553.502 Intent.—The purpose and intent of this part is to incorporate into the law of this state the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. ss. 12101 et seq., and to obtain and maintain United States Department of Justice certification of the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction as equivalent to federal standards for accessibility of buildings, structures, and facilities. All state laws, rules, standards, and codes governing facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design shall be maintained to assure certification of the state’s construction standards and codes. This part is not intended to expand or diminish the defenses available to a place of public accommodation or a commercial facility under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the standards, including, but not limited to, the readily achievable standard, and the standards applicable to alterations to private buildings or facilities as defined by the standards.
