Recommended
Resources
Tools, Codes & References
A curated collection of the most useful resources for homeowners, contractors, architects, and anyone working on construction projects in South Florida — from building codes and permit portals to engineering software and professional organizations.
Codes & Standards
Florida Building Code Online
The official Florida Building Code portal — search the current code, access archived editions, and find amendments specific to your jurisdiction.
ASCE 7 — Minimum Design Loads
The backbone of structural load design in the US. ASCE 7 defines wind, seismic, snow, and live loads for all building types. Required reference for Florida P.E. work.
ACI 318 — Building Code for Concrete
The standard for reinforced concrete design. Every concrete structure in Florida is designed and inspected to ACI 318 requirements.
AISC Steel Construction Manual
The definitive reference for structural steel design. Includes specifications, design tables, and connection design guidance for LRFD and ASD methods.
NDS — National Design Specification for Wood
The standard for engineered wood design in the US. Essential for residential framing, wood beam design, and timber structures.
ICC Digital Codes — Florida
Browse Florida’s adopted IBC, IRC, and related codes online. Useful for quick code lookups without purchasing the full print edition.
Permit & Government Portals
Miami-Dade Building Department
Apply for permits, check permit status, schedule inspections, and access the Miami-Dade product approval database for impact-rated products.
Broward County Permitting
Permit applications, plan review, inspection scheduling, and contractor licensing for Broward County projects.
Palm Beach County Building
Building permits, inspections, and code compliance resources for Palm Beach County — including the county’s online permit portal.
Florida License Verification
Verify any Florida professional license — including engineers, contractors, and architects. Always verify your engineer’s PE license before hiring.
Florida Product Approval Search
Search the statewide product approval database to verify that windows, doors, roofing, and other building products are approved for use in Florida.
FEMA Flood Map Service
Look up your property’s flood zone designation — critical for foundation design, insurance requirements, and understanding your flood risk in South Florida.
Engineering Software & Tools
ETABS — Structural Analysis
Industry-standard software for analysis and design of building systems. Used by Sakr Consulting Engineer for multi-story structural analysis and code-compliant design.
SkyCiv Structural Engineering
Cloud-based structural analysis software with free tools for beam analysis, section properties, and load calculations. Great for quick checks and educational use.
AutoCAD
The standard for engineering drawing and drafting. Structural drawings, details, and permit sets are produced in AutoCAD for submission to Florida building departments.
ENERCALC
Comprehensive structural engineering calculation software widely used for residential and light commercial design — beams, columns, footings, retaining walls, and more.
Simpson Strong-Tie Calculators
Free online tools for selecting connectors, anchors, and fasteners. Includes the Anchor Designer software for concrete and masonry anchor calculations per ACI 318.
ATC Hazards by Location
Look up site-specific wind speeds, seismic values, and other design parameters by address — directly from ASCE 7. Essential for starting any Florida structural design.
Professional Organizations
Florida Board of Professional Engineers
The state licensing authority for Florida engineers. Verify PE licenses, file complaints, and access the Florida engineering rules and statutes.
ASCE — American Society of Civil Engineers
The leading professional organization for civil and structural engineers. Publishes key standards including ASCE 7 and provides continuing education resources.
NAFE — National Academy of Forensic Engineers
The professional organization for forensic engineers. Rami Sakr, P.E. is a NAFE affiliate — committed to the highest standards in forensic investigation and expert witness work.
AISC — American Institute of Steel Construction
The authoritative resource for structural steel design and construction. Free design guides, webinars, and the Steel Construction Manual are available through AISC.
ACI — American Concrete Institute
Publisher of ACI 318 and dozens of other concrete design and construction standards. ACI also certifies concrete inspectors and testing technicians.
PMI — Project Management Institute
The global authority on project management. Rami Sakr, P.E. holds the CAPM certification from PMI — ensuring disciplined project delivery on every engagement.
For South Florida Homeowners
Citizens Property Insurance
Florida’s state-backed insurer of last resort. Understand coverage options, mitigation discounts, and how structural improvements can reduce your insurance premium.
Florida Hurricane Mitigation
Information on the My Safe Florida Home program and hurricane mitigation inspections — which can qualify you for significant property insurance discounts.
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Hurricane preparedness resources, evacuation routes, shelter locations, and disaster recovery information for Florida residents and property owners.
Disclaimer: The links above are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. Sakr Consulting Engineer, LLC does not endorse, control, or guarantee the accuracy of any external website. Links to commercial products do not constitute a recommendation. Always verify that any professional you hire holds a valid, current Florida license.