Egress Requirements

1029.2 Minimum size - Florida Building Code 5th Edition (2014)

Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.53m²).

Exception: The minimum net clear opening for emergency escape and rescue grade-floor openings shall be 5 square feet (0.46m²).

Section 1029.2.1 Minimum dimensions - Florida Building Code 5th Edition (2014)

The minimum net clear opening height dimension shall be 24 inches (610mm). The minimum net clear opening width dimension shall be 20 inches (508mm). The net clear opening dimensions shall be the result of normal operation of the opening.

Section 1029.3 Maximum height from floor - Florida Building Code 5th Edition (2014)

Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have the bottom of the clear opening not greater than 44 inches (1118mm) measured from the floor.

Section 1029.4 Operational constraints - Florida Building Code 5th Edition (2014)

Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, gates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with Section 1029.2 and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening. Where such bars, grilles, gates or similar devices are installed in existing buildings, smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.11 regardless of the valuation of the alteration.