Rose Paving’s Guide to ADA Compliance in Florida

Florida holds its businesses and buildings to an accessibility standard that is unique to the Sunshine State and is enforced in addition to the federal ADA regulations. 

It’s important for all Florida business and building owners to have a complete understanding of ADA Compliance. That’s why Rose Paving Tampa aims to be your trusted source for ADA information and provide all the answers you need to Frequently Asked Questions about ADA Compliance. 

What is The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a comprehensive federal law enacted to protect the rights of Americans with disabilities. It does this by guaranteeing equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

The ADA has been around since the 1990’s, but there may be a number of Americans who are unaware of the laws and specific regulations involved. 

Since the ADA is a federal law, it applies anywhere throughout the United States, including: 

• All local, county, state, and federal government agencies;
• Any business or organization that relies on the general public or is for their benefit;
• Any business or organization that operates with 15 or more employees on staff.

Most importantly for business owners, the ADA mandates public buildings to be free from all obstructions and barriers as soon as possible. The responsibility of ensuring a business/building is accessible to people with disabilities falls upon the business owners. 

What is ADA Compliance in Florida?

ADA compliance in Florida is mandatory – as it is for every state in the U.S.. There are many facets to the ADA, but the parts that apply to businesses and buildings focus on accessibility. 

“Specifically, the ADA ensures that all property owners provide equal opportunity to access a primary function area, defined as a space where activities relevant to the business are conducted.”

Florida has been known to ensure these ADA regulations are upheld with strict federal consequences for non-compliance. It’s important for all Florida business owners to ensure their parking lots, buildings, and businesses are accessible to all. 

Florida ADA Compliance Resources

All Florida business owners are held to both the ADA regulations and the Florida Accessibility Code, which outlines technical design and building specifications.

Rose Paving has compiled some useful resources available to Florida business owners to ensure their understanding of and compliance with all local, state and federal accessibility regulations. 

A few resources include:

• ADA Standards for Accessible Design
• ADA Update: A Primer for State and Local Governments
• ADA Update: A Primer for Small Business 
• Current Ada Regulations: Title III (Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities)

Florida State ADA Compliance Frequently Asked Questions

ADA compliance doesn’t have to be daunting. Rose Paving Tampa is happy to answer any and all questions business owners and building managers might have regarding ADA Compliance and their properties. 

Q: Who Is Required To Be ADA Compliant in Florida?

A: The ADA applies to any privately run company, nonprofit or charitable organization that serves the public and/or employs 15 or more employees. All must comply with accessible design standards when constructing or altering facilities and remove barriers in existing facilities where readily achievable.

Q: What Happens If You Aren’t ADA Compliant in Florida?

A: Since the ADA gives people with disabilities the right to file lawsuits in Federal court, the most likely outcome to an ADA violation is a lawsuit and subsequent fine. The severity of the fine depends on the severity of the violation but range from 75,000 for your first ADA violation and $150,000 for any subsequent violation.

Q: What is a Primary Function Area?

A: A Primary Function Area is defined by the ADA as:“any area where people carry out one or more of the major activities for which a facility is used” including offices and any areas where employees work and/or business is conducted. 

Q: Do Florida Parking Lots Have to Be ADA Compliant?

A: Yes. All physical construction and new alterations are now subject to the current ADA standards and outlined in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Please note that each state and some municipalities set requirements above and beyond the ADA Standards, so you should consult with your local documentation. 

Q: Who Is Exempt From The ADA in Florida?

A: The ADA does not apply to religious organizations, private clubs or any entity historically exempt from federal civil rights laws, such as places of worship and facilities controlled by religious organizations (school, day care, etc.).

However, businesses must make every reasonable accommodation for those with recognized disabilities, and builders must comply with 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design on any all physical construction and new alterations. 

Q: How Do You Become ADA Compliant in Florida?

A: The best way to ensure your commercial facility complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act is to read the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and contact Rose Paving for a consultation. We’ll go over your commercial property with a fine-toothed comb to ensure your property is ADA compliant and entirely accessible to people with disabilities.

ADA Compliance for Parking lots, Garages and New Buildings

Florida business owners can ensure their parking structures are ADA compliant by contacting Rose Paving for a consultation. From new ramps and handicapped spaces to accessible pathways and pavement marking, we’ll go over your property with a carefully trained, professional eye to find every ADA infraction and fix it so you don’t end up in court. Contact Rose Paving in Tampa to get started today on your ADA compliance.

Additional ADA Compliance Guides from Rose Paving

Guide to ADA Compliance Arizona

Guide to ADA Compliance California

Guide to ADA Compliance Colorado

Guide to ADA Compliance Georgia

Guide to ADA Compliance Illinois

Guide to ADA Compliance Tennessee

Guide to ADA Compliance Canada

Rose Paving Ultimate Guide to ADA Compliance