36 inches above the
2. Tempered spandrel glass is permitted to be floor, shall be installed.
identified by the manufacturer with a removable
paper designation. 8. Glazing in guards and railings, including
structural baluster panels and nonstructural in-fill
2406.3.1 Multi-pane assemblies. panels, regardless of area or height above a
walking surface.
Multi-pane glazed assemblies having individual panes 9. Glazing in walls and fences enclosing indoor
not exceeding 1 square foot (0.09 m²) in exposed area and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs and spas
shall have at least one pane in the assembly marked as where all of the following conditions are present:
indicated in Section 2406.3. Other panes in the 9.1. The bottom edge of the glazing on the
assembly shall be marked “CPSC 16 CFR 1201” or pool or spa side is less than 60 inches
"ANSI Z97.1," as appropriate. (1524 mm) above a walking surface on the
pool or spa side of the glazing; and
2406.4 Hazardous locations. 9.2. The glazing is within 60 inches (1524
mm) horizontally of the water’s edge of a
The following shall be considered specific hazardous swimming pool or spa.
locations requiring safety glazing materials: 10. Glazing adjacent to stairways, landings and
1. Glazing in swinging doors except jalousies (see ramps within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally of
Section 2406.4.1). a walking surface; when the exposed surface of
2. Glazing in fixed and sliding panels of sliding the glass is less than 60 inches (1524 mm)
door assemblies and panels in sliding and bifold above the plane of the adjacent walking surface.
closet door assemblies. 11. Glazing adjacent to stairways within 60 inches
3. Glazing in storm doors. (1524 mm) horizontally of the bottom tread of a
4. Glazing in unframed swinging doors. stairway in any direction when the exposed
5. Glazing in doors and enclosures for hot tubs, surface of the glass is less than 60 inches (1524
whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs and mm) above the nose of the tread.
showers. Glazing in any portion of a building
wall enclosing these compartments where the 2406.4.1 Exceptions:
bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than
60 inches (1524 mm) above a standing surface. The following products, materials and uses shall not
6. Glazing in an individual fixed or operable panel be considered specific hazardous locations:
adjacent to a door where the nearest exposed 1. Openings in doors through which a 3-inch (76
edge of the glazing is within a 24-inch (610 mm) mm) sphere is unable to pass.
arc of either vertical edge of the door in a closed 2. NA
position and where the bottom exposed edge of 3. Glazing materials used as curved glazed panels
the glazing is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) in revolving doors.
above the walking surface. 4. Commercial refrigerated cabinet glazed doors.
5. Glass-block panels complying with Section
Section 423.13.7, Florida Building Code, requires safety 2101.2.5.
glazing within 48 inches of a door in public educational
facilities. (See Appendix, Safety and Fire-Rated Glazing.)
7. Glazing in an individual fixed or operable panel, 2406.5 Fire department access panels.
other than in those locations described in
preceding Items 5 and 6, which meets all of the Fire department glass access panels shall be of
following conditions: tempered glass. For insulating glass units, all panes
7.1. Exposed area of an individual pane shall be tempered glass.
Chapter 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
Florida Building Code, Mechanical
SECTION 301 have a minimum depth of 1½ inches (38 mm),

GENERAL shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) larger
than the unit or the coil dimensions in width and
301.1 Scope. length and shall be constructed of corrosion-
resistant material. Galvanized sheet steel pans
This chapter shall govern the approval and installation of shall have a minimum thickness of not less than
all equipment and appliances that comprise parts of the 0.0236 inch (0.6010 mm) (No. 24 gage).
building mechanical systems regulated by this code in Nonmetallic pans shall have a minimum
accordance with Section 101.2. thickness of not less than 0.0625 inch (1.6 mm).
2. A separate overflow drain line shall be
connected to the drain pan provided with the
SECTION 304 equipment. Such overflow drain shall discharge
INSTALLATION to a conspicuous point of disposal to alert
occupants in the event of a stoppage of the
304.1 General. primary drain. The overflow drain line shall
connect to the drain pan at a higher level than
Equipment and appliances shall be installed as required the primary drain connection.
by the terms of their approval, in accordance with the As an alternate to a separate drain line, a water-
conditions of the listing, the manufacturer’s installation level detection device that will shut off the
instructions and this code. Manufacturer’s installation equipment served prior to overflow of the pan
instructions shall be available on the job site at the time shall be provided. The water level detection
of inspection. device shall connect to the drawn pan at a
higher level than the primary drain connection.
3. An auxiliary drain pan without a separate drain
SECTION 307 line shall be provided under the coils on which
CONDENSATE DISPOSAL condensate will occur. Such pan shall be
equipped with a water-level detection device
307.2.1 Condensate disposal. confirming to UL 508 that will shut off the
equipment served prior to overflow of the pan.
Condensate from all cooling coils and evaporators shall The auxiliary drain pan shall be constructed in
be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved accordance with Item 1 of this section.
place of disposal. Such piping shall maintain a minimum
horizontal slope in the direction of discharge of not less
than one-eighth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1-
percent slope). Condensate shall not discharge into a
street, alley or other areas so as to cause a nuisance.
307.2.3 Auxiliary and secondary drain systems.
In addition to the requirements of Section 307.2.1, where

damage to any building components could occur as a
result of overflow from the equipment primary
condensate removal system, one of the following
auxiliary protection methods shall be provided for each
cooling coil or fuel-fired appliance that produces
condensate:
1. An auxiliary drain pan with a separate drain shall

be provided under the coils on which
condensation will occur. The auxiliary pan drain
shall discharge to a conspicuous point of
disposal to alert occupants in the event of a
stoppage of the primary drain. The pan shall

Chapter 4
VENTILATION

GENERAL SYSTEMS CONTROL
401.1 Scope. 405.1 General.
This chapter shall govern the ventilation of spaces within Mechanical ventilation systems shall be provided with
a building intended to be occupied. Mechanical exhaust manual or automatic controls that will operate such
systems, including exhaust systems serving clothes systems whenever the spaces are occupied. Air-
dryers and cooking appliances; hazardous exhaust conditioning systems that supply required ventilation air
systems; dust, stock and refuse conveyor systems; shall be provided with controls designed to automatically
subslab soil exhaust systems; smoke control systems; maintain the required outdoor air supply rate during
energy recovery ventilation systems and other systems occupancy.
specified in Section 502 shall comply with Chapter 5.
401.2 Ventilation required.
Every occupied space shall be ventilated by natural

means in accordance with Section 402 or by mechanical
means in accordance with Section 403.
401.3 When required.
Ventilation shall be provided during the periods that the

room or space is occupied.
SECTION 403
MECHANICAL VENTILATION
403.2 Outdoor air required.
The minimum outdoor airflow rate shall be determined in

accordance with Section 403.3. Ventilation supply
systems shall be designed to deliver the required rate of
outdoor airflow to the breathing zone within each
occupiable space.
Section 423.15.6, Florida Building Code, allows

ventilation to be based upon average occupancy for
school buildings for the duration of operation of the air
conditioning system.

Chapter 5
EXHAUST SYSTEMS
SECTION 501 The exception for ductless hoods does not apply to
GENERAL educational facilities. Section 423 of the Florida Building
Code, Building, specifies that when small residential-
501.1 Scope. type hoods are used in schools, residential-type hoods
must be mechanically exhausted to the outside. See
This chapter shall govern the design, construction and Section 423.15.3, Florida Building Code, Building, for
installation of mechanical exhaust systems, including more information.
exhaust systems serving clothes dryers and cooking
appliances; hazardous exhaust systems; dust, stock and
refuse conveyor systems; subslab soil exhaust systems; SECTION 507
smoke control systems; energy recovery ventilation COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOODS
systems and other systems specified in Section 502.
507.2.3 Domestic cooking appliances used for
501.2 Exhaust discharge. commercial purposes.
The air removed by every mechanical exhaust system Domestic cooking appliances utilized for commercial
shall be discharged outdoors at a point where it will not purposes shall be provided with Type I or Type II hoods
cause a nuisance and not less than the distance as required for the type of appliances and processes in
specified In Section 501.2.1. The air shall be discharged accordance with Sections 507.2, 507.2.1 and 507.2.2.
to a location from which it cannot again be readily drawn
in by a ventilating system. Air shall not be exhausted Domestic cooking appliances used in home economics
into an attic or crawl space. instructional spaces are not intended to be used for
commercial purposes and are not required to meet this
Exceptions: section or Section 509 requiring a fire suppression
1. NA system.
2. Commercial cooking recirculating systems.
501.3 Pressure equalization. SECTION 509

FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
See Section 601.4 of this code, and Section 503.2.10.6
of the Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation. 509.1 Where required.
Commercial cooking appliances required by Section

SECTION 505 507.2.1 to have a Type I hood shall be provided with an
DOMESTIC KITCHEN EXHAUST EQUIPMENT approved automatic fire suppression system complying
with the Florida Building Code, Building and the Florida
505.1 Domestic systems. Fire Prevention Code.
Where domestic range hoods and domestic appliances

equipped with downdraft exhaust are located within
dwelling units, such hoods and appliances shall
discharge to the outdoors through sheet metal ducts
constructed of galvanized steel, stainless steel,
aluminum or copper. Such ducts shall have smooth inner
walls and shall be air tight and equipped with a backdraft
damper.
Exceptions: Where installed in accordance

with the manufacturer’s installation instructions
and where mechanical or natural ventilation is
otherwise provided in accordance with Chapter
4, listed and labeled ductless range hoods shall
not be required to discharge to the outdoors.

Chapter 6
DUCT SYSTEMS
SECTION 601 5. The space between the corridor ceiling and the
GENERAL floor or roof structure above the corridor is used
as a component of an approved engineered
601.1 Scope. smoke control system.
Duct systems used for the movement of air in air- The space between the corridor ceiling and the floor or
conditioning, heating, ventilating and exhaust systems roof structure above may only be used as a plenum
shall conform to the provisions of this chapter except as when the ceiling is constructed as a minimum 1-hour
otherwise specified in Chapters 5 and 7. rated horizontal wall supported by the corridor walls.
See Section 423.15.2, Florida Building Code, Building,
Exception: Ducts discharging combustible material for more information.
directly into any combustion chamber shall conform
to the requirements of NFPA 82. 601.4 Balanced return air.
601.2 Air movement in egress elements. Restricted return air occurs in buildings when returns are
located in central zones and closed interior doors
Corridors shall not serve as supply, return, exhaust, impede air flow to the return grill or when ceiling spaces
relief or ventilation air ducts. are used as return plenums and fire walls restrict air
movement from one portion of the return plenum to
Exceptions: another. Provisions shall be made in both residential and
1. Use of a corridor as a source of makeup air commercial buildings to avoid unbalanced air flows and
for exhaust systems in rooms that open pressure differentials caused by restricted return air.
directly onto such corridors, including toilet Pressure differentials across closed doors where returns
rooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, smoking are centrally located shall be limited to 0.01 inch WC
lounges and janitor closets, shall be (2.5 pascals) or less. Pressure differentials across fire
permitted, provided that each such corridor walls in ceiling space plenums shall be limited to 0.01
is directly supplied with outdoor air at a rate inch WC (2.5 pascals) by providing air duct pathways or
greater than the rate of makeup air taken air transfer pathways from the high pressure zone to the
from the corridor. low zone.
Section 423, Florida Building Code, Building, specifies Exceptions:

that corridors shall not be used as return air plenums. 1. Transfer ducts may achieve this by increasing
This also applies to corridors used as supply, exhaust, the return transfer 1¹/2 times the cross sectional
relief, or ventilation plenums. See Section 423.15.2 of area (square inches) of the supply duct entering
the Florida Building Code, Building, for more information. the room or space it is serving and the door
having at least an unrestricted 1 inch undercut to
601.2.1 Corridor ceiling. achieve proper return air balance.
2. Transfer grilles shall use 50 square inches (of
Use of the space between the corridor ceiling and the grille area) to 100 cfm (of supply air) for sizing
floor or roof structure above as a return air plenum is through-the-wall transfer grilles and using an
permitted for one or more of the following conditions: unrestricted 1 inch undercutting of doors to
achieve proper return air balance.
1. The corridor is not required to be of fire-
resistance-rated construction;
2. The corridor is separated from the plenum by SECTION 602
fire-resistance-rated construction; PLENUMS
shut down upon activation of the air-handling 602.2.1 Materials within plenums.
unit smoke detectors required by this code;
4. The air-handling system serving the corridor is Except as required by Sections 602.2.1.1 through
shut down upon detection of sprinkler waterflow 602.2.1.6, materials within plenums shall be
where the building is equipped throughout with noncombustible or shall have a flame spread index of
an automatic sprinkler system; or not more than 25 and a smoke-developed index of not

more than 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 606.2.2 Common supply, return air and supply air
84 or UL 723. systems.
Exceptions: Where multiple air-handling systems share common

1. Rigid and flexible ducts and connectors shall supply or return air ducts or plenums with a combined
conform to Section 603. design capacity greater than 2,000 cfm (0.9 m³ /s), the
2. Duct coverings, linings, tape and connectors return air and supply air system shall be provided with
shall conform to Sections 603 and 604. smoke detectors in accordance with Section 606.2.1.
3. NA
4. This section shall not apply to smoke detectors. 606.2.3 Return and supply risers.
5. Combustible materials fully enclosed within
continuous noncombustiable raceways or Where return air and supply air risers serve two or more
enclosures, approved gypsum board assemblies stories and are part of a return air and supply air system
or within materials listed and labeled for such having a design capacity greater than 15,000 cfm (7.1
application. m³ /s), smoke detectors shall be installed at each story.
6. Condensate pump units with a total volume not Such smoke detectors shall be located upstream of the
exceeding 2 cubic feet. connection between the return air riser and any air ducts
7. Loudspeakers, loudspeaker assemblies, and or plenums and between the air supply source and the
their accessories exposed within a plenum shall first branch or take-off to the areas served.
have a peak optical density not greater than
0.50, an average optical density not greater than
0.15, and a peak heat release rate not greater SECTION 607
than 100 kW when tested in accordance with UL DUCTS AND AIR TRANSFER OPENINGS
2043.
607.5 Where required.
PVC and CPVC piping may be installed in return air
plenums only if the materials in which they are enclosed Fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire/smoke
are listed and labeled for such installations. Wrapping dampers and ceiling radiation dampers shall be provided
PVC and CPVC piping in insulation having a flame at the locations prescribed in Section 607.5.1 through
spread/smoke developed index of 25/50 is not 607.5.7. Where an assembly is required to have both fire
automatically acceptable. dampers and smoke dampers, combination fire/smoke
dampers or a fire damper and a smoke damper shall be
required.
SECTION 606
SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEMS CONTROL
606.2 Where required.
Smoke detectors shall be installed where indicated in

Sections 606.2.1 through 606.2.3 and NFPA 90A.
606.2.1 Supply air systems.
Smoke detectors shall be installed in supply air systems

with a design capacity greater than 2,000 cfm (0.9 m ³/S)
in the supply air duct.
Exception: Smoke detectors are not required in the

supply air system where the space served by the air
distribution system is protected by a system of area
smoke detectors in accordance with the Florida Fire
Prevention Code. The area smoke detector system
shall comply with Section 606.4.

Chapter 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
Florida Building Code, Plumbing
SECTION 301
GENERAL
301.1 Scope.
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the general

regulations regarding the installation of plumbing not
specific to other chapters.
SECTION 310
WASHROOM AND TOILET ROOM REQUIREMENTS
310.4 Water closet compartment.
Each water closet utilized by the public or employees

shall occupy a separate compartment with walls or
partitions and a door enclosing the fixtures to ensure
privacy.
Exceptions:
1. Water closet compartments shall not be required
in a single-occupant toilet room with a lockable
door.
2. Toilet rooms located in day care and child-care
facilities and containing two or more water
closets shall be permitted to have one water
closet without an enclosing compartment.
SECTION 315
PUBLIC FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS AND
FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
315.1 Requirements.
Public food service establishments and food

establishments, as defined in Chapter 381, Florida
Statutes, Chapter 500, Florida Statutes and Chapter
509, Florida Statutes, shall comply with the applicable
code requirements found in the Florida Building Code,
Building Chapter 4, Special Occupancy.

Chapter 4
FIXTURES, FAUCET AND FIXTURE FITTINGS
SECTION 401 403.2 Separate facilities.

GENERAL
Where plumbing fixtures are required, separate facilities
401.1 Scope. shall be provided for each sex.
This chapter shall govern the materials, design and Exceptions:

installation of plumbing fixtures, faucets and fixture 1. NA
fittings in accordance with the type of occupancy, and 2. Separate facilities shall not be required for food
shall provide for the minimum number of fixtures for service establishments which seat 10 persons or
various types of occupancies. less.
3. Separate facilities shall not be required in
business and mercantile occupancies with a
SECTION 403 total floor area of 3,000 square feet (279 m²) or
MINIMUM PLUMBING FACILITIES less.
403.1 Minimum number of fixtures. Section 423, Florida Building Code, Building, specifically
allows single-use toilets in Pre-K through grade three.
Plumbing fixtures shall be provided for the type of Single-use toilets may also be provided for all ESE
occupancy and in the minimum number shown in Table Classrooms. See Section 423.16.1, Florida Building
403.1. Types of occupancies not shown in Table 403.1 Code, Building, for more information.
shall be considered individually by the code official. The
number of occupants shall be determined by the Florida 403.5 Unisex toilet and bathing rooms.
Building Code, Building. Occupancy classification shall
be determined in accordance with the Florida Building In assembly and mercantile occupancies, an accessible
Code, Building. unisex toilet room shall be provided where an aggregate
of six or more male and female water closets is required.
The total required number of fixtures may be distributed In buildings of mixed occupancy, only those water
throughout the facility. Student toilets should be closets required for the assembly or mercantile
strategically located for convenient access and occupancy shall be used to determine the unisex toilet
continuous supervision. The path of travel to the nearest room requirement. In recreational facilities where
toilet facility should not exceed a distance of 200 feet. separate-sex bathing rooms are provided, an accessible
Toilet facilities for cafetoriums, gynmasiums, and unisex bathing room shall be provided. Fixtures located
auditoriums are not required to be in addition to the within unisex toilet and bathing rooms shall be included
overall required plumbing fixture count. However, toilet in determining the number of fixtures provided in an
fixtures shall be open for public events. occupancy.
403.1.3 Potty parity. Unisex toilets should not be provided for Assembly
occupancies in educational facilities. Section 423,
In assembly occupancies, restrooms which are open to Florida Building Code, Building, only allows unisex toilet
the public must have a ratio of 3:2 water closets rooms for Pre-K through grade three. See Section
provided for women as the combined total of water 423.16.1, Florida Building Code, Building, for more
closets and urinals provided for men, unless these are information.
two or fewer such fixtures for men, in accordance with
§553.86, Florida Statutes.
In educational facilities, potty parity requirements are

applied only to restrooms that are open to the public,
such as auditoriums and gymnasiums. Restrooms for
such Assembly occupancies do not need to be in the
same building, but should be in close proximity and must
remain open to the public whenever the assembly
spaces accommodated by the restroom facilities are also
open to the public.

