FL General Contractor cheat sheet

Working capital = current assets − current liabilities; it must cover payroll, retainage lag, and supplier terms during the project's cash-negative phase.

Retainage in Florida private work is typically 10% until 50% complete, then 5% if the owner chooses; public construction retainage is capped at 5% under Florida Statutes Chapter 255.

Overhead and profit are recovered through markup on cost, not margin on price: price = cost ÷ (1 − desired margin). Marking up cost by 20% yields only a 16.7% margin.

Cash flow projection: billings − retainage withheld − pay-when-paid lag − supplier terms = net cash position; a profitable job can still fail on timing.

Equipment cost has ownership (depreciation, insurance, interest) and operating (fuel, repairs, tires) components; charge internal rates only for actual hours used.

Break-even volume = fixed overhead ÷ contribution margin per unit; contribution margin = price − variable cost.

Job cost codes must separate labor, material, equipment, subcontract, and other; unbilled change order work is a common source of unrecovered cost.

Bonding capacity is generally limited by working capital and net worth; a surety reviews financial statements, not just backlog.

Contract types: lump sum (price certain, quantity risk on contractor), unit price (risk on quantity variance), cost-plus (owner bears cost risk, contractor gets fee).

A change order requires scope, price, and time impact; a construction change directive orders work before agreement on price and is later converted.

Differing site conditions: a Type I condition differs materially from those indicated in the contract documents; a Type II condition is an unknown physical condition of an unusual nature.

Substantial completion starts warranty periods, releases retainage in part, and shifts risk of loss; final completion triggers release of remaining retainage and lien rights.

Critical path method: total float = late start − early start; a delay consuming float on the critical path (zero float) extends the completion date.

Concurrent delay by owner and contractor generally bars an extension of time for the contractor in many contract forms; document each delay event separately.

Pay applications should be certified, accompanied by lien waivers (conditional progress, unconditional final), and matched to schedule of values.

Notice provisions are conditions precedent; missing a written notice deadline can waive a valid claim regardless of merit.

Load types: dead (self-weight and permanent), live (occupancy), environmental (wind, seismic, snow, rain), and construction; load combinations follow ASCE 7.

LRFD compares factored demand to factored resistance (φRn ≥ ΣγQ); ASD compares service loads to allowable stress with a safety factor.

Bending stress σ = Mc/I; for a rectangular section, section modulus S = bd²/6, so capacity rises with the square of depth.

Deflection limits are serviceability criteria, commonly L/360 for floors under live load and L/240 for total load, per code and finish sensitivity.

Shear wall, moment frame, and braced frame systems resist lateral load; Florida wind design governs over seismic in most of the state.

Column buckling is governed by slenderness ratio KL/r; longer unbraced length or smaller radius of gyration lowers capacity.

Continuous load path: roof-to-wall, wall-to-floor, and floor-to-foundation connections must transfer uplift and lateral forces.

Concrete strength f'c, steel yield fy, and effective depth d drive flexural capacity; tension-controlled sections yield before crushing.

Soil classification by grain size: gravel > 4.75 mm, sand 0.075–4.75 mm, silt 0.002–0.075 mm, clay < 0.002 mm (USCS/Atterberg context).

Swell and shrinkage factors: bank volume × (1 + swell) = loose volume; compacted volume differs from bank volume, so haul quantities must be adjusted.

Slope stability and excavation safety: spoil and equipment kept at least 2 ft from the edge; access ladders within 25 ft of travel in trenches 4 ft or deeper.

Bearing capacity is verified by geotechnical report; footing size = load ÷ allowable bearing pressure, with settlement checked separately.

Piles transfer load by end bearing, skin friction, or both; test piles and dynamic testing verify capacity before production driving.

Dewatering and erosion control: silt fence, stabilized construction entrance, and inlet protection are required under NPDES construction stormwater permits.

Compaction is measured by relative density or percent compaction; standard Proctor gives maximum dry density and optimum moisture content.

Utility locating: call Sunshine 811 before excavation; tolerance zone and hand-digging requirements apply near marked facilities.

Concrete mix design: water-cementitious ratio governs strength and durability; lower w/c increases strength but reduces workability.

Slump test (ASTM C143) measures consistency; air content (ASTM C231 pressure method) is critical for freeze-thaw durability where applicable.

