2026 Hurricane‑Resilient Foundations in Orlando

JRH Engineering & Environmental Services is the premier provider of Civil engineering and Structural engineering design Solutions in the states of Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. In hurricane‑prone regions like Orlando and Central Florida, foundation design is no longer a “set it and forget it” detail—it is the frontline defense between your investment and the next major storm.

This guide explains how the 2023 Florida Building Code (FBC 8th Edition) and updated wind‑load requirements shape 2026 hurricane‑resilient foundation design, and why partnering with JRH ensures your project is “Done Quickly. Done Right. And for the Best Value.”

Florida’s 2026 Code Environment

Florida Building Code 8th Edition and hurricanes

The 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition is in full force for 2026 projects and sets some of the strictest hurricane‑resistant standards in the U.S. Key implications for Central Florida include:

• Adoption of ASCE 7‑22 for wind load calculations, replacing ASCE 7‑16.

• Updated basic wind speed maps and wind‑borne debris region limits.

• Enhanced requirements for structural connections, uplift, and lateral load paths from roof to foundation.

For owners and developers, this means every new building and substantial renovation in Orlando must demonstrate that the foundation can safely resist 2026‑level hurricane demands—not just gravity loads.

Orlando & Central Florida wind design zone

Central Florida is not in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), but it still faces:

• Design wind speeds commonly in the 140–150+ mph range for Risk Category II buildings.​

• Exposure Category C for many open or suburban sites, increasing wind pressures on structures and foundations.​

• Cumulative hurricane risk from storms crossing the peninsula from either coast.

JRH’s Florida‑licensed structural and civil engineers use the current FBC and ASCE 7‑22 methods to size foundations and connections correctly, so permit reviewers and insurers see a clear, compliant design.

Hurricane‑Resilient Foundation Basics

What makes a foundation “hurricane‑resilient”?

A hurricane‑resilient foundation in Orlando and Central Florida must do far more than hold up the building’s weight. It must:

• Resist uplift from high winds trying to pull the structure out of the ground.

• Provide lateral resistance to sliding and overturning forces from wind and, in some cases, flood or surge.

• Limit differential settlement, especially on variable Florida soils.​

• Work with the superstructure to create a continuous load path from roof to soil.

JRH’s Foundation Engineering Design Services explicitly address these performance goals, not just minimum code sections.

Common foundation types in Central Florida

Depending on soil conditions, risk category, and flood mapping, typical systems include:

• Slab‑on‑grade with thickened edge beams (most common for residential and light commercial).

• Monolithic or turned‑down slabs with integral footings and uplift anchors.

• Strip footings and grade beams for buildings with crawl spaces or elevated floors.

• Deep foundations (driven piles or drilled shafts) where bearing soils are deeper or where scour or erosion are concerns.

JRH evaluates the geotechnical data and FBC requirements to select the most appropriate system for your Orlando or Central Florida site.

Key Design Forces: Wind, Flood, and Soil

Wind loads and uplift

Under FBC 8th Edition, all wind load calculations must follow ASCE 7‑22. For foundations, this affects:

• Uplift forces at column bases, shear walls, and perimeter walls.

• Overturning moments from tall or irregular structures.

• Anchor and hold‑down sizing at the foundation interface.

JRH’s structural team:

• Calculates MWFRS and C&C loads using ASCE 7‑22 and site‑specific exposure.​

• Designs anchor bolts, straps, and hold‑downs to transfer uplift into concrete.

• Coordinates with our Framing Engineering Design Services to maintain a continuous load path.​

Flood and moisture considerations

Even inland, Central Florida sees:

• Localized flooding from intense rainfall, ponding, and inadequate off‑site drainage.​

• High groundwater that can increase uplift or buoyancy on shallow foundations.​

Code and best practice responses include:

• Freeboard elevations above base flood elevation where required by local ordinances.​

• Proper sub‑drainage and moisture barriers under slabs.

• Avoiding shallow, lightly reinforced foundations in mapped flood hazard areas.

JRH’s Stormwater Compliance Design and Retention/Detention Pond Design teams work with foundation engineers so the site hydrology and structural design are aligned.​

Florida soil behavior

Florida soils are often:

• Sandy with variable density and bearing capacity.

• Locally organic or compressible, especially near wetlands.

