Florida Product Approval & Miami-Dade NOA : What You Need to Know
Florida Building Code (FBC) vs International Building Code (IBC)
Florida stands out as one of the few states that requires statewide product evaluations before products can be permitted or installed. While the IBC includes similar provisions, the FBC enforces them more consistently, and its approvals are often recognized by other states when the product use matches.
Under Rule 61G20-3.001, the Florida Building Code specifies which product categories must be tested and registered in the Florida Product Approval System. These requirements focus on components of the building envelope and other elements in habitable spaces, ensuring they meet performance standards in Florida’s hurricane-prone environment.
Florida Administrative Code 61G20-3.001 Scope.
Products That Require Approval
Per F.A.C. 61G20-3.002(33), the following categories typically require Florida Product Approval:
- Panel Walls
- Exterior Doors
- Roofing Products
- Skylights
- Windows
- Shutters
- Structural Components
- Impact Protection Systems
This rule applies to the approval of products and systems, which comprise the building envelope and structural frame, for compliance with the structural requirements of the Florida Building Code.
Outside of those product types an outside the building envelope, a Statewide Florida Product Approval is optional and in many cases isn’t even applicable and is rejected during the Florida application process..
Click here for a more general article that describe myths associated with approvals.
WHAT'S A MIAMI DADE NOA?
A Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is issued by Miami-Dade County for products tested and evaluated to meet stringent local requirements.
- An NOA is not automatically equivalent to Florida Product Approval. It must either be registered with the state or accepted through Local Product Approval.
- NOAs often cover product categories beyond those listed in the state system.
- Many building departments treat an NOA as sufficient for local approval, but acceptance depends on jurisdiction and project type.
In short: Florida Product Approval ensures compliance statewide, while a Miami-Dade NOA provides recognition within South Florida and can serve as a pathway for local acceptance elsewhere.
Technical Evaluation Reports (TER) & Master Plans
Not every product fits neatly into Florida’s statewide or Miami-Dade approval systems. In those cases, Technical Evaluation Reports (TERs) and Master Plan Sheets provide alternative paths to compliance. A TER delivers an engineering-based assessment showing that a product meets the code, while a Master Plan compiles design details and calculations into a pre-approved package that simplifies the permitting process for repeated use. Together, these tools give manufacturers and contractors a practical way to demonstrate compliance, especially when working with specialized or innovative products that fall outside the scope of standard approvals.
- Florida Product Approval = mandatory statewide system for critical building envelope components.
- Miami-Dade NOA = local certification, widely respected, but not automatically valid statewide.
- TERs & Master Plans = engineering alternatives to simplify compliance and permitting.
By understanding how these approvals interact, contractors, architects, and manufacturers can avoid costly delays, ensure compliance, and deliver safer buildings in Florida’s hurricane-prone environment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Florida Product Approval?
A Florida Product Approval is an optional verification system for certain building products provided by the state of Florida stating that a product has been designed and/or tested by recognized standards. An FL Number is set by the state for each product registered for approval both inside and outside the high-velocity hurricane zone in Florida (Dade & Broward Counties).
Where can I find product approval in Florida?
Use this link to search the Florida Product Approval Website: https://floridabuilding.org/pr/pr_app_srch.aspx - Search by the FL number or product manufacturer.
What products require Florida product approval?
The below building product categories require a Florida product approval (per 61G20-3.001):
- Exterior Doors
- Windows
- Panel Walls
- Roofing Products
- Shutters
- Skylights
- Structural components
- System for Impact Protection
This rule establishes a procedure for the approval of products and systems that form the envelope and structural framework of a building and meet the structural requirements of the Florida Building Code.
For guidance with your next project, explore our Plans, Calculators, Knowledge Base,
or contact us directly for site-specific support
Last Update: January 5, 2026