Florida's R405 performance method gives builders design flexibility that the prescriptive path doesn't, but it also comes with a more involved documentation package. Because R405 relies on whole-building energy modeling rather than fixed component checklists, permit reviewers expect to see the modeling inputs, assumptions, and supporting test documentation laid out clearly — and missing pieces of that package are a common reason a Florida R405 submittal gets delayed.
At the center of an R405 submittal is the energy modeling report itself, generated through an approved software tool, showing that the proposed design's total energy performance meets or exceeds the code baseline. This report needs to reflect the actual proposed building — envelope specs, window performance, mechanical equipment, and duct system characteristics — rather than generic or placeholder inputs.
The submittal needs insulation R-values for walls, roof/ceiling, and floor assemblies, along with window and door U-factor and SHGC data, matching what's shown on the architectural plans. Since Florida's climate places significant weight on cooling load and solar heat gain, window SHGC data in particular needs to be accurate and current, not an early design-phase placeholder.
R405 modeling incorporates HVAC equipment efficiency and duct system characteristics, including anticipated duct leakage. This means the submittal needs to reflect the actual specified equipment and duct design — often informed by Manual J, S, and D reports — rather than a default assumption that may not match what's ultimately installed.
Because R405 compliance frequently claims a specific duct leakage performance target, the documentation package typically needs to reference the field verification process that will confirm that target is met — tying the permit-stage modeling to the post-installation testing that validates it before final approval.
Beyond the modeling report itself, Florida jurisdictions typically require standard state energy code forms alongside the R405 output, and some local building departments have additional documentation expectations beyond the state minimum. Confirming these local requirements before assembling the final package avoids finding out about a missing form after the rest of the submittal is complete.
Is R405 documentation more extensive than the prescriptive R402 path?
Generally yes — because R405 relies on whole-building modeling rather than fixed component checklists, the documentation package needs to show modeling inputs and assumptions in more detail than a straightforward prescriptive submittal.
Does R405 documentation need to reference duct leakage testing specifically?
In most cases, yes, since R405 compliance commonly relies on a claimed duct leakage performance level that needs to be verified in the field before final approval.
What's the most commonly missing item in Florida R405 submittals?
Current, project-specific window SHGC data and mechanical equipment specs are common gaps, since these are sometimes left at early-design placeholder values rather than updated to match the final specified products.
Psychro.Pro prepares Florida R405 documentation packages built from your actual project specs, checked against local jurisdiction requirements before submittal.Learn more.
