Florida Building Code Practice Exam

What is the occupational load in a business area designation as per Florida Building Code?

1. 100 gross

2. 200 gross

3. 100 net

4. 200 net

The correct answer is: 100 gross

The correct answer is a gross load of 100. This value is established by the Florida Building Code and is used to determine the maximum number of occupants permitted in business areas. The gross figure considers the entire area, including walls, partitions, and other spaces, which provides a broader understanding of the potential load for safety and regulatory purposes. In a business context, this means that for every 100 square feet of usable space, one person is accounted for in the occupancy calculations. This ensures that the space is designed and maintained to accommodate the occupants safely and effectively, taking into consideration factors like egress and emergency response. Other options, like net loads, refer to usable space without walls and other obstructions, or they may represent different occupancy types, which are not applicable in this instance for business areas.