2026 Hurricane‑Resilient Foundations in Orlando

Why Choose JRH Engineering

Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH

Most engineering firms talk about technical capability. We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.

Faster Project Turnaround

Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.

Clear & Responsive Communication

You work directly with engineers who keep you informed. No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.

Proven Results Across Three States

We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.

Check out JRH's case studies.

Licensed & Certified Professionals

Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers. JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.

What a Hurricane-Resilient Foundation Means in Orlando

Orlando sits inland, but hurricanes still bring high wind, heavy rain and saturated ground to Central Florida.

A hurricane-resilient foundation holds the building down against uplift, resists sliding, and stays level on sandy, wet or variable soils.

JRH Engineering is a Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.

JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.

Forces the Foundation Must Resist

• Wind uplift: roof and wall loads that try to lift the building off the foundation

  
  

• Lateral wind: loads that try to slide or overturn the structure

  
  

• Flood and saturation: high groundwater and ponding that soften bearing soils

  
  

• Soil movement: settlement in loose sand or organic layers, and sinkhole potential identified in the geotechnical report (by others)

  
  

Design Practices for Central Florida

• A continuous load path from roof to foundation, with anchor bolts, hold-downs and straps detailed on the plans

  
  

• Footing and slab design based on the geotechnical report's bearing capacity

  
  

• Finished floor elevation set above the required flood elevation

  
  

• Site grading that drains water away from the building

  
  

• Deep foundations where soils cannot support shallow footings

  
  

Project: CMU Masonry Custom Home Structural Design, Arcadia, FL

This interior Florida project shows the same wind-driven foundation and masonry detailing Orlando-area buildings need.

• Single-family CMU custom home in Arcadia, DeSoto County

  
  

• Permitting through DeSoto County under the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023)

  
  

• Read the full Arcadia case study

  
  

Challenges

• A 148 mph basic wind speed with Exposure D

  
  

• Foundation dowels had to align with the masonry cores

  
  

• Every opening needed a properly sized lintel

  
  

Objectives

1. Tie the masonry walls to the foundation for the design wind loads.

   
   

2. Give the contractor clear dowel and lintel details.

   
   

Solutions JRH Engineering Provided

• Structural engineering design to ASCE 7-22 and ACI 530.1

  
  

• Foundation dowels coordinated with vertical masonry cores

  
  

• Precast concrete lintels sized for every opening

  
  

• Special inspection requirements shown on the plans

  
  

Results:

• PE-sealed plans for DeSoto County permitting

  
  

• Masonry structure engineered for 148 mph wind

  
  

• A continuous load path from walls to foundation

  
  

Hurricane-Resilient Foundations in Florida, Texas and North Carolina

Florida

• The Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) is in effect, with the 9th Edition expected December 31, 2026; see Private Aircraft Hangar Layouts for Florida's Hurricane-Prone Region.

  
  

Texas

• TDI's windstorm program lists the 2024 IRC and IBC, effective April 1, 2026, for coastal Texas.

  
  

North Carolina

• The NC Office of State Fire Marshal lists the 2018 NC codes as current, with 2024 pending.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Orlando buildings need hurricane-resistant foundations?

Yes, the Florida Building Code requires wind design, so foundations must resist uplift and lateral loads.

What is a continuous load path?

Connections that carry wind loads from the roof through the walls into the foundation.

How does Central Florida soil affect foundations?

Sandy, wet or organic soils and sinkhole potential can change footing design, so a geotechnical report is key.

Which Florida Building Code edition is in effect?

The 8th Edition (2023), with the 9th Edition expected December 31, 2026.

What wind speed did JRH Engineering design for in Arcadia?

A 148 mph basic wind speed with Exposure D.

Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?

No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.

Want More Information on this Topic?

• Call JRH Engineering at (800) 227-9635

  
  

• Use the chatbot in the lower right-hand corner of this page

  
  

• Submit a request through JRH Engineering's contact page

  
  

Find JRH Engineering on Google:

• JRH Engineering – Florida

  
  

This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.