Why Codes Toughen the Farther South in Florida? (Video)

“Hi, my name is Greg Batista here to answer another question from the internet.

SoFloBuilder asks: Why are building requirements tougher the further south you go in Florida?

Because hurricane risk increases closer to the coast and especially in South Florida. The Florida Building Code divides the state into wind zones, with the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) covering Miami-Dade and Broward. Buildings there must withstand up to 175 mph winds, compared to 140–150 mph in Central Florida. That’s why standards for windows, roofing, and structural connections are stricter the lower you go on the peninsula. Simply put, the closer you are to the tropics, the more nature tests your building.

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Authoritative references: Florida Building Code wind maps (ASCE 7); FEMA Hurricane Design Zones.

The author, Greg Batista, PE, CGC, SI is owner of G. Batista Engineering & Construction and is a nationally-recognized engineer and contractor with more than 35 years of experience and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.