If you own commercial property in Miami, chances are you’ve heard about the building recertification inspection. The ordinance was enforced in 1975 and then it was replaced in 2001 by the Florida Building Code. The building recertification inspection applies to commercial buildings within Miami-Dade and Broward County except for small structures that are less than 2,000 square feet or occupant load of ten (10) or less, duplexes, and single-family homes. Your city’s building department will send you a notice with the due date.
Types of Commercial Buildings
- Industrial
- Warehouses
- Office spaces
- Medical Offices
- Retail spaces
- Apartment complexes
- Restaurants/Cafes
- Hospitals
- Places of worship: Churches, Mosques, Synagogues, temples, etc.
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Storage Facilities
- Historical Buildings
- Rehab Centers
- Motels
- Storefronts
- Shopping centers
- Multi-family buildings
How does it work?
The building recertification requires that commercial buildings in Miami-Dade and Broward County for the purpose of determining the general structural condition of the building, the general condition of its electrical systems and any safety issues or concerns. Upon expiration of 25 years, the county or city building authority will send out a “Notice of Required Inspection” that will prompt you of the time for the building recertification inspection. Once completed for the first time, you will have to do the recertification process every ten (10) years. You can see it named as 10/25/30/40/50/60 Year Building Safety Recertification Inspection or Building Recertification of Real Estate Property as well. Another name for it can be a milestone inspection that basically determines the overall structural condition of the building in relation to the safety of the building. As a new requirement in Miami-Dade County an infrared thermography inspection is required on the main electrical entrance system 400 amps or higher (on the main entrance) performed by a Level-II or higher certified infrared thermographer who is qualified and trained to recognize and document thermal anomalies in electrical systems and possesses over 7 years of experience inspecting electrical systems associated with commercial buildings.
Type of inspection
The property owner has 90 days upon receipt of the notice to comply and complete the inspection. Even if you don’t receive a notice of inspection from the overseeing county department, you’re required to take personal responsibility to acquire the recertification as the owner every 10 years.
Once inspection is done, structural and electrical recertification will be done after 10 years (whether or not there are structural improvements). Should there be any structural improvements required, the owner of the building is given an additional 60 days to undertake and complete the improvements required. After the Building Recertification Inspection is performed, we will submit to you the original copies or the digital copies (depending on city and location), you then, will have to go (or submit electronically) to your city’s building department to submit the original reports with an engineer seal to pay the permit fee.
How can we help you?
Florida Inspections Unlimited has a team of qualified professional engineer who can assist you with recertification process. As an owner, we urge you to comply immediately with the notice of inspection so that you can avoid being penalized for being late or for not fulfilling stipulated compliance requirements. These are the most common deficiencies in buildings and this list is provided to you in order to help you identify and correct prior to us inspecting the property.
- We don’t verify smoke detectors; we just check if they are present/or not and their current condition. We do not verify if they are hard wired or battery powered. If they are present, we will check the placement of alarms to be in accordance with the adopted NFPA standards 72 and 101 which at a minimum, require units to be no less than 3’ from any fan or AC register, and no more than 12’ nor less than 4’ from the ceiling if mounted on a wall. They must be installed in every sleeping room, in each hallway or area leading to the sleeping rooms on all levels of the property, including basements if present.
- All electrical and main panels are properly labeled, inside and out.
- All electrical panel doors must have a door latch when closed.
- All electrical connections must be adequate, and no exposed wires could be present.
- Electrical room, storage doors should be properly identified if facing exterior or outside.
- Emergency lights and exit signs must be installed where required and in good working order.
- Outside lighting for parking is in working order and in compliance with city requirements. (Miami-Dade County only)
- Make sure that all electrical panels are accessible with a 30” clearance in any direction (front, right and left of panel).
- As per requirements proper accessibility to any electrical appliance or panel must be present, if we are unable to access a re-inspection will be required.
- Safety issues could be found at property like railing, damaged sidewalks, safety rails, unsafe areas or any other issues that could put in harm the safety of people around the property.
- Structural damage should not be concealed, and any prior repairs notified.
- It’s the customer’s responsibility to verify any open permits, any violations, or repairs. The customer is completely responsible for all these items and any cost involved.
Building Recertification Inspection Requirements for Broward County
10/25/30/40/50/60 Year Building Safety Recertification’s or can also be called a milestone inspection vary from city to city and county to county in Florida. Most counties require commercial buildings with 3,500 square ft. to be inspected. Broward County requires determining the general structural and electrical condition of the building. Non-residential farm buildings and buildings with less than 2,000 square ft., state of Florida buildings, and building units on Indian reservations are exempted from re-certification.
Need Help?
Florida Inspections Unlimited can help you fulfill the recertification requirement today. We have a team of qualified engineers who are ready to help you immediately when you receive your notice of inspection. For more information about your building recertification inspection, call us at 305-910-1171 (Miami Dade County) or 954-861-0666 (Broward County) today.