This is to inform you that the 6th Edition (2017), Florida Building Code (FBC), is slated to go into effect December 31, 2017. As per Section 458, Manufactured Buildings, of the 6th Edition (2017), FBC, updating currently approved plans to the new code must adhere to the following code provisions:
458.4.1 Plan approval expiration. Plan approvals for manufactured buildings shall expire upon the effective date of the new code. Upon revision of the Florida Building Code, plan approvals shall expire upon the effective date of that revision unless the manufacturer files, with the department, a sworn statement by an agency the plans have been reviewed and are in compliance with the revisions to the Florida Building Code. The agency shall transmit plans electronically through the building code information system to the Department.
Exception: In accordance with Section 105.3.7, manufacturers should be permitted to complete all buildings designed and approved prior to the effective date of a new code edition, provided a clear signed contract is in place. The contract shall provide specific data mirroring that required by an application for permit, specifically, without limitation, date of execution, building owner or dealer, and anticipated date of completion. However, the construction activity must commence within 6 months of the contract’s execution. The contract is subject to verification by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
In order to allow for compliance with the 6th Edition (2017), FBC, and at the same time continue enforcement of the 5th Edition (2014), FBC, we have added “Pre-2017” to the “Code Version” drop down menu. Select “Pre-2017” as the code version when submitting plans pursuant to the 6th Edition (2017), FBC (see example). Keep in mind, any plans for the 2014 FBC submitted to the BCIS after the change in code must have been approved stamped as approved PRIOR to the code change by the Third Party Agency, not just sealed by the architect or engineer of record. This is in addition to having a contract in place PRIOR to the code change.
Please feel free to contact me at 850-717-1835 or Robert.Lorenzo@myfloridalicense.com should you have any further questions or concerns regarding changes to the Florida Building Code.