Milestone Inspections and
Structural Integrity Reserve Studies

Do you need any of the following services for your aging structures?

  • Milestone Inspection
  • Structural Integrity Reserve Study
  • 30-Year Recertification
  • 40-Year Recertification
  • 50-Year Recertification
  • Traditional Reserve Study

We can assist you! To ensure the safety of aging structures, South Florida legislators passed Senate Bill 4D, now enacted as Florida Statute section 553.899, on May 26, 2022.

This new law mandates that multi-story residential buildings and condominiums over three (3) stories in height must undergo mandatory structural inspections known as Milestone Inspections. Additionally, Structural Integrity Reserve Studies are required to be completed every ten years.

What is a Milestone Inspection?

According to Florida Statutes section 553.899, a “Milestone Inspection” must be conducted for each condominium association or cooperative association with buildings three stories or higher in height. This inspection must be completed by December 31 of the year in which the building reaches 30 years of age, based on the date of the certificate of occupancy, and every 10 years thereafter.

If the building is located within 3 miles of a coastline, the timeline becomes 25 years and every 10 years thereafter. Please note that this requirement does not apply to single-family, two-family, or three-dwelling units with three or fewer habitable stories above ground. If an inspection is required and the building’s certificate was issued on or before July 1, 1992, the initial milestone inspection must be performed before December 31, 2024.

What is a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)?

The Statute also mandates a Structural Integrity Reserve Study to be completed every 10 years. This study includes:

  • An assessment of reserve funds required for future major repairs and replacement of common areas based on visual inspection.
  • The study can be performed by any qualified person, but the visual inspection must be conducted by a licensed engineer/architect.
  • The study must identify the common areas being inspected, state the estimated remaining useful life, estimate replacement cost or deferred maintenance expense of the inspected areas, and provide a recommended annual reserve amount to cover the estimated expenses by the end of the useful life.

What is Phase 1 of the Milestone Inspection?

A licensed Florida engineer authorized to practice in the state will perform a visual examination of habitable and non-habitable areas of the building, including major structural components. The purpose is to assess the structural conditions for life safety and adequacy, and to determine any necessary maintenance, repair, or replacement of structural components. This inspection does not determine if the existing building complies with building or fire safety codes.

Phase 2 of the Milestone Inspection:

Phase 2 is only required if substantial structural deterioration is identified in Phase 1. This phase may involve destructive or nondestructive testing at the inspector’s direction and will recommend a program for fully assessing and repairing distressed and damaged portions of the building.

What type of report will you receive?

After Phase 1 and Phase 2 (if needed) of the Milestone Inspection is completed, you will receive a sealed report from Florida Engineering, along with a separate summary of the material findings and recommendations in the inspection report. The report will bear the seal and signature or electronic signature of the licensed Florida Engineer who performed the inspection. It will indicate the type of inspection conducted, any substantial structural deterioration, and recommendations for repairs or further inspection.

Ready to schedule your Milestone Inspection or Reserve Study?

The demand for milestone inspections and reserve studies is high, and we’ve already scheduled inspections for early 2024. To ensure compliance with Florida Statute section 553.899, we recommend contacting South Florida Milestone Inspection as soon as possible to get a quote and schedule your inspection.

Fill out the form below to get a free quote and secure your inspection date without delays.