Most of the requirements for termite protection for new construction are in section R318 of the the Florida Building Code. Here’s a summary of key items.

TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Termite protection must be provided by registered termiticides, including soil applied pesticides, baiting systems, and pesticides applied to wood, or other approved methods of termite protection labeled for use as a preventative treatment to new construction. (FBC R318.1) 

• If soil treatment option is used, then treatment must be done after compaction, any soil disturbed after treatment must be retreated, vapor barrier must be installed under slab, and any concrete over-pour must be removed. (FBC R318.1-5)

• If bait system option is used, a signed contract ensuring continued service of bait system for 5-year period from issuance of Certificate of Occupancy must be provided to building official prior to pouring of slab, and system must be installed prior to final approval. (FBC 318.1.7)

• If wood treatment option is used, application of treatment must be completed per label instructions prior to final building approval. (FBC 318.1.8)

• A Certificate of Compliance shall be issued to the building department by the licensed pest control company that provided the treatment, which contains the following statement: “The building has received a complete treatment for the prevention of subterranean termites. Treatment is in accordance with rules and laws established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.” (FBC R318.1)

• A consumer notice must be posted inside the home that informs the homeowner of the treatment and need to renew the contract and inspect annually. This is typically placed on door of the electrical panel. (FBC 105.11)

TERMITE RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

• Bottoms of cells of concrete blocks, and protective sleeves around slab penetrations, must not contain cellulose/wood. (FBC R318.1-2)

• A 6-inch space must be maintained between ground level and siding for future termite inspection. (FBC R318.7)

• Air conditioning condensate drain lines, sprinkler spray heads, and roof downspouts must terminate at least one foot from walls of home. (FBC R318.5)

• Gutters with downspouts are required on all roofs with eaves (roof overhangs) of less than 6 inches, except for gable ends. (FBC R318.5) 

• All wood in contact with the ground, embedded in concrete in direct contact with the ground, or embedded in concrete in direct exposure to the weather that supports occupied structures must be pressure-treated with chemicals that deter both wood rot and termites. This typically means wood posts. (FBC 317.1.2)

• The ground surface around a home must drop 6 inches down in the first 10 feet away from the home on all sides (FBC R401.3). Where the house is closer to the property line than 10 feet, or walls or other barriers prevent compliance, drains or swales should be constructed to ensure adequate drainage away from the house. Impervious surfaces within 10 feet of the home, such as a driveway, are required to be sloped a minimum of 2 percent away from the house, which equals approximately 1/4 inch per foot. 

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To learn more about termites, see these other blog posts:

• Is a borate treatment effective for termite prevention?

• Should I be worried about termites if my neighbor's house is being tented?

• Is the WDO (termite) inspector allowed to poke holes in my wood siding and trim? 

• Does the presence of carpenter ants in a house indicate that there are probably also termites? 

• How long before closing can you have a WDO (termite) inspection done?

• How long does Bora-Care® last? 

• Why is it a mistake to store lumber in the crawl space under a house?

• How do termites infest a house and remain hidden while doing major damage?

• Are homes in Florida required to have termite protection? 

• If termite damage appears to be old, does that mean that termites may no longer be present?

• How do I know if my WDO/termite report is "clear"? 

• When do termites swarm in Florida?

• Does a recent termite company inspection sticker mean there are no termites? 

• Can a mobile/manufactured home get termites?

• Do I have to tent the house if I have termites? 

• What is the difference between a subterranean termite and a drywood termite?

• What are the green plastic discs in the ground around the house? 

• What is a termite shield?

• How do termites get into a concrete block house? 

• Do termites eat concrete?

• What is a clean WDO?  

• What do termites eat?

• How do I treat wood rot  that's listed in my termite-WDO report? 

• Do I really need a termite-WDO inspection? 

• What's causing those holes in the fascia?

• Does wood chip mulch in the yard attract termites?

• I think I have termites. What does a termite look like?

• I'm buying a concrete block house. Do I still need a termite inspection? 

• I saw a little termite damage on the baseboard. Should I be concerned?

   Visit our TERMITES, WOOD ROT AND PESTS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.