Short answer: Before you put tile in a Florida condo, get your condo association's written approval and find out the sound rating it requires. The building code minimum for floor-ceiling assemblies between units is IIC 50 in a lab test, or 45 when field-tested. Many associations set their own, often stricter, rules.
IIC and STC in plain terms
- IIC (Impact Insulation Class): how well a floor-ceiling assembly blocks impact noise like footsteps and dropped objects. Higher is quieter. It's lab-tested under ASTM E492.
- STC (Sound Transmission Class): how well an assembly blocks airborne sound like voices and TV. Higher is better. It's lab-tested under ASTM E90.
An IIC or STC rating belongs to the whole assembly (tile, underlayment, slab, and ceiling below), not to a single product.
The code minimum and its source
The 2023 Florida Building Code, Building (8th edition), Section 1207, sets these minimums for floor/ceiling assemblies and walls between dwelling units. The model International Building Code numbers this section 1206, which is why older articles cite 1206.
| Rating | Lab-tested minimum | Field-tested minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Impact (IIC), FBC 1207.3 | IIC 50 (ASTM E492) | AIIC 45 (ASTM E1007) |
| Airborne (STC), FBC 1207.2 | STC 50 (ASTM E90) | NNIC 45 (ASTM E336) |
Your local building department and condo documents control what applies to your unit.
Condo tile checklist
- Read your declaration and rules for hard-floor and sound requirements.
- Submit a written request to the association and get approval before you buy tile.
- Ask what rating is required (IIC, field or lab) and whether a post-install field test is needed.
- Choose an underlayment with a published test on an assembly that matches your slab thickness and ceiling.
- Confirm whether your city requires a permit.
- Keep the approval, the product test reports, and the installer invoice on file.
Shop sound control underlayment, tile underlayment, and large porcelain panels. See also how to hire a tile installer.
FAQ
What IIC rating do I need for a Florida condo?
The Florida Building Code minimum (Section 1207.3) is IIC 50 in a lab test or AIIC 45 when field-tested, but your association's rules may require more. Ask in writing.
Is IIC the same as STC?
No. IIC is impact noise through floors. STC is airborne noise like voices.
Does sound underlayment guarantee I'll pass?
No. Ratings come from tested assemblies, and real buildings often test lower than labs.
Do I need association approval to install tile?
Many Florida condos require it. Check your condo documents before you buy.
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