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Enhance Your Brand with Vail Marketing Solutions: The Complete AEC Marketing Experience

Enhance Your Brand with Vail Marketing Solutions: The Complete AEC Marketing Experience

 

 

 

Vail Marketing Solutions provides everything from a full branding overhaul and business development program to a specific marketing project or campaign.

 

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business landscape of the AEC industry, having a comprehensive marketing strategy is essential for success. Whether you’re just getting started building a marketing department, or an established firm looking to rebrand and increase sales, Vail Marketing Solutions offers a one-stop solution to all your marketing and business development needs. VMS has a strong background of construction industry knowledge coupled with their “Complete Marketing Experience,” to provide a holistic approach to elevate your brand and maximize your reach.

Here’s a closer look at the array of services Vail Marketing Solutions brings to the table:

Strategic Planning

At the heart of every successful marketing campaign lies a well-thought-out strategy. Vail Marketing Solutions works closely with clients to understand their goals, target audience, and market dynamics, crafting customized strategies tailored to drive results.

Website Development

Your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers. Vail Marketing Solutions specializes in creating responsive, user-friendly websites that not only look great but also convert visitors into customers.

Content Creation & Copywriting

Compelling content is key to engaging your audience and building brand credibility. Vail Marketing Solutions boasts a team of talented writers who excel at creating captivating content across various platforms, from blog posts and articles to website copy, email and social media campaigns.

Graphic Design

Visual appeal plays a crucial role in capturing the attention of your audience. With Vail Marketing Solutions’ expert graphic designers, you can expect stunning visuals that effectively communicate your brand message, captivate your audience, and stand out among your competitors.

Brochures & Advertising

Whether it’s print or digital advertising, Vail Marketing Solutions helps you create eye-catching brochures and ads that stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on your target audience.

Video Marketing, Drone, & Photography

Visual storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging customers and conveying your brand’s personality. Vail Marketing Solutions offers comprehensive video production services, including drone footage and professional photography, to bring your brand and project profiles to life.

Social Media

In today’s interconnected world, social media is an indispensable marketing tool. Vail Marketing Solutions helps you harness the power of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn to connect with your audience, build brand awareness, and drive engagement.

Email Marketing

Effective email marketing campaigns can nurture leads, drive conversions, and foster customer loyalty and engagement.  Vail Marketing Solutions helps you create personalized email campaigns that resonate with your audience and deliver measurable results.

Digital Marketing & SEO

With expertise in digital marketing strategies and search engine optimization (SEO), Vail Marketing Solutions ensures that your brand gets noticed online. From pay-per-click advertising to organic search optimization, they employ cutting-edge techniques to boost your online visibility and drive traffic to your website.

Event Marketing & Tradeshows

Whether you’re hosting a corporate event or participating in a tradeshow, Vail Marketing Solutions helps you make a memorable impact. From pre-event promotion to onsite branding and post-event follow-up, they handle every aspect of event marketing to ensure success.

Tradeshow Display Design

Stand out in a crowded tradeshow hall with captivating booth designs that attract attention and drive foot traffic. Vail Marketing Solutions creates custom tradeshow displays that effectively showcase your brand and leave a lasting impression on attendees.

Presentations & Proposal Packages

From client presentations to branded proposal documents, Vail Marketing Solutions helps you communicate your ideas effectively and persuasively. Their team creates professional presentations and proposal packages that stand out from the competition to win more business.

Business Development & Sales Consulting

Beyond marketing, Vail Marketing Solutions offers strategic business development and sales consulting services to help you identify opportunities for growth, expand your market reach, connect with potential clients, and increase revenue.

Vail Marketing Solutions goes above and beyond traditional marketing agencies by offering the AEC industry a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet all your marketing needs under one roof. Whether you’re looking to launch in a new market, revamp your brand image, or simply enhance your online presence, they have the expertise and resources to make it happen. So why settle for piecemeal solutions when you can experience the complete marketing package with Vail Marketing Solutions?

 

 Jessica Vail – President
Vail Marketing Solutions
908-528-4087
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Florida’s brewing condo crisis as property values drop in once-coveted retirement haven

Florida’s brewing condo crisis as property values drop in once-coveted retirement haven

A slow-motion crisis is unfolding in Florida’s condo market, threatening to upend the state’s image as a haven for retirees and reasonably priced beach living.

Owners of the state’s older condos are bracing for steep special assessments, while racing to sell their homes and receiving only tepid buyer response.