Curing maintains moisture and temperature; 7 days moist curing is common for Type I cement, longer for blended cements or cold weather.

Formwork removal depends on strength gain, not a fixed clock; reshoring must consider construction loads on immature slabs.

Masonry: mortar type M (highest compressive strength) > S > N > O > K; Type N is common for exterior above-grade veneer.

Masonry wall ties, flashing, and weep holes form the drainage plane; missing weep holes traps water and causes efflorescence and spalling.

Structural steel: A992 is the common wide-flange grade (Fy = 50 ksi); A36 (Fy = 36 ksi) is used for plates and miscellaneous.

Bolted connections: snug-tight, pretensioned, and slip-critical are distinct; turn-of-nut and tension calibrator verify pretension.

Welding symbols specify groove, fillet, and size; visual inspection plus NDT (UT, RT, MT, PT) per the structural welding code.

Roof slope: rise/run; 4:12 = 18.4°, 6:12 = 26.6°. Low-slope roofs are below 3:12 and require different underlayment and flashing details.

Underlayment requirements vary by slope and product; ice barrier is required at eaves in cold climates, while Florida practice emphasizes secondary water barrier and sealed deck joints.

Framing: floor joist span tables depend on species, grade, size, spacing, and live load; holes and notches are limited to the middle third of the span.

Stair geometry: riser height and tread depth must satisfy 2R + T ≈ 24–25 in.; code limits riser height to 7¾ in. and tread depth to 10 in. minimum in residential.

Roofing fastening in high-wind zones follows the product approval and Florida Building Code; ring-shank nails and enhanced nailing patterns are common.

Drywall levels of finish (1–5) define joint treatment and surface texture; Level 4 is standard for painted residential surfaces.

Flashing sequence: underlayment laps over lower courses; step flashing weaves with each shingle course; counterflashing caps the wall termination.

Wood moisture content: framing lumber is typically installed near 19% or less; finish wood flooring acclimates to in-service moisture before installation.

Water management strategy: shed, drain, and dry. Roof and wall assemblies rely on slope, drainage plane, flashing, and vapor control in the correct order.

Vapor retarder location depends on climate; in hot-humid Florida, vapor retarders are generally placed on the exterior (warm) side of the insulation to avoid trapping moisture.

Air barrier continuity matters more than material choice; penetrations, transitions, and joints are the dominant leakage paths.

Thermal bridging through studs reduces effective R-value; continuous exterior insulation or advanced framing improves whole-wall performance.

Waterproofing vs. dampproofing: waterproofing resists hydrostatic pressure; dampproofing resists capillary moisture only.

Below-grade waterproofing must be protected from backfill damage; drainage board and filter fabric extend service life.

Window and door flashing: sill pan first, then jambs, then head; laps must shed water outward and downward.

Insulation R-value per inch varies by material; closed-cell spray foam also serves as an air and vapor retarder, while open-cell foam is vapor permeable.

Coordination drawings (composite or BIM clash detection) resolve MEP conflicts before installation; hanger and sleeve locations are set in the model.

Sleeves and penetrations through fire-rated assemblies must be firestopped with listed systems; unsealed penetrations void the fire rating.

HVAC: sensible and latent loads both matter in Florida; latent load (moisture removal) is a major driver of equipment sizing and duct design.

Duct leakage testing and sealing are required in many jurisdictions; ducts in unconditioned space must be insulated and sealed at joints.

Electrical: voltage drop = 2 × K × I × L ÷ circular mils for single-phase; conductor sizing accounts for ampacity, derating, and termination ratings.

Panel schedules, load calculations, and arc-fault/ground-fault protection requirements must be coordinated with the equipment selected.

Plumbing: slope for drainage is typically ¼ in. per foot for 2 in. and smaller pipe; venting protects trap seals from siphonage.

Pressure testing of DWV and water piping is required before concealment; record test pressures and durations for inspection.

Florida Building Code is the statewide code, with local amendments; the Florida Building Commission maintains it and the code is updated on a multi-year cycle.

Licensing: certified contractors may work statewide; registered contractors are limited to the jurisdictions where they are registered.

Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, governs contractor licensing and discipline; unlicensed contracting is a criminal offense and voids many contract rights.

Notice to Owner (NTO) and lien law under Chapter 713: a lien claimant generally must serve an NTO within 45 days of first furnishing and record a claim of lien within 90 days of last furnishing.

