State Issues ENERGY CODE

ENERGY CODE: Effective June 1, the 2009 Supplement to FL Building Code increased the energy efficiency baseline by 15%. Homes permitted after June 1 must achieve HERS Index of 77 or better. EPA is developing commensurate regional Builder Option Package (BOP) for Florida and is formulating policy for 2011 guidelines that supersede HERS 77 ENERGY STAR guidelines for Florida (and other states with rigorous codes) must meet standards beyond national program requirements. Guidelines will reflect enhanced code requirements. Go to: energystarhomes@energystar.gov

Hometown Democracy (vote-on-everything initiative) now has enough signatures to be on the 2010 ballot. SB 360, signed by the governor, will streamline growth management and encourage infill by reducing transportation concurrency and eliminating the DRI process for urban areas. It also extends permits and approval by two years and expedites Comp Plan reviews. Yet another legislative victory is HB 277 that shifts the “burden of proof” to government in impact fee legal challenges.