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Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry. 

Building Inspection Services, Serving our clients with a high degree of professionalism, imagination and skill is a Feller Engineering trademark.

Building Inspection Services, Serving our clients with a high degree of professionalism, imagination and skill is a Feller Engineering trademark.

 

Feller Engineering has been providing high-quality, state-of-the-art MEPFP Engineering consulting services since 1979. Since then we have provided quality HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Sprinkler, Life Safety Systems Design, Peer Review, LEED and Green Building Design as well as Forensic Investigative Services for any type and size project. Our expertise has been applied to a wide range of new construction projects as well as retrofit and reuse of existing and historic buildings.

 

Serving our clients with a high degree of professionalism, imagination and skill is a Feller Engineering trademark.

  • Encompass the latest technological innovations where applicable
  • Are creative in approach (especially with renovation projects)
  • Will be in complete accord with the architect’s design concept and the owner’s operational and financial objectives

 

MEPFP Engineering Services

Servicing clients with a high degree of professionalism, imagination and skill is a Feller Engineering trademark. Our designs encompass the latest technological innovations where applicable and our creative approach (especially with renovation projects) will be in coordination with the architect’s design concept and the owner’s operational and financial objectives as well.

Mechanical Systems Design

Our HVAC department, headed by Eser Hur, has a staff of engineers and designers (several registered Professional Engineers and LEED AP). It has enormous experience and expertise with every conceivable type of air conditioning and ventilation system commercially available. Our engineers are constantly being briefed by major manufacturers as to the current state of the art equipment in monthly lunch and learn sessions.
Mechanical Systems Design

Electrical Systems Design

The Electrical Department headed by Bob Raynor with his staff of Electrical Engineers and Electrical Designers (several of whom are registered Professional Engineers and or maintain LEED AP status) have the responsibility to support our HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Sprinkler Departments.
Electrical Systems Design

Plumbing Systems Design

Greg Badal (Department Head) and his staff of engineers and designers (several of whom are CIPD and LEED AP) have extensive experience and expertise in a myriad of projects. Some members of the staff (including Greg) at Feller Engineering have over 30 years of design experience.
Plumbing Systems Design

Fire Protection Systems Design

We know that a fire can be an overwhelming experience. We believe in treating your home or business like it is our own, because we want you to feel comfortable when visiting us. Fire Protection Systems Design offers a comprehensive fire protection system that optimizes the effectiveness of your space to protect against fire, smoke and other hazards. Headed by Anand Kris Singh our engineering team will create a fire protection design for your project and save you time, money and heartache! Fire protection systems design and installations are fundamental to the safety, success and code compliances of your facility.

Fire Protection Systems Design

 

Feller Engineering
myenni@fellerpe.com
cdiaz@fellerpe.com
914-467-1402
http://www.fellerpe.com

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Update: what happens if condos dont get the florida inspection. sfpma.com

Update: what happens if condos dont get the florida inspection. sfpma.com

What happens if condos dont get the florida inspection?
If a condo in Florida does not undergo the required inspection, the condo association could face significant consequences including: difficulty obtaining insurance renewals, increased insurance premiums, potential legal action from owners, inability to sell units easily due to disclosure requirements, and may be forced to levy special assessments on owners to cover necessary repairs identified in the inspection if they are not completed, potentially leading to financial strain for residents; ultimately, if structural issues are severe, the building could be deemed unsafe for occupancy by local authorities.
Key points about Florida condo inspections:
  • New legislation:

    Florida enacted strict laws requiring regular structural inspections for condos, particularly older buildings, following the tragic Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside.

  • Consequences of non-compliance:

    Condo associations that fail to get inspections done could face penalties, including difficulty securing insurance, higher insurance costs, and potential legal action from unit owners.

  • Disclosure requirements:

    Inspection reports must be disclosed to potential buyers, making it difficult to sell units if the building has not been inspected and repairs are needed.

