Here is the fire code. After the government-speak there is good news regarding how we can help you.
Requirements for Egress Windows in Florida
IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS FOR EGRESS WINDOWS
FLORIDA BUILDING CODE 5th EDITION, RESIDENTIAL SECTION R310
EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS
R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required.
- Every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening.
- The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the emergency escape and rescue opening from the inside.
- Emergency escape and rescue openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Section R310.2.
- Emergency escape and rescue openings shall open directly into a public way, or to a yard or court that opens to a public wayor intoa screen enclosure, where a screen door is provided leading away from the residence.
R310.1.1 Minimum opening area.
All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet.
[*5.7 sq. ft. less 5% (0.28 sq. ft.) =minimum 5.42 sq. ft.]
Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet.
[*5.0 sq. ft. less 5% (0.25) = minimum 4.75 sq. ft.]
R310.1.2 Minimum opening height.
The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches.
[*24 inches less 5% (13/16 inches) = minimum 22 13/16 inches.]
R310.1.3 Minimum opening width.
The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches.
[*20 inches less 5% (1 inch) = minimum 19 inches.]
R310.1.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge.
[* NOTE: The Florida Building Code 5TH Edition, Section 704.1, Allows for a MAXIMUM of 5 percent reduction in the required net clear opening dimensions of replacement doors and windows.
To the trained eye, this is a very clearly and concisely written code. We understand there is a a chance that you have not spent your career as a glazier installing windows, which can seem like bad news.
Here's the good news!!!
We have professionally trained eyes who are more than happy to make the call for you. Please email us with your the dimensions of your opening, the kind of room it is (bedroom, dining room, office, etc.) and what kinds of windows you are looking at to to use (single-hung, casement, fixed/picture, horizontal slider/roller), and we will get right back to you with the information you'll need to move forward with your new windows. Or, give us a call at 239-591-8118, read that information to us over the phone, and we and we will get back to you after a trained eye has determined how the fire inspector will judge your particular situation.