Duval County, Florida
Decking Code Checklist

Make sure your decking work meets local building codes before the inspector comes out. Covers Duval County requirements based on Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023).

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What's in the checklist

Footing

✅Footing holes must be dug below frost line depth (min 12 inch)IRC R507.3
✅Footing diameter must be at least 10 inches for single-span decks (min 10 inch)IRC R507.3
✅Footing forms must be placed on undisturbed soilIRC R507.3
🔷Concrete footing must be level within 1/4 inch across the top (max 0.25 inch)IRC R507.3

Ledger Board

✅Ledger board must be attached with 1/2" lag bolts or through-boltsIRC R507.2.1
✅Lag bolts must penetrate at least 3 inches into solid wood framing (min 3 inch)IRC R507.2.1
✅Flashing must be installed behind siding and over ledger board top edgeIRC R507.2.1
✅Gap between ledger and house wall must be sealed with caulk or flashingIRC R703.4

Beam & Joist

✅Joist hangers must be used where joists bear on beamsIRC R507.4
✅Joist spacing must not exceed 16 inches on center for standard decking (max 16 inch)IRC R507.5
✅Beam must be sized to carry the joist span per span tablesIRC R507.5
✅Joist cantilever must not exceed 1/4 of the actual joist spanIRC R507.5

Guardrail

✅Guardrail height must be at least 36 inches from deck surface (min 36 inch)IRC R312.1
✅Baluster spacing must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through (max 4 inch)IRC R312.1
✅Guardrail must resist 200 lbs concentrated load at top railIRC R312.1
✅Guardrail posts must be anchored to rim joist or framing with thru-boltsIRC R507.8

Stairs

✅Stair riser height must not exceed 7-3/4 inches (max 7.75 inch)IRC R311.7.5
✅Stair tread depth must be at least 10 inches (min 10 inch)IRC R311.7.5
✅Variation between tallest and shortest riser must be less than 3/8 inch (max 0.375 inch)IRC R311.7.5
✅Handrail required on at least one side if 4 or more risersIRC R311.7.8
✅Handrail height must be between 34 and 38 inches from stair nosing (34-38 inch)IRC R311.7.8

Decking Boards

✅Decking boards must be fastened with at least 2 fasteners per joistIRC R507.9
🔷Spacing between decking boards must be between 1/8 and 1/4 inch for drainage (0.125-0.25 inch)IRC R507.9
🔷Decking board overhang past rim joist must not exceed 3 inches (max 3 inch)IRC R507.9

Connectors & Hardware

✅All structural screws and bolts must be rated for outdoor use (galvanized or stainless)IRC R507.2
✅Post-to-beam connections must use approved hardware (not just nails)IRC R507.4

General

🔷Deck surface must slope at least 1/4 inch per foot away from house for drainage (min 0.25 inch/foot)IRC R507.1
✅Lumber grade stamp must be visible on all structural membersIRC R502.1
✅Deck posts must be at least 4x4 for decks up to 8 ft above groundIRC R507.4
✅Deck posts over 8 ft above ground must be at least 6x6IRC R507.4

Based on Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023). This checklist reflects state-level code requirements — always consult the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for any county-specific amendments before construction.

Frequently asked questions

Does a decking project in Duval County need a permit?

Most decking work in Duval County, Florida requires a building permit before construction. CodeCheckHQ helps you verify your work meets Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) requirements before the inspector arrives.

What codes apply to Duval County decking work?

Duval County follows Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) with local amendments. CodeCheckHQ checklists are derived from these codes and reflect state-level modifications.

How long does a decking inspection take in Duval County?

A typical decking inspection in Duval County takes 30-60 minutes. Pre-walk the CodeCheckHQ checklist to identify and fix issues before scheduling.

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a Duval County decking self-inspection?

Yes. CodeCheckHQ is a pre-inspection self-audit tool — not a replacement for the official AHJ inspection. Use it to catch issues early; official approval must come from a licensed inspector.

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Duval County building code requirements in plain English. Mark each item Pass, Fail, or N/A. Get a PDF report.

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Duval County, FloridaDecking Code Checklist

What's in the checklist

Footing

Ledger Board

Beam & Joist

Guardrail

Stairs

Decking Boards

Connectors & Hardware

General

Frequently asked questions

Does a decking project in Duval County need a permit?

What codes apply to Duval County decking work?

How long does a decking inspection take in Duval County?

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a Duval County decking self-inspection?

Don't guess. Check it now.

Duval County, FloridaDecking Code Checklist

What's in the checklist

Footing

Ledger Board

Beam & Joist

Guardrail

Stairs

Decking Boards

Connectors & Hardware

General

Frequently asked questions

Does a decking project in Duval County need a permit?

What codes apply to Duval County decking work?

How long does a decking inspection take in Duval County?

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a Duval County decking self-inspection?

Don't guess. Check it now.

Duval County, Florida
Decking Code Checklist

Duval County, Florida
Decking Code Checklist