Florida Product Approval and Miami Dade NOA Requirements

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WHEN IS A FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVAL OR MIAMI DADE NOA REQUIRED & HOW TER'S AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS FIT IN

FIRST, A WORD ABOUT FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVALS & THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC)

Before we jump into Florida Product Approvals, let’s talk about the differences between the Florida Building Code and the IBC. Florida is one of the few states leading the Product Evaluation requirement for permit & construction. Many other states accept documentation from Florida provided it meets the intended use in some form or another.  The International Building Code has similar requirements.

The Florida Building Code (Building commission rule 61G20-3.001) requires certain products to be tested and registered with the state of Florida through their statewide product approval system.  There are only some product types that require this type of approval, and this is all within habitable space:

Florida Administrative Code 61G20-3.001 Scope.

(1) Products in the following categories as defined by subcategories of subsection 61G20-3.002(33) [pasted below], F.A.C., shall be available for approval by the Commission pursuant to Rule 61G20-3.007, F.A.C., for use in the state

This rule applies to the approval of products and systems, which comprise the building envelope and structural frame, for compliance with the structural requirements of the Florida Building Code.

Outside of those product types an outside the building envelope, a Statewide Florida Product Approval is optional and in many cases isn’t even applicable and is rejected during the Florida application process..

Click here for a more general article that describe myths associated with approvals.

SO WHAT'S A MIAMI DADE NOA?

Miami Dade NOA’s, contrary to popular understanding, are in themselves NOT approved as a statewide product approval. They are adopted by the state system through the ‘Local Approval Process’.

NOA’s also permit more evaluation categories than Florida’s system since it’s not state-regulated, but still doesn’t encompass every product type.

NOA’s are officially approve-able for use by building departments either by the NOA holder registering the NOA with the state system and obtaining a state FL number (if the product category is even applicable for the state system, sometimes it is not as described above) or by a process called a Local Product Approval (see FS 553.8425).  Thanks to this process, building officials typically see an NOA as meeting the Local Product Approval Process and consider them deemed to comply.

Engineering Express are experts in Local Product Approvals, even owning and maintaining the industry’s most recognized website on the topic, www.FloridaLocalApprovals.com. 

Other evaluations (such as TER’s – Technical Evaluation Reports – and Master Plan Sheets) are also permitted through this same local approval process, and in many cases can be approved just by the engineer rational analysis and evaluation per code.  There’s much more on this topic by clicking the links below.

…It’s just been a longstanding myth that an “NOA” is required for all building products…

Click here for more about Florida Building Code Product Approvals from the state’s website.

Florida Administrative Code 61G20-3.002 Definitions.

(23) Product means any individual type of manufactured goods, system or method of construction.

(24) Product Approval:

State product approval means the approval of a product or system of construction by the Commission for acceptance of a product on a state or regional basis consistent with an evaluation conducted pursuant to Rule 61G20-3.005, F.A.C. In addition, this includes the approval of a product by the Department pursuant to paragraph 61G20-3.007(1)(d), F.A.C.

(33) Subcategory of product or construction system means a specific functionality:

(a) For exterior door:

  1. Exterior door assemblies: roll-up, sectional, sliding, swinging, automatic; pre-engineered roof access hatches; and products introduced as a result of new technology;
  2. Exterior door components and products introduced as a result of new technology;

(b) For windows: awning, casement, dual-action, double-hung, single hung, fixed, horizontal slider, projected, pass through, mullions, and products introduced as a result of new technology;

(c) For panel walls: siding, soffits, exterior insulation finish system (EIFS), storefronts, curtain walls, wall louver, glass block, and products introduced as a result of new technology;

(d) For roofing products: built-up roofing, modified bitumen roof system, single-ply roof systems, spray-applied polyurethane roof system, roofing fasteners, roofing insulation, asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, roofing slate, roof tile adhesives, cements-adhesives-coatings, liquid applied roof systems, underlayments, metal roofing, roofing tiles, waterproofing, roofing accessories that are an integral part of the roofing system and products introduced as a result of new technology;

(e) For shutters: accordion, Bahama, storm panels, fabric storm panel, colonial, roll-up, pre-engineered equipment, protection, and products introduced as a result of new technology;

(f) For skylights: skylight, and products introduced as a result of new technology; and

(g) For structural components: truss plates, wood connectors, anchors, exterior coolers-freezers, insulation form systems, engineered lumber, pre-engineered air conditioner stands, structural wall components, and roof deck, and products introduced as a result of new technology.

(h) For impact protective systems include types that are fixed, operable, or removable.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is a Florida Product Approval? 

A:  A Florida Product Approval is an optional verification system for certain building products provided by the state of Florida stating that a product has been designed and/or tested by recognized standards.  An FL Number is set by the state for each product registered for approval both inside and outside the high-velocity hurricane zone in Florida (Dade & Broward Counties).

Q: Where can I find product approval in Florida?

A: Use this link to search the Florida Product Approval Website: https://floridabuilding.org/pr/pr_app_srch.aspx – Search by the FL number or product manufacturer.

Q: What products require Florida product approval? 

A: The below building product categories require a Florida product approval (per 61G20-3.001):

  • Exterior Doors
  • Windows
  • Panel Walls
  • Roofing Products
  • Shutters
  • Skylights
  • Structural components
  • System for Impact Protection

This rule establishes a procedure for the approval of products and systems that form the envelope and structural framework of a building and meet the structural requirements of the Florida Building Code.

Q: What is the difference between an NOA and a Florida product Approval?

A: An NOA is short for a Miami Dade Notice of Acceptance. It’s a product certification offered by Miami Dade County.  While accepted throughout Flrorida, it’s provided by a county and ‘deemed to comply’ with the state system.  The state system is the Florida Product Approval system which is recognized statewide.

If the state listing includes the HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) endorsement, a Florida Product Approval is also valid in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. If not, it is restricted from use in those counties.

Engineering Express provides hundreds of TER’s and Performance Evaluations in our Online Plan Store.
We typically design these for their manufacturers so their installers can quickly and easily obtain sealed copies to obtain their building permit. 

Contact your local building official BEFORE ordering any engineering to determine what exactly is needed for permit.  We can assist in providing documentation to building officials to substantiate our reports.

Manufacturers: Contact Usto discuss your need.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS IN OUR KNOWLEDGE BASE ON THIS SUBJECT:

Product Approvals Are Not Always Required – Here’s Why

When is a Miami-Dade Product Approval Required? 

What is a Master Plan Sheet?

How do I Quickly Get a Certified TER or Master Plan?

Can a Plan Reviewer or Building Inspector Deny The Use of a TER or Master Plan?

What do I do if a TER isn’t enough for a permit?

What Doesn’t a TER Do?

What is a TER and how is it used for permitting?

Last Update: December 12, 2023  

May 12, 2016  General  
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