Tampa Bay area a step ahead of code changes.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

After Hurricane Andrew tore apart south Florida, the Florida Building Codes Study Commission was assigned the task of recommending ways to improve the existing system.

In 16 months of study, the commission found a complex and confusing patchwork system of codes and regulations developed, amended, administered and enforced differently by more than 400 local jurisdictions and state agencies with building code responsibilities.

In the case of Hurricane Andrew, weakness in the codes did not contribute to the extensive storm damage.

Rather, it was the inability to enforce and comply with the complex and confusing system of multiple codes and …