Workers' compensation: Florida contractors with employees generally must carry coverage; the threshold for construction is one employee, with limited exemptions for officers.

OSHA Focus Four: falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrical. Fall protection is required at 6 ft in construction.

Excavation standards: protective system required at 5 ft depth unless the excavation is entirely in stable rock; competent person inspection daily.

Permits and inspections: work cannot proceed past an inspection stage until approved; final inspection and certificate of occupancy close the project.

Submittals: shop drawings, product data, and samples require review and return; a review stamp does not relieve the contractor of design responsibility unless stated.

RFI (request for information) documents a clarification; the answer becomes part of the contract documents only when issued as a supplemental instruction or change.

Daily reports, photographs, and as-built markups are contemporaneous records that support delay and change claims.

Schedule of values should track the actual work breakdown; front-loading distorts progress payments and creates retainage exposure.

Punch list completion and closeout documents (warranties, O&M manuals, as-builts, final lien waivers) are conditions of final payment.

Records retention: keep contracts, change orders, pay applications, and inspection records for the period required by the contract and statute.

Meeting minutes become the project record when distributed and not objected to; note action items with responsible parties and dates.

Quality control: three-phase inspection (preparatory, initial, follow-up) is a common contractor QC model for definable features of work.

Quantity takeoff follows the CSI MasterFormat divisions; measure net quantities and apply waste factors separately.

Waste factors: masonry 3–5%, framing lumber 5–10%, roofing 10%, concrete 3–5%; add for cuts and breakage, not for design thickness.

Concrete volume: length × width × depth in consistent units; convert inches to feet by dividing by 12 before multiplying.

Rebar weight: No. 4 = 0.668 lb/ft, No. 5 = 1.043 lb/ft, No. 6 = 1.502 lb/ft; weight per foot ≈ 0.668 × bar number squared ÷ 8.

Labor productivity is expressed in units per crew-hour; duration = quantity ÷ (crew size × productivity).

Unit price estimate = material + labor + equipment + subcontract + overhead + profit, each applied to its own quantity basis.

Escalation and contingency are separate line items; contingency is not a substitute for a complete takeoff.

Bid documents: addenda modify the bid; acknowledge each addendum in the proposal to avoid a nonresponsive bid.

Bar charts show sequence but not logic; network diagrams (CPM) show dependencies and float.

Critical path is the longest path through the network; any delay on it delays project completion unless the path changes.

Total float = LS − ES = LF − EF; free float is the amount an activity can slip without delaying the successor's early start.

Time impact analysis inserts the delay event into the schedule at the time it occurred to quantify the extension.

Acceleration: compress by adding resources (crashing) or overlapping activities (fast-tracking); both add cost and risk.

Milestones have zero duration and mark contractual dates; they are not activities and carry no float.

Resource leveling changes start/finish dates to smooth peaks; it may consume float and shift the critical path.

As-built schedule records actual dates and logic changes; it is the basis for retrospective delay claims.

Indemnity clauses allocate risk of third-party claims; Florida law limits indemnification for a party's own negligence in construction contracts.

Insurance: general liability, builder's risk, workers' compensation, and professional liability cover different exposures; verify limits and additional insured status.

Performance and payment bonds protect the owner and subcontractors respectively; they are required on many public projects above a threshold.

Liquidated damages must be a reasonable forecast of loss, not a penalty; otherwise courts may not enforce them.

Pay-if-paid and pay-when-paid clauses shift owner nonpayment risk; enforceability varies and must be reviewed in the contract.

Warranty vs. guarantee: warranty is a contractual assurance of quality; a guarantee may add a separate surety or party obligation.

Termination for cause requires notice and opportunity to cure in most forms; termination for convenience pays for work done plus reasonable costs.

Choice of law and venue clauses determine where disputes are resolved; Florida projects commonly specify Florida law and venue.

Construction stormwater: NPDES permit coverage and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) are required for sites disturbing one acre or more.

Best management practices include silt fence, sediment basins, stabilized entrances, and concrete washout containment.

Coastal construction control line (CCCL) permits are required for work seaward of the line in designated coastal counties.

Floodplain and flood zone designations (A, AE, V, VE) drive elevation and foundation requirements; V zones require open foundations and breakaway walls.

Wetlands and surface waters are regulated by state and federal agencies; impacts require permits and mitigation.

