Freedom Code Compliance
Single Family

Single Family Framed Deck/Dock

Last updated: Apr 20, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • Construction Plans Sealed by a Florida Registered Design Professional
    Construction drawings showing deck layout, framing, and connection details
  • Site Plan / Survey
    Site plan or survey showing property boundaries, setbacks, and deck footprint

Courtesy screen

Courtesy screen on every plan review

Every plan FCC reviews receives a limited courtesy screen for the items below when they are reasonably visible in the submitted documents. If we see an apparent issue that could cause the plans to fail review by another agency, we will identify it as a Courtesy Comment. Courtesy Comments alone do not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope. The responsible agency makes the final determination—for example, Planning and Zoning for setbacks, lot coverage, use, and other lot-compliance matters. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  1. #01Plan and document coordination

    Obvious clerical, title-block, sheet-index, permit-description, or cross-sheet inconsistencies visible in the submitted documents. A Courtesy Comment on these items does not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope.

    FBC-B 107.2.1
  2. #02Zoning and site coordination

    Apparent setback, lot-coverage, use, or site-dimension conflicts visible in the submitted plans that could cause the plans to fail Planning and Zoning review. Planning and Zoning makes the zoning and lot-compliance determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  3. #03Floodplain coordination

    Apparent inconsistencies or missing coordination in flood-zone, design-flood-elevation, finished-floor, or flood-opening information shown on the plans that could cause the plans to fail floodplain review. The floodplain administrator makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  4. #04Fire-authority coordination

    Apparent separately reviewed fire alarm, sprinkler, hood-suppression, smoke-control, or similar coordination issues visible on the plans that could cause the plans to fail fire review. The fire marshal makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

Section 2

Approval criteria for this project type

These are the building-code criteria FCC uses to determine the plan-review result. An unresolved item may be issued as a Required Correction and cause the plan set to be returned for correction.

BuildingConditional review scope

Conditional review scopePlan review is not required for this scope under FBC 107.3.5. FCC reviews these items only when the building department specifically requires it, or the client opts in.
  1. #01Design wind speed & exposureLife Safety

    Structural drawings must declare design wind speed (Vult) and exposure category matching the jurisdiction's wind speed map.

    FBC-R R301.2.1ASCE 7-22
  2. #02Footing / foundation designLife Safety

    Footing or foundation design must show dimensions, reinforcement, depth, and connection to the structure above.

    FBC-R R403FBC-B 1809
  3. #03Attachment to existing structureLife Safety

    Connection details between the new work and the existing structure must show fastener type, spacing, and embedment.

    FBC-B 2002.5FBC-R R301.1
  4. #04Plan review applicability (FBC 107.3.5 minimum criteria)Documentation

    Standalone framed deck/dock scope is not in FBC-B 107.3.5 minimum criteria for 1&2 family. FCC performs this review only when the building department requires plan review or the client opts in.

    FBC-B 107.3.5
  5. #05Engineer of record sealDocumentation

    Structural drawings must bear a current Florida-licensed engineer's seal and signature.

    Florida Statutes Chapter 471FBC-B 107.3.5

Items marked Conditional review scope are non-blocking. Per FBC 107.3.5, plan review isn't required for these scopes — FCC reviews them when the building department requests it or the client wants the extra set of eyes.

Section 3

Inspection Walkthrough

Inspections are listed in their typical phase order. Your FCC inspector will confirm which apply to your project. Call (772) 222-6679 with questions.

Building

Phase #1

Rough Framing

Required
  1. Wall stud spacing and sizeCritical

    Verify stud size and spacing match approved plans

    FBC-R R602.3FBC-R R602.3.1
  2. Headers and beamsCritical

    Verify header and beam sizes over openings per plans

    FBC-R R602.7
  3. Top and bottom plate connectionsCritical

    Verify double top plates with proper lapping and anchored bottom plates

    FBC-R R602.3.2
  4. Corner and intersection bracingCritical

    Verify proper bracing at corners and wall intersections

    FBC-R R602.10
  5. Window and door rough openingsCritical

    Verify rough openings match approved plans for size and location

    FBC-R R602.7
  6. Hurricane straps and hold-downsCritical

    Verify hurricane straps and hold-down hardware installed per plans

    FBC-R R802.11
  7. Fire blocking

    Verify fire blocking is installed at required locations

    FBC-R R602.8
Phase #2

Final Building

RequiredTypical Final
  1. Egress doors and hardwareCritical

    Verify egress doors provide minimum 32-inch clear width and proper hardware

    FBC-R R311.2
  2. Smoke alarms installed and operationalCritical

    Verify smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and each level

    FBC-R R314.3
  3. CO alarms installedCritical

    Verify carbon monoxide alarms where required

    FBC-R R315
  4. Emergency escape openingsCritical

    Verify bedroom windows meet egress size requirements

    FBC-R R310.1
  5. Stairway complianceCritical

    Verify stair rise, run, handrail height, and landing dimensions

    FBC-R R311.7
  6. Address numbers visible

    Verify address numbers are posted and visible from street

    FBC-R R319.1
  7. Exterior finishes complete

    Verify exterior cladding, trim, and weatherproofing are complete

    FBC-R R703.1
  8. Site grading and drainage

    Verify finish grade slopes away from foundation minimum 6 inches in 10 feet

    FBC-R R401.3