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Under Sections 553 & 718 · Florida Statutes

Milestone Inspections in Florida

What property managers and building owners need to know about structural safety inspections for aging residential condominium and cooperative buildings.

Does Your Building Require a Milestone Inspection?

Building type

Residential condominium or cooperative building

Height requirement

Three or more habitable stories

Age trigger

30 years from the date the certificate of occupancy was issued, then every 10 years after that

Coastal buildings: The age trigger is 25 years (instead of 30) if the building is within 3 miles of the coastline.

Milestone Inspection Unpacked

Phase 1

Visual Inspection

Required for all buildings

Required for every building subject to the milestone inspection law. After the inspection, clients receive a report that:

  • States whether the building passed or whether a Phase 2 inspection is required
  • Outlines recommended repairs or next steps
  • Includes photos showing the conditions observed
  • Is typically delivered faster than a comprehensive condition survey report

Phase 2

Further Investigation & Testing

Triggered by Phase 1 findings

Only required if Phase 1 identifies signs of substantial structural deterioration that call for further investigation and more testing.

  • Targeted testing of structural elements flagged in Phase 1
  • May include concrete testing, probe openings, or other diagnostic methods
  • Results inform the scope of any required repair work

Milestone Inspection Readiness Checklist

Gather Key Records

Prepare Internally

Know the Association's Responsibilities

What to Expect During the Inspection

During the inspection, our team aims to be courteous, efficient, and as non-disruptive as possible.

1

Engineer access

1 to 2 engineers may enter the unit to access the balcony

2

Balcony inspection

The balcony inspection usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes

3

Photos & sounding

Our team may take photos and sound the concrete to check for possible issues

4

Careful work

We work carefully to avoid damage to finishes such as tile and paint

For easier access, please clear the balcony of personal items and keep blinds or similar coverings open before the inspection.

What should you expect from your engineer?

Your engineer should be professional, communicative, and ethical — with the ability to guide you through the inspection, clearly explain structural concerns, and provide your Phase 1 report without tying it to repair work.

 

Ready to schedule your Milestone Inspection?

At Biller Reinhart Engineering Group, we have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the full Milestone Inspection process: from Phase 1 evaluation to Phase 2 testing and repair support.

Blog Posts

Blog Posts

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This resource is published for informational purposes and does not constitute engineering advice. Consult a licensed Structural Engineer for project-specific guidance.