Emerald Coast Building Codes

The Florida legislature is discussing suspending the less stringent building codes that have been in effect in the Panhandle since 2000. Those codes, unlike the rest of Florida, only require homes within one mile of the gulf to comply to the 120 mph wind-borne debris construction standards for new homes. Those building codes are set to apply further inland in March, 2007. The legislature's concern is that the weaker codes throughout the rest of the Panhandle region contribute to higher insurance costs to all Floridians. The Florida Home Builder Association disagrees, feeling new home buyers would be harmed. They say the cost of construction will be higher and negate any savings reaped on homeowners insurance.