Beyond the underlying compliance calculation — whether R402 prescriptive or R405 performance — Florida requires specific standardized forms to accompany a new construction permit submittal. These forms exist to give plan reviewers a consistent, predictable format for checking compliance information, and missing or incorrectly completed forms are a common, avoidable reason a permit submittal gets held up even when the underlying compliance calculation itself is sound.
Florida's energy code forms provide a consistent structure for presenting compliance information regardless of which software or method was used to generate the underlying calculation. This standardization is what allows plan reviewers across different jurisdictions to check submittals efficiently, since the key figures appear in the same place and format on every form, rather than varying by whichever report format a given software package happens to produce.
New residential construction in Florida typically requires a completed compliance form summarizing the project's chosen path (R402 or R405) along with the key envelope, mechanical, and — where applicable — duct system figures that demonstrate compliance. The specific form used depends on which compliance path was selected, since prescriptive and performance submittals present different information.
Because R405 relies on whole-building modeling, its associated forms typically need to show the modeled design's performance relative to the baseline, along with the specific mechanical and duct system assumptions used in the model — details that a prescriptive submittal's forms don't need to include in the same depth.
The most frequent issues are incomplete fields left blank rather than filled with the applicable project data, using an outdated version of a form after an update to the state's requirements, and forms that don't match the accompanying compliance calculation — for example, a form indicating R402 prescriptive compliance while the attached documentation reflects an R405 performance calculation.
Florida's energy code forms are updated periodically alongside code cycle changes, so using a current version — rather than one saved from a previous project — matters more than it might seem. Some local jurisdictions also require supplemental forms beyond the state minimum, which is worth confirming before assembling a final submittal package.
Do the required forms differ between R402 and R405 compliance paths?
Yes — R405's performance-based approach requires forms showing modeled performance and system assumptions that a straightforward R402 prescriptive submittal doesn't need to the same degree.
How often do Florida's energy code forms get updated?
They're periodically revised alongside code cycle updates, so it's worth confirming the current version is being used rather than reusing a form saved from an earlier project.
What's the most common reason forms cause a permit delay?
Incomplete fields or a mismatch between the form's stated compliance path and the actual attached compliance documentation are the most frequent, easily avoidable issues.
Psychro.Pro prepares complete, current Florida energy code compliance packages — calculation and forms together — checked for consistency before submittal.Learn more.
