# Florida Building Code - Accessibility Requirements

**Based on**: FBC Chapter 11, ADA 2010 Standards, ANSI A117.1
**Applicable Laws**: Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing Act, Florida Accessibility Code

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## Quick Reference - Critical Dimensions

| Element | Requirement | Code Reference |
|---------|-------------|----------------|
| Clear floor space | 30" × 48" | ADA 305 |
| Wheelchair turning | 60" diameter | ADA 304.3 |
| T-turn | 60" × 60" T-shape | ADA 304.3.2 |
| Accessible route width | 36" min (44" passing) | ADA 403.5 |
| Door clear width | 32" min | ADA 404.2.3 |
| Maneuvering clearance (pull side) | 60" × 18" | ADA 404.2.4 |
| Reach range (high forward) | 48" max | ADA 308.2.1 |
| Reach range (low forward) | 15" min | ADA 308.2.1 |
| Reach range (high side) | 48" max (10" reach) | ADA 308.3.1 |
| Ramp max slope | 1:12 (8.33%) | ADA 405.2 |
| Counter height (accessible) | 34" max | ADA 904.4 |
| Toilet centerline | 16" - 18" from wall | ADA 604.2 |
| Grab bar height | 33" - 36" | ADA 604.5 |

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## Accessible Route Requirements (ADA 402-406)

### Route Width
- **Minimum width**: 36" continuous
- **Passing space**: 60" × 60" every 200' max, OR 44" width continuous
- **At doors**: Clear width plus maneuvering space

### Surface Requirements
- Firm, stable, slip-resistant
- No vertical level changes > 1/4"
- Level changes 1/4" - 1/2": Beveled 1:2 max slope
- Level changes > 1/2": Ramp or elevator required

### Protruding Objects (ADA 307)
- **Post-mounted**: Max 12" projection if 27"-80" AFF
- **Wall-mounted**: Max 4" projection if 27"-80" AFF
- **Below 27"**: Detectable by cane, no limit
- **Headroom**: 80" minimum clear

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## Doors and Doorways (ADA 404)

### Clear Width
- **Minimum**: 32" clear (with door at 90°)
- **Measured**: Between face of door and opposite stop

### Maneuvering Clearances

#### Front Approach - Push Side
| Door Type | Parallel to Door | Perpendicular |
|-----------|-----------------|---------------|
| Swinging, closer | 48" | 0" (24" w/closer+latch) |
| Sliding | 48" | 0" |
| Folding | 48" | 0" |

#### Front Approach - Pull Side
| Door Type | Parallel to Door | Perpendicular |
|-----------|-----------------|---------------|
| Swinging, closer | 60" | 18" |
| Sliding | 60" | 18" |
| Folding | 60" | 18" |

#### Latch Side Approach - Push Side
- 42" perpendicular, 24" parallel (beyond latch)

#### Latch Side Approach - Pull Side
- 48" perpendicular, 24" parallel (beyond latch)

#### Hinge Side Approach - Push Side
- 60" perpendicular (54" if closer), 22" parallel

#### Hinge Side Approach - Pull Side
- 60" perpendicular, 36" parallel

### Door Hardware
- **Operating force**: 5 lbs max (interior, non-fire)
- **Closing speed**: 5 seconds min to close from 90° to 12°
- **Threshold**: 1/2" max (3/4" exterior sliding)
- **Hardware height**: 34" - 48" AFF
- **Hardware type**: Lever, push, pull, or U-shaped (no twisting/grasping)

### Automatic Doors
- Minimum 32" clear
- Maneuvering clearance not required if full power operation

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## Ramps (ADA 405)

### Slope Requirements
- **Maximum running slope**: 1:12 (8.33%)
- **Cross slope**: 1:48 max (2%)
- **Rise per run**: 30" max without landing

### Width
- **Minimum**: 36" between handrails
- **Landings**: 60" × 60" minimum at top and bottom

### Handrails
- **Required when**: Rise > 6"
- **Height**: 34" - 38"
- **Extensions**: 12" horizontal at top and bottom
- **Graspability**: 1-1/4" - 2" diameter
- **Clearance**: 1-1/2" from wall

### Edge Protection
- **Required**: Both sides
- **Options**: Curb (4" min), barrier, extended surface

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## Stairs (ADA 504)

### Dimensional Requirements
- **Riser height**: 4" - 7"
- **Tread depth**: 11" minimum
- **Nosing**: 1-1/2" max projection, curved or angled
- **Open risers**: Not permitted

