Termite Building Code
Florida Building Code and Termite Protection
The Florida Building Code contains a number of provisions that are designed to increase the effectiveness of preventative treatments for termites and decrease construction practices that make structures susceptible to termite infestation.
Termite Protection in Buildings
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summarizes the building code and answers frequently asked questions.
The table lists sections of the Florida Building Code that pertain to termite protection and gives a short description of each section. The actual language of the sections can be found on the Florida Building Commission's website.
Sections of the Florida Building Code Related to Termites
Section | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
105.10 | Certificate of Protective Treatment for Prevention of Termites | Requires posting of all applications — no "final approval" if all applications not made, including vertical barrier. |
105.11 | Notice of Termite Protection | Requires posting of consumer notice inside house — will inform owner of need to renew contract and inspect annually. |
R318.4 | Concrete Bearing Ledge — Veneered Walls | Requires 6-inch space between grade and siding for termite inspection — if below grade, termite protective treatment to cavity created between veneer and foundation. |
R318.6 | Protection Against Decay and Termites | Requires discharge lines and gutter downspouts to terminate at least 1 foot from foundation. |
R318.1 | Foundations and Retaining Walls — Termite Protection | Requires foundations to have some form of protection from termites ("labeled for use as a preventative treatment to new construction"). |
R318.1.1 | If soil treatment is used, must be done after compaction. | |
R318.1.2 | If soil treatment is used, disturbed areas must be re-treated. | |
R318.1.3 | If soil treatment is used, forms and traps must be plastic or metal. | |
R318.1.4 | If soil treatment is used, vapor barrier must be installed. | |
R318.1.5 | If soil treatment is used, concrete over pour must be removed. | |
R318.1.6 | If soil treatment is used, applications must also be made within 1 foot of the foundation under adjoining slabs. | |
R318.1.7 | Baiting Systems | Signed contract ensuring installation for five-year period from issuance of Certificate of Occupancy provided to building official PRIOR to pouring of slab. System must be installed prior to final building approval. |
R318.1.8 | Wood Treatment | Sections R318.1.1 through R318.1.6 do not apply. Application must be completed per label directions and prior to final building approval. |
R318.1 | Certificate of Compliance | Licensed pest control company must issue Certificate of Compliance on completion of treatment (mandated language). |
R318.2 | Foundation Penetration | Protective sleeves around slab penetrations must not be cellulose. |
R318.3 | Masonry — Termite Inspection (Cleaning) | Cells in blocks must not contain cellulosic debris. |
Notification Requirements
Florida Building Code requires pest management professionals who offer preventative treatment for subterranean termites for new construction to provide the following:
- Notification of Treatment — to be posted in duplicate on a job board at the site after each required treatment. The notice must include:
- Product used,
- Chemical used (pesticide active ingredient),
- Date,
- Time,
- Applicator,
- Site location (address),
- Volume (number of gallons applied),
- Percent concentration, and
- Area treated (square footage).
- Certificate of Compliance — to be provided to the Building Department when treatment is completed.
- Permanent Notice of Protection — must be posted in the finished home by the water heater or electrical panel.
Model Forms
See examples of forms that will meet the notification requirements.
The following forms were designed and reviewed by the Florida Professional Applicators Alliance to comply with both Chapter 482, Florida Statutes, and Florida Building Code requirements.
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Alternate Permanent Notice of Termite Protection Language (required by Florida Building Code, FBC 105 11)
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22.5 kB
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Certificate of Compliance for Termite Protection (required by Florida Building Code, FBC R318 1)
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23.6 kB
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Notice of Preventative Treatments for Termites (required by Florida Building Code, FBC 105 10)
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24.1 kB
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Permanent Notice of Termite Protection (required by Florida Building Code, FBC 105 11)
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22.5 kB
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