Amid a property market that’s still vibrant for nearly every other segment, Florida’s aging condominiums are losing value. And nearly 1,400 buildings are now blacklisted from receiving mortgage financing, making those apartments an even-tougher sell.

Thousands of Florida condo units face special repair assessments which are making them difficult to sell — and causing them to lose value quickly. oldmn – stock.adobe.com
Thousands of Florida condo units face special repair assessments which are making them difficult to sell — and causing them to lose value quickly. oldmn – stock.adobe.com

At the heart of this turmoil is a basic reality: Florida’s aging condo buildings desperately need repairs, and state officials are forcing them to assess (and pay for) those long-overdue upgrades.

Under a law enacted after the tragic 2021 collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, which saw 98 people lose their lives, condo boards may no longer defer major structural improvements to another day — or decade. The “Building Safety Act” required every condo tower in Florida aged 30 years or older to complete a structural integrity study by the end of 2024, to get a full grasp of what problems need fixing.

 

This year, the tab for those repairs comes due. Condo boards must now set aside funds to fix the issues found in those studies — from concrete restoration to balcony overhauls. And the assessments on individual condo owners are looking both pricey and unsettling.

“You’re going to see a massive reduction in the value of these buildings based on these giant special assessments and the work that has to be done,” said Orest Tomaselli, CEO of Strategic Inspections, which advises condo boards nationally on how to shore up their reserves.

In Florida buildings he’s worked with, Tomaselli has seen special assessments as low as $250 per month, to a property that levied $2,500 per month, per unit owner, for a three-year stretch.

The assessments result from inspection and repair mandates stemming from the 2021 Surfside building collapse that killed 98 people. AP
The assessments result from inspection and repair mandates stemming from the 2021 Surfside building collapse that killed 98 people. AP

“There are real people in these units that may be displaced,” Tomaselli said of the assessments, “that may lose their nest egg and may lose tremendous amounts of value in their units.”

”At Aventura’s Mediterranean Village, a waterfront condo complex with a marina out front, unit owners were hit with six-figure special assessments last year, some as high as $400,000, according to published reports.

 

At Miami’s Cricket Club, a 50-year-old waterfront tower burdened with $134,000 special assessments per condo, 23 of the building’s 217 condos are currently for sale, according to brokerage Compass. In a Miami market where the median condo price was $445,000 in the fourth quarter of last year, condos at the Cricket Club are seeking buyers with prices as low as $220,000 for a 1,950-square-foot two-bedroom on the 19th floor.  (The owner initially sought $330,000).

The Summit Towers in Hollywood, FL is facing a $56 million assessment. Google Maps
The Summit Towers in Hollywood, FL is facing a $56 million assessment. Google Maps

Meanwhile, at Summit Towers in Hollywood, a building-wide special assessment of $56 million led to the ousting of four board members in a January election, in favor of new members who promised “a more moderate approach” to building up reserves, said Amy Greenberg, a broker and resident of the building with several listings there.

“A lot of people moved here to be able to retire and live their life here, and they’re on fixed incomes,” said Kathleen DiBona, a 50-year resident of Hollywood who serves as president of the Hollywood Beach Civic Association. “They’re having a difficult time being able to manage all that’s coming and hitting them.”Many owners whom DiBona knows in Hollywood, a city dotted with older towers, are seeking to off-load units with little success. Others, she said, have dropped insurance coverage for their condos so they can manage to pay their special assessments.

Failure to pay these assessments will impact more than just the individual owners who can’t afford them. If 15% of unit owners in a building default, the entire property could become ineligible for mortgage financing, according to Tomaselli of Strategic Inspections.

“What happens if nobody can get a loan to buy a unit in your building?” says Joseph Hernandez, a Miami-based partner in the real estate group of law firm Bilzin Sumberg. “It essentially makes the units in your building unsaleable and it makes the value of those units go down.

“We may see a lot of condo projects go into distress.”

Some could already be getting close. In February, Fannie Mae, the national mortgage finance agency, updated its running list of “unavailable” US condo buildings, meaning they are no longer eligible for mortgage financing. Of the 4,885 buildings currently on the list, 29% are located in Florida, the highest share of any state. The top reason: “critical repairs or deferred maintenance,” according to a person familiar with the roster.

