Plumbing Code Requirements and Regulatory Compliance
What the code is
The Florida Plumbing Code (part of the Florida Building Code) adopts the International Plumbing Code with Florida amendments and is enforced by local building officials and inspectors. Chapters cover administration and permits, general regulations, fixtures, water heaters, water supply, sanitary drainage, vents, traps, indirect waste, special plumbing, and referenced standards. The AHJ has authority to interpret and to require corrections; local amendments can be stricter than the model code.
Permits, inspections, and testing
Permits are required for most new plumbing and for alterations, replacements, and repairs of piping systems. Concealed work cannot be covered before inspection. Approved tests: water distribution systems are hydrostatically tested at working pressure (commonly 100 psi for 15 minutes, never exceeding the pipe rating), and DWV systems are tested with water to a 10-foot head above the highest connection or with air at 5 psi for 15 minutes.
Prohibitions and protections
No cross-connection between potable and nonpotable systems; backflow assemblies must be listed and, where testable, annually tested by a certified tester. Hose bibbs need vacuum breakers. Water pressure above 80 psi requires a pressure-reducing valve, and a thermal expansion control is needed on a closed system with a backflow device. Materials must be listed for the application - no PVC for hot water distribution, correct primer and cement for the plastic used.
Traps in exam questions
Questions love "shall" versus "should," the exact inspection stage at which work must be exposed, and who may perform plumbing work (licensed contractor or exempt owner-occupant of a single-family residence). Worked rule of thumb: whenever a question asks who decides, the answer is usually the authority having jurisdiction.