  • Reserve funds:
    Inspections are often tied to the need to build up sufficient reserve funds to cover necessary repairs identified in the inspection
Update Jan, 13, 25
What is the new law for condo inspection in Florida?
Under the laws, all buildings occupied before 1992 must complete a milestone inspection by Dec.31, 2024. This is an examination of the building’s structural integrity by an architect or engineer. The requirement also applies to buildings at least 25 years old that are within 3 miles of the coast

In Florida, if your condo association fails to get a required “milestone inspection” done by the deadline, they could face legal consequences, including potential fines and penalties, as the law mandates these inspections for structural integrity, particularly for buildings reaching 30 years old and every 10 years thereafter; however, if you are actively trying to schedule the inspection and encounter delays due to factors like a backlog of engineers, you might be able to demonstrate “good faith effort” to avoid severe repercussions. 

Key points about Florida condo inspections and missed deadlines:
  • Milestone Inspection Requirement:

    Florida law requires most condominium buildings to undergo a comprehensive “milestone inspection” once they reach 30 years old and then every 10 years after that. 

  • Potential Consequences:

    If the inspection is not completed on time, the condo association could face penalties or legal action from the state or unit owners. 

  • “Good Faith Effort” Defense:

    If the association can demonstrate they were actively trying to schedule the inspection and encountered unavoidable delays (like a shortage of qualified engineers), they might be able to avoid severe penalties. 

  • What to do if you miss the deadline:
    • Contact the condo association: Immediately reach out to the association board to understand the situation and discuss next steps. 
    • Review the inspection requirements: Ensure the association is aware of the specific deadlines and necessary steps for the milestone inspection. 

    • SB 4-D increases the safety of Florida’s condominiums by requiring inspections for all condominiums and cooperative buildings that are three stories or higher. SB 4-D requires the following for condominiums and cooperatives:

      • Condominiums and cooperatives must conduct a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) for buildings that are three stories or higher to ensure that necessary funding is available for any future structural repairs that may be needed. This study must be completed at least every 10 years after the condominium’s creation, regardless of the condominium’s age.
      • Structural milestone inspections are required for condominium and cooperative buildings of a certain age, depending on their distance from the coastline.
      • To increase transparency and accountability, all structural inspection reports and reserve studies are required to be part of the condominium association’s’ official record and must be provided to potential purchasers of a condo unit.Consult legal advice: If there are concerns about potential legal issues, consider seeking advice from a legal professional specializing in Florida condominium law.

       

What is Senate Bill 4-D?  -Some background:

SB 4-D increases the safety of Florida’s condominiums by requiring inspections for all condominiums and cooperative buildings that are three stories or higher. SB 4-D requires the following for condominiums and cooperatives:

  • Condominiums and cooperatives must conduct a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) for buildings that are three stories or higher to ensure that necessary funding is available for any future structural repairs that may be needed. This study must be completed at least every 10 years after the condominium’s creation, regardless of the condominium’s age.
  • Structural milestone inspections are required for condominium and cooperative buildings of a certain age, depending on their distance from the coastline.
  • To increase transparency and accountability, all structural inspection reports and reserve studies are required to be part of the condominium association’s’ official record and must be provided to potential purchasers of a condo unit.

 

What is Senate Bill 154?

SB 154 revised the requirement for condominiums to collect reserves and allows a majority of voting residents to elect not to provide reserves or to provide less reserves than required. However, this legislation prohibits waiving or reducing reserve funding for repairs and maintenance of structural components identified in the SIRS.

Additionally, SB 154 refined the requirements of the SIRS to provide clarification on the items required in a SIRS and expanded who can perform a SIRS.

SB 154 allowed a specific type of condominium (multi-condominium with 25 condominiums or more) to provide no reserves or less reserves than required if an alternative funding method was approved by the Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes. The Division received funding to contract with a third-party to review alternative funding methods submitted to the Division for review and approval.

 

What is House Bill 1021?

