Mixed Deck — All Florida General Contractor Topics Flashcards

What wind speed zones exist in Florida and how do they affect construction?

Answer: Florida has multiple wind zones from 110-180+ mph design wind speeds, with the highest in South Florida and the Keys

Florida's wind map designates design wind speeds ranging from 110 mph in northern areas to 180+ mph in the Florida Keys, directly affecting structural design, roofing, windows, and materials specifications.

Which of the following is a required qualification before a contractor's license is issued in Florida?

Answer: Proof of financial responsibility and general liability insurance

Florida requires applicants to demonstrate financial stability and carry general liability (and workers' comp where applicable) insurance before licensure.

When a Florida contractor submits a 'Schedule of Values' with a pay application, what is its primary purpose?

Answer: To allocate the total contract sum to individual work items for progress payment billing

A Schedule of Values breaks the contract sum into line items for each work component, enabling accurate progress billing and payment calculations.

An SPT blow count of 50 or 'refusal' most likely indicates which soil condition?

Answer: Very dense granular soil or rock

A blow count of 50 (or refusal when the sampler will not advance) indicates very dense granular soil or rock, which generally has high bearing capacity.

Which document typically defines how change orders are priced and approved on a Florida commercial project?

Answer: The general conditions of the contract

The general conditions establish the change order procedures, pricing, and approval process.

Which Florida board is responsible for licensing and regulating general contractors?

Answer: Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)

The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under the DBPR licenses and regulates Florida general contractors.

A contractor's break-even point occurs when total revenue equals what?

Answer: Total costs

Break-even is reached when total revenue equals total fixed plus variable costs, producing zero profit.

Under the FBC, a threshold building (as defined by Florida statute) requires what during construction?

Answer: A special structural inspector

Threshold buildings must have a special inspector oversee structural components during construction for safety.

What is the role of a project manager on a construction site?

Answer: Manage schedules and operations

A project manager in construction is responsible for the overall planning, execution, and closing of a project. Their key duties include developing project schedules, coordinating resources, overseeing daily operations, managing budgets, and ensuring the project stays on track and within scope. They act as the central point of contact and decision-maker for the project's progress.

What is the purpose of a French drain installed near a building foundation?

Answer: To redirect subsurface groundwater away from the foundation and reduce hydrostatic pressure

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that intercepts and redirects groundwater away from the foundation, preventing hydrostatic pressure buildup and moisture intrusion.

Which agency is primarily responsible for adopting and maintaining the Florida Building Code?

Answer: The Florida Building Commission

The Florida Building Commission oversees development, adoption, and amendment of the FBC.

The Florida Energy Conservation Code is which volume within the FBC family?

Answer: FBC Energy Conservation

Energy efficiency requirements are contained in the FBC Energy Conservation volume.

Which agency administers workers' compensation requirements that Florida contractors must satisfy?

Answer: Florida Division of Workers' Compensation (under the Department of Financial Services)

Florida's Division of Workers' Compensation, within the Department of Financial Services, enforces workers' comp coverage requirements for the construction industry.

What is a punch list used for in construction?

Answer: Final task checklist

A punch list is a detailed document created towards the completion of a construction project, typically during a final inspection. It itemizes all outstanding items, minor deficiencies, or incomplete work that the contractor must address before the project is officially handed over and final payment is made. This ensures all aspects of the project meet the agreed-upon standards.

What does FICA tax fund?

Answer: Social Security and Medicare

FICA funds Social Security and Medicare through combined employer and employee contributions.

Under the FBC, the term 'substantial improvement' to a structure in a flood zone typically means work costing what portion of the building's value?

Answer: 50% or more of market value

Improvements costing 50% or more of the structure's market value trigger full flood-compliance requirements.

A product's Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA primarily documents that the product has been tested for what?

Answer: Compliance with wind and impact requirements

Product approvals and Notices of Acceptance verify a product meets FBC structural, wind, and impact standards.

Which insurance protects a contractor against claims of bodily injury or property damage to third parties?

Answer: General liability insurance

General liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims.

If a permitted project has no inspection activity for an extended period, the permit may become what?

Answer: Expired or void

Permits typically expire if work does not commence or if inspections lapse beyond the allowed period (commonly 180 days).

What is the function of an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaker required by the Florida Building Code in bedrooms and living areas?

Answer: To detect and interrupt dangerous arc faults that can cause electrical fires

AFCI breakers detect the electrical signature of dangerous arc faults in wiring and devices, tripping the circuit to prevent fires.