MIAMI—Al LaPera is working to spread the word: Many energy-related codes for commercial real estate buildings around the country are about to get tougher. In fact, Florida's energy codes will become much more stringent this summer, while other Southeast states are expected to be close behind.

LaPera, a Tampa-based senior energy performance consultant for TLC Engineering for Architecture, is talking to industry groups like the American Institute of Architects, around the Southeast helping them prepare for the new codes. Commercial real estate developers will need to rethink their project planning processes to adjust to the new requirements, he says, because on average, energy efficiency standards are increasing by close to 20%.

That, in turn, can lead to higher construction costs, which may be partially offset with careful planning, a fully integrated design and quality engineering. Details of the codes, which are taken from international standards, can differ from state to state. But building owners, developers, engineers, builders, and architects would be smart to watch how Florida's industry professionals adapt in coming months.