The Story:
On June 24, 2021, a 12 story condominium building partially collapsed while undergoing the installation of a new roof, causing the deaths of 98 people. Prior to this incident, there was no regulation requiring buildings to have periodic structural inspections. One of the factors which contributed to the failure was long-term degradation of reinforced concrete structural supports located in the lowest level of the building, the basement. Another was the corrosion of the reinforcing steel used during the original construction. Finally, the land itself in Florida is prone to erosion. It was a combination of these 3 elements certainly, and others that remain unknown that caused the catastrophic failure of a building that at that time stood for over 40 years.
What Resulted?
During the investigation, and countless later inspections of adjacent structures, 9 additional condominium buildings were immediately condemned. It took almost a year for legislation to be created and implemented to address the concerns created by this incident. What resulted was the Florida Condo Safety Act which was passed in May 2022. Senate Bill 553.899 requires the associations of condominiums that meet certain criteria to recertify to ensure the property is safe for continued use. To satisfy this, they must perform milestone structural inspections of the property. Specifically, the law requires condominium and cooperative association buildings that are three of more stories in height to have a “milestone inspection” of the buildings’ structural integrity by an architect or engineer when a building reaches:
•30 years of age and every 10 years thereafter
This inspection is required to happen by December 31, 2024, for all buildings meeting this criteria.
What Are We Doing About It?
JSB Milestone Inspections is here to make sure not one more life is lost because of a catastrophic failure such as the one that happened in 2021. As state licensed Architects, General Contractors and LCAMs, we have a full understanding of what the requirements are not only for the buildings but for State reporting and we are ready to go to work for you because this is your HOME, and you should be able to rest assured that your home and family are safe.
We thank you for the opportunity and look forward to serving your families.
Why Milestone Inspections?
The Surfside collapse led to a pivotal change in Florida's building regulations. The Florida Condo Safety Act of 2022 was introduced, mandating milestone structural inspections for condominiums and cooperative association buildings. These inspections are not just about compliance—they're about ensuring the safety and well-being of every resident.
Buildings, like everything else, age over time. Factors like environmental conditions, wear and tear, and design flaws can compromise their structural integrity. Regular inspections help identify potential issues before they escalate, ensuring that buildings remain safe and habitable.
Protecting Communities, One Building at a Time
Every resident deserves the assurance that their home is safe. At JSB Milestone Inspections LLC, we're committed to making that a reality. Through our inspections, we aim to protect communities, ensuring that no family ever has to face the heartbreak of losing their home to preventable structural issues.
Join Us in Our Mission
Safety is a collective responsibility. Let's work together to ensure that every condominium building in Florida stands strong, safe, and secure for generations to come.
