I frame in Ohio and just took a job in Jacksonville.

Florida uses the Florida Building Code (FBC), not the IRC, and it's significantly more stringent for wind resistance. Here's what's different:

Wind Speed & Exposure:

• Jacksonville is in Wind Speed Zone 140 mph (basic wind speed), vs. most of Ohio at 90-110 mph.
• FBC requires Exposure C or D calculations more frequently, increasing uplift forces.

Rafter Tie-Down Requirements:

• FBC Section R802.11 references ASTM D7296 and requires engineered connections for higher uplift loads.
• The IRC Table R802.11 allowable loads are not acceptable in Florida—you must use FBC-approved connectors rated for the actual uplift forces calculated per ASCE 7-16.
• Minimum 350-500+ lbs/rafter uplift is common in your area, vs. 150-250 lbs in Ohio.

What You Need:

1. Engineered truss/rafter analysis showing actual uplift per ASCE 7.
2. IBC-compliant metal connectors (like Simpson H1.5A, H2.5A, or engineered alternatives) rated for those loads.
3. Enhanced fastening—(6) 10d sinkers minimum into walls, often more.

Action: Have your roofer pull the engineered uplift calculations for this specific job. Use FBC Table R802.11 or manufacturer load charts, not IRC values. When in doubt, consult a Florida PE—wind uplift failures are common with IRC-only designs.

Your Ohio methods won't pass inspection here.

You're moving from a standard IRC state (Ohio) to a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) state (Florida). The Florida Building Code (FBC) Residential does not use IRC Table R802.11 for uplift in Jacksonville (Wind Zone 2, 130–140 mph Vult).

Key Differences:

1. Design Method: FBC requires ASCE 7-22 (Method 2 – Components & Cladding) calculations for uplift loads, not the prescriptive IRC table. Loads are significantly higher due to Exposure C (open terrain) and internal pressure coefficients (GCpi = ±0.55).
2. Connector Capacity: Standard "hurricane ties" (e.g., Simpson H2.5A, ~600 lbs) are often insufficient. You typically need strap ties (e.g., Simpson H10A, MTS, or HTS series) rated for 1,000–1,500+ lbs depending on spacing, span, and roof pitch.
3. Load Path Continuity: FBC §R802.11.1.1 mandates a continuous load path from rafter → top plate → stud → sill → foundation. You cannot just strap the rafter; the stud-to-plate and plate-to-sill connections must be engineered for the same uplift.
4. Inspection: The "Connector Schedule" on the permitted plans (signed by a FL PE) is the legal document. The inspector verifies exact model numbers, nail types/counts, and placement per that schedule.

Action Items:

• Stop using IRC Table R802.11. It is not valid in FL.
• Obtain the project-specific connector schedule from the builder/engineer.
• Verify nail substitution rules (e.g., 10d x 1.5" vs. 10d common) – FBC is strict on fastener dimensions per ESR reports.
• If no schedule exists, halt work until a FL-licensed engineer provides one. Guessing exposes you to liability and red-tags.

Ref: FBC Residential 8th Ed. (2023) §R802.11, §R301.2.1.1, ASCE 7-22 Ch. 26 & 30.