SECTION 411 In public educational facilities, floor drains are required
EMERGENCY SHOWERS AND EYEWASH STATIONS for emergency showers/eyewash stations. See Section
423.16.12, Florida Building Code, Building, for more
411.2 Waste connections. information.
Waste connections shall not be required for emergency

showers and eyewash stations.
TABLE 403.1
MINIMUM NUMBER OF REQUIRED PLUMBING FIXTURES
(See Sections 403.2 and 403.3)
WATER CLOSETS (URINALS

LAVATORIES DRINKING
CLASSIFICATIO SEE SECTION 419.2)
NO. OCCUPANCY FOUNTAIN (SEE OTHER
N
MALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE SECTION 410.0)
1 service
A-1 1 per 125 1 per 65 1 per 200 1 per 500
sink
1 service
A-2 1 per 75 1 per 75 1 per 200 1 per 500
sink
1 service
A-3 1 per 125 1 per 65 1 per 200 1 per 500
sink
1 per 75 for
1 per 40 for
the first
the first
1,500 and 1
1,520 and 1
per 120 for 1 per 1 per 1 service
A-4 per 60 for the 1 per 1,000
1 Assembly the 200 150 sink
remainder
remainder
exceeding
exceeding
1,520
1,500
1 per 75 for
1 per 40 for
the first
the first
1,500 and 1
1,520 and 1
per 120 for 1 per 1 per 1 service
A-5 per 60 for the 1 per 1,000
the 200 150 sink
remainder
remainder
exceeding
exceeding
1,520
1,500
1 per 40 for the first
1 per 25 for the first 50 and 1
80 and 1 per 80 for
2 Business B per 50 for the remainder 1 per 100
the remainder
exceeding 50
exceeding 80
1 service
3 Educational E/D 1 per 50 1 per 50 1 per 100
sink
Public educational facilities, including those classified as Business occupancy, shall require service sinks in accordance
with Section 423.20.3.

Chapter 6
WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
SECTION 601
GENERAL
601.1 Scope.
This chapter shall govern the materials, design and

installation of water supply systems, both hot and cold,
for utilization in connection with human occupancy and
habitation and shall govern the installation of individual
water supply systems.
SECTION 610
DISINFECTION OF POTABLE WATER SYSTEM
610.1 General.
New or repaired potable water systems shall be purged

of deleterious matter and, where required by the
Administrative Authority, disinfected prior to utilization.
The method to be followed shall be that prescribed by
the health authority or water purveyor having jurisdiction
or, in the absence of a prescribed method, the procedure
described in either AWWA C651 or AWWA C652, or as
described in this section. This requirement shall apply to
“on-site” or “in-plant” fabrication of a system or to a
modular portion of a system.
1. The pipe system shall be flushed with clean,
potable water until dirty water does not appear
at the points of outlet.
2. The system or part thereof shall be filled with a
water/chlorine solution containing at least 50
parts per million (50 mg/L) of chlorine, and the
system or part thereof shall be valved off and
allowed to stand for 24 hours; or the system or
part thereof shall be filled with a water/chlorine
solution containing at least 200 parts per million
(200 mg/L) of chlorine and allowed to stand for 3
hours.
3. Following the required standing time, the system
shall be flushed with clean potable water until
the chlorine is purged from the system.
4. The procedure shall be repeated where shown
by a bacteriological examination that
contamination remains present in the system.

Chapter 7
SANITARY DRAINAGE
SECTION 701
GENERAL
701.1 Scope.
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials,

design, construction and installation of sanitary drainage
systems.
SECTION 702
MATERIALS
702.5 Chemical waste system.
A chemical waste system shall be completely separated

from the sanitary drainage system. The chemical waste
shall be treated in accordance with Section 803.2 before
discharging to the sanitary drainage system. Separate
drainage systems for chemical wastes and vent pipes
shall be of an approved material that is resistant to
corrosion and degradation for the concentrations of
chemicals involved.
Chemical waste systems must be separated from

sanitary waste systems. Chemical-resistant piping is
required for drainage systems and vent pipes used in
association with chemical systems.

Chapter 8
INDIRECT/SPECIAL WASTE
SECTION 801
GENERAL
801.1 Scope.
This chapter shall govern matters concerning indirect

waste piping and special wastes. This chapter shall
further control matters concerning food-handling
establishments, sterilizers, clear-water wastes,
swimming pools, methods of providing air breaks or air
gaps, and neutralizing devices for corrosive wastes.
SECTION 803
SPECIAL WASTES
803.2 Neutralizing device required for

corrosivewastes.
Corrosive liquids, spent acids or other harmful chemicals

that destroy or injure a drain, sewer, soil or waste pipe,
or create noxious or toxic fumes or interfere with sewage
treatment processes shall not be discharged into the
plumbing system without being thoroughly diluted,
neutralized or treated by passing through an approved
dilution or neutralizing device. Such devices shall be
automatically provided with a sufficient supply of diluting
water or neutralizing medium so as to make the contents
noninjurious before discharge into the drainage system.
The nature of the corrosive or harmful waste and the
method of its treatment or dilution shall be approved
prior to installation.
All chemical waste shall be diluted or neutralized prior to

discharge into the sanitary drainage system.

Chapter 10
TRAPS, INTERCEPTORS AND SEPARATORS
SECTION 1001
GENERAL
1001.1 Scope.
This chapter shall govern the material and installation of

traps, interceptors and separators.
SECTION 1003
INTERCEPTORS AND SEPARATORS
1003.3 Grease traps and grease interceptors for

publicly owned sewerage systems.
Grease interceptors shall comply with requirements of

Section 1003.3.1 through 1003.3.5.
Grease interceptors for educational facilities should be

sized in accordance with the formula for “OTHER
ESTABLISHMENTS WITH COMMERCIAL KITCHENS”
provided in Table 1003.5.1 of the Florida Building Code,
Plumbing.
When the meals prepared per day are significantly fewer

than the number of planned student stations, written
confirmation from the district program administrator
should be submitted with the documents.

Chapter 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
Florida Building Code, Fuel Gas
SECTION 301 304.7 Combination indoor and outdoor

GENERAL combustion air.
301.1 Scope. The use of a combination of indoor and outdoor

combustion air shall be in accordance with Sections
This chapter shall govern the approval and installation of 304.7.1 through 304.7.3.
all equipment and appliances that comprise parts of the
installations regulated by this code in accordance with 304.8 Engineered installations.
Section 101.2
Engineered combustion air installations shall provide an
adequate supply of combustion, ventilation and dilution
SECTION 304(IFGS) air and shall be approved.
COMBUSTION, VENTILATION AND DILUTION AIR
304.9 Mechanical combustion air supply.
304.1 General.
Where all combustion air is provided by a mechanical air
Air for combustion, ventilation and dilution of flue gases supply system, the combustion air shall be supplied from
for appliances installed in buildings shall be provided by the outdoors at a rate not less than 0.35 cubic feet per
application of one of the methods prescribed in Sections minute per 1,000 Btu/h (0.034 m³ /min per kW) of total
304.5 through 304.9. Where the requirements of input rating of all appliances located within the space.
Section 304.5 are not met, outdoor air shall be
introduced in accordance with one of the methods
prescribed in Sections 304.6 through 304.9. Direct-vent
appliances, gas appliances of other than natural draft
design and vented gas appliances other than Category I
shall be provided with combustion, ventilation and
dilution air in accordance with the appliance
manufacturer’s instructions.
Exception: Type 1 clothes dryers that are provided

with makeup air in accordance with Section 614.5.
304.5 Indoor combustion air.
The required volume of indoor air shall be determined in

accordance with Section 304.5.1 or 304.5.2, except that
where the air infiltration rate is known to be less than
0.40 air changes per hour (ACH), Section 304.5.2 shall
be used. The total required volume shall be the sum of
the required volume calculated for all appliances located
within the space. Rooms communicating directly with the
space in which the appliances are installed through
openings not furnished with doors, and through
combustion air openings sized and located in
accordance with Section 304.5.3, are considered to be
part of the required volume.
304.6 Outdoor combustion air.
Outdoor combustion air shall be provided through

opening(s) to the outdoors in accordance with Section
304.6.1 or 304.6.2. The minimum dimension of air
openings shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm).

Chapter 4
GAS PIPING INSTALLATIONS
Florida Building Code, Fuel Gas
SECTION 401 404.6.2 Conduit with both ends

GENERAL terminating indoors.
401.1 Scope. Where the conduit originates and terminates within the
same building, the conduit shall originate and terminate
This chapter shall govern the design, installation, in an accessible portion of the building and shall not be
modification and maintenance of piping systems. The sealed. The conduit shall extend not less than 2 inches
applicability of this code to piping systems extends from (51 mm) beyond the point where the pipe emerges from
the point of delivery to the connections with the the floor.
appliances and includes the design, materials,
components, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, 404.12 Piping underground beneath buildings.
inspection, operation and maintenance of such piping
systems. Piping installed underground beneath buildings is
prohibited except where the piping is encased in a
401.2 Liquefied petroleum gas storage. conduit of wrought iron, plastic pipe or steel pipe or other
approved conduit material designed to withstand the
The storage system for liquefied petroleum gas shall be superimposed loads. The conduit shall be protected from
designed and installed in accordance with the Florida corrosion in accordance with Section 404.9 and shall be
Fire Prevention Code and NFPA 58. installed in accordance with Section 404.12.1 or
404.12.2.
SECTION 404 404.12.1 Conduit with one end terminating

PIPING SYSTEM INSTALLATION outdoors.
404.6 Piping in solid floors. The conduit shall extend into an occupiable portion of
the building and, at the point where the conduit
Piping in solid floors shall be laid in channels in the floor terminates in the building, the space between the
and covered in a manner that will allow access to the conduit and the gas piping shall be sealed to prevent the
piping with a minimum amount of damage to the possible entrance of any gas leakage. The conduit shall
building. Where such piping is subject to exposure to extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) beyond the point
excessive moisture or corrosive substances, the piping where the pipe emerges from the floor. Where the end
shall be protected in an approved manner. As an sealing is capable of withstanding the full pressure of the
alternative to installation in channels, the piping shall be gas pipe, the conduit shall be designed for the same
installed in a casing of Schedule 40 steel, wrought iron, pressure as the pipe. Such conduit shall extend not less
PVC or ABS pipe in accordance with Section 404.6.1 or than 4 inches (102 mm) outside of the building shall be
404.6.2. vented above grade to the outdoors and shall be
installed so as to prevent the entrance of water and
404.6.1 Conduit with one end insects.
terminating outdoors.
404.12.2 Conduit with both ends terminating
The conduit shall extend into an occupiable portion of indoors.
the building and, at the point where the conduit
terminates in the building, the space between the Where the conduit originates and terminates within the
conduit and the gas piping shall be sealed to prevent the same building, the conduit shall originate and terminate
possible entrance of any gas leakage. The conduit shall in an accessible portion of the building and shall not be
extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) beyond the point sealed. The conduit shall extend not less than 2 inches
where the pipe emerges from the floor. If the end (51 mm) beyond the point where the pipe emerges from
sealing is capable of withstanding the full pressure of the the floor.
gas pipe, such conduit shall be designed for the same
pressure as the pipe, such conduit shall extend not less SECTION 409
than 4 Inches (102 mm) outside the building, shall be SHUTOFF VALVES
vented above grade to the outdoors and shall be
installed so as to prevent the entrance of water and 409.1.2 Prohibited locations.
insects. Shutoff valves shall be prohibited in concealed locations
and furnace plenums.
409.3.2 Individual buildings.
In a common system serving more than one building,

shutoff valves shall be installed outdoors at each
building.

Appendix
Appendix
This appendix is formatted as a quick reference guide summarizing code-related issues through the use of tables and example
diagram drawings and Illustrations. The handbook is intended to be a general guideline and should be used for reference
purposes only.
Florida Building Code Handbook A-i

Appendix
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Legend A-2
Minimum Occupant Load A-3
Exit and Means of Egress Width A-4
Number of Required Means of Egress A-6
Separation of Means of Egress A-8
Travel Distance A-10
Dead-End Corridors A-12
Emergency Rescue Openings A-14
Doors A-16
Door Fire-Rating Labels A-18
Door Panic Hardware A-20
Safety and Fire-Rated Glazing A-22
Classrooms with All Primary Egress to the Exterior A-24
Classrooms with Convenience Interior Corridor and Exits Directly to the Exterior A-26
One or more Classrooms Exiting through an Interior Corridor and Remaining

Classrooms Exiting Directly to the Exterior A-28
Classrooms with all Egress Through an Exit Access Corridor A-30
Egress from Rooms Divided with a Folding Partition A-32
Egress from Classrooms through an Intervening Space A-34
Corridor Protection A-36
Stairs A-38
Handrails at Stairs A-40
Separation and Protection of Exterior Stairs A-42
Exceptions to Separation and Protection of Exterior Stairs A-44
Interior Stairs A-46
Shaft Enclosure Protection A-48
Auditorium Aisle Width A-50
A-ii Florida Department of Education

Appendix

Auditorium Seating A-52
Grandstands and Bleachers A-54
Aisle Ramps and Stairs A-56
Aisles Serving Seating at Tables A-58
Platforms and Stages A-60
Legitimate Stage (Stages 1,000 Sq Ft in Area and with a Stage Height greater than 50 Ft maximum) A-62
Regular Stage (Stages 1,000 Sq Ft in Area and with a Stage Height greater than 50 Ft maximum) A-64
Site Requirements A-66
Minimum Parking Requirements A-70
Site Lighting Requirements A-72
Roofing Membrane and Drainage A-74
Open Plan Classrooms A-76
Relocatables for Classroom Use A-78
Shade and Green House A-80
Kitchen and Food Services A-82
Toilet Rooms A-84
Fire Alarm A-86
Example EHPA Design Square Footage and Capacity Calculations A-88
EHPA Electoral and Emergency Power Systems Standby Circuits A-90
Recommended Acreage A-91
FBC Chapter 16 - Structural Loads A-92
FBC Chapter 18 - Soils and Foundations A-94
FBC Chapter 19 - Concrete A-96
FBC Chapter 21 - Reinforced Masonry A-98
FBC Chapter 22 - Steel A-99
FBC Chapter 23 - Wood A-100
Roof Shingles A-101
Section 423 Application Matrix A-103
Florida Building Code Handbook A-iii

Appendix
A-2 Florida Department of Education

Appendix
Minimum Occupant Load
Sq Ft per
Use Example Code Reference
Occupant
Assembly without fixed seats
Dining Rooms/Cafétorium with Stage
Unconcentrated use Multipurpose Rooms
Main floor area 15 gross FBC Table 1004.1.1
Stage 15 net FBC 423.18.1.1
Dressing rooms 20 net
Kitchen 100 gross
Media Centers
FBC Table 1004.1.1
Reading room and stacks 50 net
FBC 423.18.1.4
Small group area or room 5 net
Assembly with fixed seats
Auditoriums
number of FBC Table 1004.1.1

In main seating area
Number of fixed seats includes fixed seats
FBC 423.18.1.1
accessible seating. Stage 15 net
Gymnasiums
Gymnatorium with Stage
number of
In main seating area
fixed seats
Fixed or telescopic bench-type FBC TABLE 1004.1.1
bleacher seating at 18 linear Main court area 15 gross FBC 423.18.1.1
inches per person, including
accessible seating. Locker rooms 5 net FBC 423.18.1.2
Stage 15 net

Bench-type bleacher seating at 18
number of FBC 1004.7
linear inches per person, including Stadiums
fixed seats
accessible seating.
Classrooms 20 net
FBC Table 1004.1.1
Educational Shops, labs and other vocational areas 50 net
CCTV 15 net FBC Table 423.18.1.5
Day-care Day-car spaces 20 net
Business Areas Administrative offices 100 gross FBC Table 1004.1.1
Dormitories Dormitory spaces 50 gross

Courtyards
Raised, dedicated landscape Interior courtyards 15 gross FBC Table 1004.1.1
areas may be deducted.
Florida Building Code Handbook A-3

Appendix
Exit and Means of Egress Width
Egress Width per Minimum Minimum Clear Minimum

Person (in.) Corridor/Aisle Opening of Exit Stair Width
Occupancy Width Doors
Ramps, Code Reference
Classification
Doors and Stairs
Corridors FBC 1016.2 FBC 1008.1.1 FBC 1009.
Group A
0.2 0.3 44" 32" 44" *
Assembly
Group B FBC 1005
0.2 0.3 44" ** 32" 44" **
Assembly
FBC 1009
Group D
0.2 0.3 44" ** 32" 44" **
Day-care FBC 1018
Group E
0.2 0.3 72" 32" 44"
Educational
* See FBC Section 1028 for detailed required requirements in Assembly Occupancies.
** 36 inches acceptable if stair or corridor serves occupant load of less than 50.
The minimum width of egress shall be based on the number of occupants to be served. Minimum width may be no less than:
Passage Width: 32 inches minimum clear opening width (36 inches recommended). Florida Accessibility Code required
32 inches minimum at a point and 36 inches continuously. Refer to Figures 1 and 24(e) Florida
Accessibility Code. FBC Section 11-4.2.1.
Door: 32 inches minimum clear opening (36 inch wide doors are recommended). The clear opening at
swinging doors shall be measured between the face of the doors and the stop, with the door open 90
degrees. FBC Section 1008.1.1. Serves a total capacity of 160.
Stairs: 44 inches minimum width, except as noted above. Serve a total capacity of 147. Handrails may
project 3½ inches into the required stair width. FBC Section 1009.1.
Ramps: 44 inches minimum width. Serves a total capacity of 220. Handrails may project 3½ inches into the
required stair width. FBC Section 1010.5.
Exit Access
Corridors: Group E occupancy, 72 inches minimum width, serving a capacity of 100 or more.
Groups A, B,
and D Occupancies: 44 inches minimum width. Serves a total capacity of 220.
Exterior Corridors: The minimum width of exterior corridors or balconies in Group E occupancy shall be sufficient to
accommodate the occupant load, but shall not be less than 72 inches. FBC Section 1018.2.

