Building Recertifications

What is a Building Recertification?

Building recertification is the process of formally assessing a building to ensure it continues to meet current safety standards, codes, and regulations for existing Buildings. This typically involves evaluating the structural integrity, electrical systems, and overall condition of the building. This process is vital for maintaining safety, complying with legal requirements, and maintaining property value, as certified buildings are more attractive to buyers and may be necessary for insurance coverage. The building recertification process identifies needed repairs and upgrades, promoting proactive maintenance in the future.

Why They Matter: 

Recertifications are crucial for maintaining public safety and property value. They provide peace of mind, assuring tenants and owners that buildings are safe and up to code. In Florida, with its unique climate and environmental challenges, proper, regular recertifications help prevent costly repairs and legal issues down the line.

Who Needs Them:

Each county or municipality has different requirements, but generally, any building over 30 years old, in some municipalities 25, must undergo recertification. This includes residential complexes, commercial properties, and more. The following residential buildings are exempt: single-family homes, duplexes, and buildings with 10 occupant loads or less and 2,000 square feet or less.

For Buildings in Broward County:

The Broward County Building Safety Inspection Program was created in 2005 and became effective throughout Broward County in January 2006. The program calls for structural and electrical safety inspections for buildings 40 years old or older and every ten years thereafter. One and two-family dwellings, U.S Government, State of Florida buildings, schools under the jurisdiction of the Broward County School Boards and buildings built on Indian Reservations are exempt from this program. The Broward program also excludes all buildings under 3,500 square feet.

For more information about Broward County requirements and guidelines, please visit: https://www.broward.org/Building/Elevators/Documents/40%20Year%20Building%20Safety%20Inspection%20Program.pdf

For Buildings in Miami-Dade County:

1. All buildings built on or before 1982 that have already had an initial recertification inspection through Miami-Dade’s 40-Year program will continue to follow the established schedule.
2. Coastal condominium and cooperative buildings three stories or taller built between 1983 and 1997 and located within three miles of the coastline must have a recertification inspection by December 31, 2024, and every 10 years thereafter. These buildings are being identified through a GIS mapping project. All other buildings built between 1983 and 1992 must have a recertification inspection by December 31, 2024, and every 10 years thereafter.
3. All condominium and cooperative association buildings that are three stories or taller located within three miles of the coastline built on or after 1998 must have a building recertification inspection when the building age reaches 25 years, and every 10 years thereafter. All other buildings built on or after 1993 must have a recertification inspection when the building age reaches 30 years, and every 10 years thereafter.

For more information about Miami-Dade requirements and guidelines, please visit: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/economy/building/recertification.page

For Buildings in the City of Boca Raton:

On August 24, 2021, the Boca Raton City Council adopted Ordinance No. 5589, enacting Section 19-162, Code of Ordinances, the “Building Recertification Inspection Program.” The Building Recertification Inspection Program requires that any “threshold building,” except single-family or duplex residential dwellings, in the City of Boca Raton that has a “building age” of 30 years or greater shall be subject to recertification.

For more information about the City of Boca Raton's requirements and guidelines, please visit: https://myboca.us/2091/Building-Recertification-Inspection-Prog

How a Building Recertification Works:

A licensed structural & electrical engineer, or their representatives, conducts a thorough inspection, assessing the condition of the building's components. The process typically includes Non-destructive visual & physical inspections, aerial analysis, and existing documentation review. Upon completion, you receive a detailed report with recommendations for repairs or improvements, when necessary, ensuring your property remains compliant and safe. The Engineer may provide construction documents for the repair needed and re-inspect the building after/during the repairs before submitting the report to the City if time permits.