Building Recertifications

A building recertification in Miami-Dade County refers to the process through which older buildings are inspected to ensure their structural integrity and safety. This process is mandated by local building codes to help identify potential safety hazards and prevent building failures, particularly for structures that have been in use for several decades.

The recertification is required for buildings that are 40 years old or older, and then again every 10 years after that (e.g., 50 years old, 60 years old, etc.).

Key Aspects of Building Recertification:

1. Inspection Requirements

The building must undergo a comprehensive inspection by a licensed engineer or architect. The inspection focuses on two primary areas:

  • Structural integrity: This includes an evaluation of the building’s foundation, beams, columns, load-bearing walls, and other structural components.

  • Electrical systems: Inspecting the electrical infrastructure to ensure it is up to current safety codes and not posing a fire hazard or risk to the building's occupants.

2. Purpose

The main goal of the recertification process is to:

  • Ensure safety: Identify any structural or electrical problems that could pose a risk to the building’s residents or visitors.

  • Ensure compliance: Ensure that older buildings meet modern building codes and safety standards, which may have changed over time.

  • Prevent disasters: Recertification helps to detect issues early, preventing dangerous situations like building collapses, which can have serious consequences.

3. Who is Responsible?

The building owner is responsible for ensuring that the recertification is completed. If repairs or improvements are needed based on the inspection, the owner must make those changes to bring the building up to code.

4. Timeline

  • First Recertification: Required when a building turns 40 years old.

  • Subsequent Recertifications: Required every 10 years after the initial recertification (i.e., at 50, 60, 70 years old, etc.).

The owner is given a set period of time (usually a few months) to complete the inspection and submit the findings to the local building department.

5. What Happens After the Inspection?

  • Certification: If the building passes the inspection and no significant issues are found, the building is certified for continued use.

  • Repairs and Upgrades: If deficiencies are identified (e.g., deteriorating structure, outdated electrical systems), the building owner must take corrective actions to fix these issues. The building cannot be recertified until these issues are resolved.

  • Report Submission: After the inspection, the engineer or architect submits a report to the local building department, detailing the condition of the building and the recommended repairs.

6. Enforcement and Penalties

  • If a building fails to complete the recertification process within the required timeline, the owner can face fines and potentially legal action.

  • In extreme cases, if a building is deemed unsafe and the owner does not make the necessary repairs, the building could be vacated or even demolished to protect public safety.

Why Is It Important?

The 40-year building recertification was put in place after several incidents of building failures, most notably the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside in 2021, which highlighted the dangers posed by aging infrastructure. The incident brought national attention to the need for more rigorous safety standards for older buildings in South Florida.

Key Takeaways:

  • Who: Required for buildings 40 years or older, and then every 10 years thereafter.

  • What: A detailed inspection of structural integrity and electrical systems.

  • Why: To ensure building safety and compliance with modern standards.

  • How: Inspections are conducted by licensed engineers or architects, and reports are submitted to the local authorities.

The recertification process plays a critical role in maintaining the safety of older buildings in Miami-Dade County, ensuring that residents and occupants are not at risk due to structural failures or outdated systems.

Our team specializes in the building recertification from beginning to closing permits. Contact us today for a free estimate.



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