Curriculum Overview
Florida state law requires balconies on public lodging establishments three or more stories high to be inspected every three years. In this course, inspectors will become familiar with Fla. Stat. § 509.2112, including inspection scope, documentation requirements, and which properties must comply or are exempt. In line with state law requirements, inspectors will learn about the systems, components, and proper construction standards of balconies, stairways, and their related components, with a focus on common issues to look for during inspections.
State law includes specific reporting and reinspection requirements and guidelines. Inspectors will learn about the required forms and opportunities for reinspections. Final course materials cover common defect examples, provide sample report language, and include a demonstration of a Florida balcony inspection.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding and apply Fla. Stat. § 509.2112 balcony inspection rules;
- inspect balconies and their related components, including platforms, guards and other forms of edge protection, screened enclosures, drainage elements, and non-permanent building materials;
- inspect stairways, landings, and their related components, including treads and risers, handrails, guards, and non-permanent building materials; and
- report on inspection findings and complete required form DBPR HR-7020 for balcony inspections.
Course Outline
- Student Verification
- Course Information
- Downloadable Course Materials
- Introduction Video
- Understanding the Legislation Video
- Fla. Stat. § 509.2112 Review
- Fla. Stat. § 509.2112 Definitions Video
- Stairway and Balcony Definitions
- Inspection Scope Video
- Stairway and Balcony Scope Review
- Inspection Methodology
- Balcony Inspection Video
- Balcony Inspection Procedure Example
- Stairway Inspection Video
- Client Compliance Documents
- DBPR HR-7020 Form
- Reporting Overview Video
- Reinspection Opportunities Video
- Defect #1: Platform Defect
- Defect #2: Platform Defect
- Defect #3: Support and Structural Defect
- Defect #4: Fastener Defect
- Defect #5: Fastener Defect
- Defect #6: Guardrail and Railing Issue
- Defect #7: Guardrail Issue
- Defect #8: Wire Guardrail Issue
- Defect #9: Ramp and Stairway Issue
- Defect #10: Stairway Support Issue
- Hotel Balcony and Stairway Inspection Video
- Summary and Key Takeaways Video
- 20 questions
- Unlimited number of attempts
- 1-hour time limit for each attempt
- Score of at least 80% required to pass
- Downloadable certificate upon completion
Course Details
Estimated Hours
2.9 hours to complete. Includes readings, photos from inspections, and inspection demo videos.
Format
Online, self-paced course. Start and stop anytime with progress saved.
Curriculum Developers
Rob Claus, Director of Education and Lead Instructor, and Maggie Aey, Executive Director
Continuing Education
International Code Council (ICC) and InterNACHI®
What’s Included
Coursebook
60-page PDF coursebook
Certificate
Instant certificate upon course completion
Defect Recognition Exercises
Practice exercises with defect photos and sample report comments
Technical Illustrations
Downloadable graphics for future reference and reports