One newly flagged example is 4000 Island Blvd., a 32-story condominium in Aventura’s exclusive Williams Island, which was built in 1985 and added to Fannie Mae’s no-lending list in January. At least 24 unit owners are trying to sell, according to Compass. Barry Sytner, the condo board’s president, called the building’s inclusion on Fannie Mae’s list “incorrect,” noting that the property just secured a bank loan commitment to cover expenses tied to its 40-year inspection.

There are roughly 1.1 million condo units in Florida that are 30 years old or more, and subject to the new law, according to the Florida Policy Project. Of those, 58% are concentrated along the Southwest and Southeast coastal counties, in places like Tampa, Clearwater and the greater Miami metro area, including Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach County.

Around two dozen condos are up for sale in this Aventura, FL condo building, according to reports. miamiresidence.com
Around two dozen condos are up for sale in this Aventura, FL condo building, according to reports. miamiresidence.com

That means the law’s reach extends to more than half of all condo owners in Florida’s famed retirement enclaves. According to brokerage ISG World, apartments that are over 30 years old accounted for 86% of all Southeast Florida condo listings in the fourth quarter of 2024 — a total of  17,198 properties for sale across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Yet even as thousands of newcomers flock to the region, these abundant and discounted units are languishing on the market, weighed down by the threat of special assessments and uncertainty over looming repair costs.

“The fear of the unknown is scaring the hell out of potential buyers,” said Craig Studnicky, ISG’s chief executive officer.

“Remember that show, ‘Let’s Make a Deal?’ ” Studnicky said. “They may get a special assessment and it could be quite modest, which means you just made one hell of a deal. But what if you’re wrong, and the special assessment is gargantuan?  Not only is the special assessment big, but the scope of construction is big, and you’re going to be living in a construction site for the next two years.”

The full extent of special assessments is still an open question for many Florida properties. While the state deadline for condos to submit their structural integrity studies was on Dec. 31, only 39% of buildings in Southeast Florida have done so, according to the Miami Association of Realtors.

Some of that’s because engineers were simply not available, amid a statewide rush to get these studies completed. Others could be gambling that enforcement won’t be robust or swift, said Peter Zalewski, a Miami-based broker, analyst and condo investment consultant.

“You’re going to see a massive reduction in the value of these buildings based on these giant special assessments and the work that has to be done,” said Orest Tomaselli, CEO of Strategic Inspections.
“You’re going to see a massive reduction in the value of these buildings based on these giant special assessments and the work that has to be done,” said Orest Tomaselli, CEO of Strategic Inspections.

“You have buildings that are shopping for studies, because maybe they’re coming in too high, and maybe they can find someone who can lowball it,” Zalewski said.

“People are figuring out what to do,” Zalewski added. “They think there will be a silver bullet, some kind of cure in the upcoming Florida legislative session” amid outcry from condo owners

The state legislature, which convenes its 2025 session March 4, has no plans to bail out condos or offer reprieve from the deadlines to fund repairs, Florida legislative leaders said at a condo conference last month held by Miami Realtors, according to Homes.com.

“A lot of people moved here to be able to retire and live their life here, and they’re on fixed incomes,” said Kathleen DiBona. Courtesy of Kathleen DiBona
“A lot of people moved here to be able to retire and live their life here, and they’re on fixed incomes,” said Kathleen DiBona. Courtesy of Kathleen DiBona

Lawmakers, however, might consider financing solutions to help condos cover the cost of structural studies and maintenance, including allowing reserve funds they set aside to be invested.

Despite some maintenance challenges, Florida’s older condos still reflect the only affordable opportunity at homeownership for those who can’t swing the price tags of Miami’s new crop of ultra-luxury developments, says Scott Diffenderfer, a Miami-Beach-based broker for Compass who specializes in sales of older units.

He says he’s pretty upfront with potential buyers these days about the scope and costs of repair that some of his listings will undergo.

Brokers view the new regulations and mandatory repairs as a necessary correction to Florida’s once-lax condo standards, Diffenderfer explained.

Previously, buyers had little insight into a building’s true condition — much like purchasing a used car without a Carfax report.

Now, with stricter enforcement requiring proper reserves and full disclosure of maintenance history, brokers say the condo market could become more transparent and ultimately unlock greater value for owners.

“For probably 75% of the buildings in South Florida, when the dust settles, people are going to say, ‘You know what? That was painful. But look at these buildings!’ ” Studnicky said. “They’re in great shape.”

