Originally Posted By: gromicko
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(September 21, 2004) – The Florida Building Code was passed by state lawmakers four years ago in response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. It mandates impact-resistant glass and wind-resistant shutters on all new homes so the structures can survive 130 mile-per-hour winds. However, not all areas of the state are subject to the code.
Lawmakers and builders in the Panhandle won an exemption on the grounds that the region is not prone to strong hurricanes--an argument that has lost its effectiveness since Hurricane Ivan ravaged the Panhandle last week. Sen. Durrell Peaden (R-Crestview) and Rep. Dave Murzin (R-Pensacola) want the Panhandle to follow the new code as well.
According to Florida Insurance Council's Sam Miller, the new code has been deemed effective because newer dwellings held up well during the recent hurricanes. Meanwhile, Florida Homebuilders Association President Mike Hickman believes lawmakers need to re-evaluate hurricane evaluation policies due to rapid population expansion and distinguish between safe and unsafe construction.
Source: Orlando Sentinel (09/18/04); Kleindienst, Linda; Hollis, Mark
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Nick Gromicko
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