Building Safety Inspection Program
FLORIDA
Structural Safety Compliance Guide for Property Owners, Condominium Associations & HOA Boards
Florida’s Milestone Inspection law was enacted to improve building safety and prevent catastrophic structural failures in aging buildings. If your property is a multi-story building in Florida, you may be legally required to complete a Milestone Structural Inspection by a licensed professional engineer and address any unsafe conditions identified.
Milestone Inspections are mandatory, enforcement-driven, and time-sensitive. Failure to comply can result in unsafe building designations, enforcement action, restricted occupancy, or evacuation orders.
This page explains who must comply, inspection timelines, what is inspected, inspection phases, required actions, and how to efficiently coordinate professionals to achieve compliance.
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What is a Florida Milestone Inspection?
A Milestone Inspection is a structural safety evaluation required under Florida Statute §553.899 for certain aging buildings. The inspection confirms whether a building’s structural components are safe for continued use and identifies conditions requiring repair or further investigation.
Milestone Inspections are a prerequisite to ongoing occupancy and are closely tied to reserve funding and long-term building maintenance planning.
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Who must comply
Milestone Inspections apply to buildings in Florida that meet the following criteria:
• Three (3) or more stories in height, and
• 30 years old, based on the date of the Certificate of Occupancy
• 25 years old if the building is located within 3 miles of the coastline
The requirement applies to:
• Condominium and cooperative buildings
• Rental apartment buildings
• Mixed-use properties
Responsibility rests with the building owner or condominium association, even if the property is professionally managed.
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Inspection deadlines & frequency
Initial Milestone Inspection
• Required when the building reaches 30 years of age
• 25 years if within 3 miles of the coast
Subsequent inspections
• Required every 10 years after the initial Milestone Inspection
Local jurisdictions issue Milestone Inspection Notices with specific deadlines for compliance.
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What is inspected
Milestone Inspections focus on structural integrity, not cosmetic condition. Key components include:
• Foundations and load-bearing elements
• Columns, beams, slabs, and floor systems
• Exterior walls, façades, and cladding
• Balconies, decks, and exterior elevated elements
• Waterproofing failures and corrosion
• Any signs of distress that may affect structural safety
The goal is to identify substantial structural deterioration and determine whether repairs or further evaluation are required.
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Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 Milestone Inspections
Phase 1 – Visual Structural Inspection
• Conducted by a Florida-licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA)
• Includes a visual evaluation of accessible structural components
• Determines whether the building appears structurally sound
If no substantial structural deterioration is observed, the inspection may conclude at Phase 1.
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Phase 2 – In-Depth Structural Inspection
A Phase 2 inspection is required if Phase 1 identifies substantial structural deterioration.
Phase 2 may include:
• Invasive testing
• Material sampling
• Detailed analysis and calculations
• Repair recommendations and timelines
Phase 2 findings must be addressed to achieve compliance.
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How rascompany.com helps with Milestone Inspection compliance
Milestone Inspections often trigger major repair projects, tight enforcement deadlines, and complex coordination between engineers, contractors, and boards.
rascompany.com helps owners and associations comply with Florida Milestone Inspection requirements by matching them with vetted professionals, including:
• Florida-licensed structural engineers and architects
• Concrete restoration and structural repair contractors
• Balcony, façade, and waterproofing specialists
• Professionals experienced with Milestone Inspection reports and local enforcement
Using rascompany.com allows you to:
• Quickly secure qualified inspectors before deadlines
• Seamlessly transition from inspection to repair
• Reduce the risk of report rejection or enforcement delays
This coordinated approach helps protect residents, budgets, and long-term property value.
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Required actions after inspection
If the inspection identifies deficiencies, owners or associations must:
• Implement temporary safety measures, if required
• Complete structural repairs within timelines set by the local authority
• Obtain required permits and inspections
• Submit updated reports confirming corrective action
Unsafe conditions must be addressed promptly to avoid escalation.
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Reporting & reserve implications
Milestone Inspection findings often directly impact:
• Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS)
• Budgeting and special assessments
• Long-term capital planning
Inspection reports must be:
• Submitted to the local jurisdiction
• Maintained as official association records
• Shared with unit owners as required by law
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Penalties & risks of non-compliance
Failure to comply with Milestone Inspection requirements may result in:
• Unsafe building designation
• Civil penalties and administrative fees
• Loss of occupancy or use restrictions
• Increased insurance scrutiny
• Significant civil liability exposure
Milestone compliance is a life-safety and fiduciary responsibility.
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A practical Milestone Inspection compliance strategy
1. Track building age and coastal location status
2. Engage a licensed engineer early
3. Plan for potential Phase 2 inspections
4. Budget for repairs and reserve impacts
5. Document all inspections and corrective work
Using a matching platform like rascompany.com can simplify steps 2–4 by connecting owners and associations with experienced Florida Milestone Inspection professionals.
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Key takeaway
Florida’s Milestone Inspection law is a critical safeguard for aging multi-story buildings. Proactive inspections, qualified professionals, and timely repairs are essential to maintaining compliance, protecting occupants, and preserving property value.
Leveraging professional matching services such as rascompany.com helps property owners and condominium associations navigate Milestone Inspection requirements with confidence, speed, and reduced risk.
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