Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) - Item #2 - 2025-08-12
Steve Mickley
Last updated
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE American Institute of Building Design Welcomes BORA’s Approval of Code Amendment Aligning with Florida Law
Washington, D.C. – August 18, 2025. The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is pleased to announce a major step forward in its advocacy efforts for adherence to Florida law regarding local building code amendments.
On August 14, 2025, the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) approved an alternate amendment to its local building administrative code by a vote of 7 to 5, bringing the county’s requirements closer in alignment with Florida statutes.
The issue stems from local "administrative" amendments to the Florida Building Code in Broward County that imposed restrictions exceeding the legal limits established by state law.
Specifically, the longstanding 107.3.4.0.2 Requirements for Professional Design mandated that plans for construction projects costing $30,000 or more must be signed and sealed by a licensed Architect or Engineer. This conflicted with Florida Statute 481.229, which provides exemptions from architectural licensure for individuals drafting plans for single-family and two-family residences, among other exceptions.
For the past two years, AIBD Codes and Standards Committee Chairman Jack Butler has spearheaded efforts to address these discrepancies. Through lawsuits, appeals, and proposals, Mr. Butler has relentlessly pursued compliance with state law. Though his earlier proposal to amend Broward County’s administrative code was rejected, it spurred meaningful discussions within BORA, ultimately leading to the drafting and approval of a new amendment.
The newly approved amendment removes the contested 107.3.4.0.2 language and adopts exemptions outlined in Florida Statute 481.229, which include:
Single-family and two-family residences and related structures, regardless of cost.
Farm structures for agricultural use.
Other buildings costing less than $25,000, excluding schools or buildings intended for public use.
The amendment retains 107.3.4.0.3, which ensures that architectural plans for applicable projects must still be signed and sealed by licensed professionals. Structural calculations will continue to require an Engineer’s approval, while mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems must follow professional design standards. However, the language surrounding these requirements leaves some ambiguity, which may lead to varied enforcement.
"This approval is a significant step toward ensuring local amendments respect state law and provide clarity for the design and construction community," said Jack Butler, AIBD Codes and Standards Committee Chairman. "We appreciate BORA’s willingness to address these concerns, but there is still work to be done to ensure consistent application and enforcement."
The AIBD applauds this decision as a victory for the design and construction industry, ensuring that state-mandated exemptions are upheld while maintaining professional standards that protect public safety. The organization remains committed to supporting professionals in the building design industry and will continue to monitor the implementation of these changes.
For further information, please contact: Steve Mickley Executive Director American Institute of Building Design steve.mickley@AIBD.org
