By Sgt. Brandon Nash – Nash Legacy Homes LLC

Veteran Owned – Family Built – Florida Strong Craftsmanship

1.  Why Florida Codes Exist

Florida faces serious hurricanes. In response, the Florida Building Code (FBC) was created to standardize construction across the state and protect homeowners. The current main code is the 2023 8th Edition, effective for permits pulled on or after December 31, 2023.

You can view the Florida Building Code online here: https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/florida

2.  Wind Zones and Design Wind Speeds

Every property in Florida has an assigned wind zone and design wind speed. These values determine how strong your home must be built, including roof attachment, wall design, window strength, and opening protection.

The structural design chapter of the Florida Building Code is here: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/FLBC2023P1/chapter-16-structural-design

3.  ASCE 7-22 and the 2023 Florida Building Code

The 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code references ASCE 7-22 for wind loads and related design criteria. This affects wind speeds, roof pressures, wind borne debris regions, and more.

You can read the official wind load fact sheet here:

ASCE 7-22 Wind Loads Fact Sheet (PDF)

4.  Key Hurricane Related Requirements

Here are some of the most important hurricane related requirements for Florida homes:

Roof to wall connections

Trusses and rafters must be attached to wall top plates with approved connectors such as hurricane straps or clips. This creates a continuous load path from roof to foundation.

Impact rated or protected openings

In wind borne debris regions, windows, sliding doors, and exterior glass must either be impact rated or protected with approved shutters or panels.

Roof deck and sheathing fastening

Nail size, spacing, and fastening pattern are controlled by the code and depend on your wind speed zone. This helps resist uplift and keeps the roof sheathing in place.

Approved exterior products

Windows, exterior doors, shutters, and many roofing materials must be tested and listed under Florida Product Approval or other approved systems.

Florida product approval and search tools are here: https://floridabuilding.org/pr/pr_default.aspx

5.  Code Resources and Changes for 2023 and 2024

The Florida Building Commission maintains a page of code resources, including supplements and analysis of changes for the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code.

Code resources and updates: https://www.floridabuilding.org/fbc/links_to_code_resources.html

6.  What This Means for Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties

Even though Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties are not in the high velocity hurricane zone, many areas still have design wind speeds in the 120 to 140 mile per hour range. Homes in these areas often fall into wind borne debris regions, especially near the Gulf, rivers, and larger lakes.

For new construction or major remodels in these counties, it is smart to:

• Use impact rated windows or code approved
• Make sure every truss has a proper hurricane
• Follow the correct roof deck fastening schedule for your wind
• Verify that exterior products have Florida Product Approval

7.  Questions to Ask Your Builder or Engineer

Before you build or remodel, ask:

What is the designed wind speed and exposure category for my property

1. Are we in a wind borne debris region and how are we protecting openings
2. What type of roof to wall connectors are being used and on every truss
3. What is the roof sheathing fastening schedule for my wind zone
4. Do all exterior windows, doors, shutters, and roofing products have valid Florida Product Approval

If a builder cannot clearly answer these questions, that is a red flag.

8.  Final Thoughts – Build Like Your Family Lives There

As a U S Army veteran and Florida builder, I treat every home like my own family will be living there. Hurricane codes are not just paperwork. They are the difference between a house that survives a storm and one that fails when you need it most.

At Nash Legacy Homes LLC, we build to meet and exceed these standards. We follow the Florida Building Code, respect local requirements, and use approved products and proper connections throughout the structure.

If you are planning to build or remodel in Citrus, Hernando, or Pasco County and want a home that is built with discipline, integrity, and long term safety in mind, reach out and we will walk you through the process step by step.