Asbestos and lead: renovation of pre-1980 buildings requires asbestos survey; pre-1978 residential requires lead-safe practices under EPA rules.

Waste management: construction and demolition debris must go to permitted facilities; burning on site is generally prohibited.

Protected species and habitat surveys may be required before clearing or earthwork.

Concrete testing: slump, air content, temperature, and cylinders per ASTM C172 sampling; frequency typically one set per 50–150 yd³ or per day of placement.

Compaction testing: field density by nuclear gauge or sand cone, compared to laboratory maximum dry density.

Steel inspection: bolt tension, weld visual and NDT, and coating thickness; mill certificates verify material grade.

Masonry prism testing and mortar/concrete grout compressive strength verify assembly capacity.

Roofing: field uplift testing and fastener pull tests verify compliance in high-wind zones.

Mock-ups establish the quality standard before production work; they are particularly useful for envelope and finish assemblies.

Nonconformance reports document defects, disposition (rework, repair, accept), and verification of correction.

Third-party special inspection is required for certain structural work; the inspector reports to the jurisdiction, not only to the contractor.

Occupancy classification (A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R, S, U) drives allowable height, area, egress, and fire protection requirements.

Type of construction (I–V) sets fire-resistance ratings for structural elements; Type V is combustible and least restrictive.

Egress: two exits required above certain occupant loads and travel distances; exit access travel distance is limited by occupancy and sprinkler status.

Fire-resistance-rated assemblies: walls, floors, and shafts require listed systems; penetrations must be firestopped.

Accessibility: Florida adopts accessibility requirements that reference ADA and state-specific standards; route, door width, and fixture clearances apply.

Certificate of occupancy requires final inspections of all permitted trades and compliance with the approved plans.

Change of use or occupancy may trigger upgrades to egress, fire protection, and accessibility even without new construction.

Flood provisions in the Florida Building Code require elevation, anchoring, and enclosure limits for structures in flood zones.

Drawing order of precedence is defined in the contract; generally specifications govern over drawings and large-scale drawings over small-scale.

Architectural, structural, civil, MEP, and landscape sheets must be coordinated; grid lines and dimensions are the common reference.

Specification divisions follow MasterFormat; Part 1 general, Part 2 products, Part 3 execution.

Symbols and abbreviations are defined in the legend; never assume a symbol's meaning without confirming.

Schedules (door, window, finish, equipment) carry performance and product data that must match the plans.

Dimensions govern over scaled measurements; note that scaling a drawing is not a substitute for written dimensions.

Coordination conflicts are resolved by RFI; the answer must be documented and distributed to all affected parties.

As-built drawings record actual installed conditions, including deviations approved by change order.

Written safety program: hazard assessment, training, incident reporting, and disciplinary policy; required for many contractors by contract and OSHA.

Competent person: capable of identifying hazards and authorized to take corrective action; required for excavations, scaffolding, and fall protection.

Personal protective equipment: hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, and high-visibility clothing based on task hazard.

Scaffolding: fully planked, guardrails, and proper access; scaffold users must be trained and scaffolds inspected before each shift.

Cranes and rigging: load charts, qualified operators, and exclusion zones; never exceed rated capacity.

Hazard communication: safety data sheets (SDS) and labeling for chemicals on site.

Emergency action plan: exits, assembly points, first aid, and rescue for confined space and fall arrest.

Incident investigation identifies root causes and corrective actions, not just blame; record and trend near misses.

Job cost ledger compares budget, committed cost, and actual cost; variance = budget − actual, with favorable/unfavorable sign convention stated.

Committed cost includes subcontracts and purchase orders, not just invoices paid, to avoid understating exposure.

Earned value: CPI = EV ÷ AC, SPI = EV ÷ PV; CPI below 1 means cost overrun relative to work performed.

Percent complete by cost = cost to date ÷ total estimated cost at completion; revise estimates as conditions change.

Change order pricing: labor, material, equipment, subcontract, plus markup for overhead and profit as allowed by contract.

Back charges to subcontractors require notice and documentation; unsubstantiated back charges are often uncollectible.

Retainage receivable is an asset; track aging and release conditions to avoid permanent loss.

Cash flow forecasting uses the schedule of values and payment terms; a 30-day pay cycle plus 10% retainage creates a predictable gap.

Notice to Owner: a lien claimant not in privity with the owner generally serves an NTO within 45 days of first furnishing labor, services, or materials.

