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Approvals & Certifications

Codes

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Codes

Depending on the project, various codes must be taken into consideration when replacing windows and doors. Below are common codes encountered during projects; however, check with your contractor, architect, or engineer for specific requirements.
40 Year Rule
The 40 Year Recertification Ordinance was initially enacted by the Miami-Dade County Commission in the mid-1970’s. In 2001, the area’s building laws were modified and the Florida Building Code was adopted, though the requirement was maintained that buildings in Miami-Dade County after 40 years (and every 10 years thereafter) must be recertified by a registered Florida Engineer or Architect for structural and electrical safety. This Ordinance is applicable for all unincorporated Miami-Dade County and the incorporated Cities within the County. Single family homes, duplexes, and minor structures are exempt from this ordinance. Broward County and Palm Beach Counties have followed Miami-Dade’s lead and have adopted similar Recertification Programs of their own.

How Does the 40 Year Recertification Process Work?

When a qualifying building reaches its 40th year, the County or City in which the building is located mails out a “Notice of Required Inspection” to the Property Owner.

From the date of this notice, the property Owner typically has 90 days during which to complete the required inspection.

 

If no improvements are required, the building will be structurally and electrically recertified for ten (10) years.

If improvements are required, the Property Owner will most often be given a “Reasonable Amount of Time,” usually 120 – 150 calendar days, to complete the required improvements and have the building re-inspected.

The inspecting engineer or architect will then recertify the building upon inspection of the completed improvements (recertification is for 10 years).

Florida Building Code Information

Turtle Code

Many counties and cities along Florida’s coast have adopted sea turtle lighting ordinances that restrict the amount of light permitted through windows and doors.  The artificial lighting of coastal construction is known to confuse the hatchlings who are guided to the water by the light of the moon.  If you live near the coast, consult your dealer to determine the best glass option for your windows and doors.

Wind-Borne Debris Regions

Living near the coast has benefits; however, if your building is located in a wind-borne debris region, replacement windows and doors must meet the Florida Building Code for glazed opening protection.  Florida communities — either coastal or inland — that are located in areas within one mile of the coastal mean high water line (where the wind speed is 130 mph or greater) or any location where the wind speed is 140 mph or greater are designated as wind-borne debris regions by the Florida Building Code.

If a structure resides in any of these areas, it is required by Florida Building Code to have some means of opening protection (for example, impact-resistant windows or doors or shutters that have received a Florida Product Approval).  For structures located in Miami-Dade or Broward counties, opening protection must meet additional requirements in order to receive Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA).