OK, here's an entertaining little question the may just "bowl" you over. Last week, while performing a new construction inspection on a beautiful house in Rosemary Beach, I noticed that the standing room in front of one of the toilet bowls seemed a little tight. So, I investigated the concern to determine if the Florida Building Code has a clearance requirement for toilets. Let's see what you think, and next week I'll share my findings...

True or False? The Florida Building Code HAS a requirement for clearance between the front of the bowl, and any structure (wall, cabinet, window, fixture).

TRUE - To paraphrase an old saying, "Yes, Virginia there really is a toilet clearance requirement." The Florida Building Code requires that clearance in front of a toilet be no less than 18 inches and the Code further requires that the center of the toilet fixture be 15 inches from any side walls. So now you know - you must have clearance.

Will Palmer at Pelican Real Estate