What Does “Substantial Structural Deterioration” Mean? (Video)

“Hi, my name is Greg Batista here to answer another question from the internet.

CodeCracker asks: What does it mean when engineers say there’s substantial structural deterioration?

It’s more than a scary phrase — it’s a legal term in Florida law. It means a structural component like a beam, slab, or column has lost enough capacity that it can no longer safely support loads. In 2022, Florida passed SB-4D, requiring engineers to immediately report such findings. Ignoring them can result in fines or building evacuations. The Surfside tragedy in 2021, which killed 98 people, showed the deadly consequences of delayed action. Today, “substantial structural deterioration” is a red flag that cannot be ignored — it triggers mandatory repair and reporting requirements to keep people safe.

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Authoritative references: Florida Statute SB-4D; Florida Building Code definitions; NIST Surfside investigation.

The author, Greg Batista, PE, CGC, SI is owner of G. Batista Engineering & Construction and is a nationally-recognized engineer and contractor with more than 35 years of experience and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.