Appendix

Appendix
Number of Required Means of Egress
The number of means of egress shall be determined to meet the requirements for egress capacities and travel distances, but
shall not be less than the minimum number of means of egress listed below.
Occupant
Minimum Requirements Code References
Load
1 to 5 One means of egress FBC 423.13.1
Unsprinklered Building Sprinklered Building
One means of egress leading directly to exterior,
6 to 49 or One means of egress FBC 423.13.1

One means of egress and one emergency rescue window
that opens directly to the exterior (in buildings three
stories or less).
Two means of egress where one of the two opens directly to the exterior,
FBC Table 1021.1
50 to 500 or
FBC 423.7.1
Two means of egress to two separate atmospheres.
Special Egress Requirements
Main entrance/exit with a minimum aggregate width to accommodate 50% of the

Assembly
occupant load. FBC 1028.2
Occupancy
See FBC Section 1025 for additional requirements.
Rooms used for first grade children and younger shall be located on the floor of exit
Educational discharge.
FFPC 14.2
Occupancy Rooms used for second grade children shall not be located more than one story
above the floor of the exit discharge.
Occupancy
Minimum Number of Exits per Story
Load
1 to 500 2
501 to 1000 3
FBC 1021
More than
4
1000

Appendix

Appendix

Separation of Means of Egress
Occupancy Minimum Separation
Code Reference
Classification Unsprinklered Building Sprinklered Building
All Occupancies ½ Diagonal Rule ⅓ Diagonal rule FBC 1015.2.1
½ Diagonal Rule:
Where two or more exits or exit access doors are required in an unsprinklered building, at least two of the exits or exit
access doors shall be placed a distance apart equal to at least ½ of the length of the maximum overall diagonal
dimension of the building or area to be served, measured in a straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors or
exit access doors. FBC Section 1015.2.1.
⅓ Diagonal Rule:
Where two or more exits or exit access doors are required in a sprinklered building, at least two of the exits or exit
access doors shall be placed a distance apart equal to at least ⅓ of the length of the maximum overall diagonal
dimension of the building or area to be served, measured in a straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors or
exit access doors. FBC Section 1015.2.1.
More than 2 Required Exits:

Where more than two exits or exit access doors are required, at least two of the required exits or exit access doors shall
be arranged to comply with the above. The other exits or exit access doors shall be located so that if one becomes
blocked, the others shall be available. FBC Section 1015.2.1.

Appendix

Appendix

Travel Distance
Occupancy Maximum Travel Distance to Exit (Ft)
Code Reference
Group A
200 250
Assembly
Group B
200 300
Business
FBC Table 1016.1
Group D
150 200
Day-care
Group E
150 200
Educational
Measurement of Travel Distance

Code Reference
Travel distance is measured from the most remote point in
the room along the natural path of travel, with a 1-foot
clearance around any corners or obstructions, to the
Travel Distance centerline of the doorway.
in a Room FFPC 7.6.1
Travel distance is not measured across the diagonal of the
room to the door. This space may be blocked by furniture
or equipment.
Travel distance to an exit is measured along the centerline

of the natural path of travel, starting from the most remote
Travel Distance
point subject to occupancy, with 1-foot clearance around FFPC 7.5.4.2
in a Building
any corners or obstructions, to the centerline of the
doorway or other point at which the exit begins.
Common Path of Travel

Code Reference
The common path of travel is measured along the
centerline of the natural path of travel, starting from the
most remote point of the room or space, with a 1-foot
General clearance around any corners or obstructions, and
terminates at that point where two separate and distinct FFPC 7.6.1
routes become available. The common path of travel shall
not exceed 75 feet.
A common path of travel shall be permitted for the 20 feet

Assembly from any point where serving any number of occupants and
FBC 1014.3
Occupancies for the first 75 feet from any point where serving not more
than 50 occupants.

Appendix

Appendix
Dead-End Corridors
Maximum Dead-End Length (Ft)

Occupancy Code Reference
Group A
20 20
Assembly
Group B FBC 1018.4
20 20
Business
FFPC 14.2.5.2
Group D
20 20
Day-care FFPC 16.2.5.2
Group E
20 20
Educational
Measurement of Dead-End Corridors
General: Dead-end exists where an occupant enters a corridor, thinking there is an exit at the end, and finding
none, is forced to retrace the path traveled to reach a choice of egress travel paths. Although relatively
short dead ends are permitted by Code, it is better practice to eliminate them whenever possible, as
they increase the danger of persons being trapped in case of fire. FFPC Section A.7.5.1.5 and FBC
Section 1018.4.
Dead-End Limit: The distance of a dead end is measured from the most remote point of a dead end to where an
occupant has a choice of direction of travel or to the centerline of an exit door.
Plan Schematic 1
Example: Dead-End Corridors
Corridor 1: The dead-end corridor from the uppermost portion of the corridor to the centerline of the stair door. The
doors from Corridor 2 swing in to Corridor 1 eliminating Corridor 2 as a possible second mean of
egress.
Corridor 2: Corridor 2 is classified as a dead-end corridor because the doors between Corridor 2 and Corridor 3
swing into Corridor 2. The occupants in Corridor 2 have a choice of only one direction to egress.
Corridor 4: The dead-end corridors exist from the lowermost portion of the corridor to the centerline of the exit stair.
Plan Schematic 2
Example: Corrected Dead-End Corridors
In this example, the dead-end corridors have been corrected to be less than 20 feet in length. The
doors separating Corridors 2 from Corridors 1 and 3 have been made to swing in both directions,
allowing the occupants of the corridors to have a choice of directions to reach an exit.

Appendix

Appendix
Emergency-Rescue Openings
Unsprinklered building
Minimum Net Sprinklered Code
Occupancy Classification and Location Minimum Net Maximum
Clear Area of Building Reference
Clear Opening Sill Height
Opening
Group D
Day-care
Every room or space greater than 250
sq.ft. used for classroom or other 20 inches wide
Educational occupancies or normally 5.7 sq. ft. 44 inches Not required FBC 1029
subject to client occupancy, other than 24 inches high
bathrooms, shall have not less than one
outside window for emergency rescue
when a door opening directly to the
exterior is not provided.
Group E
Educational
In buildings of three stories or less: 20 inches wide
5.7 sq. ft. 44 inches Not required FBC 1029
All spaces with an occupant load of six or 24 inches high
more students where a door opening
directly to the exterior is not provided.
Window and Panel Assemblies Serving as Emergency-rescue Openings
Latching Device: Operated from not more than 54 inches above the floor and operable by a single motion in the direction
of exit, without the use of tools. If a security/storm screen or grille is installed on the outside of the
assembly, a single release device for both the emergency rescue opening and security/storm screen
grills shall be operable from the inside by a single motion without the use of tools. FBC Sections
423.13.8 and 1029.
Signage: Emergency-rescue windows shall be identified by signage and the release device shall be readily
Identifiable.
Permanent identification at each emergency rescue opening stating:
"EMERGENCY RESCUE - KEEP AREA CLEAR" FBC Section 423.14.2.3.
Door Serving as Emergency-Rescue Opening
On Ground Level: Door opens directly to an exterior corridor or public way.
Above ground level: Door opens directly to an exterior corridor or balcony leading directly to a stairway.
Exterior corridor or balcony shall have open rails and shall be open to the exterior air.

Appendix

Appendix
Doors
Code Reference
Size Minimum width 32 inches (36 inch doors recommended).

Maximum width 48 inches. FBC 1008.1.1
Minimum height 6 feet 8 inches.
Side hinged.
Swing in the direction of egress if occupant load of area being served is 6
or greater.
Operation Operable from inside by a single operation without the use of tools. FBC 423.13.1
Doors for steam rooms, locker rooms, shower rooms, and group toilet
rooms shall swing in the direction of exit travel, and shall always be
operable for exit from the inside.
Maneuvering clearances at doors shall comply with Figure 11-25,
Accessibility Code requirements.
The floor or ground area within the required maneuvering clearance area
Clearances FBC 11-4.13.6
shall be flush and level.
A minimum 5 feet by 5 feet level platform on each side of a single door is
recommended.
Maximum height ½ inches.
Threshold Interior doors shall have a flat threshold. FBC 1008.1.7
Flat threshold at class 'A' fire-rated doors with carpet.
Doors opening into corridors shall be '20-minute' labeled assemblies.
Required Fire Rating FBC 715.4
Doors within corridors shall be 'C' labeled assemblies.
Comply with NFPA 80 and NFPA 252 or NFPA 257.
Self-closing. FBC 715.4.1
Positive latching.
Class 'C' fire-rated assembly
Fire-Rated Doors View panels:
Clear fire-rated glazing in steel frames.
FBC 715.4
Maximum area of 1296 square inches.
Bottom of view panel 30 inches above finished floor.
Top of view panel 72 inches above finished floor.
Each leaf of pair of doors swings in opposite direction.
⅛ inch clearance at frame.
Grilles or louvers prohibited.
Center mullions prohibited.
Smokestop Doors No locking devices.
Smoke detector and illuminated exit signs on each side.
Smokestop barrier:
1-hour fire-rated except in sprinklered buildings.
Continuous from floor to deck above.

Appendix

Appendix
Door Fire-Rating Labels
Fire Limited Size of Fire-Rated

Label Example Use/Location Code Reference
Resistance Glazing
Doors or openings in walls
'A' Label 3-Hour No glazing allowed. separating buildings or dividing a
single building into fire areas.
Doors or openings in enclosures of
1-Hour and vertical communication through
'B' Label
1½ - Hour buildings (stairs, elevators, etc.).
Doors in fire-rated corridors.
Doors that open into fire-rated
'C' Label ¾ - Hour Limited size of fire-rated corridors.
glazing shall be installed in FBC Table 715.4
accordance with and Doors or openings in exterior walls
'D' Label 1 ½ - Hour that are subject to severe fire
complying with NFPA 80. FFPC 8.3.3
exposure from outside the building.
Doors or openings in exterior walls
that are subject to moderate or
"E' Label ¾ - Hour
light fire exposure from outside the
building.
Doors or openings in walls that
Limited to the amount of require a fire-resistance rating for
20-minute 20 minute
glass tested in a door. smoke barriers and exit access
corridors.
Fire protection ratings for products intended to comply with the above shall be as determined and reported by a nationally
recognized testing agency in accordance with NFPA 252 or NFPA 257. Fire door assemblies shall be installed in accordance with
NFPA 80.
All such products shall have an approved label. FBC Section 715.5.9.

Appendix

Appendix
Door Panic Hardware
Acceptable Lockset Functions

Location Function Operation Code Reference
For Accessibility Code requirements, 5 pounds
Occupancy of 50
Panic Release of pressure maximum for interior and 8.5 pounds FBC 1008.1.10
or More
of pressure for exterior doors.
Fire Doors Positive latching device.
Smoke Doors No Latching Device None.
Latch locked or unlocked by key from inside or
Classrooms Classroom Security
outside room; inside always free for exiting.
Latch locked or unlocked by key from inside or
Offices Classroom Security
outside; inside always free for exiting.
Push-button locking from inside. Can be opened
Single-Use Toilet
from the outside without the use of special tools
Rooms Pre-K Bath Privacy
or key. Turning inside knob or shutting door
Through Grade 3
releases locking button, preventing lockout.
Push-button locking from inside. Readily
Other Single-Use opened from the inside. Turning inside knob or
Bath Privacy
Toilet Rooms shutting door releases locking button, preventing
lockout.
Group Toilet Classroom Security or Latch locked or unlocked by key from inside or
Rooms Classroom Deadbolt Lock outside room; inside always free for exiting.
Storerooms
Mechanical Outside knob fixed. Entrance by key only.
Storeroom
Rooms Electrical Inside always free for exiting.
Rooms
Electromagnetic Locking Push-button engagement mounted outside time-
Time-Out Rooms FBC 423.26.2
Device May Be Used out room door adjacent to the door frame.
Hardware
Doors and gates shall be equipped with hardware that will allow egress at all
times without assistance.
Projecting hardware on doors swinging into a means of egress is not

considered an obstruction if the door opens flat against the wall.
General FBC 423.13.6
No padlock, chain, hasp, lock, deadbolt or other device shall be installed at
any time on any door used for exiting.
Doors that by code require closers, and other doors subject to wind exposure,
shall be equipped with closers to prevent slamming and uncontrolled opening.

Appendix

Appendix
Safety and Fire-Rated Glazing
Code Reference
Individual glazed areas, including glass mirrors, in hazardous locations shall pass the
test requirements of CPSC 16-CRF, part 1201.
Glazing in hazardous locations shall be tempered glass, safety glass, safety plastic, or
in fire-rated assemblies, impact-resistant fire-rated glass. FBC 423.13.7
Hazardous
Locations FBC 423.13.7.1
Specific hazardous locations include:
Glazing in swinging doors.
Enclosures of whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, locker rooms and showers. FBC 423.13.7.2
Display and trophy cases, casework.
Full-length mirrors subject to human contact.
Glazed panels in fire extinguisher, fire hose, and fire blanket cabinets.
Glazed panels within 48 inches of a door shall be tempered glass, safety glass, or in
fire-rated assemblies, impact-resistant fire-rated glass, excluding transoms or vertical
panels above 6 feet 8 inches.
FBC 423.13.7
Large glass panels shall be subdivided by a built-in horizontal member or a permanent
All Panels
chair rail, not less than 1 ½ inches in width, located between 24 and 36 inches above
and FBC 423.13.7.1
the floor.
Storefront
FBC 423.13.7.2
All glazed panels beginning 18 Inches or less from the floor, greater than 9 sq ft in area,
with a walking surface within 36 inches of the panel, shall be tempered or safety glass.
All storefronts shall use tempered or safety glass for all glazing below door head height.
Fire-rated assemblies shall display a permanent stamp, label, or mark identifying the
product and fire rating.
Fire-protection-rated glazing shall be installed in accordance with and complying with

FBC Table 715.4
the size limitations set forth in NFPA 80.
FBC 2110.1.1
Fire-Rated ¾-hour glass block assemblies shall be labeled to conform to NFPA 257 or UL 9.
Glazing
FBC 715.5
1-hour and ½ hour walls/partitions, 120 sq ft maximum.
Maximum dimension, 12 feet.
FFPC 8.3.3.9
The aggregate area of glazing in fire doors, fire windows, side lights, and transoms in
1-hour fire-resistant partitions shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of a wall
separating a room or space from a corridor.

Appendix

Appendix

Classrooms with all Primary Egress to the Exterior
Group E Educational Occupancy
Unsprinklered Building
Code Reference
Occupant Load 49 or less per student-occupied space. FBC Table 1004.1
Egress One means of egress leading directly to the exterior. FBC 423.13.1
Exit doors are sized to meet requirements of egress width:
32 inches minimum clear opening width (36-inch wide door

recommended).
FBC 1008.1.1
6 feet 8 inches minimum height.
Egress Doors
FBC 423.13.1
Swing in the direction of exit travel.
Side-hinged type.
Always operable from the inside by a single operation and without a
key.
Travel Distance 150 feet unsprinklered building. FBC Table 1016.1
Emergency
Not required; egress is directly to the exterior of the building for all
Rescue and FBC 1029
student-occupied spaces.
Access Opening
Access opening
for Fire Provided by exit doors.
Department Use
Fire-Rated Walls None. Not Applicable
Emergency Required in each classroom. FBC 423.17.1

Lighting Illumination level. FFPA 7.9.2
Illuminated Exit FBC Table 1006.1
Not required, unless exiting is not clear.
Signs FFPC 7.10

Appendix

Appendix
Classrooms with Convenience Interior Corridor

And Exits Directly to the Exterior
Code Reference
Egress One means of egress leading directly to the exterior. FBC 423.13.1

recommended). FBC 1008.1.1
Egress Doors 6 feet 8 inches minimum height.
FBC 423.13.1
Side-hinged type.
Always operable from the inside by a single operation and without a key.
Emergency
Rescue and Not required; egress is directly to the exterior of the building. FBC 1029
Access Opening
Access opening
for Fire Provided by exit doors.
Department Use
Not required; at least one exit door from each classroom opens directly to FBC 1018.1
Fire-Rated Walls
the exterior at the ground level. Exception 1
Emergency FBC 423.17.1
Required in each classroom and in the convenience corridor.
Lighting FFPC 7.9.2
Illuminated Exit FBC 1006.3
Over each door exiting directly to the exterior.
Signs FFPC 7.10
A graphic diagram of primary and emergency evacuation routes shall be
Signage FBC 423.14.2.4
posted adjacent to the primary exit door from each space.

Appendix

Appendix
One or More Classrooms Exiting Through an Interior Corridor and

Remaining Classrooms Exiting Directly to the Exterior
Code Reference
Room 128 exits through the exit access corridor. All other classrooms exit
Egress FBC 423.13.1
directly to the exterior.

recommended).
6 feet 8 inches minimum height. FBC 1008.1.1
Egress Doors
Swing in the direction of exit travel. FBC 423.13.1
Side-hinged type.
Doors opening into the exit access corridor from non-rated spaces shall be
20-minute labeled.
Travel Distance 150 feet unsprinklered building.

FBC Table 1016.1
Emergency Required for student-occupied Classroom 128, which exits through the exit
FBC 423.13.1
Rescue and access corridor. Not required for student-occupied classrooms that exit
FBC 1029
Access Opening directly to the exterior of the building.
Exit doors provide the required access opening in each 50 feet of exterior
Access opening wall on an accessible side of the building. The distance around the
for Fire perimeter of the building, measured from the exit door of Classroom 129 to
Department Use the exit door of the upper portion of the exit access corridor, does not
exceed 50 feet.
Fire-resistance rating of exit access corridors shall be 1-hour fire-rated
Fire-Rated Walls assemblies. Walls shall extend from the floor slab to the underside of the FBC 1018.1
structural deck above.
Emergency Required in each classroom and in the convenience corridor. FBC 423.17.1
Lighting Illumination level. FFPC 7.9.2
Illuminated Exit Shall be provided in the exit access corridor and at each exit door exiting to FBC 1006.3
Signs the exterior from the corridor. FFPC 7.10

Appendix

Appendix
Classrooms with all Egress through an Exit Access Corridor

Code Reference
FBC 423.13.1
Egress All classrooms exit through the exit access corridor.
FBC 1018.1

recommended).
Egress Doors
Swing in the direction of exit travel. FBC 423.13.1
Side-hinged type.
Doors opening into the exit access corridor from non-rated spaces shall be
20-minute labeled.
Emergency
Required for student-occupied classroom where a door opening directly to
Rescue and FBC 423.13.1
the exterior is not provided.
Access Opening
Access opening
Access openings for fire department use are required in each 50 feet of
for Fire
exterior wall on an accessible side of the building.
Department Use
Fire-resistance rating of exit access corridors shall be 1-hour fire-rated
Fire-Rated Walls assemblies. Walls shall extend from the floor slab to the underside of the FBC 1018.1
structural deck above.
Emergency Required in each classroom and in the convenience corridor. FBC 423.17.1
Lighting Illumination level. FFPC 7.9.2
Illuminated Exit Shall be provided in the exit access corridor and at each exit door exiting to FBC 1006.3
Signs the exterior from the corridor. FFPC 7.10

Appendix

Appendix
Egress from Rooms Divided with a Folding Partition

Group E Educational Occupancy, Unsprinklered Building.
Rooms 128/129 and 131/132 shall be evaluated with the folding partition in both the open position and the closed position.
Code
Folding Partition in Open Position
Reference
FBC Table
Occupant Load Combining two classrooms generates an occupant load of 50 or more.
1004.1
Combined Classrooms 131/132 must have two means of egress. The first is a door
leading in to the lower exit access corridors system. The second is a door leading in
to the upper exit access corridor system. The lower and upper corridors are divided
into two separate atmospheres by the smoke doors and partition. Emergency
FBC 423.13.1
Egress rescue and access opening are provided to the exterior.
FBC 1018.1
Combined Classrooms 128/129 have two means of egress where one opens
directly to the exterior. Using either of the two doors that open into the exit access
corridor, ½ diagonal rule is met.
Folding Partition in Closed Position
FBC Table
Occupant Load Each classroom is 49 or less per student-occupied space.
1004.1.1
Each classroom has one means of egress and one emergency rescue opening FBC 423.13.1
Emergency Rescue
directly to the exterior. Classroom 129 has one means of egress opening directly to FBC 1018.1
Opening
the exterior. FBC 1029
Folding Partition in Open and Closed Position
32 inches minimum clear opening width (36-inch wide door recommended).