HB 1021 increases transparency and accountability through changes to meeting requirements, voting, education for condominium directors, recordkeeping and reporting, and support from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Additionally, HB 1021 introduced criminal penalties for board members who act in bad faith, increased DBPR’s ability to address resident complaints through investigations, and established a criminal referral process to streamline accountability for individuals that have engaged in criminal activity.

What types of buildings or structures are excluded from the Structural Integrity Reserve study (SIRS) requirements?

The SIRS requirements do not apply to buildings less than three stories in height; single-family, two-family, or three family dwellings with three or fewer habitable stories above ground; any portion or component of a building that has not been submitted to the condominium form of ownership; or any portion or component of a building that is maintained by a party other than the association.

Who is required to do a Structural Integrity Reserve study (SIRS)?

A residential condominium association must complete a SIRS for every building in the condominium that is three stories or higher, as determined by the Florida Building Code.

When is the Structural Integrity Reserve study (SIRS) due, and how often does my association need to complete a SIRS?

Unit owner-controlled associations existing on or before July 1, 2022, must have a SIRS completed by December 31, 2024. A residential condominium must have a SIRS completed at least every 10 years after the condominium’s creation.

The deadline to complete a SIRS is December 31, 2024. When does my association have to start reserving for a SIRS?

If your budget is adopted on or before December 31, 2024, you may vote to waive or provide less than the required SIRS reserves with a majority vote of the total voting interest of the association. You will need to begin funding your SIRS reserves in accordance with the reserve study January 1, 2026.

If your budget is adopted on or after January 1, 2025, you may not waive your SIRS reserves and need to begin funding your SIRS reserves in accordance with the reserve study.

When does my association have to report to the SIRS?

Within 45 days after receiving the SIRS, the association must provide the division with a statement indicating the study was completed and provided to the unit owners.

Can a milestone inspection or inspection for a similar local requirement, such as a re-certification inspection, substitute a SIRS visual inspection?

An association that is required to complete a MI in accordance with section 553.899, Florida Statutes, on or before December 31, 2026, may complete the SIRS simultaneously with the milestone inspection (MI). However, in no event may the SIRS be completed after December 31, 2026.

If the MI required by section 553.899, Florida Statutes, or an inspection completed for a similar local requirement, was performed within the past 5 years and meets the SIRS requirements, such inspection may be used in place of the visual inspection portion of the SIRS.

What is the difference between a milestone inspection and a SIRS?

A milestone inspection is a structural inspection of the building, including the load-bearing elements.

A SIRS is based off a visual inspection of the items required in s. 718.112(2)(g), F.S. and is a budget planning tool that identifies components of a condominium that are the responsibility of the association to maintain and replace and includes a plan to fund future maintenance and repairs.

 

Don’t let a natural disaster catch your community off guard! Take charge and be prepared!

Don’t let a natural disaster catch your community off guard! Take charge and be prepared!

The coastal Northeast is experiencing a concerning trend of heating at a faster rate compared to other regions in North America. Researchers have identified a strong correlation between the accelerated warming and the rapidly increasing temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean and increasing storm intensity. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and coastal flooding can strike at any moment, leaving communities devastated and in need of immediate assistance. It is crucial for communities to be prepared in order to minimize the impact of these disasters and ensure the safety of their residents.

Preparing your community for a natural disaster is crucial to minimize damage, save lives, and facilitate a swift recovery. Here are a few steps to assist with your preparation:

Assessment and Planning:

  • Identify the types of natural disasters that are common in your area, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or tornadoes.
  • Conduct a thorough risk assessment to understand the potential impact of these disasters on infrastructure, buildings, and residents.
  • Collaborate with professionals to create a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan.
  • Make sure that the community has backed up records of their site plans, architectural and structural drawings, as this can greatly assist in the post disaster assessment and recovery process.

Initial building evaluation performed based on the severity of the storm/event:

  • The degree of safety & habitability of the subject building is not always obvious. If there is any doubt or question that there may be structural or building envelope damage to a building, call you Professional Engineer or Architect and have an evaluation performed.
  • In some instances, you may be required by your local municipality to have your professional assist with stabilizing the structure before parties can enter the structure to collect personal belonging that may remain.

