I don't know when the change was made. I discovered this rule when our
house was being built in 2003. I noticed that there were no ground rods,
and I started asking questions and looking into the code. Florida follows
the NEC without exception. No modifications or local electrical codes are
allowed. Of course the AHJ can override almost anything if he decides to.

As you know, the electrical utilities generally are not bound by the NEC
or other codes. They follow their own rules. Also, there are a lot of
preexisting cases where the foundation steel is not connected to the
outside of the concrete. Ground rods must be used. In those cases your
ground-checker instrument would still be useful.

73,
Gene
W4SZ

I should have put a smiley face somewhere in the same zip code with the
"recent" Gene. My experience ended in 1986 when I retired. Back then, (And
for a good many years before) it was known as a "NEMA" Ground and 25 Ohms
was the value.

I had a country home near Brooksville, FL, with some acreage and 5 towers
(Tallest 160 feet) for a little contesting. Being there only on weekends, it
WAS a fairly high maintenance property. Hardly a time when I went there that
there was not evidence of some lightning damage, even with considerable
effort to minimize it. Before cell phones, I was close to being the highest
thing in the county.

Regards
W4ZCB