6 feet 8 inches minimum height.
FBC 1008.1.1
Egress Doors
FBC 423.13.1
Side-hinged type.
Doors opening into the exit access corridor from non-rated spaces shall be 20-
minute labeled.
FBC Table
1016.1
Emergency Rescue Required for student-occupied classroom where a door opening directly to the
FBC 423.13.1
Opening exterior is not provided.
Access Openings for Access openings for fire department use are required in each 50 feet of exterior wall
Fire Department Use on an accessible side of the building.
Fire-resistance rating of exit access corridors shall be 1-hour fire-rated assemblies. FBC Table
Fire-Rated Walls
Walls shall extend from the floor slab to the underside of the structural deck above. 1018.1
Required in each classroom and in the exit access corridor. FBC 423.17.1
Emergency Lighting
Illumination level. FFPC 7.9.2
Illuminated Exit FBC 1006.3
Shall be provided in the exit access corridor.
Signs FFPC 7.10

Appendix

Appendix
Egress from Classrooms through an Intervening space.
Rooms 100,101,102,103 and, 104 shall be evaluated with the folding partitions both in the open position and the closed position.
Code
Folding Partition in Open Position
Reference
Combining Classrooms and gathering spaces generates an occupant load of 50 or
more. FBC Table
Occupant Load
Combined Classrooms 101/102 and 103/104 generate an occupant load of 50 or 1004.1
more.
Exiting from gathering 100 is including Classrooms 101, 102, 103 and 104 two exits
Egress FBC 1020
directly to the exterior.
Folding Partition in Closed Position
FBC Table
Occupant Load Gathering 100 generates an occupant load of 50 or more.
1004.1.1
Exiting Gathering 100 has two means of egress directly to the exterior.
Classrooms 101 and 104 have exit doors directly to the exterior. FBC 104.2
Egress Classrooms 102 and 103 have exit doors to Gathering 100. FBC 1020
The travel distance in Gathering 100 to exit doors from each classroom does not
exceed 75 feet.
Emergency Rescue Classrooms 102 and 103 have one means of egress and one emergency rescue
FBC 1029
Opening opening directly to the exterior.
Folding Partition in Open and Closed Position
Gathering 100 generates an occupant of 50 or more.
FBC Table
Occupant Load Combined Classrooms 101/102 and 103/104 generate an occupant load of 50 or
1004.1.1
more.
Exiting from Gathering 100 is two exits directly to the exterior.
Exiting combined Classrooms 101/102 and 103/104 is directly to the exterior and FBC 1014.2
Egress Doors
through Gathering 100. FBC 1020
Exiting meets requirement for two separated atmospheres.
Exit doors are sized to meet requirements of egress width.
32 inches minimum door opening width (36-inch wide door) recommended. FBC 1008.1.1
Egress Docks
FBC Table
1016.1
Emergency Rescue
Classrooms 102 and 103 have emergency rescue openings directly to the exterior. FBC 1029
Opening
Access Openings for Access openings for fire department use are required in each 50 feet of exterior wall
Fire Department Use on an accessible side of the building.
Partitions between Classrooms 101, 102, 103 and 104 are not required to be fire-
Fire-Rated Walls FBC 1014.2
rated.
FBC 423.17.1
Emergency Lighting Required in each classroom and related student occupied space.
FFPC 7.9.2
Illuminated Exit FFBC 1006.3
Require in assembly occupied spaces.
Signs FPC 7.10

Appendix

Appendix
Corridor Protection
Code Reference
Fire-resistance rating 1-hour:
Example 1 Corridor walls in exit access corridors shall be 1-hour fire-rated assemblies. FBC Table 1018.1
Partitions shall extend from the ground floor slab to the underside of the structural FBC 709.4
deck above.
Corridor walls in exit access corridors shall be 1-hour fire-rated assemblies and FBC Table 1018.1
Example 2
may terminate at a corridor ceiling assembly where the assembly has a 1-hour FFPC 14.3.6(3)
fire-resistance rating when tested as a wall.
Corridor walls in exit access corridors shall be 1-hour fire-rated assemblies and
shall extend from the ground floor slab to the second floor slab and from the FBC Table 1018.1
Example 3 second floor slab to the underside of the structural deck above.
FBC 709.4
The second floor slab shall be 1-hour fire-rated construction and shall be
supported by a 1-hour fire-rated assembly.
Corridor walls in exit access corridors shall be 1-hour fire-rated assemblies and FBC Table 1018.1
Example 4 shall extend from the ground floor slab to the second floor slab and from the FBC 709.4
second floor slab to the underside of the corridor ceiling assembly where the FFPC 14.3.6(3)
assembly has a 1-hour fire-resistance rating when tested as a wall.
Administration corridors in Group B occupancies, with an occupant load of less than 30 are not required to be fire-rated. FBC
Table 1018.1.
Administration corridors in Group B occupancies, with an occupant load of 30 or more in a sprinklered building are not required to
be fire rated. FBC Table 1018.1.
Corridors shall not be used as return air plenums. FBC Section 423.15.2.
A36 Florida Department of Education

Appendix

Appendix
Stairs
Code Reference
Minimum
changes in Changes in elevation of 12 inches or less shall be made by FBC 1003.5
elevation ramps.
Risers shall be maximum height of 7 inches and a minimum
Risers FBC 1009.4.2
height of 4 inches.
Treads shall be a minimum of 11 inches.
Proportion Where a change in level in a means of egress not exceeding 21 FBC 1009.3
Treads
inches is achieved by a stair, the minimum tread depth Is 13 FBC 1003.4
inches.
Stair treads and risers shall be of uniform size and shape. The
tolerance between the largest and smallest riser height or
between the largest and smallest tread depth shall not exceed ⅜
Variation FBC 1009.4.4
inch (9.5mm) in any flight of stairs. The greatest winder tread
depth at the walk line within any flight of stairs shall not exceed
the smallest by more than ⅜ inch (9.5mm).
Minimum stair width shall be based on the number of occupants
served, but not less than 44 inches.
FBC 1009.1
Stairs
FBC 1009.4
Stairs shall not decrease in width along the direction of egress
travel.
The width of landings shall be no less than the width of stairways
they serve.
Widths Every landing shall have a minimum dimension measured in the

direction of travel equal to the width of the stairway.
FBC 1009.4
Landings Exception:
Landing shall be permitted to be no more than 4 feet in the FBC 1009.5
direction of travel provided the stair has a straight run.
During its swing, any door in a means of egress shall leave

unobstructed at least one half of the required width of an aisle,
corridor, passageway, or landing.
A flight of stairs shall not have a vertical rise of more than 12 feet between floors or
Landings FBC 1009.7
landings.
There shall be no enclosed, useable space within an exit enclosure, including under
Storage FBC 423.20.1
stairs.

Appendix

Appendix
Handrails at Stairs
Stairways shall have handrails on each side. Code Reference

Exception:
Aisle stairs provided with a center handrail need not have additional
handrails.
Stairs shall be clear of all obstructions except projections not

exceeding 4 ½ inches at or below handrail height on each side. FBC 1009.12
Location FBC 1012.7
Handrails shall extend at least 12 inches horizontally beyond the top FBC 1012.8
riser of a flight. At the bottom, the handrails shall continue to slope for FBC 11-4.9.4
a distance of the depth of one tread from the bottom riser.
Clear space between handrail and wall shall be a minimum of 1½

inches.
Stairways shall be equipped with handrails located no less than 34 inches or
more than 38 inches above the leading edge of a tread.
Height FBC 1012.2
Facilities housing pre-K through grade six should also include a second
handrail located 26 inches in height.
Handrails shall be designed and constructed for a concentrated load of 200
lbs applied at any point and in any direction.
Handrail Loading FBC 1607.7
Handrails shall be designed and constructed for a load of 50 plf applied in
any direction.
Handrails shall be provided within 30 inches of all portions of the stair width
Handrail Spacing required for egress capacity in accordance with FBC Section 1012. The FBC 1012.9
required egress width shall be along the natural path of travel.

Appendix

Appendix
Separation and Protection of Exterior Stairs
Code Reference
Separated from interior of building by walls with a fire resistance rating of not less
than 1-hour.
Fixed or self-closing opening protective as required for enclosed stairs. FBC 1026.6
Exterior Stairs
Protection shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 feet above the FFPC 7.2.2.5.2.1
topmost landing or the roof line, whichever is lower, and horizontally 10 feet from
each side of the stairway. FFPC 7.2.2.5.2.3
Openings within the 10 feet horizontal extension of the protected walls beyond the
stairway shall be equipped with fixed ¾-hour assemblies.

Appendix

Appendix
Exceptions to Separation and Protection of Exterior Stairs
Code Reference
Exterior stairs may be unprotected when serving an exterior exit access
balcony that has two exterior stairways, remotely located. Exterior exit access
must be a roofed-over open balcony, porch, gallery, or similar space served by
Exterior Access at least two stairways located to provide a choice of independent, unobstructed FBC 1019.1
Balcony means of egress directly to the ground. FBC 1019.2
FBC 1026.6
Exterior access balcony shall be of sufficient width to accommodate the
occupant load, but shall not be less than 6 feet.
Walls At least 180

Walls that are located 10 feet horizontally or less from any side of the stair, but FFPC 7.2.2.5.2.1
Degrees From
are at an angle of at least 180 degrees from the stair do not require protection. FBC 1022.6
Stair
Wall Turns Corner Walls that are located 10 feet horizontally or less from any side of the stair, but
FFPC 7.2.2.5.2.1
At Least 180 turn a corner at an angle of at least 180 degrees from the stair do not require
FBC 1022.6
Degrees protection.

Appendix

Appendix
Interior Stairs
Code Reference
Exit stairways between floors shall be enclosed or separated by fire-resistant
construction.
Protection All openings through a floor and penetrations through a floor shall be protected FBC 1022.1
by a shaft enclosure.
FBC 707.2
A shaft enclosure is not required for floor opening between a mezzanine and
another floor below.
A smoke-proof enclosure shall exit into a public way or into a yard, open court,
or open space having direct access to a public way.
Access and
Access to the stairway shall be by way of a vestibule or by way of an open FBC 1022.9.1
Discharge
exterior balcony of non-combustible materials.
Note: Exit passageways are not permitted in educational facilities.

Appendix

Appendix
Shaft Enclosure Protection *
Walls and Partitions Opening Protections Code Reference
4 or More Stories 2 hours minimum

1 ½ hours minimum FBC 708.4
FBC 1022.1
FBC Table 715.4
Less than 4 Stories 1 hour minimum
1 hour minimum
*Includes stairways, exits, and elevator (FBC Table 715.4).

Appendix

Appendix
Auditorium Aisle Width
Code Reference
Aisles shall lead to exit.
Those portions of aisle access ways and aisles where egress is possible in
either of two directions shall be uniform in required width.
Dead-end aisles shall not be greater than 20 feet in length. FBC 1028.9
Aisles
Exception: FBC 1028.9.5
Dead-end aisles longer than 20 feet (6096 mm) are permitted where seats
beyond the 20-foot (6096 mm) dead-end aisle are no more than 24 seats
from another aisle, measured along a row of seats having a minimum clear
width of 12 inches (305 mm) plus 0.6 inch (15.2 mm) for each additional seat
above seven in the row.
1. Forty-eight inches for aisle stairs having seating on each side,

Exception:
Thirty-six inches where the aisle serves less than 50 seats.
2. Thirty-six inches for aisle stairs having seating on only one side.
3. Twenty-three inches between an aisle stair handrails or guard and

seating where the aisle Is subdivided by a handrail.
Aisle Widths 4. Forty-two inches for level or ramped aisles having seating on both sides. FBC 1028.9.1
Exceptions:
1. Thirty-six inches where the aisle serves less than 50 seats.
2. Thirty-inches where the aisle does not serve more than 14 seats.
5. Thirty-six inches for level or ramped aisles having seating on one side.
Exceptions:
1. Thirty inches where the aisle does not serve more than 14 seats.
2. Twenty-three inches between an aisle handrails and seating where
an aisle does not serve more than five rows on one side.
For width of means of egress of assembly without smoke-protection, see FBC 1028.6.1.
For width of means of egress of assembly with smoke-protection, see FBC 1028.6.2.

Appendix

Appendix
Auditorium Seating
Maximum Number of
Clear Width of Aisle Access Way Required Code Reference
Seats per Row
14 seats per row or less:
Rows of
Seating
12 inches minimum clear width.
Served by
Aisles or
Doorways at 100 Seats. More than 14 seats per row: FBC 1028.10.1
Both Ends
Increase 12 inches minimum clear width by 0.3 inches
for every additional seat beyond 14. Minimum clear
width not required to exceed 22 inches.
7 seats per row or less:
Determined by path of 12 inches minimum clear width.
Rows of
travel shall not exceed 30
Seating by an FBC 1028.10.1
feet from any seat to a
Aisle or More than 7 seats per row:
point where a person has
Doorway at FBC 1028.10.2
a choice of two paths of
One End Only Increase 12 inch minimum clear width by 0.6 inches for
travel to two exits.
every additional seat beyond seven. Minimum clear
width not required to exceed 22 inches.

Appendix

Appendix
Grandstands and Bleachers
Aisle Not Required Code Reference

Number of Rows 16 rows or less in height. FFPC 12.2.5.6.2
Row-to-Row Not to exceed 6 inches. FFPC 12.2.5.6.1
Not to exceed 28 inches unless the seat boards and floor boards are at the
Row Spacing FFPC 12.2.5.6.1
same level.
The first seating board is not more than 12 inches above the ground or floor
Seat Boards below or a cross aisle. FFPC 12.2.5.6.1
Seat boards provide a walking surface with a minimum width of 12 inches.
Aisles Required
FFPC 12.2.5.6.2
Number of Rows More than 16 rows in height.
Maximum Dead End 16 rows maximum in height when seats do not have backrests. FFPC 12.2.5.6.1

Ap
ppendix
Florida Building
g Code Handbook A-55
Appendix
Aisle Ramps and Stairs
Code Reference
Aisles having a gradient steeper than 1:20, but not steeper than 1:8, shall consist of a
Ramps FBC 1028.11
ramp.
Stairs Aisles with a slope exceeding 1:8 shall have an aisle stair. FBC 1028.11
Tread depth 11 inches minimum; depths shall be uniform within each aisle.
Exception:
Non-uniformities shall not exceed 0.188 inches (3/16 inches) between
adjacent treads. FBC 1028.11.1
Treads
A contrasting marking stripe shall be provided on each tread at nosing or FBC 1028.11.3
leading edge.
Stripe shall be a minimum of 1 inch and a maximum of 2 inches wide.

Riser height shall be a minimum of 4 inches and a maximum of 8 inches high. Riser
height shall be uniform with each flight.
Exceptions:
Where the gradient of an aisle is steeper than 8 inches of rise in 11 inches of
run to maintain necessary sight lines in the adjoining seating area, the riser
height shall be permitted to exceed 8 inches, but shall not exceed 9 inches.
Risers FBC 1028.11.2
Riser height may be non-uniform, but only to the extent necessitated by
changes in the slope of the adjoining seating area to maintain adequate sight
lines. Where non-uniformities exceed 3/16 inch between adjacent risers, the
exact location of such non-uniformities shall be indicted with a distinctive
marking stripe on each tread.
Ramped aisles having slope exceeding 1:15 and aisle stairs shall be provided with
handrails located either at the side or within the aisle width.
Where there is seating on both sides of the aisle, the handrail shall be discontinuous
FBC 1028.13
with gaps or breaks at intervals not exceeding 5 rows.
Handrails
FBC 1028.13.1
Handrail gaps or breaks shall have a clear width of at least 22 inches and not greater
than 36 inches measured horizontally.
Handrails shall have rounded terminations or bends.

Appendix

Appendix
Aisles Serving Seating at Tables
Aisles Aisles Access Ways Code Reference

44 inches. Access ways shall provide a minimum of 12 inches
Minimum Clear (305 mm) of width plus ½ inch (12.7 mm) of width for
Width 36 inches where serving an each additional 1 foot (305 mm), or fraction thereof,
FBC 1017.4
occupant load of not more beyond 12 feet (3658 mm) of aisle accessway length
than 50. measured from the center of the seat farthest from an
aisle.
Where non-fixed seating is
located between a table
and an aisle, the Where non-fixed seating is located between a table
measurement of required and an aisle access way, the measurement of
FBC 1017.4
Measurement clear width of the aisle shall required clear width of the aisle access way shall be
of Clear Width be made to a line 19 inches made to a line 19 inches away from the edge of the
FFPC 12.2.5.8.3
measured perpendicularly table. The 19 inch distance shall be measured
to the edge of the table, perpendicularly to the edge of the table.
away from the edge of said
table.
The length of travel along the aisle accessway shall
Maximum
not exceed 30 feet from any seat to the point where a
Length Path of N/A FBC 1017.4.3
person has a choice of two or more paths of egress
Travel
travel to separate exits.

Ap
ppendix
Florida Building
g Code Handbook A-59
Appendix
Platforms and Stages
Code Reference
A raised area within a building used for the presentation of music, plays, or other
entertainment.
Platform FBC 410
No overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery, or stage effects other than lighting FFPC 3.3.166
and sound.
A space within a building used for entertainment and utilizing drops, scenery, or
other stage effects. FBC 410
Regular Stage
FFPC 3.3.210
Stage height of 50 feet or less measured from the lowest point to the deck above.
A space within a building used for entertainment and utilizing drops, scenery, or
other stage effects.
Legitimate
FFPC 3.3.210.1
Stage
Stage height is greater than 50 feet measured from the highest point of the roof to
the floor deck below.

Appendix

Appendix
Legitimate Stage
(Stages Over 1,000 Sq. Ft. in Area and with a Stage Height Greater Than 50 Ft.)
Stage Areas Code Reference

The minimum type of construction for a stage shall be as required for the building as
determined by the occupancy, area, and height, except that the floor finish may be
of wood in all types of construction.
All portions of a stage area with a stage height greater than 50 feet (15.2 mm) shall
be within an area separated from all other building areas by 2-hour fire-resistant
Protection construction with protected openings. FBC 410.3
The 2-hour fire-resistant construction shall extend to the roof or floor deck above the
auditorium.
Stage shall be protected by a supervised automatic sprinkler system.

