553.72 Intent.

(1) The purpose and intent of this act is to provide a mechanism for the uniform adoption, updating, amendment, interpretation, and enforcement of a single, unified state building code, to be called the Florida Building Code, which consists of a single set of documents that apply to the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of public or private buildings, structures, or facilities in this state and to the enforcement of such requirements and which will allow effective and reasonable protection for public safety, health, and general welfare for all the people of Florida at the most reasonable cost to the consumer. The Florida Building Code shall be organized to provide consistency and simplicity of use. The Florida Building Code shall be applied, administered, and enforced uniformly and consistently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The Florida Building Code shall provide for flexibility to be exercised in a manner that meets minimum requirements, is affordable, does not inhibit competition, and promotes innovation and new technology. The Florida Building Code shall establish minimum standards primarily for public health and lifesafety, and secondarily for protection of property as appropriate.

(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that local governments shall have the power to inspect all buildings, structures, and facilities within their jurisdictions in protection of the public health, safety, and welfare pursuant to chapters 125 and 166.

(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Florida Building Code be adopted, modified, updated, interpreted, and maintained by the Florida Building Commission in accordance with ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 and enforced by authorized state and local government enforcement agencies.

(4) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code of this state be adopted, modified, updated, interpreted, and maintained by the Department of Financial Services in accordance with ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 and included by reference as sections in the Florida Building Code.

(5) It is the intent of the Legislature that there be no conflicting requirements between the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code of the state and other provisions of the Florida Building Code or conflicts in their enforcement and interpretation. Potential conflicts shall be resolved through coordination and cooperation of the State Fire Marshal and the Florida Building Commission as provided by this part and chapter 633.

(6) It is the intent of the Legislature that the nationally recognized private sector third-party testing and evaluation system shall provide product evaluation for the product-approval system and that effective government oversight be established to ensure accountability to the state.

History: s. 3, ch. 74-167; s. 38, ch. 98-287; ss. 71, 72, ch. 2000-141; ss. 34, 35, ch. 2001-186; ss. 3, 4, ch. 2001-372; s. 662, ch. 2003-261.