During the ensuing six weeks, hurricanes Frances and Jeanne slammed into Florida's east coast and slogged across the state, and Ivan rumbled into the Panhandle.
As individuals and communities struggle to recover, the Legislature will conduct a special session, tentatively scheduled for the week of Dec. 13, devoted to hurricane-related problems.
Building codes will be high on the agenda, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported. Insurance industry engineers and building officials will tell legislators that houses and other buildings constructed in accordance with the 2001 Florida Unified Building Code fared much better in this year's storms than structures built before the code went into effect.
Those positive reports will reinforce the idea that improving state and local codes can protect property and save lives.
But the hurricane season also showed that the current codes aren't good enough, especially in inland counties.
Based on a review of how well the rules protected Floridians and their property in 2004, it may be time to begin updating and refining the codes, experts say.
Experts say legislators should consider revising the code to require local governments to raise the wind-speed standards for construction. For example, Charley's winds showed that Charlotte's codes — which require new buildings, depending on their location, to withstand either 130 mph or 120 mph winds — are insufficient.
Experts suggest legislators — or an expert panel that could be appointed by the Legislature — should not hesitate to delve into the code's details. For example, a stricter standard is needed to ensure that lightweight soffits under the eaves of homes aren't blown off in storms, enabling wind or water to enter the structures.
Experts say every code provision should be reviewed and, where possible, improved in ways that would better protect people and property without imposing undue expense. When the question of cost arises, legislators should take into account the economic savings associated with high-quality construction: lower insurance premiums and reduced property losses, for example.
Experts say the Legislature should devote time to the twin issues of code compliance and code enforcement. Local governments in fast-growing areas are hard-pressed to put enough inspectors in the field, and slow-growing counties often lack the resources to hire qualified inspectors. Legislators should look for ways to help cities and counties hire more building inspectors.
Experts also suggest the Legislature determine how the Florida Building Commission, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and other branches of state government can better provide technical expertise and regulatory recommendations to local governments and builders.
