The 2026 Florida Building Code adds prescriptive corrosion-protection requirements for fasteners, connectors, and metal plates near saltwater coastlines. Here is what changed, which options fit the requirements, and what to do next.
At a Glance
Effective December 31, 2026, new Section 1711 of the Florida Building Code–Building and Section R332 of the Florida Building Code–Residential apply to specified fasteners, connectors, and metal plates in buildings within 3,000 feet of a saltwater coastline. The required material or coating depends on distance from the saltwater coastline and the structural component’s exposure.
What Changed?
The Florida Building Code now uses a location-and-exposure approach rather than a single corrosion rule for every coastal application. Projects within 3,000 feet of a saltwater coastline must be checked against Table 1711.1 or Table R332.1. The most demanding conditions occur within 300 feet, particularly for exterior or partially sheltered components exposed to salt-laden air.
What Action is Required?
- Identify whether the project is within 3,000 feet of the saltwater coastline. If the coastline boundary is unclear, confirm the local jurisdiction’s interpretation.
- Classify each connection location: exterior exposed or partially sheltered, unconditioned interior with ventilation, or unconditioned interior without ventilation.
- Specify fasteners, connectors, and metal plates that match the required protection level for that location and exposure.
- Confirm that the selected product, finish, and required fasteners are shown in the project documents, truss design documents, submittals, purchase information, and installation instructions.
- Do not assume standard galvanized hardware is acceptable for every saltwater coastal condition.
- Verify Florida product approvals are in place for fasteners, connectors, and metal plates.
Affected Products and Compliance
The table below is a practical selection summary for commonly specified fasteners, connectors, and metal plates. It is not a substitute for Table 1711.1 or Table R332.1, and the complete connection must comply, including fasteners. [For table, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
Key Considerations for Stakeholders
Component manufacturers: Saltwater coastal location is now a material-selection input. Material lists, connector, metal plate, and fastener inventories, product selections, estimating, and job setup may need to distinguish G90, G185/TZ, and stainless steel options.
Designers and truss technicians: Construction documents should identify exposure and required corrosion protection. Connectors, metal plates, and fasteners should be selected as a coordinated system rather than independently.
Builders and installers: Ordering the right connector is only part of compliance. Substituted fasteners, mixed metals, field storage, and installation damage can undermine the specified corrosion protection.
Dealers and customers: Product cost and lead time may change when enhanced galvanized or stainless steel materials are required. Confirm requirements early enough to avoid redesign, substitutions, or jobsite delays.
Building officials: Code evaluation reports and Florida product approvals will state that products used within 3,000 feet must comply with Section 1711 or R332. The listed product must be supplied in the appropriate material or coating required for the actual exposure.
Florida product approvals: Where a product is subject to Florida’s statewide product-approval program, confirm the applicable Florida product approval and supporting evaluation report. Verify the approved product designation, material or coating, required fasteners, design limitations, and conditions of use for the specific application.
A Simple Project Workflow
- Locate — Determine whether the building is 0–300 feet, 300–3,000 feet, or more than 3,000 feet from the saltwater coastline.
- Classify — Identify the exposure around each connection, not just the building as a whole.
- Specify — Select the required stainless steel, enhanced galvanized, or standard galvanized products and matching fasteners.
- Communicate — Carry the selection through design notes, truss design documents, submittals, material lists, purchase orders, and installation instructions.
- Verify — Before installation, check product markings, coating designation, fasteners, and any code evaluation report conditions.
Common Misinterpretation
“Within 3,000 feet” does not automatically mean every connector, metal plate, and fastener must be stainless steel. The 2026 Florida Building Code differentiates by distance, exposure, and component type. The opposite is equally important: standard G90 hardware is not automatically acceptable throughout the 3,000-foot zone.
Technical Reference: Protection Levels
For stakeholders who need the underlying specifications, the Florida Building Code recognizes the following protection approaches in the applicable conditions:
- Fasteners: stainless steel or prescribed galvanized/performance-based options, including ASTM A153, ASTM A641 Class 3S, and specified ASTM B117 or ASTM G85 Annex A5 performance criteria.
- Standard galvanized connectors and metal plates: ASTM A653 G90, qualifying ASTM A123 hot-dip galvanizing, or protection permitted by ANSI/TPI 1.
- Enhanced galvanized connectors and metal plates: ASTM A653 G185, qualifying ASTM A123 hot-dip galvanizing, or protection permitted by ANSI/TPI 1.
- Stainless-steel connectors: ASTM A240 Type 316 where the table requires stainless steel connectors and metal plates.
The Bottom Line
Florida’s new building code provisions make corrosion protection a defined design and procurement decision for saltwater coastal work. The practical response is straightforward: identify the project location, classify the exposure, select a compliant connector, metal plate, and fastener package, and carry that selection through installation. Making the decision early is the best way to protect the connection and keep the project moving.
References and Verification
- 2026 Florida Building Code–Building, Section 1711 and Table 1711.1.
- 2026 Florida Building Code–Residential, Section R332 and Table R332.1.
- ANSI/TPI 1-2022, Section 6.5.