Communication and Engagement:

  • Establish a reliable communication system to disseminate information before, during, and after a disaster. This can include email, social media, or text alerts.
  • Designate community leaders or volunteers responsible for communicating updates and instructions.

Contact Insurance:

  • It can take a while to get adjusters to scene following an event. Be sure to take before, during and after photos of any damage that occurred.

Post-Disaster Recovery:

  • Establish a recovery plan that includes damage assessment, debris removal, and restoration of essential services.
  • Plans and specifications may be required to repair or reconstruct the building, depending on severity.
  • Code requirements can impact the work based on if it is classified as repair vs reconstruction. This needs to be carefully reviewed and considered as insurance carriers may try to exclude some of the necessary work, so the Architect or Engineer needs to be well versed on preparing plans for this type of work.

Remember, disaster preparedness is an ongoing effort. Regularly review and update your plans based on new information, changing community demographics, and emerging technologies. By taking proactive steps, you can help your community minimize the impact of natural disasters and ensure a more resilient future.

Contact our team for more information how to be proactive! 

The Falcon Group
Miami
15405 NW 7th Avenue in Miami, FL 33169
ph: 305.663.1970 x509
info@falconengineering.com
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
5651 Corporate Way, Suite 4, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
Phone: 561-290-0504
info@falconengineering.com
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CONDO SOLUTIONS (RADIO SHOW) on WSTU 1450 am Mondays (9 am – 10 am) by Peter Mollengarden, Esq of KBR Legal

CONDO SOLUTIONS (RADIO SHOW) on WSTU 1450 am Mondays (9 am – 10 am) by Peter Mollengarden, Esq of KBR Legal

  • Posted: Feb 09, 2025
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CONDO SOLUTIONS (RADIO SHOW) on WSTU 1450 am

Mondays (9 am – 10 am)

by Peter Mollengarden, Esq of KBR Legal

Peter Mollengarden, Esq. on ‘Condo Solutions’

Live on Mondays, from 9:05am to 10:00am.

 

Join Kaye Bender Rembaum attorney Peter C. Mollengarden and CPA Mark Brechbill every Monday and call in live with your community association-related questions. The number is 772-220-9788.

This is available locally in Martin and St. Lucie counties on 1450 AM, or online at WSTU1450.co

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CONDO SOLUTIONS (RADIO SHOW) on WSTU 1450 am Mondays (9 am – 10 am) by Peter Mollengarden, Esq of KBR Legal

CONDO SOLUTIONS (RADIO SHOW) on WSTU 1450 am Mondays (9 am – 10 am) by Peter Mollengarden, Esq of KBR Legal

  • Posted: Feb 09, 2025
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CONDO SOLUTIONS (RADIO SHOW) on WSTU 1450 am

Mondays (9 am – 10 am)

by Peter Mollengarden, Esq of KBR Legal

Peter Mollengarden, Esq. on ‘Condo Solutions’

Live on Mondays, from 9:05am to 10:00am.

 

Join Kaye Bender Rembaum attorney Peter C. Mollengarden and CPA Mark Brechbill every Monday and call in live with your community association-related questions. The number is 772-220-9788.

This is available locally in Martin and St. Lucie counties on 1450 AM, or online at WSTU1450.co

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CONDO SOLUTIONS (RADIO SHOW) on WSTU 1450 am Mondays (9 am – 10 am) by Peter Mollengarden, Esq of KBR Legal

CONDO SOLUTIONS (RADIO SHOW) on WSTU 1450 am Mondays (9 am – 10 am) by Peter Mollengarden, Esq of KBR Legal

  • Posted: Feb 09, 2025
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on CONDO SOLUTIONS (RADIO SHOW) on WSTU 1450 am Mondays (9 am – 10 am) by Peter Mollengarden, Esq of KBR Legal

CONDO SOLUTIONS (RADIO SHOW) on WSTU 1450 am

Mondays (9 am – 10 am)

by Peter Mollengarden, Esq of KBR Legal

Peter Mollengarden, Esq. on ‘Condo Solutions’

Live on Mondays, from 9:05am to 10:00am.