Hose connections or stand-pipes shall be provided at each side of stage.
Emergency ventilation shall be provided by one or a combination of the following
methods:
Smoke Control:
Maintain smoke level not less than 6 feet above the highest level of
assembly seating or above the top of the proscenium opening where a
proscenium wall and opening protection is provided. Activation by sprinkler
Ventilators system and by a manually operated switch. FBC 410.3.7
Roof Vents:
Two or more vents located near the center of and above the highest part of
the stage.
Net-free vent area equal to 5% of stage area.
Vents raised above the roof.
Open automatically by heat-activated devices and manually from stage floor.
Two means of egress required, with one means of egress located on each side of
the stage.
FBC 410.5.3
Egress
FFPC 12.2.4.8
A second means of egress is not required from lighting and access catwalks,
galleries, and gridirons where a means of escape to the floor or a roof is provided.
Stages shall be completely separated from the seating area by a proscenium wall of FBC 410.3.4
Proscenium Wall
not less than 2-hour fire-resistive, noncombustible construction. FFPC 12.4.5.6
The proscenium opening shall be protected and an approved fire curtain or an
approved water curtain complying with NFPA 13.
Proscenium The fire curtain or water curtain shall be designed to close automatically upon FBC 410.3.5
Curtain automatic detection of a fire and upon manual activation. FFPC 12.4.5.7
The fire curtain shall resist the passage of flame and smoke for 20 minutes between
the stage area and the audience area.
Accessory spaces contiguous to stages shall be separated from each other and
Accessory Areas other building areas by 2-hour fire-resistant construction protected openings and FBC 410.5.1
shall be protected by a supervised automatic sprinkler system.

Appendix

Appendix

Regular Stage
(Stage 1,000 Sq. Ft. Maximum Area and with a Stage Height of 50 Ft. maximum)
Code Reference
Stage shall be of the material required for the types of building construction in which
it is located.
Floor finish may be made of wood.

FBC 410.3
Proscenium opening protection is not required. FBC 410.4
Stage Areas
FBC 410.6
Separated from accessory spaces by 1-hour fire-resistant construction with FFPC 12.4.5.3.1
protected openings. FFPC 12.4.5.10.2
Sprinkler system is not required.
Emergency ventilation is not required.

Dressing rooms, workshops, storerooms, and other accessory spaces contiguous to
Accessory FBC 410.5.1
stages shall be separated from each other and the stage by 1-hour fire-resistant
Areas FBC 410.5.2
construction and protected openings. Walls shall extend tight to the roof deck.

Appendix

Appendix
Site Requirements
Code Reference
Required Locations
Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 facilities:
Exposed mechanical, plumbing, gas, or electrical equipment located on ground
level.
All child care and kindergarten play areas.
Pre-kindergarten through grade 5 facilities:

Special hazard as identified by the authority having jurisdiction including:
Retention ponds with permanent water depth or water depth over a 24-hour
period exceeding 1 foot.
Deep drainage ditches.
Canals. FBC 423.10.1
Highway. FBC 423.10.1.1
Fencing
Play fields adjacent to roadways. FBC 423.10.1.1.1
FBC 423.10.1.1.2
Materials FBC 423.10.1.1.3
Materials that are non-flammable, safe, durable, and low-maintenance, and that
provide structural integrity, strength and aesthetics appropriate for the intended
location.
Prohibited materials
Non-agricultural educational plants.
Razor wire, barbed wire, and electrically charged systems.
Height
Shall be in compliance with local zoning regulations. Access shall be provided for
maintenance machinery.
Required Locations
Walks, roads, drives, and parking areas on educational and ancillary sites.
Materials
Paving Roads, drives, and parking areas shall be in compliance with Department of FBC 423.10.2
Transportation (DOT) road specifications and striped in compliance with DOT paint
specifications.
All paved areas shall have positive drainage.

Soil, grass, and planting beds shall provide positive drainage away from sidewalks.
Maximum 3% gradient slope for a minimum distance of 5 feet from the edge of the
Drainage sidewalk. FBC 423.10.2.3
The location of all drains, grates, drop inlets, catch basins, and other drainage elements
and curb cuts shall be out of the main flow of pedestrian traffic.
(continue to next page)

Appendix

Appendix
Site Requirements (continued)

Code Reference
Required Locations
Accessible walks shall connect building entrances(s) to all:
Accessible parking.
Public transportation stops.
Accessible
Public streets.
Walk and
Sidewalks. FBC 423.10.2.2
Bridges
Loading and drop-off zones.
Other facilities within the site as required by the accessibility standard.
School board sites where educational plants are separated by highways shall be
connected by overhead pedestrian bridges.
Required Locations
All buildings in pre-K through grade 12 educational facilities shall be connected by
paved walks and accessible under continuous roof cover.
Long-term relocatable classroom buildings shall be connected to permanent
building by paved covered walks where applicable.
Covered Walks FBC 423.10.2.1
Roofs for covered walks shall extend one foot beyond each side of the designated
walkway width.
Gutters or other water funneling devices, including diverters, shall prevent storm water
from pouring onto or draining across walks.
Required Locations
Any vertical drop between joining or abutting surface of more than 6 inches, but less
than 18 inches in height:
Protection for Protected by wall, railing, or other physical barriers that are at least a minimum 12
FBC 423.10.2.4
Vertical Drops inches in height.
Vertical drop of 18 inches or more:

Protected by a wall or guardrail a minimum of 42 inches in height.
Primary and emergency access required.
Roads and Paved driveways shall not encircle a school plant.
FBC 423.10.2.5
Streets Vehicular and pedestrian traffic shall not cross on site.
Bus driveways and parent pickup areas shall be separated.
Dimensional Requirements
Minimum width shall be 24 feet for two-lane traffic.
Turning radius:
Educational and ancillary sites and for turning off public access streets:
Bus Drives FBC 423.10.2.6
One-way traffic: 60 feet minimum measured to the outside curb or edge of the
traffic lane.
Two-way traffic: 60 feet minimum measured to the centerline of the road.
Bus drives shall be designed so that buses do not have to back up.

Appendix

Appendix
Minimum Parking Requirements
Group Parking Required Code Reference

Faculty and Staff 1 Space for each member. FBC 423.10.2.8.1
Visitors 1 Space for every 100 students. FBC 423.10.2.8.2
Community Clinics 10 Spaces including 1 accessible space. FBC 423.10.2.8.3
High Schools 1 Space for every 10 students in grades 11 and 12. FBC 423.10.2.8.4
Vocational Schools 1 Space for every 2 students. FBC 423.10.2.8.5
Florida Colleges 1 Space for every 2 students. FBC 423.10.2.8.6
Parking spaces designed for persons with disabilities shall comply with ADA,
Accessible Parking FBC 423.10.2.8.7
Chapter 11, Florida Building Code, Building, and Section 316.1955, F.S.
Vehicle parking areas shall comply with minimum parking space requirements. FBC Section 423.10.2.7.
Except for parking space requirements to meet federal and state accessibility laws, where alternate transportation or parking
arrangements are available, the parking area requirements may be reduced from these standards, if sufficient justification
documentation is provided and if the review authority approved the reduction based on the justification. FBC Section 423.10.2.7.
Overflow parking areas may utilize alternative parking surfaces that facilitate water absorption rather than runoff, when approved
for use by the review authority. This requirement usually applies to a percentage of the parking spaces, not all of them. FBC
Section 423.10.2.7.
Exception: Accessible parking spaces shall be hard-surfaced.

Appendix

Appendix
Site Lighting Requirements
Code Reference
Required Locations:
Security Lighting Auto, bus, service drives, and loading areas. FBC 423.10.3
Educational and Parking areas. FBC 423.10.3.1
Ancillary Facilities Building perimeter. FBC 423.10.3.2
Covered and connecter walks between buildings and between buildings FBC 423.10.3.3
and parking. FBC 423.10.3.4
Illumination Requirements
Location Average Maintained Footcandle *
Parking Areas. 1
Parking Areas FBC 423.10.3.5.1
Covered and Connector Walks. 1
FBC 423.10.3.5.2
Entrance/Exits. 2 FBC 423.10.3.5.3
FBC 423.10.3.6.1
Location Minimum Footcandle * FBC 423.10.3.6.2
Building Exteriors Building Entrances. 5
Building Surrounds. 1
Parking area lighting standards shall be designed to withstand appropriate wind loads. FBC Section 423.10.3.5.
*Parking areas shall be illuminated to an average maintained horizontal footcandles measured at the surface. FBC Section
423.10.3.5.
**Building exteriors, perimeters, and entrance may be illuminated to the minimum number of footcandles, measured at the surface
with a suggested uniformity ratio of 2:1. FBC Section 423.10.3.6.
Exterior lighting shall be shielded from adjacent properties. FBC Section 423.10.3.7.
Exterior lights shall comply with the energy efficiency requirements of FBE 13-415 as appropriate.

Appendix

Appendix

ROOFING MEMBRANE AND DRAINAGE
Built-up and Single-Ply Membrane
Code Reference
Fire Rating Class A by ASTM E-108, FBC Section 423.12.1. Certified by a nationally recognized testing ASTM E-108
laboratory. Excludes nailers and blocking. FBC 423.12.1
FBC 1507.10.2
FBC 1507.11.2
ASTM Roofing materials
FBC 1507.12.2
FBC 1507.13.2
Roofing membrane shall resist wind uplift forces as follows:
ASCE 7-10
Non-hurricane shelters: ASCE 7-10, wind speed per FBC Figure 1609.
FBC Figure 1609
Hurricane Shelters:
Wind Uplift
ASCE 7-10
Recommend: ASCE 7-10, wind speed per FBC Figure 1609 plus 40 mph.
FBC Figure 1609
ASCE 7-10
Minimum: ASCE 7-10, wind speed per FBC Figure 1609.
FBC Figure 1609
New construction: All finished roof surfaces shall have a minimum cross slope of 1/4 inch
FBC 1507.10.1
per foot, except coal-tar built-up roofs shall have a minimum cross slope of 1/8 inch per foot.
Cross Slope
Re-roofing: All finished roof surfaces shall have positive drainage or a minimum cross slope
FBC 1510.1
of 1/4 inch per foot.
Specification should provide a manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and
Warranty
workmanship.
Installation Should follow manufacturer’s printed instructions.
Moisture
All new installed materials shall be sealed from moisture intrusion at the end of the day. FBC 423.12.3
Intrusion
Phased
Not permitted FBC 423.12.3
Construction
Primary A primary drainage system shall be provided, sized per FBC-Plumbing, Section 1106,
FBC-P 1106
Drainage Tables 1106.2(1), 1106, 2(2), 1106.3, and Figure 1106.1.
A secondary drainage system shall be provided when roof perimeter construction (Parapets)
FBC-P 1107
extends above roof deck so that water is entrapped if primary drains clog.
Separate from the primary system. FBC-P1107.2
Secondary
Drainage Sized per FBC-Plumbing, Section 1107.3. Values obtained from Tables 1106.2(1), FBC-P 1107.3
1106.2 (2), 1106.3, and Figure 1106.1 FBC-P 1106.1
Minimum cross-sectional area of an overflow scupper to have a minimum
FBC-P 1107.3
dimension of 4 inches.
Overflow Scuppers shall be set at least 2 inches above adjacent deck and not more than 4 inches
FBC 1503.4.2.1
Scuppers above the roof covering. (Prevent ponding water from exceeding design depth.)
Overflow pipes shall be set at least 2 inches and not more than 4 inches above the roof
Overflow Pipes FBC 1503.4.2.1
covering. (Prevent ponding water from exceeding design depth.)
Energy Requires completed FLA/COM compliance form. This shall indicate compliance with Florida
FBC 1301.1.1
Efficiency Energy Efficiency Code (FEEC) for Building Construction.
The Contractor shall provide a "Final Statement of Compliance" to the Architect, which
Final Statement
states that the finished roof membrane complies with the approved contractual documents. FBC 423.12.3
of Compliance
FBC Section 423.12.3.
Inspection by The roof membrane shall be inspected by the manufacturer's representative within one year
FBC 423.12.4
Manufacturer of acceptance of the roof membrane by the Board. FBC Section 423.12.4.
Rooftop
Lateral and uplift forces on rooftop equipment. FBC 1620.6
Equipment

Appendix

Appendix
Open Plan Classrooms

Open Plan Area
Code Reference
Low height, maximum 5 feet high.
Partitions
Terminate 5 feet from any permanent partition or wall. FBC 423.24
Circulation openings 5 feet wide minimum.
Each room occupied by more than 300 people shall have 2 or more means of
egress entering into separate atmospheres. FFPC 14.4.3.1
Egress FFPC 14.4.3.1.2
Where 3 or more means of egress are required, the number of means of FFPC 14.4.3.1.3
egress permitted to enter into the same atmosphere shall not exceed 2.
Unsprinklered Building Sprinklered Building
Interior Finishes Class 'B' throughout Class 'C' FBC Table 803.9
Class 'C' for 5-foot high partitions
Travel Distance 150 feet 200 feet FBC Table 1016.1
Access Openings for Such windows shall be accessible by the fire department and shall open into
FFPC 14.2.11.1(4)
Fire Department Use an area having access to a public way.

Appendix

Appendix
Relocatables for Classroom Use
Code Reference
Type I, II or IV (non-combustible)
Shall comply with:
Americans with Disabilities Act, Florida Building Code.
FBC 423.27.3
Construction Use at facilities housing pre-K through grades 5 or 6, shall also conform to the FBC 423.27.4
federal criteria "Accessibility Standards for Children’s Environments." FBC 423.27.5.1
FBC 423.27.2.1
Finished floor shall be 12 Inches above base flood elevation.
Anchored to resist buoyant forces.

Accessible
Required from exit door to core facilities. FBC 423.27.5.2
Covered Walks
FBC 423.27.8
Exit Doors
Shall swing in the direction of exit travel.
Classroom Locksets
Locksets that are readily opened from the side from which egress is to be made
at all times, a threshold, heavy-duty hinges, and closer to control door closing.
Each door shall have a view panel.
Doors FBC 423.27.8.1
View Panel
Minimum 8 Inches by 42 inches and maximum 1,296 square inches. 1/4 inch
tempered or safety glass installed with the bottom edge of the panel at 30 inches
AFF.
Exterior doors shall open on to a minimum 5-foot by 5-foot roofed platform with
FBC 423.27.8.2
handrails, which is level with the interior floor.
Operable windows equal to at least 5 percent of the floor area of the unit.
FBC 423.27.9
Exterior doors may be included in computing the required 5 percent.
Windows Awning, casement, or projection windows shall not be placed in walls with adjacent
walks, ramps, steps, or platforms.
Emergency rescue window shall comply with NFPA 101, and shall be labeled
FBC 423.27.9.1
"EMERGENCY RESCUE - KEEP AREA CLEAR."
Fire At least one appropriate fire extinguisher shall be provided in each relocatable
FBC 423.27.11
Extinguisher classroom unit and in each classroom of a multi-classroom building.
Illumination Provide an average maintained 50 footcandles at desk top. FBC 423.27.15
Emergency
Each classroom unit shall be equipped with emergency lighting. FBC 423.27.15.1
Lighting
Exterior Exterior lighting shall be provided as required elsewhere in these public educational
FBC 423.27.15.2
Lighting facilities code requirements.
Exit lights shall be provided as required by the Florida Fire Prevention Code adopted
Lighted Signs FBC 423.27.15.3
by the State Fire Marshal.
New relocatables shall be provided with fire alarm devices meeting the code
Fire Safety
requirements for permanent educational facilities and shall be connected to the FBC 423.27.18
Requirements
facility’s main fire alarm system as required by code.

Appendix

Appendix
Shade and Green House
Code Reference
Construction Type I, II or IV Construction (metal frame) capable of withstanding the
appropriate wind load. FBC 423.19.1
The location of the shade/green house shall not hinder exiting from new
Location FBC 423.19.2
and/or existing structures.
A minimum of two doors remotely located shall be provided.
Egress FBC 423.19.3
Doors shall be side-hinged and shall swing in the direction of egress.
Green houses shall meet accessibility requirements.
Accessibility The accessible walkway shall be connected to doors leading to an accessible FBC 423.19.4
route to the permanent structure.
Shade cloth shall be tear-away fabric securely fastened to the structural
Shade Cloth FBC 423.19.5
frame.
A minimum of one Type 2A-10B C fire extinguisher shall be provided per
Fire Extinguisher FBC 423.19.6
shade/green house.
Fire alarm pull stations shall be located within 200 feet of any shade or green
Fire Safety house.
FBC 423.19.7
Requirements Fire alarm horns mounted on a permanent building must be audible inside the
shade/green house.
Space heaters, when provided, shall be mounted at least 6 feet 8 inches
Space Heaters FBC 423.19.8
above finished floor (AFF).

Appendix

Appendix
Kitchen and Food Services
Code Reference
Kitchen and food service areas shall comply with design and construction
General
standards as described in the Food Code, Chapter 509, part I, or Chapter 500, FBC 426.1
Florida Statutes. Other administrative and programmatic provisions may apply.
Kitchens and food service areas shall be provided with toilet and hand-washing
facilities for employees as required by the Florida Building Code, state rules, and
state statutes.
Toilet and Hand-
Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and have self-closing doors and FBC 423.16.10
washing
shall open into vestibules with self-closing doors. FBC 423.16.10.1
Facilities
Toilet rooms shall not open directly into food preparation areas, serving
areas, or dining areas.
A minimum of one water closet and one lavatory, with hot and cold water,
shall be provided in each staff toilet.
Floor drains shall be provided in the food serving area, kitchen area, scullery,
Floor Drains FBC 423.16.10.2
garbage and rubbish rooms and can wash area.
All areas shall be effectively rodentproofed. Windows used for ventilation must
be screened, except when other effective means of vermin control are used. FBC 426.3.3
Vermin Control
Screening materials shall not be less than 16 mesh to the inch or equivalent, tight FBC 443.3.1
fitting, and free of breaks.
NFPA 96 provides the minimum fire safety requirements related to the design,
installation, operation, inspection and maintenance of all cooking operations.
These requirements include, but are not limited to, all manner of cooking
NFPA 96
equipment, exhaust hood, grease removal devices, exhaust duct work, exhaust NFPA 96 1-1.1
Requirements
fans, dampers, fire extinguishing equipment, and all other auxiliary or ancillary
components or systems that are involved in the capture, containment, and control
of grease-laden cooking effluent.

Appendix

Appendix

Toilet Rooms
Code Reference
Educational and ancillary facilities shall be provided with toilets, hand-washing
facilities, and drinking fountains for all occupants, in rations and accessible as
required by the Florida Building Code, Florida Law, and federal requirements.
Standards FBC 423.16.1
Exception: FBC 443.3.5
A single unisex toilet room is allowed where provided in child care and
pre-kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms.
FBC 423.16.2
Teacher Toilets Faculty and staff toilets shall be separate from student toilets.
FBC 443.3.5.2
Urinals Trough urinals shall not be installed in any location. FBC 423.16.4
All group toilet rooms shall be provided with at least one floor drain and one easily
Floor Drains and accessible hose bibb. FBC 423.16.5
Hose Bibbs The floor shall be sloped down to the drain. FBC 443.3.5.6
Stall urinals shall not serve as the required floor drains.
The entry to each group toilet room shall be provided with a door, partition, or other
shielding device to block from view the occupants in the toilet room.
FBC 423.16.6
Shielding Device If a door is provided, it shall have a closer and shall swing out in the direction of
FBC 443.3.5.4
exit.
Exterior entries to toilet rooms shall have outward swinging doors.

