Florida Condo Building Inspections (SB4d) It’s a confusing time for everyone affected, and we can all use some extra clarity.
Florida Condo Building Inspections (SB4d)
It’s a confusing time for everyone affected, and we can all use some extra clarity.
Florida state legislature took swift action to implement inspection reform to mitigate the risk of a similar tragedy in the future. As of May 27th, 2022, Florida passed several laws to keep building safer in the state by requiring specific inspections and funding mechanisms. These new Florida condo laws mean significant changes for building owners across Florida, all within a relatively short time.
- Under the new legislation, a licensed engineer or architect must visually evaluate condominiums older than 30 years, or 25 years if the building is within 3 miles of the shore, and every 10 years thereafter.
- A secondary inspection will be required if there is evidence of significant structural damage.
- The new rule also mandates that condo organizations review their reserve money every ten years to ensure that they can cover substantial repairs.
This is a great Video to start your education on SB-4D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QdEqUgL1CM&t=51s
Milestone Inspections
Addition of F.S. 533.889 – Milestone Inspections
What buildings does this law affect, and what does the new law say?
Structural inspections are now mandatory for condominium and cooperative buildings that are 3 stories or greater in height.
What do I have to do?
Have a Milestone Inspection performed when a building is 30 years old and every ten years after the initial inspection. If your building is within 3 miles of the coastline, a Milestone Inspection must be performed when the building is 25 years old and every ten years after the initial inspection.
What else do I need to know about this inspection?
The purpose is to verify the safety and adequacy of the structural components of the building. There are two possible phases of this Milestone Inspection. If you pass the first, you don’t need the second. If you don’t pass the first, you’re required to have the second performed, which is much more extensive.
Phase 1is a visual examination and qualitative assessment. Ideally, this will be all you have to complete.
Phase 2is a full assessment of distress to determine if the building is structurally sound and safe for its intended use. The inspector is to recommend a program for complete evaluation and repair of distressed and damaged portions of the building.
On SFPMA.COM find the top rated engineers for your SB-4D Inspections.
A Florida Licensed Engineer or Architect must perform both phases of this Milestone Inspection.
Find the Top rated Engineers on our State of Florida Members Directory. Members are located all over Florida, Boards, Managers, Owners, Investors can view our open directory and find these companies to start the Inspections.
When is the deadline?
If your building is over 30 years old (or 25 if you’re within 3 miles of the coast), you must complete this inspection by December 31st, 2024.
We at SFPMA recommend you know about this new Florida condo law?
Don’t wait to get started on this. If you act now, you can likely avoid a Phase 2 inspection by correcting any items that might force you into a Phase 2, before the December 31st, 2024 date. Those who wait may be forced into a more expensive Phase 2 can’t make necessary repairs in time. (*If a building is less than 3 miles from the coastline, these inspections start at year 25).
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