Florida Building Code Construction Types

The five construction types in the Florida Building Code are: Type I (non-combustible construction with the highest fire resistance — used for high-rise buildings and hospitals), Type II (non-combustible construction with lower fire resistance than Type I — used for mid-rise commercial buildings), Type III (non-combustible exterior walls with combustible interior framing — used for many commercial buildings), Type IV (heavy timber construction — used for some industrial and commercial buildings), and Type V (combustible construction — used for most residential and small commercial buildings). Each type has sub-classifications (A and B) based on the fire resistance rating of the structural elements.

Most single-family homes in Florida are Type V-B construction — combustible construction with no required fire resistance rating for the structural elements. Type V-B is the least restrictive construction type and is appropriate for one- and two-family dwellings.

The maximum allowable building height and floor area depend on the construction type and occupancy classification. Higher construction types (I and II) allow greater heights and areas. Lower construction types (IV and V) have lower height and area limits. Sprinkler systems can increase the allowable height and area for most construction types.