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Where can I find the product approval report published by the building commission?

Find the continuously published report by the Florida Building Code Information System (BCIS) By the Program Oversight Committed (POC) along with state meetings & agenda schedules  by clicking here. This is where you can submit comments about product applications to the state for review prior to listing approval. The comments must be made in writing …

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What’s the allowable aspect ratio of fixed impact glass in the HVHZ?

Often times a glazing product is approved for large missile impact, but requires a field modification for size.  While the tested span cannot be exceeded and still meet the building code’s large missile impact requirements, the aspect ratio (the length to width ratio) can be altered so long as the glass area does not exceed …

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About the impact rating standard in the Florida Product Approval Database

In the state of Florida’s product approval website, there’s a setting called ‘impact’.  This setting relates to the large missile impact rating given to opening protection devices per ASTM E1886/1996 & TAS protocols in the HVHZ zones.  This is also known as Missile Level ‘D’ as defined below. Refer to the product’s testing or evaluation …

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How do I get a Florida Product Approval for my building product?

The easiest way to engage with the Florida Product Approval System is to retain a design professional experienced in this industry. You can find product evaluators by searching for products similar to yours in our database. The process for applying to the State of Florida starts by registering on the state site here. The state …

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What defines an alternative material & design method of construction?

The Florida Building Code Section 104.11 (2020) defines the procedure and design methodology for alternative materials used in construction. This is important in establishing a baseline for Florida Product Approvals and Florida Local Approvals. 104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment.   The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent …

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What is a Florida Local Product Approval And How Is It Used?

Florida has adopted a Local Product Approval System that governs the submission & use of of statewide product approvals.  That’s covered in Florida Statute 553.842 (2022).  This section states: (1) The commission shall adopt rules under ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to develop and implement a product evaluation and approval system that applies statewide to operate in coordination with the …

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Is a Florida Product Approval Mandatory For Permit?

Florida Statewide Product Approvals are an optional requirement for permit in Florida.  Products within the rule of the Florida Product Approval System do have to demonstrate compliance with the code.  The optional Statewide approval is the easiest way for manufacturers to demonstrate compliance on a consistent basis for easy permitting. The state of Florida published …

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Where can I find more technical information about Product Approvals?

Engineering Express maintains a database of technical questions relating to product approvals.  Click Here to visit their knowledge base. Questions they can help answer, for example are: What are porosity and closure angles when defining a porous building opening? Is a large missile impact window or door automatically approved for small missile impact? How do …

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How long does it normally take for a building product to be State approved?

The product approval process can take up to 60 days or more depending on the review process (i.e., two months for test and evaluation report methods and ten days for certification methods).  A schedule/process for product applications is located on the Product Approval Meetings and Agendas page. This information originally appeared on the MyFloridaLicense.com website. In …

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How do I find organizations approved by the Florida Building Commission to help with approving my building product in Florida?

Organizations approved by the Florida Building Commission can be located on the Building Code Information System at:  www.floridabuilding.org  > Product Approval>Find an Organization or http://www.floridabuilding.org/pr/pr_org_srch.aspx This information originally appeared on the MyFloridaLicense.com website. Quickly search for Florida Product Approvals via this website by clicking here.

What is the difference between Miami-Dade Approval and a Florida Statewide Product Approval?

Miami-Dade approval is considered a “local” approval and can only be used in Miami-Dade.  State approval with limitation of use “approved for High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)” can be used in Miami-Dade and the rest of the State. This information originally appeared on the MyFloridaLicense.com website. Information about Local Product Approvals can be found via …

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Is a Florida Product Approval Number Required For A Building Product?

No, State approval is optional to local approval.  However, if the manufacturer is relying on the State product approval for demonstrating compliance with the Florida Building Code, the answer is “Yes”. This information originally appeared on the MyFloridaLicense.com website. Quickly search for Florida Product Approvals via this website by clicking here.

Where can I find the requirements for the State Approval System?

Rule 61G20-3, F.A.C., provides the technical scope and criteria for the State Product Approval System.  Rule 61G20-3, F.A.C., can be accessed at:  https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=61G20-3 This information originally appeared on the MyFloridaLicense.com website. Quickly search for Florida Product Approvals via this website by clicking here.

What is the difference between the state & the local approval system?

Local product approval is conducted by the jurisdiction(s) having authority and is limited for use to that jurisdiction only.  Statewide product approval can be used throughout the State of Florida. This information originally appears on the MyFloridaLicense.com website. More on Local Product Appprovals can be found within Florida Statute 553.8425.  They are site-specific & for products both inside & …

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What Products Are Covered Under The Florida Product Approval System?

The State Product Approval Program approves those products and systems which comprise the building envelope and structural frame of the building which complies with the Florida Building Code; i.e., (a) Panel Walls (b) Exterior Doors (c) Roofing Products (d) Skylights, (e) Windows (f) Shutters (g) Structural Components   Rule 61G20-3, F.A.C., provides the technical scope and criteria for …

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FL Approval Product Categories & Submittal Option Methods

Product Approval Regulation in Florida is governed by Florida Administrative Code 553.842 Within this Florida Statute is Rule 61G20-3: Product Approvals   (2020 FBC) These requirements can be found on the Florida website http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/building-codes-and-standards/statutes-and-rules/ Product Categories Per Rule 61G20-3, State approval is optional and only applicable to these product categories for habitable structures: (a) Panel Walls …

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What is the HVHZ – High Velocity Hurricane Zone in Florida?

The HVHZ, or High Velocity Hurricane Zone, is an geographical location in South Florida that is governed by additional building code requirements. The jurisdiction for the HVHZ is Dade and Broward Counties (only).  This is officially defined in the building code in Part II Chapter 2 – DEFINITIONS Section 202: HIGH VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONE. This zone …

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How do I obtain a Florida Product Approval For My Building Product?

A Process For Product Manufacturers Selling in Florida As a product manufacturer, obtaining a Florida Product Approval for your products is an important step in ensuring that your products are eligible for use in the state of Florida. Other states also recognize the Florida Product Approval System for permitting, or use them as a baseline …

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Best Fence & Gate Designs Recommended By Engineers

What Do Engineers Say About Fence & Gate Designs? This article explores fence & gate design best practices as used by engineers. Fence & Gate Design Considerations Engineers think differently than the average fence builder.  And sometimes that’s a good thing, because the proper design of fences saves lives, decreases property damage during storms, and …

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