Florida Accessibility Code & ADA Compliance

The Florida Accessibility Code (FBC Chapter 11) is based on the ADA Standards for Accessible Design with Florida-specific amendments. In most cases, the Florida Accessibility Code and the ADA Standards have the same requirements. Where they differ, the more stringent requirement applies. Pineland Engineering designs to the more stringent of the two standards for each project.

When a building undergoes renovation, the accessible path of travel requirements of FBC 3411 apply. The renovation must include accessibility improvements to the primary function area being renovated, plus the path of travel to that area (including restrooms, drinking fountains, and telephones serving the area). The cost of accessibility improvements must be at least 20% of the cost of the primary renovation work.

Common accessibility issues in Florida buildings include: parking (insufficient accessible spaces, incorrect signage, non-compliant slopes), accessible routes (cross slopes exceeding 2%, protruding objects, non-compliant ramps), restrooms (non-compliant grab bar placement, insufficient turning radius, non-compliant door hardware), and counters (service counters too high for wheelchair users). Pineland Engineering evaluates accessibility compliance for renovation projects and designs corrections.