JRH Engineering Expands to Florida | Solutions for Property Owners

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.

JRH Engineering in Florida

JRH Engineering brings the civil, structural and land development work it has delivered in Texas and North Carolina to Florida property owners, builders and developers.

Florida adds its own layer of rules: hurricane wind design, Florida Product Approval, flood zones and state stormwater permitting through the water management districts.

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

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

Services for Florida Projects

• Structural engineering: foundations, framing, additions, patio covers and metal building foundations up to 120,000 SF

  
  

• Civil engineering: site plans, grading, drainage and detention pond design

  
  

• Land development: feasibility, subdivision layout and utility design

  
  

• Stormwater: design support for Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) applications

  
  

What Makes Florida Different

• Wind: the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) references ASCE 7-22 wind provisions

  
  

• HVHZ: Miami-Dade and Broward counties are in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, with stricter product and review rules

  
  

• Product approval: windows, doors, roofing and cladding need Florida Product Approval or local approval

  
  

• Stormwater: ERPs are reviewed by FDEP and the five water management districts

  
  

• Flood zones: elevation and fill rules follow the FEMA maps and local floodplain ordinances

  
  

Project: Wood-Framed Roof Structure, Clearwater, FL

• Wood-framed roof structure over an existing slab at a Clearwater, Pinellas County property

  
  

• Structural plans completed March 2026

  
  

Challenges

• New posts had to bear on an existing 4 in. slab not designed for concentrated loads

  
  

• The roof framing had to resist Florida hurricane uplift

  
  

Objectives

1. Support new posts without replacing the slab.

   
   

2. Provide a continuous load path from roof to foundation.

   
   

Solutions JRH Engineering Provided

• Structural engineering foundation and framing plans

  
  

• 30 in. x 30 in. footings (3,500 psi) cast into sawcut openings in the existing slab, doweled to the slab with #5 bars

  
  

• 6x6 wood posts with post caps carrying doubled 2x12 beams

  
  

• 2x6 rafters at 16 in. on center with rafter straps at the ridge

  
  

Results:

• PE-sealed plan ready for permitting

  
  

• Existing slab reused, with new footings only at post locations

  
  

Florida, Texas and North Carolina

Florida

• See the Florida Building Code, the FDEP Environmental Resource Permit program, Windstorm Engineering for Tampa Bay & the Panhandle and Navigating Florida's Stormwater Rules.

  
  

Texas

• JRH Engineering is headquartered in Manvel, Texas; see our case studies for Texas projects.

  
  

North Carolina

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

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Does JRH Engineering work in Florida?

Yes, JRH Engineering holds Florida license 38516 and provides civil, structural and land development engineering.

Which building code applies in Florida?

The Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023), which references ASCE 7-22.

Which Florida counties are in the HVHZ?

Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Who issues Florida stormwater permits?

FDEP and the five water management districts, through the ERP program.

Can a new post bear on an existing slab?

Often not without a new footing; an engineer checks the slab and designs footings at post locations.

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.