 

Join Kaye Bender Rembaum attorney Peter C. Mollengarden and CPA Mark Brechbill every Monday and call in live with your community association-related questions. The number is 772-220-9788.

This is available locally in Martin and St. Lucie counties on 1450 AM, or online at WSTU1450.co

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“Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Sunday @11am

“Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Sunday @11am

  • Posted: Feb 09, 2025
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“Condo Craze & HOA’s”

Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer

Sunday @11am

Eric Glazer graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1992 after receiving a B.A. from NYU. He has practiced community association law for more than 2 decades and is the owner of Glazer and Sachs, P.A. a five attorney law firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Eric is Board certified by The Florida Bar in Condominium and Planned Development Law and the first attorney in the State that designed a course that certifies both condominium and HOA residents as eligible to serve on a Board of Directors and has now certified more than 20,000 Floridians all across the state.

Mr. Glazer is certified as a Circuit Court Mediator by The Florida Supreme Court and has mediated dozens of disputes between associations and unit owners. Eric also devotes significant time to advancing legislation in the best interest of Florida community association members.

 

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“Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Sunday @11am

“Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Sunday @11am

  • Posted: Feb 09, 2025
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“Condo Craze & HOA’s”

Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer

Sunday @11am

Eric Glazer graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1992 after receiving a B.A. from NYU. He has practiced community association law for more than 2 decades and is the owner of Glazer and Sachs, P.A. a five attorney law firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Eric is Board certified by The Florida Bar in Condominium and Planned Development Law and the first attorney in the State that designed a course that certifies both condominium and HOA residents as eligible to serve on a Board of Directors and has now certified more than 20,000 Floridians all across the state.

Mr. Glazer is certified as a Circuit Court Mediator by The Florida Supreme Court and has mediated dozens of disputes between associations and unit owners. Eric also devotes significant time to advancing legislation in the best interest of Florida community association members.

 

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“Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Sunday @11am

“Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Sunday @11am

  • Posted: Feb 09, 2025
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on “Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Sunday @11am

“Condo Craze & HOA’s”

Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer

Sunday @11am

Eric Glazer graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1992 after receiving a B.A. from NYU. He has practiced community association law for more than 2 decades and is the owner of Glazer and Sachs, P.A. a five attorney law firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Eric is Board certified by The Florida Bar in Condominium and Planned Development Law and the first attorney in the State that designed a course that certifies both condominium and HOA residents as eligible to serve on a Board of Directors and has now certified more than 20,000 Floridians all across the state.

Mr. Glazer is certified as a Circuit Court Mediator by The Florida Supreme Court and has mediated dozens of disputes between associations and unit owners. Eric also devotes significant time to advancing legislation in the best interest of Florida community association members.

 

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“Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Sunday @11am

“Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Sunday @11am

  • Posted: Feb 09, 2025
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on “Condo Craze & HOA’s” Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer Sunday @11am

“Condo Craze & HOA’s”

Watch us live on YouTube with Eric Glazer

Sunday @11am

Eric Glazer graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1992 after receiving a B.A. from NYU. He has practiced community association law for more than 2 decades and is the owner of Glazer and Sachs, P.A. a five attorney law firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Eric is Board certified by The Florida Bar in Condominium and Planned Development Law and the first attorney in the State that designed a course that certifies both condominium and HOA residents as eligible to serve on a Board of Directors and has now certified more than 20,000 Floridians all across the state.

Mr. Glazer is certified as a Circuit Court Mediator by The Florida Supreme Court and has mediated dozens of disputes between associations and unit owners. Eric also devotes significant time to advancing legislation in the best interest of Florida community association members.

 

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