• Subject to sinkhole or karst concerns in certain regions.

JRH:

• Reviews geotechnical investigations and recommends additional testing where needed.​

• Adjusts footing sizes and depths to achieve adequate bearing safety.

• Uses grade beams and stiffened slabs to bridge localized weak zones when appropriate.

JRH’s Foundation Engineering Services in Florida

Integrated civil + structural foundation design

As a full‑service firm, JRH combines:

• Civil Engineering Services for grading, drainage, utilities, and site layout.

• Structural Engineering Services for foundations, frames, and windstorm resistance.

This integration helps Orlando‑area projects by:

• Ensuring finished floor elevations (FFE) set by civil engineers align perfectly with structural plans.

• Coordinating slopes, pads, and pond berms around foundations to avoid water against walls.

• Reducing RFIs, change orders, and schedule slips during construction.

What JRH delivers on a typical Orlando foundation project

For developers, contractors, or agencies, JRH typically provides:

1. Conceptual foundation strategy based on geotechnical data and risk category.

2. Detailed foundation plans and details, including footings, slabs, grade beams, and reinforcement.

3. Wind and uplift calculations sealed by Florida‑licensed PEs.

4. Connection details between superstructure and foundation for shear, moment, and uplift.

   
   

   Coordination with:

   
   

   • Land Development Design​

   
   

   • Storm Water Compliance Design​

   
   

   • Metal Building Foundation Design​

5. 
   

All work is executed under our guiding principle: “Done Quickly. Done Right. And for the Best Value.”

Why Choose JRH for Orlando & Central Florida Foundations

Multi‑state hurricane experience

JRH applies lessons learned from:

• Texas Gulf Coast wind and flood engineering.

• North Carolina coastal and Piedmont storms.

• Florida hurricanes and FBC compliance.

This multi‑region background helps us:

• Anticipate failure modes beyond the bare minimum code.

• Recommend cost‑effective reinforcements and details.

• Support insurance and resilience goals for portfolios across TX, NC, and FL.

Certifications and local presence

JRH is a:

• Certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), HUB, and WOSB.

• Established firm (since 2008) headquartered in the Houston metro with a strong presence across Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.

For public agencies and large programs, this supports diversity targets without sacrificing technical depth.

Communication and client service

The JRH home page emphasizes that poor communication is one of the biggest problems in engineering—and that we solve it. We:

• Provide regular status updates during design and permitting.

• Return calls and emails promptly, especially during tight bid or permit windows.

• Offer straight‑shooter guidance when a simpler or more economical foundation solution exists.

Getting Started with JRH in Orlando & Central Florida

For a 2026 project in Orlando or Central Florida:

1. Contact JRH via the contact page or phone for a free initial consultation.

2. Share site information: survey, geotechnical report if available, preliminary plans, and schedule.

3. Receive a scoped proposal covering foundation, structural, and civil services as needed.

4. JRH develops and seals foundation drawings and calculations for permit and construction.

5. We support you through permitting and construction, answering RFIs and adjusting details if field conditions differ.

Conclusion: Build Foundations Ready for 2026 Hurricanes

Hurricane‑resilient foundation design in Orlando and Central Florida is no longer optional—it is embedded in the 2023 Florida Building Code and driven by recent storm experience.

JRH Engineering & Environmental Services is the premier provider of Civil engineering and Structural engineering design Solutions in the states of Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. By integrating civil, structural, and environmental expertise, we deliver foundation designs that are safe, code‑compliant, constructible, and cost‑effective—always “Done Quickly. Done Right. And for the Best Value.”

For your next Orlando or Central Florida project, partner with JRH to ensure the foundations you place in 2026 are ready for the hurricanes of 2036 and beyond.

Read or Leave Google Reviews

Scan or Click on an image below for JRK Google Reviews

References

• International Code Council (ICC). “2023 Florida Building Code, Building, Eighth Edition – Chapter 16 Structural Design (FBC 2023).”

• ANSI / ICC. “ICC FL BC Building‑2023: Florida Building Code Overview and Adoption Timeline.”​

• First Coast House Plans. “Hurricane‑Ready: How Florida Building Code Shapes Modern Home Design.”

• Helicon. “Florida Home Foundation Regulations Explained for Homeowners.”