Milestone Inspections for Florida Condos | m2e Consulting Engineers

Milestones Inspection 40/50 Year Florida Building Certification

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The tragic collapse of a government building in Miami in 1974, primarily due to neglected steel corrosion, underscores the critical need for regular building inspections. This incident led to the initiation of a recertification program by Miami-Dade County in 1975, later adopted by Broward County in 2005. These programs mandate that certain buildings undergo detailed inspections initially every 40 years, followed by subsequent inspections every 10 years.

The 2021 collapse of Champlain Towers in Surfside, attributed to construction and maintenance failures, prompted Florida to pass Senate Bills SB 4-D and SB 154 in 2023. These legislative measures enforce statewide inspections and maintenance requirements for aging condominiums and cooperatives, aiming to prevent such disasters. This enactment has been a pivotal moment in enhancing building safety regulations in Florida.

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    Understanding the New Laws for Building Safety in Florida

    The introduction of mandatory Milestone Inspections and Structural Integrity Reserves represents a significant shift in building safety protocols. Here are the essential aspects of the new regulations:

    • Mandatory Milestone InspectionsBuildings three stories or higher and over 30 years old (constructed before July 1992) are required to undergo these inspections by December 2024. Buildings constructed before 1982 must adhere to their current recertification schedules.
    • Notification and Compliance: Local authorities will issue notifications to affected buildings, providing a 180-day window to initiate the inspection process.
    • Inspection Phases: The inspection consists of two phases conducted by licensed engineers or architects or their supervised teams. Phase I involves a visual inspection to identify structural issues. If problems are detected, a comprehensive Phase II inspection follows, potentially leading to mandatory repairs. Successful inspections extend the building’s operational period by 10 years.
    • Recertification Intervals: Jurisdictions with pre-existing safety programs, such as Miami-Dade and Broward, have updated their recertification intervals from 40 to 30 years, with follow-up inspections every 10 years.
    • Local vs. State Standards: While local jurisdictions may enforce stricter inspection and licensing rules, they cannot undermine state standards.
    • Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS): A SIRS, required by December 31, 2024, helps building associations plan for the financial aspects of structural maintenance, ensuring that essential structural components are adequately funded.

    For building associations, managers, and owners, complying with these regulations is essential. 

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    Let m2e Be Your Expert Ally

    M2E is your go-to expert with the requisite licensing and experience to conduct comprehensive building inspections across Florida. Our team is equipped to guide you through the new regulations, ensuring your building complies with the latest safety standards. For professional assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team.

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