Interpretation #9075

There are three (3) methods available for product approval. The system that has been in place for many editions of the codes is approval by the building official. The building official is authorized in Chapter 1 to approve products based on their suitability, in the opinion of the building official. As most building officials do not consider themselves to be a testing and approval authority, most building officials rely upon one of the next two (2) options. They may accept a report or letter, including a rational analysis from a design professional to base the approval on. This may also include tests and reports from a recognized authority, such as Underwriters Labs (UL), International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES), Miami-Dade Testing, Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). or others. These options may be used at the discretion of the building official and design professional. The other option is to use the Florida product approval database. If the choice is to use the Florida product approval database, the information that is a part of the approval must be followed. If that information is changed or modified, it then becomes an approval by the building official or a local product approval option. The information contained in the product approval should be followed, allowing for substitutions where so noted on the approval, or the product approval is not applicable.