We see our members for the past years the ones being called upon by condo Boards to help them navagate the waters for inspections, Boards tell us SFPMA Directory is one place they find the most help, top companies giving them the honest assessments for Owners.

 

 

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A Milestone Condominium Structural Inspection is a structural inspection performed by licensed engineers like EMA Structural Forensic Engineers of a building conducted for the purposes of determining a buildings’ life safety and structural component integrity or adequacy.

A Milestone Condominium Structural Inspection is a structural inspection performed by licensed engineers like EMA Structural Forensic Engineers of a building conducted for the purposes of determining a buildings’ life safety and structural component integrity or adequacy.

 

Condominium Structural Safety Inspections

Florida Laws now require all 3 stories or taller buildings to undergo Condominium Structural Safety inspections. EMA Structural Forensic Engineers can help you fulfill your needs to comply with the new laws.

Structural Engineers

 

 

Florida Building Inspections By: Structural Engineering and Building Consulting firm – Joe DiPompeo, PE

Florida Building Inspections By: Structural Engineering and Building Consulting firm – Joe DiPompeo, PE

  • Posted: Feb 12, 2025
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Florida Building Inspections

Structural Engineering and Building Consulting firm

By: Joe DiPompeo, PE

Building inspections are a critical component of property management in the state of Florida. They help to ensure that buildings are maintained in good condition and meet building codes, which is essential for protecting both tenants and property owners.

First and foremost, building inspections are necessary to ensure that buildings are compliant with certain codes and regulations. In Florida, building codes are set by the Florida Building Code (FBC), which establishes standards for the construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings in the state. These codes cover everything from electrical and plumbing systems to fire safety and structural integrity. While most codes are applicable to the construction of the building, Florida has significant codes and requirements throughout the life of the building, such as structural and electrical recertification inspections. Failure to comply with these codes can result in fines, legal action, and even the closure of the building.

By conducting regular inspections, property managers can identify any issues that may be in violation of these codes and requirements and take corrective action before they become serious problems. For example, an inspector may find deteriorating structural concrete or issues with the electrical wiring. These issues can be addressed before they put the safety of tenants and the property at risk or become a larger, more expensive problem to fix.

In some places, such as Florida, there are mandatory ordinances which enforce regular building inspections. These inspections should be conducted by a certified Professional Engineer and then file a report with the local building department or and/or state. If these requirements are not met, the property owner or manager will receive a fine.

Furthermore, building inspections can also help property managers identify maintenance needs. Over time, buildings can experience wear and tear, and components can break down. By conducting regular inspections, property managers can identify these issues and take corrective action before they become more serious and costly to repair. This can help to extend the lifespan of the building and save money in the long run.

Moreover, building inspections are essential for protecting property values. Properties that are well-maintained and free of hazards are more attractive to tenants and can command higher rents and sale prices. Regular inspections can help to identify issues that may be causing damage to the building, such as water leaks or structural issues. By addressing these issues early, property managers can prevent further damage and ensure that the building maintains its value.

Finally, building inspections can also provide peace of mind for property owners and tenants alike. By knowing that the building is being regularly inspected and maintained, owners can be confident that their investment is being protected. Tenants, on the other hand, can feel reassured that they are living in a safe and well-maintained environment.

In conclusion, building inspections are a crucial part of property management in Florida. They help to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations, identify potential hazards, identify maintenance needs, protect property values, and provide peace of mind for owners and tenants. By conducting regular inspections, property managers can prevent serious problems from occurring and ensure that their buildings are safe and well-maintained and compliant with state and local requirements.

Structural Workshop

Structural Engineering and Building Consulting firm

754-277-4245

info@structuralworkshop.com

Contact us for an Inspection. 

 

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Need a few reasons to digitize your paper-based engineering and architectural drawings? How about these?

Need a few reasons to digitize your paper-based engineering and architectural drawings? How about these?

1- Accessibility and Sharing. Digital files are easy to search, copy and share, saving valuable time and improving collaboration.
2- Storage and Document Integrity. Digital drawings are much less expensive to store than paper copies and are not subject to degradation over time.
3- Flexibility. Digital drawings are easy to rework or update, streamlining change processes and speeding renovations.
4- Details. Digital designs allow for the addition of audio or video to individual elements, providing an extra level of detail (e.g., materials, site layout, construction processes).
At the end of the day, digitization is a huge time and cost saver.
Call Us—561.372.1290
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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 residentsultimately, 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
  • 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

Tags: