Florida Thermal Efficiency Code Revised to Apply Less Stringently to Natural-Disaster-Damaged Buildings
Florida’s Thermal Efficiency Code is found in 553.900 - 553.912, Florida Statutes, and is intended to promote energy efficiency in thermal design and operation of all buildings statewide. As part of SB 180 (2025), the definition of a “renovated building” was modified to create a higher threshold of the cost of the renovation before compliance with Florida’s Thermal Efficiency Code applies to buildings damaged by natural disasters. Specifically, 553.902(6), is modified as follows:
553.902 Definitions.—As used in this part, the term: ... (6) “Renovated building” means a residential or nonresidential building undergoing alteration that varies or changes insulation, HVAC systems, water heating systems, or exterior envelope conditions, if the estimated cost of renovation exceeds 30 percent of the assessed value of the structure. However, if the alteration is a result of a natural disaster that is the subject of a declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor, the estimated cost of renovation must exceed 75 percent of the fair market value of the building before the natural disaster.
This law went into effect on June 30, 2025.
About the Author
Jason Lambert is a Florida Board Certified Construction Attorney and Partner in the Construction Industry Practice Group at Hill Ward Henderson, in Tampa, Florida. He is also the founder and chief contributor to the Hammer & Gavel construction law blog. Jason focuses his practice on representing contractors, subcontractors, and materials suppliers throughout the state of Florida. Before law school, Jason spent a decade working in the construction industry, primarily as a project manager and operations director for both new construction and remodeling. He can be reached at jason.lambert@hwhlaw.com or 813-227-8495.
