Florida Contractor Documentation Requirements

FDOT Compaction Documentation: Form 675-030-17

FDOT uses Form 675-030-17 (Field Density Test Report) for all in-place density testing documentation on Florida DOT projects. Unlike the Texas gyratory method, FDOT uses AASHTO T 99 (Standard Proctor) or AASHTO T 180 (Modified Proctor) depending on the specification — verify which method is required for each contract before running lab tests.

FDOT Form 675-030-17 required fields:

• • FDOT project number and financial project ID
• • Maximum dry density and optimum moisture content (from lab Proctor per AASHTO T 99 or T 180)
• • Field density (nuclear gauge using AASHTO T 310 or sand cone using AASHTO T 191)
• • Field moisture content
• • Percent compaction (field density ÷ max dry density × 100)
• • Test station and offset from centerline
• • Lift number and material type
• • Inspector name, date, and certification number

FDOT standard compaction requirements: 100% (AASHTO T 180) for Type B stabilization, 98% for Type A stabilization, 95% for embankment and general fill. Florida's high groundwater and loose sandy soils make compaction documentation especially critical — failing tests are more common than in other states.

Florida Building Code Documentation Requirements

The Florida Building Code (7th Edition, adopted statewide) creates several documentation obligations for contractors that differ from other states:

• • Florida Product Approval: All products installed in Florida construction must have Florida Product Approval (FL#) documentation available at the job site. This includes windows, doors, roofing systems, fasteners, and other components subject to wind loading. Look up FL approval numbers at the Florida Building Code Product Approval website.
• • Threshold building inspections: Buildings over 3 stories or 50,000 SF require a licensed Special Inspector; inspection reports must be filed with the building department throughout construction.
• • Energy efficiency documentation: Residential construction requires HVAC, insulation, and air barrier documentation per Florida Energy Conservation Code using Forms 600A-A through 600A-E. Form 600A-B is required at framing inspection; Form 600A-E documents blower door test results.
• • Contractor license documentation: Florida requires contractor license numbers on all permit applications. Unlicensed contractor work is a serious violation and invalidates permits.

Hurricane Documentation Requirements

Florida's hurricane exposure creates wind-resistance documentation requirements that are unique nationally. The documentation burden is heaviest in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, which are designated as High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) — a designation that goes beyond the Florida Building Code statewide standards.

Hurricane documentation requirements for Florida contractors:

• • Wind speed design documentation: Plans must show design wind speed per ASCE 7 for the site's Risk Category and Exposure Category
• • Florida Product Approval documentation: Every wind-resistant component (windows, doors, roofing, fasteners, shutters) must have FL# documentation in the project file
• • HVHZ special requirements: Miami-Dade and Broward require Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or Florida Product Approval for all products; stricter installation documentation required
• • Hurricane strapping/tie-down inspection: Framing inspections in Florida include verification of hurricane ties, connectors, and hold-downs; contractor must document installation per approved plans
• • Roof-to-wall connection documentation: Photos of hurricane clip/strap installation before drywall closeout are strongly recommended for both inspection and future insurance purposes

Water Management District Documentation (SWFMD and Others)

Florida has five water management districts that regulate construction impacts on wetlands, floodplains, and stormwater systems. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD, also called SWFMD) serves the Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and central Florida regions. Each district has similar documentation requirements:

• • Environmental Resource Permit (ERP): Most construction disturbing more than 1 acre requires an ERP; permit conditions define required documentation during and after construction
• • Stormwater management as-built surveys: Most ERPs require as-built surveys of stormwater ponds, inlets, and control structures within 60 days of project completion; surveys must show that as-built dimensions match permitted design
• • BMP and erosion control inspection logs: Required during active construction; inspections typically required within 24 hours of each 0.5-inch rainfall event
• • Vegetation clearing documentation: Areas of permitted vegetation clearing must be documented; vegetation in conservation easements must be protected and any encroachment documented and reported
• • South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD): The SFWMD serves Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and surrounding areas and has additional documentation requirements for projects near the Everglades Protection Area

Use the drain slope calculator to verify stormwater system grades before as-built surveys.

Frequently Asked Questions