### Handrails
- **Both sides**: Required on all accessible stairs
- **Height**: 34" - 38" from stair nosing
- **Extensions**: 12" horizontal at top, one tread + 12" at bottom
- **Continuity**: Full length, both sides

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## Elevators (ADA 407)

### Car Dimensions
| Configuration | Width | Depth |
|---------------|-------|-------|
| Centered door | 80" | 51" |
| Side slide door | 68" | 51" |
| Any door position | 54" | 80" |

### Door Requirements
- **Minimum width**: 36" (centered), 32" (side slide)
- **Reopening device**: 5" min from floor, full height protection
- **Door timing**: Based on hall call to door close timing formula

### Controls
- **Buttons**: 3/4" min dimension, raised
- **Height**: 35" - 48" (54" for parallel approach)
- **Visible signals**: Minimum 2-1/2" high
- **Audible signals**: One tone = up, two tones = down
- **Braille**: Adjacent to buttons

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## Toilet Rooms (ADA 603-606)

### Single-User Accessible Toilet Room

#### Minimum Size
- **60" × 56"** minimum (varies by fixture arrangement)
- Must accommodate 60" turning space OR T-turn

#### Water Closet (Toilet)
- **Centerline**: 16" - 18" from side wall
- **Seat height**: 17" - 19" AFF
- **Clear floor space**: 60" × 56" (side and rear clearance)

#### Grab Bars
- **Side wall**: 42" min length, 12" max from rear wall
- **Rear wall**: 36" min length (24" on each side of centerline)
- **Height**: 33" - 36" AFF
- **Diameter**: 1-1/4" - 2"
- **Clearance**: 1-1/2" from wall

#### Lavatory
- **Clear floor space**: 30" × 48" forward approach
- **Knee clearance**: 27" high, 8" deep at 27", 11" deep at 9" AFF
- **Rim height**: 34" max
- **Faucets**: Lever, push, touch, or sensor (no twisting)

#### Accessories
- **Mirror**: 40" max to bottom of reflecting surface
- **Towel dispenser**: 48" max reach height
- **Toilet paper**: 7" - 9" in front of toilet, 15" - 48" AFF

### Multi-User Restrooms

#### Accessible Stalls
- **Minimum one**: Wheelchair accessible (60" × 59" or 60" × 56")
- **Door**: 32" clear, swings out (or 42" wide if swings in)
- **Grab bars**: Both sides as single-user

#### Ambulatory Stall
- **Required when**: 6+ water closets OR 6+ combined fixtures
- **Size**: 35" - 37" wide × 60" deep
- **Grab bars**: Both sides, 42" long

#### Urinals (if provided)
- **One accessible**: 17" max rim height
- **Clear floor space**: 30" × 48"
- **Flush controls**: 44" max height

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## Drinking Fountains (ADA 602)

### Requirements
- **Two levels required**: 50% high (for standing), 50% low (wheelchair)
- **Spout height (low)**: 36" max
- **Spout location**: 15" min from vertical support
- **Clear floor space**: 30" × 48" forward approach
- **Knee/toe clearance**: 27" knee, 9" toe

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## Kitchens (ADA 804, FHA)

### Accessible Kitchen Requirements
- **Clear floor space**: 30" × 48" at each appliance/fixture
- **U-shaped kitchen**: 60" between counters
- **Sink**: 34" max rim height, knee clearance below
- **Cooktop**: No overhead cabinets, controls front/side
- **Oven**: Side-opening door preferred
- **Work surface**: 34" max height, 30" wide section

### Fair Housing Act (FHA) - Multi-Family
- **Applies to**: Buildings with 4+ units, first occupied after 3/13/1991
- **Ground floor units**: All must be accessible
- **Elevator buildings**: All units must be accessible

#### FHA Requirements (Design and Construction)
1. Accessible entrance on accessible route
2. Accessible public/common areas
3. Usable doors (32" clear)
4. Accessible route into and through unit
5. Light switches, outlets, thermostats in accessible locations
6. Reinforced bathroom walls for grab bar installation
7. Usable kitchens and bathrooms

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## Parking (ADA 502)