Claim of lien: record within 90 days after last furnishing; the lien must state the amount, property description, and claimant information.

Lien transfer: an owner may transfer a lien to a bond; the claimant then proceeds against the bond.

Notice of contest: an owner may contest a lien; the claimant must file suit to foreclose within the statutory period or the lien is extinguished.

Final payment and lien releases: conditional waiver on progress payment, unconditional waiver on final payment; use statutory forms.

Construction lien rights may be waived in advance only to a limited extent; review contract language carefully.

Public projects: lien rights are replaced by payment bond claims; notice requirements differ from private lien law.

Payment bond claim: a claimant generally must give notice to the surety and prime contractor within statutory deadlines.

Concrete: ASTM C150 cement, C33 aggregates, C494 admixtures, C143 slump, C231 air, C39 compressive strength.

Soils: ASTM D698 standard Proctor, D1557 modified Proctor, D6938 nuclear density, D4318 Atterberg limits.

Steel: ASTM A992 wide-flange, A36 plate, A325/A490 bolts (now F3125), A307 common bolts.

Masonry: ASTM C90 concrete block, C270 mortar, C476 grout; prism testing verifies assembly strength.

Wood: NDS governs design; visually graded lumber and MSR lumber have different design values.

Roofing: ASTM D226 felt, D4434 single-ply; product approval under Florida Building Code requires testing to state standards.

Testing frequency and sampling must follow the project specifications and code; record results and retain them.

Third-party testing laboratories should be accredited; verify scope of accreditation for the tests performed.

Design-bid-build: owner contracts separately with designer and contractor; lowest responsive bidder wins and the contractor builds the design.

Design-build: single entity provides design and construction; owner has one contract and benefits from early cost certainty and collaboration.

Construction manager at risk (CMAR): CM provides preconstruction services and holds the trade contracts, guaranteeing a maximum price.

Construction manager as agent: CM acts as owner's advisor and does not hold trade contracts.

Multiple prime contracts: owner holds separate contracts with trade contractors; coordination risk shifts to the owner.

Public-private partnerships and integrated project delivery distribute risk and reward differently; IPD relies on shared risk pools.

Delivery method affects liability, schedule, and cost control; select based on project complexity, owner capability, and risk tolerance.

Early contractor involvement improves constructability but requires clear scope and pricing mechanisms.

Claim elements: entitlement, causation, and damages; all three must be proven.

Notice and documentation: contemporaneous records, daily reports, photographs, and correspondence support the claim.

Delay claim types: excusable (time only), compensable (time and money), and non-excusable (contractor risk).

Acceleration claim: owner-directed acceleration or constructive acceleration when a time extension is due but denied.

Loss of productivity claims require measured or industry-benchmark evidence; they are difficult to prove without baseline data.

Differing site conditions claims require notice before the condition is disturbed, where the contract requires it.

Waiver and estoppel: accepting payment or failing to object may waive a claim; document reservations.

Dispute resolution ladder: negotiation, mediation, then arbitration or litigation; check the contract's mandatory steps.

Excavators, backhoes, dozers, and loaders have different reach, production, and suitability; match machine to task and site access.

Production rate = bucket capacity × cycles per hour × efficiency; efficiency accounts for operator skill, swing angle, and site conditions.

Crane selection depends on load weight, radius, boom length, and capacity chart; never exceed the chart for the configuration.

Concrete placement methods: pump, bucket, conveyor, or chute; each has limitations on slump, distance, and access.

Dewatering methods: sumps, wellpoints, and deep wells; choose based on soil permeability and drawdown required.

Trench shoring types: sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding; select based on soil type and depth.

Compaction equipment: smooth drum, sheepsfoot, and vibratory plates; match to soil type and lift thickness.

Temporary structures: scaffolding, formwork, and shoring must be designed and inspected by qualified persons.

Bid preparation: review documents, attend pre-bid meeting, issue RFIs, incorporate addenda, and verify scope.

Quantity survey: measure from drawings and specifications; cross-check with historical data and subcontractor quotes.

Unit costs: material, labor, equipment, and subcontract; apply productivity rates and wage rates including burden.

Markup: overhead, profit, contingency, and bond/insurance costs; apply consistently across the estimate.

Bid strategy: balanced bid vs. unbalanced bid; unbalanced bids can create cash flow advantages but risk rejection.

