The only time that the Florida Building Code (FBC) requires the application of termite protection is at the construction of a new home or an addition to an existing home that expands the footprint. That requirement was instituted by the first FBC edition on March 31st, 2002, and continues to be enforced.

    Application of a termiticide to the soil under the footprint of the home is the standard form of treatment, although bait traps or wood treatment is also allowed. The soil treatment remains effective for about 10 years, but only prevents infestation of subterranean termites—the ones that live in the soil and come up into a house to feed on the wood. Drywood termites are not deterred by the soil treatment. 

    The treatment must be done by a Florida-licensed pest control operator, who will issue a Certificate of Compliance, which is submitted to the local building department. Also, a notice of the treatment is posted in the home by the pest control operator, usually at the main electric panel.

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To learn more about termites, see these other blog posts:

• Should I be worried about termites if my neighbor's house is being tented?

• Is the WDO (termite) inspector allowed to poke holes in my wood siding and trim? 

• Do carpenter ants cause structural damage to houses in Florida?

• How long before closing can you have a WDO (termite) inspection done?

• How long does Bora-Care® last? 

• Why is it a mistake to store lumber in the crawl space under a house?

• Does the presence of carpenter ants in a house indicate that there are probably also termites? 

• How do termites infest a house and remain hidden while doing major damage?

• Are homes in Florida required to have termite protection? 

• If termite damage appears to be old, does that mean that termites may no longer be present?

• What is a termite shield?

• How do termites get into a concrete block house? 

• Do termites eat concrete?

• What is a clean WDO?  

• What do termites eat?

• How do I treat wood rot  that's listed in my termite-WDO report? 

• Do I really need a termite-WDO inspection? 

• What's causing those holes in the fascia?

• Does wood chip mulch in the yard attract termites?

• I think I have termites. What does a termite look like?

• I'm buying a concrete block house. Do I still need a termite inspection? 

• I saw a little termite damage on the baseboard. Should I be concerned?

   Visit our TERMITES, WOOD ROT AND PESTS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.