Coastal Corrosion Requirements & The 2026 Florida Building Code
Code Changes to Section 1711 For Fasteners - Connectors - Metal Plates
WHAT CHANGED The 2026 Florida Building Code (9th Edition) adds Section 1711, establishing new corrosion-resistance requirements for certain fasteners, connectors and metal plates in saltwater coastline environments. EX has been monitoring the code development and implementation discussions among building/code officials and engineers. This bulletin reflects our current interpretation; individual jurisdictions may initially read or enforce portions differently. |
What Triggers The Corrosion Resistance Requirement?
It’s Based On The Proximity To The Saltwater Coastline
≤ 300 FT & Exposed From The Coastline
Stainless Steel Components Required
(ASTM A240, 304, A305, or 316)
> 300 – 3,000 FT From The Coastline
Or ≤ 300 FT & Protected
Stainless steel or enhanced galvanizing / corrosion protection options acceptable
> 3,000 FT From The Coastline
No changes required per 1711
Per our interpretation & research, “Saltwater coastline” means a coastal saltwater body subject to crashing waves.
Inland freshwater or brackish rivers/canals are not generally treated as the coastline due to their salt composition & they connect to coastal waters.
WHAT COMPONENTS ARE AFFECTED?
- Material & Protection. Changes are only required for ferrous (steel) components which are not corrosion-protected or embedded in concrete.
- Coastal Installations. Any inland installations greater than 3000 ft from the coastline are not affected and require no changes
- Connection & attachment hardware. Anchors, screws, bolts, lag screws, nuts, washers, nails, fasteners, connectors, clips, straps and metal plates which secure the system to a host structure may be affected.
- Not for internal components. The focus is generally on elements fastening or connecting the system and its support—not every integral / internal component of a manufactured system.
• Exposure matters. Exposed elements require higher levels of protection than components that are protected or enclosed
SIMPLEST PATHS TO COMPLIANCE
For products intended for saltwater-coastline applications, manufacturers should select a preferred compliant approach for affected connection hardware. Common paths include:
- ALUMINUM / NONFERROUS. Use aluminum or another suitable nonferrous component where appropriate.
- STAINLESS STEEL. Use stainless fasteners or connectors meeting the applicable Section 1711 requirements.
- APPROVED COATING / GALVANIZATION. Use a code-compliant corrosion-resistant coating or galvanization where permitted.
- FOLLOW SECTION 1711. Use the prescribed material/coating requirement based on component type, exposure and coastal location.
These suggestions are compliance approaches—not exemptions. FBC Section 1711 governs wherever it applies.
What Engineering Express Is Doing
Engineering Express is updating applicable drawings and Florida Product Approval documents to address Section 1711. Where currently specified hardware does not satisfy the applicable coastal requirements, an alternate material, coating, fastener, connector, plate, or configuration may be required.
The following note is being added to applicable drawings:
THIS IS OUR STANDARD DRAWING NOTE:
For permanent outdoor installations, all exposed anchors, fasteners, connectors, and metal plates shall be corrosion resistant. Corrosion resistance may be provided by inherent material composition or, where permitted by code, by an approved protective coating or galvanization. Where applicable near a saltwater coastline, such components shall comply with FBC Section 1711, including applicable requirements for exposed, protected, or enclosed conditions. Materials, coatings, and finishes shall be compatible with connected materials, and protective coatings shall be continuous over exposed surfaces. Fasteners used with aluminum members shall also comply with Section J.3.7.2 of the Aluminum Design Manual, “Specification for Aluminum Structures.” Substitution of components from alternate manufacturers, or with different materials, coatings, or finishes, shall not be assumed equivalent and may require additional engineering review or site-specific analysis. |
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
1 ASSESS
Decide how important saltwater-coastline installations are to your product offering & which elements of any existing products / plans may need revision.
3 SUBMIT TO Engineering Express
If engineering is needed, Engineering Express can analyze the proposed option, update design values/tables and drawings, and revise the FSA for the December submission deadline. The current FSA update can continue on its present schedule, with the coastal-compliant option added by later revision.
TABLE 1711.1— CORROSION RESISTANCE OF FASTENERS AND CONNECTORS
COMPONENT / EXPOSURE | ≤ 300 FT FROM SALTWATER COAST | > 300 – 3,000 FT FROM SALTWATER COAST |
Fasteners – Exterior-Partially Sheltered / Exterior-Open Exposed | Stainless Steel per §1711.1.1.1 | Galvanized per §1711.1.1.2 |
Connectors & Plates – Exterior-Partially Sheltered / Exterior-Open | Stainless Steel per §1711.1.2.1 | Enhanced Galvanized per §1711.1.2.2 |
Fasteners – Unconditioned Interior-Vented Enclosed | Enhanced Galvanized per §1711.1.2.2 | Enhanced Galvanized per §1711.1.2.2 |
Connectors & Plates – Unconditioned Interior-Vented Enclosed | Galvanized per §1711.1.1.2 | Galvanized per §1711.1.1.2 |
Fasteners – Unconditioned Interior-Unvented Enclosed | Galvanized per §1711.1.1.2 | Galvanized per §1711.1.1.2 |
Connectors & Plates – Unconditioned Interior-Unvented Enclosed | Standard Galvanized per §1711.1.2.3 | Standard Galvanized per §1711.1.2.3 |
Disclaimer: This article reflects Engineering Express’s current interpretation of the 2026 Florida Building Code and is for general information only. It is not a binding code determination or project-specific engineering opinion. Authorities Having Jurisdiction may interpret or enforce these provisions differently, and the Florida Building Code governs in the event of conflict.
Engineering Express® | 2026 FBC Section 1711 Client Bulletin | August 2026