Fla. Building Commission Rejects Tougher Standard for Panhandle

Despite urgings by Gov. Jeb Bush, civil engineers and the insurance industry, the Florida Building Code Commission has voted against imposing the same windborne debris requirements for the Panhandle that are in place throughout Florida.

The commission voted that new homes in the Panhandle must be built to withstand hurricane debris winds of at least 130 mph.

Bush, engineers and insurers had urged the commission to set the protection requirement at 120 mph winds, which they argued encompasses a zone farther inland and would protect more homes than the 120 mph standard.

The effect is that fewer homes will be required to have storm resistant doors, windows and shutters.

Some builders had opposed the wind protection requirement which they say increases the price of homes.

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) blasted
the commission’s decision as “dangerous and shortsighted” and said it “needlessly exposes many homeowners and commercial property owners to greater losses from hurricanes.”

“The Commission’s decision defies explanation,” said William Stander, PCI assistant vice president and regional manager. “We know tougher building codes save lives, reduce property damage, speed post-storm recovery, and protect property values. Moreover, the cost of building homes and commercial properties to meet the higher standards is minimal compared to the enormous value such codes provide.”

Stander pointed out that the 2004 storm season verified that the entire state is vulnerable to hurricanes and that there is no reason to have a weakened building code in the Panhandle.

“The Commission put the interests of developers before consumers,” said Stander.