In my 25+ years experience in Florida building departments it's always been a function of what NFPA pamphlets were adopted by the local AHJ. Now that we have the statewide Florida Fire Prevention Code it's a function of what's therein.
I agree; there's not as much lightning protection as you would think, especially considering we are the lightning capital of the USA and worldwide we're a strong competitor.
The state fire marshal's office is under the department of insurance. When the insurance companies are paying out on it, you can rest assured everyone will be required to spend big money to protect the interests of insurance companies. Claims for lightning damage do exist but overall it's not that much. There's much more damage to electronics & machinery than to the actual buildings. There are a few deaths here and there but most of those occur outside of buildings.
Bond the building steel and you've done 90% of the work. A Faraday cage is the best lightning protection you can have; Potential = 0V.
The latest thing in Florida is lightning sensors at outdoor venues following some kids getting killed in sports practice. Now it seems every school district, county and city want all their parks to have lightning detectors. But detectors only tell you when there's already been a strike. Predictors which cost much more can tell you when conditions are suitable for a hit.