When hot water is supplied to showers, handwash sinks, or lavatories in toilet
FBC 423.16.7
Hot Water rooms, a mixing valve shall be installed to control the temperature, which shall not
FBC 443.3.5.8.3
exceed 110°F.
Delayed Closing
Water supply at toilet room lavatories shall be controlled by delayed-closing valves. FBC 423.16.8
Valves
All toilet rooms, including individual toilet rooms, shall be accessible to the disabled
FBC 443.3.5.1
- ADA Title II requirement.
Accessible requirements for children’s environments for elementary grade students FBC 423.4.4
shall be utilized. FBC 443.3.5.1
Accessibility FBC 443.3.5.1
Requirements FBC 11-4.22.4
Provide at least one of each type fixture accessible to the disabled in group toilets.
FBC 11-4.22.5
FBC 11-4.22.6
One additional water closet in group toilets required to be accessible to the disabled FBC 443.3.5.1
when six or more fixtures provided. FBC 11-4-22.4

Appendix

Appendix
Fire Alarm
Code Reference
All systems to be installed in educational facilities shall be in accordance with the
2010 Florida Fire Prevention Code and the National Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72 and FBC 907.2
shall meet the accessibility requirements of Chapter 11 of the Florida Building
Code.
General Manual
Manual fire alarm pull stations shall be located no more than five (5) feet from the FBC 907.4.2.1
Fire Alarm
entrance to the exit. This includes each individual classroom that opens to the
Systems
exterior. The exemption, under Section 907.2.1, Florida Building Code does not
apply to educational facilities.
Manual fire alarm pull stations may be omitted In a building provided it meets all of FBC 907.2.3
the exemptions listed in Section 903.3.1.1, Florida Building Code as clarified in the Exemption 3
Florida Fire Prevention Code, Sections 14.3.4.2 and 15.3.4.2.
Each Floor shall be zoned separately.
No one zone may exceed 15,000 sq. ft.
Zoning FBC 907.6.3
A zone indicator panel shall be located at grade level, at the normal point of fire
department access, or at a constantly attended building security control center.
Visible alarm indicating appliances in public and common areas. FBC 907.5.2.3.1
Automatically activated by all the following where provided: FBC 907.5

Smoke detectors and heat detectors.
Sprinkler water-flow devices.
Manual fire alarm boxes. FBC 907.6
Other approved types of automatic fire-detection device suppression FBC 907.9.2
systems. FBC Table
Alarm Indicating 907.9.1.3
Appliances Audible alarms:
Shall provide a distinctive sound that shall not be used for any other FBC 907.5.2
purpose.
Sound pressure of 15 dbA above average ambient sound level in every
occupied space within the building.
Minimum 60 dbA, maximum 130 dbA.
Visual: FBC 11-4.28.3(4)

Minimum candela level of 75 regardless of location.
Automatic Fire Approved single-station or multi-station smoke detectors shall be installed in
FBC 907.3
Detection accordance with NFPA 72.
Upon completion of the fire alarm system, all alarm indicating devices and circuits,
alarm indicating appliances and circuits, supervisory signal initiating devices and
Testing FBC 907.8
circuits, signaling line circuits, and primary and secondary power supplies shall be
tested in accordance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

Appendix
Florida Buildings Code Handbook A-87

Appendix
Example EHPA Design Square Footage and Capacity Calculations

219 Student Station Elementary School
Net Square Footage
Space Student Stations
Net Included Spaces Net Excluded Spaces
2 Kindergarten Classrooms 899 18
6 Primary Classrooms 5,094 108
4 Intermediate Classrooms 3,080 80
1 Music Room 1,456
Related Spaces 325
1 Art Classroom 1,036
Related Spaces 365
1 Skills Development Lab 986
1 Physical Ed Area Storage 1,395
2 Regular Resource 1,140
1 ESE 1,190 13
1 Media Center
Reading/Stacks
Related 1,110
Functions/Storage 1,080
Group Projects 180
Administration
Administrative Offices 675
Related Spaces/Storage 1,125
Reception/Secretary 413
Conference Room 450
Toilets 120
Food Service
Dining student/Staff 1,320
Kitchen related 1,380
Stage 990
Related Spaces 400
Multipurpose
Storage 930 60
Other Storage Spaces 105
Toilets 286
Custodial 985
21,355 7,220
TOTALS Net Included Spaces Net Excluded Spaces 219 Student Stations
21,355 + 7,220 = 28,545 Net Square Feet

Appendix

Example EHPA Design Square Footage and Capacity Calculations
219 Student Station Elementary School
Notes:
To determine the square footage and capacity for the EHPA in accordance with FBC Section 423.25.3 the following is required:
The excluded spaces shall be subtracted from the total net square footage.
28,575 Total Net Square Feet

− 7,220 Total Net Square Feet Excluded Spaces
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
21,355 Total Adjusted Net Square Feet
50% of the Total Adjusted Net Square Feet determines the designated square footage requirement for use as an
EHPA.
21,355 Total Adjusted Net Square Feet

X .50
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,677.5 ~ 10,677 Square Feet Designated for use as an EHPA
The capacity of an EHPA shall be calculated at 20 square feet per occupant.
10,677 / 20 = 533.85 ~ 534 occupants.
Toilet and hand-washing facilities should be located within the EHPAs and provided at one toilet and one sink per
40 occupants.
534 people / 40 = 13.35 ~ 14
14 Toilets Required, 7 female and 7 male (3 toilets and 4 urinals)

14 Sinks Required
Toilet facilities located within the EHPA area are not in addition to toilet facilities provided for the normal school
usage.

Appendix

EHPA - Electrical and Emergency Power Systems
Standby Circuits.
Code Reference
EHPA Emergency Power Loads Primary First Priority Second Priority
Lighting FBC 4233.25.5
EHPA Fire Alarm System FBC 423.25.5
EHPA Main Office Receptacles FBC 423.25.5.3
FBC 423.25.5.2 -
Ventilation Fans FBC 423.25.5 (minimum)
additional requirements
Campus Fire Alarm System FBC 423.25.5.2
Campus Exit Lights (Illuminated) FBC 423.25.5.2
Campus Emergency Lights FBC 423.25.5.2
Intercom System FBC 423.25.5.2
Campus Security Lighting FBC 423.25.5.2
Additional Power Receptacles FBC 423.25.5.2

Appendix

Recommended Acreage
Schools Florida State Colleges
Acreage Recommenced Vo-Tech School Acreage required
FTE
FTE FTE Student
Student Acreage Main Separate
Elem Mid/Jr Sr High Student Capacity
Capacity Required Campus Center
Capacity
200-299 4 500-599 Minimum 40
300-399 5 6 7 600-699 100 42
400-499 6 7 9 700-799 44
500-599 7 8 11 500-549 20 800-899 46
600-699 8 9 13 510-599 21 900-999 48
700-799 9 10 15 600-649 22 1000-1099 50
800-899 10 11 17 650-699 23 1100-1199 52
900-999 11 12 19 700-749 24 1200-1299 54
1000-1099 12 13 21 750-799 25 1300-1399 56
1100-1199 13 14 22 800-849 26 1400-1499 58
1200-1299 14 15 23 850-899 27 1500-1599 60
1300-1399 15 16 24 900-949 28 1600-1699 62
1400-1499 17 25 950-999 29 1700-1799 64
1500-1599 18 26 1800-1899 66
1600-1699 27 1900-1999 68
1700-1799 28 2000-2099 70
1800-1899 29 2100-2199 72
1900-1999 30 2200-2299 74
2000-2099 31 2300-2399 76
2100-2199 32 2400-2499 78
2200-2299 33 2500-2599 80
2300-2399 34 2600-2699 82
2400-2499 35 2700-2799 84
2500-2599 36 2800-2899 86
2900-2999 88
1 Acre for each additional 100 students 3000-3099 90
3100-3199 92

Appendix

FBC CHAPTER 16 - STRUCTURAL LOADS
Code Reference
FBC 1606.1
Dead Loads Actual weights of materials. ASCE 7-10
Tables C3-1 & C3-2
Permanent: part of dead load.
Partition
Partitions not shown or likely to be shifted: 15 psf in addition to permanent loads. FBC 1607.5
Loads
Exceptions: when live load exceeds 80 psf, partitioning not required.
Floor:
Uniform: FBC Table 1607.1. See Section 1607.9 for allowable reductions. FBC 1607.3
Distribution: FBC Sections 1607.4 and 1607.10.
Concentrated: FBC Section 1607.4. FBC 1607.4
Live Loads
Interior wall loads: 5 psf minimum, applied perpendicular. FBC 1607.13
Truck and bus garages: FBC 1607.6, Table 1607.6. FBC 1607.6
Roof: FBC Section 1607.11.2.
FBC 1607.11.2
Reductions: FBC Section 1607.11.2.1.
Rain Loads Not more than uniform live load if roof is drained and scupper set properly. FBC 1503.4.2.1. FBC 1611.1
Impact: FBC 1607.8
ASCE 7-10 and commentary thereon:
Velocity:
Non-hurricane shelters: ASCE 7-10, Figure 26.5-1B.
Hurricane shelters containing EHPA.
ASCE 7-10
Recommend: wind speed plus 40 mph.
ASCE 7-10
Risk and Importance factors:
Table 1.5-2
Non-hurricane shelters: Risk category IV, 1 = 1.0. ASCE 7-10
Hurricane shelters containing EHPA: Risk category IV, 1 = 1.0. ASCE 7-10
Exposure: See FBC and IBC Section 1609.4 for definitions. FBC 1609.4
Directionality: 0.85 only when wind load is combined with other loads ASCE 7-10
Wind
ASCE 7-10, Table 26. 6-1 and footnote.
Topography: See ASCE 7-10 Section 26.8.1, Section 26.8.2, KZT = 1. ASCE 7-10
ASCE 7-10
Enclosed or partially enclosed building: ASCE 7-10, pages 241 and 242 definitions
FBC 1609.2
Coefficients:
Main wind force resisting systems: ASCE 7-10. Chapters 27-29. ASCE 7-10
Components and cladding: ASCE 7-10, Chapter 30; FBC Table 1609.6.2(2). ASCE 7-10
Internal pressure Coefficients: ASCE 7-10. Table 26.11-1. ASCE 7-10
Enclosed building: plus/minus 0.18.
Partially enclosed buildings; plus/minus 0.55.
ASCE 7-10,
Minimum :16.
Section 28.4.4
(Continue to next page)

Appendix

FBC CHAPTER 16 - STRUCTURAL LOADS (Continued)
Code Reference
Combined force: FBC Sections 1605.2.1 and 1605.3.1, Load combinations. FBC 1605.2.1
FBC 1605.3.1
Structures other than buildings:
Round structures: ASCE 7-10, Figure 29.5-1. ASCE 7-10
Wind
(Continued) Free-standing walls and solid signs; ASCE 7-10, Figure 29.4-1. ASCE 7-10
Open signs: ASCE 7-10, Figure 29.5-2. ASCE 7-10
Trussed towers: ASCE 7-10, Figure 29.5-3. ASCE 7-10
Missile impact; SSTD 12 for hurricane shelters, see FBC Section 423.25.4. FBC 423.25.4
Deflections FBC Sections 1604.3.1 through 1604.3.6; Table 1604.3. FBC 1604.3
Foundations and retaining wall; see FBC Table 1610.1; also geotechnical engineering report
weights and lateral pressures.
Basement walls; if below grade, consider upward pressure of water.
Handrails and guards:
Concentration: 200 pounds at any point and in any direction, along top. FBC 1607.7.1.1
Special
Uniform: 50 plf in any direction, at top. FBC 1607.7.1
Application: Not simultaneous. FBC 1607.7.1.1
Grab bars, shower seats, dressing room benches - 250 lbs. concentration. FBC 1607.7.3
Awnings and Canopies (fabric construction supported by lightweight rigid skeleton structure) -
FBC Table 1607.1
5 psf.
FBC Section 1609.1.2 applies to glass only, One of the following shall apply:
Wind-borne Areas within 1 mile of coastal mean high water line, where the ultimate design wind
Debris speed is 130 mph or greater.
FBC 1609.2
See Figure Areas where the ultimate design wind speed is 140 mph or greater.
1609B Exception: Building designed as "partially enclosed." Missile impact resistance need not
be considered in window design.
General FBC 1615
Deflection FBC 1616
Volume Changes FBC 1617
Minimum Loads FBC 1618
Roof Live loads FBC 1619
Roof Drainage FBC1620
High
Special Load Considerations FBC 1621
Velocity
Live Load Reductions FBC 1622
Hurricane
Wind Loads FBC 1623
Zones
Overturning Moment and Uplift FBC 1624
Screen Enclosures FBC 1625
Live Load Posted, Occupancy Limits FBC 1626
Foundation Design
Load Tests
Impact Tests for Wind-borne Debris

Appendix

FBC CHAPTER 18 - SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
Code Reference
Soil brings representative of footprint
Soil profile
Soils Report Ground water level FBC 1803
Plasticity index
Expansion index FBC 1803.6
Standard penetration testing or cone penetration testing
Soil Containment See geotechnical report. Usually 18 inches minimum, except for pre-engineered,
prefabricated buildings.
Allowable Bearing FBC Table 1806.2 for maximum values.
FBC 1806.2
Pressure Exceptions: See geotechnical report.
Lateral Sliding FBC Table 1806.2 Exceptions: See soils report
FBC 1806.3
Resistance Increase: FBC Sections 1806.3.3, 1806.3.4.
Differential
See geotechnical report; usually ½ inch maximum.
Settlement
Acceptable for Foundation:
Type of Soil Natural geotechnical compacted FBC 1804.5
Compacted fill.
Expansive geotechnical, plastic clays: Shrink-swell potential, over-excavate. Also FBC 1805.2.5
Problem Soils
see geotechnical report. FBC 1805.8
Allowable bearing pressure FBC 1803.5.4
Water Table Affects placement of foundation concrete if high. See Geotechnical report. FBC 1805.1, 1805.3
Located above finished floor; waterproofing required FBC 1807.2.2
Continuous Wall or
Not affected by differential settlement.
Strip Footing Only
Spread Footings
and Continuous See geotechnical report for recommended depth of soil compaction.
Footings
Method of load calculation: See FBC Section 1808.3. FBC 1808.3
Footing Design Width of Footing: 12 inches minimum. FBC 1809.4

FBC Chapter 19
Concrete design: See FBC Chapter 19 and ACI 318-10, Chapter 15.
ACI 318-10
Footing Concrete
FBC Table 1808.1, 2500 psi minimum. FBC Table 1808.1
Strength
Retaining Walls FBC 1807
See geotechnical report. FBC 1810.1.1
FBC 18110.2.1 and
Pile Foundations Lateral Support
1810.2.2
Stability in all directions: 3 piles minimum, connected by rigid cap, located in radial
FBC 1808.2.2
directions from group centroid not less than 60 degrees apart.

Appendix

FBC CHAPTER 18 - SOILS AND FOUNDATION (Continued)
Code Reference
Allowable stresses, FBC Table 1810.3.2.6. FBC Section 1810.3.2.8
Pile Foundations Splices develop minimum 50% least capacity in bending. FBC 1810.3.6
(Continued) Splices located in upper 10 feet of embedded portion of pile, resist moment and
FBC 1810.3.6
shear from 3-inch load eccentricity.
Pile caps: Tops of piles embedded 3 inches minimum in cap.
FBC 1810.3.11
Caps extend 4 inches minimum past piles.
Allowable Pile
Driven piles: Driving formula; 40 tons maximum capacity. FBC 1810.3.3.1.1
Load
Load test method:
FBC 1810.3.3.1.2
Not more than ½ the test load-capacity per FBC Section 1810.3.3.1.2.
Determined by Florida registered P.E.
Allowable Frictional Resistance: 500 psf maximum. FBC 1810.3.3.1.4
Uplift capacity, single deep foundation grouped deep foundation, the lesser of :
Proposed individual pile uplift working load times the number of piles in FBC Section
Allowable Pile group. 1810.3.3.1.5
Load
Two-thirds of the effective weight of the pile group and the soil contained FBC 1810.3.3.1.6
within a block defined by the perimeter of the group and the length of the
pile. Not to exceed ultimate load capacity divided by 2.
Bearing Capacity:
Ultimate load capacity of at least twice the design working loads in the
FBC 1810.3.3.1.7
designated bearing layers.
No soil layer underlying the designated bearing layers shall cause the
bearing capacity safety factor to be less than 2.
Structural Steel
Not outlined because not generally used on schools. FBC 1810.3.5.3
Piles
Concrete filled
Steel Pipe and Not outlined because not generally used on schools. FBC 1810.3.5.3.2
Tube Pipes
Driven Pile Precast Concrete Piles: FBC 1810.3.8.1

Foundations Precast, non-prestressed concrete piles: FBC 1810.3.8.2
Effective prestress, FBC Section 1810.3.8.3.1
Precast
Piles up to 30 feet - 400 psi
Prestressed FBC 1810.3.8.3
Piles 30 to 50 feet - 550 psi
Concrete Piles
Piles greater than 50 feet - 700 psi
Footings and Foundations FBC 1805
Termite Protection FBC 1816
Excavations FBC 1817
Bearing Capacity of Soil FBC 1818
Soil Bearing Foundations FBC 1819
Concrete Slab on Fill FBC 1820
Monolithic Footings FBC 1821
Pile Foundations FBC 1822
Wood Piles FBC 1823
High Velocity Precast Concrete Piles FBC 1824
Hurricane Zones Prestressed Precast Concrete Piles FBC 1825
Cast in Place FBC 1826
Rolled Structural Shapes FBC 1827
Special Piles or Special Conditions FBC 1828
Load Test on Piles FBC 1829
Foundation Walls and Grade Beams FBC 1830
Grades Under Buildings FBC 1831
Retaining Walls FBC 1832
Sea Walls and Bulkheads FBC 1833
Soil Improvement FBC 1834
Appendix
FBC CHAPTER 19 --- CONCRETE
Code Reference
ACI 318-08, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.
Reference ACI 318-08
ACI 506.2, Specification for Concrete.
Standards ACI 506.2
ASTM Standards.
FBC 1905.1.1
Strength Strength of concrete: 2,500 psi minimum, stated on plans and specifications.
Table 1904.3
Minimum strength 2500 PSI. FBC 1905.1.1
Mix Design Selecting proportions. FBC 1905.2

FBC 1905.3, 1905.4,
Methods of design.
1905.5
Slump for regular concrete subject to vibratory compaction shall be 4 inches plus/minus
1 inch. See ACI 301, Section 4.2.2: also ACI A-117, Section 2.5.1. ACI 301, 4.2.2.2
Slump
For filled cells in reinforced masonry, use 8 inch to 11-inch slump. See ACI 530.1-08, ACI 530.1-08, 2.6B2
Section 2.6B2.
Reinforced steel shall be free of mud, oil, or other non-metallic coatings that would FBC 1907.3 and 4
Reinforced Steel
decrease the bond with concrete. No field bends except as approved by the architect. ACI 318-08, 7.3 & 7.4
Fly Ash Fly ash in concrete shall not exceed 25 percent by weight. ACI 318-08, 4.2.3
When air temperature is between 85 and 90 degree F., reduce mixing and delivery time
Mixing Time to 75 minutes. When air temperature is higher than 90 degrees, reduce mixing and
delivery time to 60 minutes.
FBC 1905.9
Segregation of Concrete shall be deposited as nearly as practicable to its final position to avoid
ACI 318-08, 5.10.1
Materials segregation of material due to re-handing or flowing.
FBC 1905.10
Concreting shall be carried on at such a rate that the concrete is at all times plastic and FBC 1905.10
Flow
flows readily into spaces between reinforcement. ACI 318-08, 5-10.2
Suggest prohibiting the following concrete:
1. Partially hardened concrete.
FBC 1905.10
Prohibited 2. Contaminated concrete. ACI 318-08, 5.10.3,
5.10.4
3. Re-tempered concrete.
4. Concrete remixed after it had taken its initial set.

