2012 Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction Pocket Guide
404.2.9 Door and Gate Opening Force. Fire doors shall have a minimum opening force allowable by the appropriate administrative authority. The force for pushing or pulling open a door or gate other than fire doors shall be as follows:
1. Interior hinged doors and gates: 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.
2. Sliding or folding doors: 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.
3. Exterior hinged doors shall be designed so that such doors can be pushed or pulled open with a force not exceeding 8.5 pounds (37.8 N).
These forces do not apply to the force required to retract latch bolts or disengage other devices that hold the door or gate in a closed position.
Advisory 404.2.9 Door and Gate Opening Force. The maximum force pertains to the continuous application of force necessary to fully open a door, not the initial force needed to overcome the inertia of the door. It does not apply to the force required to retract bolts or to disengage other devices used to keep the door in a closed position.
Florida law, s.553.504(6), F.S., establishes requirements for exterior door opening force.
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