Florida’s Building Safety Act 2025 — What Condo & Co‑Op Owners Must Know
In response to serious safety concerns highlighted by the 2021 Surfside collapse, Florida has strengthened its rules around condominium and cooperative building inspections. The new Building Safety Act (stemming from SB 4‑D and updates in SB 154) now requires stricter structural oversight, reserve planning, and accountability.
If your building is three stories or taller, this law applies to you — and failure to comply could carry major costs, legal liability, or even loss of insurability. At PRC, we’ve structured our inspection and repair services specifically to guide you through this new landscape, end-to-end.
Why This Law Changed & What It Seeks to Solve
• The Surfside tragedy exposed gaps in how older buildings were maintained, documented, and inspected.
• The Florida Legislature responded with SB 4‑D (2022), followed by SB 154 (2023), refining inspection mandates and adding flexibility for local governments.
• The Building Safety Act aims to force proactive maintenance — not reactive fixes — by mandating inspections, reserves, and reporting in a transparent way.
• Its goal is clear: protect residents, preserve property value, and hold associations accountable.
Core Requirements Under the Act (2025 Edition)
• Milestone / Structural Inspections – Buildings 3+ stories must undergo intact structural reviews (visual +, if needed, tests) at prescribed intervals.
• Reserve Studies (SIRS) – Every 10 years, your association must conduct a Structural Integrity Reserve Study covering key components (foundations, roofs, load-bearing walls, etc.).
• Strict Repair Timelines – If an inspection (Phase 2) uncovers any structural defects, the association must begin repairs within 365 days.
• No More Waivers – As of 2025, associations may not waive or underfund reserves for critical structural systems.
• Transparency & Reporting – Inspection reports must be published, distributed to owners, and retained as official records. Boards must operate with enhanced disclosure and accountability.
*Also notable: The act gives latitude to local jurisdictions to impose stricter timelines (especially coastal zones), and connects with existing county-level programs (like Broward’s BSIP) as model enforcement tools.
Deadlines You Need to Track
- The Act became effective July 1, 2025
- Many associations must complete their first round of inspections by December 31, 2025
- After the initial inspection, the 10‑year cycle begins
Repairs initiated from Phase 2 findings must start within 365 days - Keep in mind: your building’s Certificate of Occupancy date and past inspection records may alter the specific deadlines in your jurisdiction.
The Risks of Failing to Comply
• Your building could be declared unsafe for occupancy
• The association may face fines, legal exposure, and liability
• Directors and board members risk fiduciary duty breaches
• Non-compliant buildings may have trouble getting or renewing insurance coverage
• Deferred maintenance can escalate repair costs far beyond what early intervention would cost
How PRC Helps You Win Compliance — From Inspection to Repair
We don’t just talk about the law — we act within it. Here’s how we support you:
1. Licensed Engineer Partnerships – We coordinate your inspection with Florida-licensed structural engineers experienced in state regulations and coastal building challenges.
2. Full Site Documentation – Every corner of your property (balconies, slabs, columns, envelope, parking structure) is examined, documented, and photographed.
3. Detailed Findings & Prioritization – You receive actionable reports that categorize defects by urgency, cost, and scope.
4. Repair Planning & Execution – We convert recommendations into budgets and proposals. If you choose PRC, we’ll deliver the work — saving you vendor-hopping.
5. Inspection Credit Incentive – As a token of trust: if you retain PRC for repairs, we’ll credit the cost of the inspection against your project. Your compliance process can pay for itself.
What to Do Next (Your Compliance Roadmap)
• Verify your building age & number of habitable stories
• Obtain your Certificate of Occupancy and past inspection records
• Schedule your structural inspection & SIRS immediately (many firms are booking into late 2025)
• Communicate with your owners and board — transparency is required
• Budget repairs proactively — don’t let necessary fixes surprise you
• Document everything — meeting minutes, reports, notices, timelines
Don’t Wait — Start Now
The new laws are in force, and enforcement is coming. PRC is ready to help you navigate this process, protect your investment, and deliver safe, compliant outcomes.
Call PRC Today: (321) 421-6374 or Book Your Inspection Consultation Online → PRC Milestone Inspection Form