After concreting has been started, It should be carried on as a continuous operation
Continuous FBC 1905.10
until placing of a panel or section, as determined by its boundaries or joints, is
Operation ACI 318-08, 5.10.5
completed.
Construction Construction joints shall be constructed (cleaned, laitance removed, wetted, standing
ACI 318-08, 6.4.2
Joints water removed).
All concrete shall be thoroughly consolidated by suitable means during placement and
FBC 1905.10
Consolidated should be worked around reinforcement and embedded fixtures and into corners of
ACI 318-08, 5.10.8
forms.
FBC 1907.7.1
Cover of Steel Minimum clearances for reinforcing steel.
ACI 318-08, 7.7.1
FBC 1905.11
Curing Wet cure time of 7 days minimum at 50 degrees minimum temperature.
ACI 318-08, 5.11.
Finishing Finishing tolerance for concrete floor slabs which receive resilient coverings shall be ⅛ ACI 301, 11.8.2,
Tolerance inch in 10 feet. 11.7.3, 11.9.1

Appendix
FBC CHAPTER 19 --- CONCRETE (Continued)
Code Reference
Test cylinders. Two concrete test cylinders shall be broken at 28 days and the average ACI 301,11.8.2, 11.7.3,
value used as the test result. 11.9.1
Testing
FBC 1905.6
Criteria for acceptance of concrete cylinder tests. ACI 318-08, 5.6.2.4,
5.6.3.3
Slab at Grade Not less than 3 ½ inches thick. FBC 1910.1
Strength in tension.
Headed anchors FBC Table 1911.2
Strength in shear.
Vapor retarder; Vapor retarder should be 6 mil minimum polyethylenes with joints lapped 6 inches. FBC 1910.1
General FBC 1913.1
Proportions and materials FBC 1913.2
Aggregate FBC 1913.3
Reinforcement FBC 1913.4
Preconstruction tests FBC 1913.5
Shotcrete
Rebound FBC 1913.6
Joints FBC 1913.7
Damage FBC 1913.8
Curing FBC 1913.9
Strength tests FBC 1913.10
Minimum thickness 2 inches FBC 1917.4.2
Light Weight Maximum Compressive Strengths per ASTM C 495 and C796.
Insulation Aggregate Concrete - 125 psi. FBC Section 1917.1.1
Concrete Fill Cellular lightweight insulating concrete - 160 psi. FBC Section 1917.1.2. FBC 1917.1
Cellular aggregate (hybrid) lightweight insulating concrete - 200 psi
FBC Section 1917.1.3.
General FBC 1919
Standards FBC 1920
Definitions FBC 1921
Materials FBC 1922
Concrete Quality FBC 1923
High Velocity
Mixing and Placing Concrete FBC 1924
Hurricane Zones
Formwork, Embedded Pipes and Construction Joints FBC 1925
Details Reinforcement FBC 1926
Precast Concrete Units FBC 1927
Prestressed Concrete FBC 1928
Pneumatically Placed Concrete (Shotcrete) FBC 1929

Appendix

FBC CHAPTER 21 - REINFORCED MASONRY
Code Reference
Code All design and construction of reinforced masonry shall conform to ACI 530-08. ACI 530-08
Portland cement: C150
Sand and aggregate: C33
Block: C90, Type N
ASTM Mortar: C270
Grout: C476
Reinforcing bars: A615
Truss reinforcing: A82
Concrete masonry 900f¹m, ACI 530-08, Section 1.8.2.2.1.
Elastic Module ACI 530-08
Reinforcing steel: 29,000,000 psi, ACI 530-08, Section 1.8.2.1.
Mortar-see ASTM C-270, FBC Table 2103.8. FBC 2103.8
Proportions
Grout-see ASTM C-476, FBC Table 2103.12. FBC 2103.12
Slump for grout in filled ceils should be 8 inches to 11 inches. See ACI 530.1-05,
Slump ACI 530.1-08
Section 2.6.B.2.
See FBC Table 2105.2.2.1.1.
Compressive
Minimum Strength of masonry units and grout stated. FBC 2105.2.2.1.1
Strength
ACI 530.08, Section 2.1.3.1.
General FBC 2107.1
ACI 530-08, Section
Allowable 2.1.10 and
Lap Splices. Modify ASCE 530-08.2.1.10.3, Section values of splices.
Stress Design FBC 2107.3, 2107.4,
2107.5
Empirical design limited to ultimate design, wind speed of 115 mph. ACI 530-08, FBC 2109.1.1,
Section 5.1.2 for general limitations. ACI 530-08, 5.1.2
Reinforcing Reinforcing steel should be free of mud, oil or non-metallic castings that would FBC 1907.3, 1907.4,
Steel decrease the bond with concrete. No field bends except as approved by the architect. ACI 318-08, 7.4
Lintel Bearing Specify the minimum lintel bearing, in inches.
ACI 530, 6.2.2.1,
Masonry Veneer Special wind load requirements per ACI 530, Section 6.2.2.1 and 6.2.2.2.
6.2.2.11
Use inspection and clean-out holes at bottom of wall reinforced vertical cells for
grouting lifts over 5 feet high. Clean-out holes should be 3 feet minimum, see ACI
Clean-out Holes ACI 530.1-08
530.1-08, Section 3.2F. See grout space requirements for various grout pour heights in
ACI 530.1-08, Section 3.5C with Table 7.
Design FBC 2118
High Velocity Quality, Test and Approval FBC 2119
Hurricane Allowable Unit Stresses in Unit Masonry FBC 2120
Zones Construction Details FBC 2121
Reinforced Unit Masonry FBC 2122

Appendix

FBC CHAPTER 22 - STEEL
Codes Code Reference
A.I.S.C. Manual of Steel Construction, 2005, Thirteenth Edition, including FBC 2214.1-6
Specification for Structural Steel Buildings 360-05. AISC 360-05
Grades of steel:
A36: 36 ksi yield stress: Wide- flange and other shapes used for beams.
A572: 42 ksi and 50 ksi yield stress: Wide-flange and other shapes for beams.
Structural Steel A588: 50 ksi yield stress: Wide-flange and other shapes used for beams.
A992: 50 ksi yield stress: Wide-flange and other shapes used for beams. FBC 2205
A500; Grade B: 42 ksi (round) and 46 ksi (shaped) yield; Cold-rolled square,
round and rectangular tubes used for columns and pipe columns.
A501; 36 ksi yield stress; hot-rolled square, round and rectangular steel tubes
used for columns.
A53, Grade B, Type E or S: 35 ksi yield stress: Pipes used for columns.
Code: North American Specifications for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural AISI 5100-07
Members, AISI 5100-07. AISI 9200-07,
Code: Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing-General Provisions, Floor and Roof 5211-07, 5212.07,
System Design, Wall Stud Design, Header Design, Lateral Design, Trusses. 5213-07, 5214-07
Cold-Formed ASTM A-653.
Lightgage Steel Metal roof decks and floor decks. FBC 2209.1
Steel Deck Institute DDM-03 Diaphragm Design Manual. FBC 2210.1,
Steel Deck Institute MOC-2 Manual of Construction with Steel Deck. 2210.2, 2210.3,
Standing seam metal decks. 2210.4, 2210.5,
Lightgage steel trusses, Code: Standard for Cold Formed Steel Framing - Trusses. 2210.6
Standard Specifications for Open-Web Steel Joists, K-series
Open-Web Steel Standard Specification for Longspan Steel Joists, LH series and Deep Longspan
FBC 2206
Joints Steel joists, DLH-series.
Standard Specification for Joist Girders.
Welding Welding done by certified welders. FBC 2218.3
General FBC 2214
Material FBC 2215
Design Loads FBC 2216
Minimum Thickness of Materials FBC 2217
Connections FBC 2218
High Velocity
Tubular Columns FBC 2219
Hurricane Zones
Protection of Metal FBC 2220
General-Open Web Steel Joists FBC 2221
Cold-Formed Steel Construction FBC 2222
Pre-engineered, Prefabricated Metal Building Systems and Components FBC 2223
Chain Link Fences FBC 2224
The specialty engineer for the steel joist supplier shall certify, in a cover letter that the FBC 1609.3
Joist Bridging
steel joist bottom chords will safely resist the wind uplift, considering the spacing of Figure 1609
Layout
the joist bridging. Calculations shall be submitted. FBC 2206.3
Steel shop drawings shall be signed, sealed and dated by the Florida-registered
Section 471.025(1)
Submittals professional engineer who is responsible for their preparation, unless design of
F.S.
connections is shown on contract plans.
Structural Steel
A.I.S.C. Manual of Steel Construction, 2005, Thirteenth Edition
Fabrication
AISC 360-05
Structural Steel
A.I.S.C. Manual of Steel Construction, 2005, Thirteenth Edition
Erection

Appendix
FBC CHAPTER 23 - WOOD
Code Reference
NDS-05 Load and Resistance Factor Design Standard for Engineered Wood
Code
Construction. NDS-05
National Design Specification for Wood Construction - 2005 Supplement
Educational facilities construction; Type I, II, or IV, no wood permitted for structural
use. FBC 423.8.3.4
Types III and IV are permitted as follows:
1. Covered walkways open on all sides.
2. Dugouts, concession stands and related public toilets.
Permitted Use
3. Press boxes located on the first floor or with nothing directly below.
FBC 423.8.3.4
4. Non-flammable storage buildings detached at least 60 ft from educational
facility.
5. Wood may be used for non-structural uses, such as blocking, moldings,
nailers, etc.
Non-Permitted
Non-bearing interior partitions in permanent educational facilities.
Use

Appendix
ROOF SHINGLES
Code Reference
Fire Rating Shingles Class A FBC 423.12.1
Cross Slope Minimum roof cross slope for shingles 2:12. FBC 1507.2.2
ASTM Shingles comply with ASTM D225 or D3462. FBC 1507.2.5
Comply with ASTM D226, Type I or Type II, or
FBC 1507.2.3
ASTM D4869 Type I or Type II, or ASTM D6757.
For roof slopes between 2:12 and 4:12:
Two layers of felt, minimum.
Starting at the eave, a 19 inch strip of underlayment shall be:
Applied parallel to and starting at the eave, and
Fastened sufficiently to hold it in place.
Starting at the eave, 36-inch wide strips of underlayment felt shall be
Underlayment
applied:
Overlapping successive sheets 19 inches and FBC 1507.2.8
Fastened sufficiently to hold them in place.
For slope greater than 4:12:
Starting at the eave, one layer of underlayment felt shall be applied as
follows:
Applied shingle fashion parallel to and starting at the eave, and lapped
2 inches, and fastened sufficiently to hold it in place.
Fasteners for asphalt shingles shall be:
Galvanized, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper roofing nails, minimum 12
gauge (0.105. inch) shank with a minimum ⅜-inch diameter head, and
Fasteners Length sufficient to penetrate through the roof materials and a minimum of ¾
inch into the roof sheathing. Where the sheathing is less than ¾ inch thick,
the nails shall penetrate through the sheathing. FBC 1507.2.6
Comply with ASTM F1667
Asphalt shingles shall be secured to the roof with fasteners, per FBC Table
Anchoring FBC 1507.2.9.25
1507.2.7.
Valley linings shall be installed per manufacturer's printed instructions before
FBC 1507.2.9.2
applying asphalt shingles. Valley linings for the following types are approved:
For open valleys (valley lining exposed) lined with metal, the valley lining
shall be:
At least 16 inches wide and
Made of any of the corrosion-resistant materials listed in FBC Table
1503.2.
Valleys For open valleys, valley lining of two piles of mineral surface roll roofing is
permitted.
Bottom layer shall be 18 inches wide, minimum.
Top layer shall be 36 inches wide, minimum.
For closed valleys (valley covered with shingles), valley lining shall be one
of the following:
Type 1 or 2 above. FBC 1507.2.9.2
One ply of smooth roll roofing at least 36 inches wide and complying
with ASTM D6380 Class S.
No elastomeric and/or maintenance coatings unless approved by the manufacturer FBC 1507.15.3,
Coatings
and installed per manufacturer’s instructions. 1521.17.1
Photovoltaic Rooftop-installed photovoltaic systems shall be installed per FBC 1505.8 and FBC 1505.8,
System 1507.17. 1507.17, 1518.11
Drip Edge Drip edge shall be 3 inches minimum. FBC 1507.2.9.3

Appendix
ROOF SHINGLES (Continued)
Code Reference
Drip edge shall be:
Provided at eaves and gables of shingle roofs.
Overlapped a minimum of 2 inches.
Eave drip edges shall extend:
Drip Edge ½ inch below sheathing, and
Back on the roof a minimum of 2 Inches. FBC 1507.2.9.3
Drip edge shall be mechanically fastened a maximum of 12 inches on center.
Drip edge may be installed over or under underlayment. If drip edge is
installed over underlayment, there shall be a minimum width of 4 inches of
roof cement over the drip edge flange.
The Contractor shall provide a "Final Statement of Compliance" to the architect,
Final Statement of
which states that the finished roof membrane complies with the approved FBC 423.12.3
Compliance
contractual documents.
Inspection by The roof membrane shall be inspected by the manufacturer's representative within
FBC 423.12.4
Manufacturer one year of acceptance by the Board.
A primary drainage system shall be provided, size per FBC-Plumbing Section
Primary Drainage FBC-P 1106
1106, Tables 1106.2(1), 1106.2(2), 1106.3 and Figure 1106.1.
A secondary drainage system shall be provided when parapets surround the
FBC-P 1107
perimeter.
Separate from the primary system. FBC-P 1107.2. Values from Tables
Secondary FBC-P 1107.2
1106.2(10), 1106.2(2), 1106.3 and Figure 1106.1.
Drainage
Sized per FBC-P Section 1107.3. FBC-P 1107.3
Overflow scupper to have a minimum dimension of 4-inch opening. FBC-P 1107.3
General FBC 1512
Definitions FBC 1513
Weather Protection FBC 1514
Performance Requirements FBC 1515
Fire Classification FBC 1516
Materials FBC 1517
High Velocity Roof Coverings with Slopes 2:12 or Greater FBC 1518
Hurricane Zones Roof Coverings with Slopes Less than 2:12 FBC 1519
Roof Insulation FBC 1520
Re-roofing FBC 1521
Rooftop Structures and Components FBC 1522
Testing FBC 1523
Required Owners Notification for Roofing Considerations FBC 1524
Uniform Permit Application FBC 1525
Submit complete FLA/COM compliance form. This shall indicate compliance with
Energy Efficiency FBC 13-400.0
Florida Energy Efficiency Code (FEEC) for Building Construction.

Appendix

OFFICE OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
SECTION 423 APPLICATION MATRIX
Section K-12 College Ancillary
423.1 Scope: Public educational facilities X X X
423.2 Public schools and Florida colleges general requirements X X X
423.2.1 Owner X X X
423.2.2 Exemption from local requirements X X X
423.2 Code enforcement X X X
423.3.1 School boards and Florida college boards X X X
423.3.2 Owner review and inspection X X X
423.3.3 Local government review and inspection X X X
423.3.4 Other regulatory agencies X X X
423.3.5 Day labor projects X X X
423.3.6 Routine maintenance X X X
423.3.7 Certificate of occupancy X X X
423.3.8 Reuse of prototype plans X X X
423.4 Reference documents X X X
423.4.1 Rule 6-2 X X X
423.4.2 Flood resistant construction X X X
423.4.3 Florida statutes and state rules X X X
423.4.4 Accessibility requirements for children’s environments X Footnote(1) Footnote(1)
423.4.5 Handbook for public playground safety X Footnote(1) Footnote(1)
423.4.6 ANSI Z53.1 X X X
423.4.7 ASCE 7 X X X
423.4.8 Life Cycle Cost Guidelines for Materials and Buildings for
X X X
Florida’s Public Educational Facilities
423.5 Definitions X X X
423.5.1 Assembly X X X
423.5.2 Board X X X
423.5.3 Boiler X X X
423.5.4 Certificate of occupancy X X X
423.5.5 Courtyard X X N/A
423.5.5.1 Exterior courtyard X X N/A
423.5.5.2 Enclosed courtyard X X N/A
423.5.5.3 Roofed courtyard X X N/A

Appendix

423.5.6 Facility X X X
423.5.6.1 Ancillary facility N/A N/A X
423.5.6.2 Auxiliary plant N/A N/A X
423.5.6.3 Auxiliary facility X X N/A
423.5.6.4 Educational facility X X N/A
423.5.6.5 Educational plant X X N/A
423.5.6.6 Existing facility X X X
423.5.6.7 Leased facility X X X
423.5.6.8 Permanent facility X X X
423.5.6.9 Relocatable portable facility X X X
423.5.6.10 Modular facility X X X
423.5.7 Maintenance and repair X X X
423.5.8 New construction X X X
423.5.9 Open plan building X X X
423.5.10 Open plan instructional space X X N/A
423.5.11 Owner X X X
423.5.12 Permit X X X
423.5.13 Remodeling X X X
423.5.14 Renovation X X X
423.5.15 Separate atmosphere X X X
423.5.16 Separate building X X X
423.5.17 Florida college N/A X N/A
423.5.18 Student-occupied space X X N/A
423.6 Administration of public education projects X X X
423.6.1 Occupancy during construction X X X
423.6.2 Contractor toxic substance safety precautions X X X
423.6.3 Flammable or explosive substances X X X
423.7 Life safety X X X
423.7.1 Separate exits X X X
423.7.2 Exit access X X X
423.7.3 Location of fire extinguishers and blankets X X N/A

