12/26/2023
Last week, manufacturers and distributors were notified of a code change ( R501.7.2) that will occur January 1, 2024. Johnstone Supply will be working closely with this matter and as soon as we receive more information, we will notify you.
See below for more information about the code changes.
On 12/18/2023, information regarding the changes to the 8th edition of the Florida Building Code were announced.
A new code change was included on the 8th edition of the 2023 FBC which takes effect on 1/1/24 and was a surprise to everyone we have spoken to. Several local municipalities have put out their interpretations and plan on enforcing this code starting 1/1/24. MACCA is working diligently with the state to reverse the updates and The Ware Group has been in talks with a member of the Florida Building Committee in an attempt to help clarify the exceptions that were intended for this code. This all said, there is significant change happening around the ruling and more clarity should be available early within the new year. At this time, it will be up to the contractor to work with their local inspector and use their best judgment based on the known information.
Below is a link to the updated 8th Edition of the FL Building Code, a snippet of the Florida Climate zone map next to the new Electric Space Heating clause (R501.7.2), as well as an exemption clause located in chapter one that is currently being discussed at the state level for further interpretation
If a contractor is installing a straight cool AC system utilizing a heat strip as the primary heating source in Zone 2, and the local municipality has interpreted the building code to deny the permit of the installation, and the contractor feels the interpretation is incorrect, the contractor can request a declaratory statement from the Florida Building Committee by going here: https://www.floridabuilding.org/fbc/dec_statements/1_request_decs.htm
The Declaratory Statement is a legally binding statement from the FBC that can be provided to the local municipality for that installation a well as further installations.
