The purpose of the amendments is to clarify the rule provisions apply to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

 

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

Board of Professional Engineers

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

61G15-34.003Design of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Systems

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the amendments is to clarify the rule provisions apply to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

SUMMARY: Update and revise to clarify the rule text.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its Board meeting, the Board, based upon the expertise and experience of its members, determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 471.008, 471.033(2) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 471.033 FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Zana Raybon, Executive Director, Board of Professional Engineers, 2400 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308; 850-521-0500 or by electronic mail [e-mail]

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

61G15-34.003 Design of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Systems.

(1) Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Systems include those systems that control the temperature, humidity, or indoor air quality of a particular space, building or network of buildings. Items to be considered in the design and analysis of HVACR systems are, as applicable to the particular project: peak and block load characteristics and capacities; minimum ventilation; filtration; heat or energy transfer; movement of air, water, or other fluids associated with HVACR processes; pressure drop; instrumentation and control; performance requirements; and installation requirements.

(2) The HVACR System(s) shall be based on and shall reference the Florida Building Code, the Florida Fire Prevention Code, any other applicable standards (such as ASHRAE, NFPA, ASME, ANSI, IIAR, etc.); or if no other such standards are available on alternative engineering sources and good engineering practice.

(3) For Mechanical Engineering Documents pertaining to HVACR systems exempted by the threshold requirements for mandatory use of professional engineering services established by Section 471.003(2)(h), F.S., the Engineer of Record shall determine the level of detail shown on plans for HVACR systems. All such plans must include a disclaimer stating the HVACR systems are exempt from professional engineering services and shall provide a clear understanding of the minimum system requirements expected to be installed by the contractor and permitted by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). In the event the Engineer of Record provides more information and direction than is minimally required, he or she shall be held responsible for the technical accuracy of the work in accordance with applicable codes, standards and sound engineering principles.

(4) Mechanical Engineering Documents pertaining to HVACR systems that exceed the threshold requirements for mandatory use of professional engineering services must include the following information, if applicable to the particular project:

(a) through (f) No change.

1. through 4. No change.

(g) through (m) No change.

(n) Materials for all HVACR systems shall be specified.

(o) through (r) No change.

1. through 2. No change.

(s) No change.

(5) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 471.008, 471.033(2) FS. Law Implemented 471.033 FS. History–New 11-16-94, Amended 11-13-08, 4-25-21, 11-24-21,________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Professional Engineers

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Professional Engineers

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: April 13, 2022

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: May 19, 2022