Why Do Some Counties Require 30-Year Inspections? (Video)

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

EarlyBirdEd asks: Why do some Florida counties require inspections at 30 years instead of 40?

This change came after the Surfside collapse in 2021, which tragically killed 98 people. Lawmakers realized coastal buildings face harsher conditions, so waiting 40 years for the first major inspection was too risky. Miami-Dade and Broward now require inspections at 30 years if the building is within three miles of the coast. Salt air, humidity, and storms age buildings faster, and earlier inspections catch problems before they become catastrophic. It’s one of several reforms Florida passed to make condos safer and prevent another Surfside.

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Authoritative references: Miami-Dade County Ordinance 22-63; Broward County Building Safety Program; 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.