Appendix

423.7.4 Common fire alarm X X Footnote(2)
423.7.5 Fire Alarm sending stations X X X
423.7.6 Automatic shut off X X N/A
423.7.6.1 Kitchen gas supplies X X X
423.7.6.2 Emergency power X X X
423.7.7 Unoccupied rooms and concealed spaces X X X
423.7.7.1 Fully sprinklered buildings X X X
423.7.8 Boiler rooms X X X
423.8 General requirements for new construction, additions, renovations

X X X
and remodeling
423.8.1 Codes and standards X X X
423.8.1.1 Educational occupancy X X N/A
423.8.1.2 Business occupancy N/A X X
423.8.1.3 Ancillary facility N/A N/A X
423.8.2 Space standards X X X
423.8.3 Construction type X X X
423.8.3.1 Noncombustible Type I, II or IV X X X
423.8.3.1.1 Interior nonload-bearing wood studs X X X
423.8.3.2 Type I X X X
423.8.3.3 Type IV X X X
423.8.3.4 Exceptions to types of construction X X X
423.8.4 Standards for remodeling and/or renovation X X X
423.8.4.1 Fire sprinkler in existing buildings X X X
423.8.5 Leased facilities X X X
423.8.6 Asbestos prohibited X X X
423.8.7 Life cycle cost guidelines for materials and building systems X X X
423.8.8 Safe school design X X N/A
423.8.8.1 Natural access and control X X N/A
423.8.8.2 Natural surveillance X X N/A
423.8.8.3 Territorial integrity X X N/A
423.8.8.4 Audio and motion detection systems X X N/A
423.8.8.5 Design X X N/A

Appendix

423.8.8.6 Exterior stairs, balconies, ramps, etc. X X N/A
423.8.8.7 Open areas X X N/A
423.9 Structural design X X X
423.9.1 Load importance factor X X X
423.10 Site requirements X X X
423.10.1 Fencing X X X
423.10.1.1 Required locations X N/A N/A
423.10.1.1.1 Kindergarten through grade 12 X N/A N/A
423.10.2 Walks, roads, drives, and parking areas X X X
423.10.2.1 Covered walks X N/A N/A
423.10.2.2 Accessible walks and bridges X X X
423.10.2.3 Drainage X X X
423.10.2.4 Vertical drops X X X
423.10.2.5 Roads and streets X X X
423.10.2.6 Bus drives X X X
423.10.2.7 Vehicle parking areas X X X
423-10.2.8 Minimum parking requirements X X X
423.10.2.8.1 Faculty and staff X X X
423.10.2.8.2 Visitors X X N/A
423.10.2.8.3 Community clinics X X X
423.10.2.8.4 High schools X N/A N/A

(3)
423.10.2.8.5 Vocational schools X Footnote N/A
423.10.2.8.6 Florida colleges N/A X N/A
423.10.2.8.7 Accessible parking X X X
423.10.3 Site lighting required X X X
423.10.3.1 Auto, bus and service drives X X X
423.10.3.2 Parking areas X X X
423.10.3.3 Building perimeter X X X
423.10.3.4 Covered and connector walks X X X

Appendix

423.10.3.5 Lighting for parking areas X X X
423.10.3.5.1 Parking areas X X X
423.10.3.5.2 Covered and connector walks X X X
423.10.3.5.3 Entrances/exits X X X
423.10.3.6 Building exterior X X X
423.10.3.6.1 Entrances X X X
423.10.3.6.2 Building surrounds X X X
423.10.3.7 Shielding X X X
423.10.4 Building setbacks X X X
423.10.5 School board playgrounds, equipment, and athletic fields X X N/A
423.10.5.1 Kindergarten play areas X Footnote(1) Footnote(1)
423.10.5.2 Playgrounds and equipment X Footnote(1) Footnote(1)
423.10.5.3 Direct access from the school buildings X Footnote(1) Footnote(1)
423.10.5.4 Related facilities X X N/A
423.10.5.5 Playground drainage X Footnote(1) Footnote(1)
423.10.6 Exterior signage X X X
423.10.6.1 Site signage X X X
423.10.6.2 Accessible route X X X
423.10.7 Landscaping X X X
423.10.8 Water irrigation X X X
423.10.9 Transmission line right-of-way X X X
423.10.10 School site master plan X X N/A
423.11 Wood: fire-retardant treated wood (FRTW) X X N/A
423.11.1 Fire-retardant treaded wood X X N/A
423.11.2 Inspection access panels X X N/A
423.11.3 Evidence of compliance X X N/A
423.12 Roofing X X X
423.12.1 Class A materials X X X
423.12.2 Insulation and moisture protection X X X
423.12.3 Phased installation prohibited X X X
423.12.4 Manufacture's one-year inspection X X X

Appendix

423.13 Doors and windows X X X
423.13.1 Doors X X N/A
423.13.1.1 Door swing X X X
423.13.1.2 Obstruct or conceal an exit X X X
423.13.2 Recessed X X X
423.13.3 Special function doors X X X
423.13.4 Overhead and siding security grilles X X X
423.13.5 Gates X X X
423.13.6 Hardware X X X
423.13.7 Safety glazing: Panels and storefronts X X X
423.13.7.1 Glazing in hazardous locations X X X
423.13.7.2 Large glass panels X X X
423.13.8 Windows X X X
423.13.8.1 Natural light and ventilation X N/A N/A
423.13.8.2 Projecting and awing windows X X X
423.13.8.3 Security/storm screens and grills X X N/A
423.14 Special safety requirements X X X
423.14.1 Master control switch X X N/A
423.14.2 Interior signage X X X
423.14.2.1 Emergency rescue openings X N/A N/A
423.14.2.2 Maximum capacity sign X X X
423.14.2.3 Room name, number sign X X X
423.14.2.4 Evacuation sign X X X
423.14.2.5 Accessibility signage X X X
423.14.2.6 Hazardous work & storage areas X X X
423.14.3 Other potential hazards X X X
423.14.4 Storage shelving X X X
423.14.5 Vertical platform lifts and inclined wheelchairs lifts X X X
423.14.5.1 Not reduce width of egress X X X
423.14.5.2 Shielding devices X X X
423.14.5.3 Key operated X X X

Appendix

423.14.5.4 Inclined wheel chair lifts X X X
423.14.5.4.1 Sensing X X X
423.14.5.4.2 Guide rails X X X
423.14.6 Color code machinery X X X
423.14.7 Anchor equipment X X X
423.14.8 Interior finishes X X X
423.14.8.1 Floors X X X
423.14.8.2 Walls X X X
423.14.8.3 Ceilings X X X
423.15 Mechanical X X X
423.15.1 Gas and fluid piping X X X
423.15.1.1 Flammable liquid/gases X X X
423.15.1.2 Piping systems X X X
423.15.1.3 Main supply valve X X X
423.15.2 Air plenums X X X
423.15.3 Residential equipment X X X
423.15.4 Toilet room venting X X X
423.15.5 Chemistry laboratories and science classrooms N/A N/A N/A
423.15.6 Ventilation air make-up for HVAC Systems X X N/A
423.16 Plumbing X X X
423.16.1 Standards X X X
423.16.1.1 Assembly occupancies X X X
423.16.1.2 Location X X N/A
423.16.2 Teacher toilets X N/A N/A
423.16.3 Public shelter X X X
423.16.4 Urinals X X X
423.16.5 Floor drains and hose bibs X X X
423.16.6 Exterior entries X X X
423.16.7 Hot water X X X
423.16.8 Delayed closing valves X X X
423.16.9 Shower facilities X X N/A

Appendix

423.16.9.1 Shower facilities X X N/A
423.16.9.2 Floor finish N/A N/A N/A
423.16.9.3 Water temperature N/A N/A N/A
423.16.9.4 Master control valve X X N/A
423.16.10 Kitchens X X X
423.16.10.1 Toilet rooms X X X
423.16.10.2 Floor drains X X X
423.16.11 Dousing shower and eye wash X X N/A
423.16.12 Floor drains and plumbing fixtures in equipment room .X X X
423.17 Electrical X X X
423.17.1 Emergency lighting X X X
423.17.2 Electrical rooms and closets X X N/A
423.17.3 Space capacity X X X
423.17.4 Emergency shutoff switches X X N/A
423.17.5 Emergency disconnect X X N/A
423.17.6 Sauna and steam rooms X X N/A
423.17.7 Lightning X X X
423.17.8 Ground fault interrupter (GFI) receptacles X X X
423.18 Assembly occupancies in public educational facilities X X N/A
423.18.1 Occupant capacity X X N/A
423.18.1.1 Dressing rooms X X N/A
423.18.1.2 Gymnasium X X N/A
423.18.1.3 Classrooms and labs X X N/A
423.18.1.4 Small group areas in media centers X X N/A
423.18.1.5 Closed circuit television production, distribution, and control X X N/A
423.18.1.6 Interior courtyards X X N/A
423.19 Shade and green houses X X N/A
423.19.1 General X X N/A
423.19.2 Unrestricted exiting X X N/A
423.19.3 Required doors X X N/A
423.19.4 Accessibility X X N/A

Appendix

423.19.5 Shade cloth X X N/A
423.19.6 Fire extinguisher X X N/A
423.19.7 Fire alarm X X N/A
423.19.8 Space heaters X X N/A
423.20 Storage X X X
423.20.1 General storage X X X
423.20.2 Custodial work areas and storage X X X
423.20.3 Custodial closets and storage X X X
423.20.4 Chemical and hazardous materials storage X X X
423.20.4.1 Chemical storage X X X
423.20.4.2 Hazardous materials storage X X X
423.21 Child care/day care/pre-kindergarten facilities X X Footnote(1)
423.21.1 Located on school board property X X Footnote(1)
423.21.2 Toilet facilities X X Footnote(1)
423.21.3 Bathing area X X Footnote(1)
423.21.4 Toilet facilities finishes X X Footnote(1)
423.21.5 Drinking fountains X X Footnote(1)
423.21.6 Hand washing facilities X X Footnote(1)
423.21.7 Residential-type kitchen X X Footnote(1)
423.21.8 Sleeping areas X X Footnote(1)

(1)
423.21.9 Prohibited storage X X Footnote
423.21.10 Outdoor play areas X X Footnote(1)
423.21.11 Play area shade X X Footnote(1)
423.21.12 Play equipment X X Footnote(1)
423.21.13 Grounds X X Footnote(1)
423.22 Clinics X Footnote(3) N/A
423.22.1 Clinic general X Footnote(3) N/A

(3)
423.22.2 Include locked storage, toilet room, etc. X Footnote N/A
423.22.3 Sanitary facilities X Footnote(3) N/A
423.22.3.1 Elementary school clinics X Footnote(3) N/A
423.22.3.2 Secondary & VTC school clinics X Footnote(3) N/A

Appendix

423.22.3.3 Include hot & cold water X Footnote(3) N/A
(3)
423.22.3.4 Toilet exhaust fans X Footnote N/A
(3)
423.22.3.5 Working counter top X Footnote N/A
423.22.4 Bed areas X Footnote(3) N/A
423.22.4.1 Up to 500 students X Footnote(3) N/A
423.22.4.2 501-1,000 students X Footnote(3) N/A
423.22.4.3 1,001-2,000 students X Footnote(3) N/A
423.22.4.4 Over 2,000 students X Footnote(3) N/A
423.22.5 Full-service school health clinics X X N/A
423.22.5.1 Location X X N/A
423.22.5.2 Parking X X N/A
423.22.5.3 Sanitary facilities X X N/A
423.22.5.3.1 Toilet rooms X X N/A
423.22.5.3.2 Hot & cold water X X N/A
423.22.5.3.3 Exhaust fans X X N/A
423.22.5.3.4 Nurses' station X X N/A
423.22.5.4 Storage rooms X X N/A
423.22.5.5 Data outlets X X N/A
423.23 Kilns X X N/A
423.24 Open plan schools X X N/A
423.25 Public shelter design criteria X X X
423.25.1 New facilities X X X
423.25.1.1 Enhanced hurricane protection areas X X X
423.25.1.1.1 Application X X X
423.25.1.2 Serve primary function of building X X X
423.25.2 Site X X X
423.25.2.1 Emergency access X X X
423.25.2.2 Landscaping X X X
423.25.2.3 Parking X X X
423.25.2.4 Signage X X X
423.25.3 Design X X X

Appendix

423.25.3.1 Excluded spaces X X X
423.25.3.2 Capacity X X X
423.25.3.3 Toilets X X X
423.25.3.3.1 Support systems X X X
423.25.3.3.2 Plumbing and valve systems X X X
423.25.3.4 Food service X X X
423.25.3.5 Manager's office X X X
423.25.4 Structural standard for wind loads X X X
423.25.4.1 Missile impact criteria X X X
423.25.4.1.1 Missile impact criteria X X X
423.25.4.1.2 Cyclic loading X X X
423.25.4.2 Roofs X X X
423.25.4.2.1 Light weight concrete X X X
423.25.4.2.2 Roof openings X X X
423.25.4.2.3 Roof coverings X X X
423.25.4.2.4 Roof slope and drainage X X X
423.25.4.2.5 Roof Parapets X X X
423.25.4.3 Windows X X X
423.25.4.3.1 Permanent protective systems X X X
423.25.4.3.2 Mechanical ventilation X X X
423.25.4.4 Doors X X X
423.25.4.5 Exterior envelope X X X
423.25.4.5.1 HVAC equipment X X X
423.25.4.5.2 HVAC roof curb X X X
423.25.4.6 Foundation and floor slabs X X X
423.25.5 Electrical and standby emergency power system X X X
423.25.5.1 EHPA lighting X X X
423.25.5.2 Optional standby circuits X X X
423.25.5.3 Receptacle outlets X X X
423.25.6 Inspections X X X
423.25.6.1 Inspection during construction process X X X

Appendix

423.25.6.2 Inspection of emergency electrical system X X X
423.25.6.3 5-year inspection & recertification X X X
423.25.6.4 Annual inspections and maintenance X X X
423.26 Time-out rooms X Footnote(4) N/A
423.26.1 Locking of time-out rooms X Footnote(4) N/A
423.26.2 Electromagnetic locking device X Footnote(4) N/A
423.26.2.1 Engagement of lock X Footnote(4) N/A
423.26.2.2 Activation device X Footnote(4) N/A

(4)
423.26.2.3 Interface relay X Footnote N/A
(4)
423.26.2.4 Automatic disengagement X Footnote N/A
423.26.2.5 Timers prohibited X Footnote(4) N/A

(4)
423.26.3 Door requirements X Footnote N/A
423.26.3.1 Swing out X Footnote(4) N/A
423.26.3.2 Vision panel X Footnote(4) N/A
423.26.3.3 Door frame and jamb X Footnote(4) N/A

(4)
423.26.4 Finishes X Footnote N/A
423.26.5 Minimum size X Footnote(4) N/A
423.26.6 Lighting X Footnote(4) N/A
423.26.7 HVAC required X Footnote(4) N/A
423.27 New relocatables X X X
423.27.1 Relocatables X X X
423.27.1.1 Shelter X X X
423.27.2 Design, plan, approval, construction X X X
423.27.2.1 District-wide foundation plans X X X
423.27.2.2 DOT requirements X X X
423.27.2.3 Inventory/construction date signage X X X
423.27.3 Construction type X X X
423.27.4 Accessibility X X X
423.27.5 Site standards/site plan X X X
423.27.5.1 Floodplain X X X
423.27.5.2 Covered walks and technology X N/A N/A

Appendix

423.27.5.3 Separation of units X X X
423.27.6 Structure X X X
423.27.7 Fire-retardant treated wood (FRTW) X X X
423.27.8 Doors X X X
423.27.8.1 Classroom locksets X X N/A
423.27.8.2 Roofed platform X X X
423.27.9 Operable windows X N/A N/A
423.27.9.1 Rescue X N/A N/A
423.27.10 Finishes X X X
423.27.10.1 Interior walls and ceilings X X N/A
423.27.10.2 Floors X X N/A
423.27.10.3 Toilet rooms, showers, and bathing facilities X X X
423.27.10.3.1 Floors and walls X X X
423.27.10.3.2 Ceilings X N/A N/A
423.27.11 Fire extinguishers X X N/A
423.27.12 Document storage X X X
423.27.13 Time-out rooms X Footnote(4) N/A
423.27.14 Child care/day units X Footnote(1) Footnote(1)
423.27.14.1 Residential kitchens X X N/A
423.27.15 Illumination required X X N/A
423.27.15.1 Emergency lighting X X N/A
423.27.15.2 Exterior lights X X X
423.27.15.3 Exit lighting X X X
423.27.16 Air conditioning, heating and ventilation X X X
423.27.17 Technology X X N/A
423.27.18 Fire safety requirements X X N/A
423.27.19 Inspection of units during construction X X X
423.27.20 Inspection of units prior to occupancy X X X
(1)
If Daycare Program exists
(2)
Where required by NFPA
(3)
If Vocational Program is present
(4)
If included in program

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FLORIDA BUILDING CODE HANDBOOK

STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW

Florida Department of Education

State Requirements for New Educational Facilities Construction

Persons contributing to this document:

Jonathon D. Hamrick, Architect

Edward F. Hubert, P.E.

Larry L. Parish, P.E.

Darrell D. Phillips, Architect

Robert H. Raynor, Architect

James U. Watts, P.E.

Don Whitehead, Architect

ii Florida Department of Education

FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, BUILDING

302 Classification 2 423.4 Reference documents 11

Florida Building Code Handbook iii

iv Florida Department of Education

423.19 Shade and green houses 37 423.26 Time-out rooms 46

Florida Building Code Handbook v

504 Building Height 53 903 Automatic Sprinkler

CHAPTER 6: TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION CHAPTER 10: MEANS OF EGRESS

601 General 60 1001 Administration 78

602 Construction Classification 60 1003 General Means of Egress 78

1004 Occupant Load 79

701 General 62 1006 Means of Egress Illumination 80

706 Fire Walls 62 1008 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles 81

707 Fire Barriers 63

vi Florida Department of Education

1010 Ramps 85 CHAPTER 3: GENERAL REGULATIONS

606 Smoke Detection

1210 Surrounding Materials 104

CHAPTER 24: GLASS AND GLAZING CHAPTER 3: GENERAL REGULATIONS

2401 General 105 301 General 112

2403 General Requirements 310 Washroom and Toilet Room

2406 Safety Glazing 105 315 Public Food Service Establishments

CHAPTER 6: WATER SUPPLY AND

601 General 115

610 Disinfection of Portable

CHAPTER 7: SANITARY DRAINAGE

701 General 116

702 Materials 116

CHAPTER 8: INDIRECT/SPECIAL WASTE

801 General 117

803 Special Wastes 117

CHAPTER 10: TRAPS, INTERCEPTORS AND

1001 General 118

1003 Interceptors and Separators 118

FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, FUEL GAS

CHAPTER 3: GENERAL REGULATIONS

301 General 119

304 Combustion, Ventilation, and

viii Florida Department of Education

Symbol Legend A-2 Exceptions to Separation and Protection

Classrooms with Convenience Interior Corridor Minimum Parking Requirements A-70

Corridor Protection A-36 Fire Alarm A-86

Stairs A-38 Example EHPA Design Square Footage

Florida Building Code Handbook ix