Subcontractor coverage: obtain multiple quotes, check scope gaps, and verify qualifications and bonding.

Bid documents must be acknowledged and submitted on time; late or incomplete bids may be rejected.

Post-bid: negotiate, award, and issue subcontracts; verify insurance and bonds before mobilization.

Contract formation requires offer, acceptance, consideration, and capacity; construction contracts are usually in writing.

Breach of contract remedies: damages, specific performance, and termination; consequential damages may be limited by contract.

Mechanic's lien is a statutory remedy; strict compliance with notice and timing is required.

Arbitration vs. litigation: arbitration is generally faster and private but has limited appeal; check the contract clause.

Mediation is non-binding unless agreed; it is often a required step before arbitration or litigation.

Statute of limitations and repose limit the time to bring claims; Florida has specific periods for construction defects.

Indemnity and insurance provisions allocate risk; review them carefully and verify coverage.

Expert witnesses and documentation are critical in construction disputes; preserve records.

Cost control: monitor budget vs. actual, forecast at completion, and take corrective action early.

Schedule control: compare planned vs. actual progress, update the schedule, and analyze variances.

Quality control: inspections, testing, and nonconformance tracking; close out corrective actions.

Change control: log changes, evaluate cost and time impact, and obtain approval before proceeding.

Risk management: identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor risks; maintain a risk register.

Communication: regular meetings, minutes, and reports keep stakeholders informed and create a record.

Document control: version control, distribution, and retention of drawings, specifications, and correspondence.

Performance metrics: CPI, SPI, and productivity rates help identify trends and forecast outcomes.

Substantial completion: work is sufficiently complete for its intended use; punch list items remain.

Punch list: list of incomplete or defective work; complete and verify before final payment.

Final completion: all work is complete, including punch list, and closeout documents are submitted.

Closeout documents: as-builts, warranties, O&M manuals, spare parts, and final lien waivers.

Warranty period: typically one year from substantial completion; review contract for specific terms.

Final payment: release of retainage and final payment after closeout requirements are met.

Post-occupancy: monitor performance and address warranty claims promptly.

Lessons learned: review project performance and document improvements for future projects.

General liability: covers third-party bodily injury and property damage; verify limits and additional insured status.

Builder's risk: covers the project during construction, including materials and equipment.

Workers' compensation: covers employee injuries; required in Florida for construction employers.

Professional liability: covers design errors and omissions; important for design-build and CMAR.

Performance bond: guarantees completion of the work; payment bond guarantees payment to subcontractors and suppliers.

Bond premium: based on contract value and contractor financial strength; verify bond capacity.

Insurance certificates: verify coverage, limits, and expiration before mobilization.

Claims: report promptly, document, and cooperate with the insurer.

Integrity: honest dealing with owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; avoid conflicts of interest.

Competence: perform work to the standard of care; use qualified personnel and proper methods.

Confidentiality: protect proprietary information and client data.

Compliance: follow codes, regulations, and contract requirements; do not cut corners.

Fairness: treat subcontractors and suppliers fairly; pay promptly and honor commitments.

Documentation: accurate records and transparent communication.

Reporting: report unsafe conditions and illegal activity; protect the public.

Continuing education: stay current with codes, technology, and best practices.

BIM: 3D model with data; used for clash detection, quantity takeoff, and coordination.

Clash detection: identify conflicts between MEP, structure, and architecture before installation.

Laser scanning: capture as-built conditions for renovation and verification.

Drones: survey, progress monitoring, and inspection; comply with FAA rules.

Mobile technology: field access to drawings, RFIs, and inspections; improves communication.

Data management: version control, access control, and backup for digital documents.

Automation: prefabrication and modular construction improve quality and schedule.

Cybersecurity: protect project data and systems from unauthorized access.

Sustainable design: energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Green building rating systems: LEED, Green Globes, and Florida-specific programs; verify requirements.

Energy code: Florida Energy Code sets envelope, lighting, and HVAC efficiency requirements.

Water efficiency: low-flow fixtures and irrigation controls; verify local requirements.

Materials: recycled content, local sourcing, and low-VOC products.

Waste management: divert construction waste from landfill; track diversion rates.

Commissioning: verify systems perform as designed; required for many green projects.

Life cycle assessment: evaluate environmental impact over the building's life.