Florida Building Code Practice Exam

According to Florida Building Code, what is the tolerance discrepancy allowed between the largest and smallest riser or tread?

1. 3/16"

2. 3/8"

3. 5/16"

4. 1/2"

The correct answer is: 3/8"

The Florida Building Code specifies that the tolerance discrepancy allowed between the largest and smallest riser or tread is 3/8 of an inch. This tolerance is crucial to ensure safety and accessibility in stair design, as uneven risers or treads can lead to trip hazards for users. Maintaining a maximum variation of 3/8 inch ensures a more uniform and predictable stairway experience, which is essential for compliance with safety regulations. Other options present varying tolerances that fall outside of the code's requirements. For example, a discrepancy of 3/16 inch might seem logical for minimizing variation, but it is not the stipulated maximum allowance. Similarly, tolerances of 5/16 inch and 1/2 inch exceed the acceptable limit, raising safety concerns. Thus, the 3/8 inch tolerance is the correct measure established to promote both safety and consistency in construction practices.