### Number Required

| Total Spaces | Accessible Spaces | Van Spaces |
|--------------|-------------------|------------|
| 1 - 25 | 1 | 1 of accessible |
| 26 - 50 | 2 | 1 of accessible |
| 51 - 75 | 3 | 1 of accessible |
| 76 - 100 | 4 | 1 of accessible |
| 101 - 150 | 5 | 1 of accessible |
| 151 - 200 | 6 | 1 of accessible |
| 201 - 300 | 7 | 2 of accessible |
| 301 - 400 | 8 | 2 of accessible |
| 401 - 500 | 9 | 2 of accessible |
| 501 - 1000 | 2% | 1/6 of accessible |
| 1001+ | 20 + 1/100 over 1000 | 1/6 of accessible |

### Dimensions
- **Standard accessible**: 8' wide + 5' access aisle
- **Van accessible**: 8' wide + 8' access aisle (OR 11' + 5')
- **Access aisle**: Shared between two spaces OK
- **Slope**: 1:48 max (2%)

### Location
- **Shortest accessible route** to accessible entrance
- **Dispersed** when parking serves multiple entrances

### Signage
- **60" min** to bottom of sign
- **"Van Accessible"** on van spaces
- **International Symbol of Accessibility**

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## Signage (ADA 703)

### Visual Signs
- **Finish**: Non-glare
- **Contrast**: Light on dark OR dark on light
- **Character height**: Based on viewing distance
- **Character proportion**: 3:5 to 1:1 (width:height)
- **Stroke thickness**: 10% to 30% of height

### Tactile Signs (Room ID, Exit)
- **Location**: 48" - 60" AFF to baseline of lowest tactile character
- **Position**: Latch side of door, 18" from frame
- **Raised characters**: 1/32" min raised, sans serif
- **Character height**: 5/8" - 2"
- **Braille**: Grade 2, below raised text

### Pictograms
- **Height**: 6" min
- **Text**: Below pictogram

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## Controls and Operating Mechanisms (ADA 309)

### Clear Floor Space
- 30" × 48" (forward or parallel approach)

### Height
- **Operable parts**: 15" - 48" AFF
- **Electrical outlets**: 15" min AFF
- **Light switches**: 48" max AFF
- **Thermostats**: 48" max AFF

### Operation
- One hand operation
- No tight grasping, pinching, or twisting
- Maximum 5 lbs force

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## Florida-Specific Requirements

### Florida Accessibility Code
- Generally follows ADA but verify local amendments
- State-licensed facilities may have additional requirements

### Pools and Spas
- **Pool lifts**: Required, 300 lb capacity min
- **Alternative**: Sloped entry (1:12 max) or transfer wall
- **Spas**: One accessible entry method required

### Historic Buildings
- Alternative methods permitted if accessibility threatens historic significance
- Must document and justify exceptions

### Residential (Beyond FHA)
- Florida Building Code Chapter 11 may exceed FHA minimums
- Verify with local AHJ

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## Quick Checks by Project Type

### Office Building
- [ ] Accessible parking (quantity per table)
- [ ] Accessible route from parking to entrance
- [ ] 32" clear doors throughout
- [ ] 44" corridors minimum
- [ ] Accessible restrooms per floor
- [ ] Drinking fountains (two heights)
- [ ] Controls/switches at accessible heights

### Multi-Family Residential
- [ ] FHA applies if 4+ units post-1991
- [ ] Accessible route to all ground-floor units
- [ ] 32" clear doors
- [ ] Accessible kitchen and bath clearances
- [ ] Reinforced bathroom walls
- [ ] Accessible outlets/switches

### Retail/Restaurant
- [ ] Accessible parking
- [ ] Accessible entrance
- [ ] 36" min aisle width (32" for displays)
- [ ] 34" max service counter portion
- [ ] Accessible restrooms
- [ ] 5% of seating accessible (dispersed)

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## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. **Toilet centerline**: Must be 16"-18" from wall, not 18" exactly
2. **Door maneuvering**: Pull side needs 18" on strike side
3. **Ramp landings**: Required every 30" of rise
4. **Grab bars**: Must be installed before wall finish
5. **Knee clearance**: 27" high clear, not just 27" to obstruction
6. **Protruding objects**: Wall-mounted items 27"-80" AFF limited to 4"
7. **Parking access aisle**: Cannot overlap vehicular way
8. **Signage height**: Tactile signs at 48"-60", not eye level

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*Reference: ADA 2010 Standards, ANSI A117.1, Florida Building Code Chapter 11*
*Always verify with local AHJ for amendments and interpretations*
