Florida's 40 Year Recertification To Ensure Your Building’s Integrity

About Ergo Engineering LLC

As a comprehensive Professional Engineering and Construction Management firm, Ergo Engineering provides end-to-end solutions across our service spectrum. We prioritize safety and compliance in all our construction, engineering, and inspection services, ensuring our clients' operations continue smoothly without interruption.

By combining deep technical knowledge, extensive industry experience, and innovative problem-solving, our team consistently delivers outstanding results. Each project we complete drives us to raise our standards even higher and refine our expertise further.

With strategic locations in both Miami and Orlando, we serve Florida's expanding market, including its established infrastructure needs. Our presence in these key cities allows us to effectively support projects throughout the entire state.

Our Services

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Ensure compliance with building codes by conducting inspections and assessments for structures reaching 40 years of age…

40 Year Recertification

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A structural building inspection is a detailed assessment of a building's essential components (like foundations, walls, beams, and roof) to evaluate their integrity, safety, and compliance with building codes.

Structural Building Inspection

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A milestone building inspection is a comprehensive structural and safety assessment required at specific points in a building's life (typically at 25-30 years and 40 years after construction) to ensure its continued safety and identify any necessary repairs or maintenance.

Milestone Building Inspections

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A threshold inspection is a mandatory structural inspection performed during construction of large buildings, specifically checking critical load-bearing components to ensure they meet safety requirements and building codes.

Threshold Inspection

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A seawall inspection is a professional assessment of a coastal wall's structural integrity, condition, and functionality to ensure it can effectively protect waterfront property from erosion, flooding, and wave damage.

Seawall Inspection

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A thermography inspection uses specialized infrared cameras to detect temperature variations in buildings, equipment, or systems, revealing hidden issues like heat loss, electrical problems, moisture intrusion, or mechanical faults without destructive testing.

Thermography Inspection

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Structural glazing inspection is a detailed assessment of glass panels and their supporting framework in buildings, specifically examining how the glass is bonded to its frame using specialized silicone sealants, to ensure the safety and integrity of the glass installation system.

Structural Glazing Inspection

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A Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) is a comprehensive evaluation of a building's structural elements, mechanical systems, and waterproofing components that determines their remaining useful life and estimates future repair/replacement costs to help associations plan for necessary maintenance and funding.

Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)

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Understanding the 40-Year Building Recertification

What is the 40-Year Recertification?

Buildings in Miami-Dade and Broward counties that reach 40 years of age must undergo a recertification process by a licensed engineer or architect to verify their structural and electrical safety. After the initial certification, buildings need recertification every 10 years.

Which Buildings Need This Certification?

In Miami-Dade County: All buildings except single-family homes, duplexes, and buildings with an occupant load of 10 or less and 2,000 square feet or less.

In Broward County: All buildings except single-family homes, duplexes, buildings less than 3,500 square feet, and U.S. or Florida state government buildings on Indian reservations.

How Does the Process Work?

When a building turns forty, county or city officials send a Notice of Required Inspection to the property owner. Owners have 90 days from notification to complete the inspection. Based on results, the building either receives recertification for another 10 years or must undergo improvements within 60 days. Non-compliance can lead to penalties.

What Do the Inspections Include?

Licensed architects or engineers inspect:

Foundation and structural systems
Roofing systems
Masonry bearing walls
Steel frames
Flooring and concrete framing
Windows
Wood framing
Electrical services and systems
Emergency lighting

What If I Don't Receive a Notice?

Property owners remain responsible for obtaining recertification even without receiving a notice. This includes the initial 40-year certification and subsequent 10-year recertifications. Failure to maintain proper certification could result in liability issues if incidents occur.

If your building is approaching its 40th year or you've received a recertification notice, we can help complete the necessary inspections and documentation.

Is a 40-Year Recertification Mandatory?

Yes, the recertification is legally required to verify your building's safety and structural integrity. The inspection examines critical elements including structural components, safety systems, and material conditions. This isn't just a visual check - it includes detailed testing and thorough inspection of structural elements like load-bearing walls, foundations, and electrical systems. Completing this certification helps protect against future liability and can prevent costly repairs by identifying issues early. Professional engineers can guide you through this essential process to ensure your building's safety and compliance.
What Should I Expect During the Inspection?

The 40-year recertification involves comprehensive testing and verification to ensure your building meets current safety standards. Inspectors will provide a detailed report examining your building's exterior, interior, electrical, and plumbing systems. They'll check for water damage, safety hazards, structural concerns, and other potential issues. Our team offers practical recommendations for maintaining your building's safety and staying compliant with local regulations.
What Happens If I Don't Comply?

Building owners have a crucial responsibility to maintain certification. Missing the recertification deadline can lead to serious consequences. The county may issue a Non-Compliance Notice, resulting in significant fines up to $10,510 plus enforcement costs. In severe cases, authorities could mandate building closure or demolition. This underscores the importance of meeting certification deadlines and maintaining building safety standards.
What If I Never Receive a Notification?

Even without receiving official notice, property owners must ensure timely recertification as their building approaches 40 years. Ignoring this obligation risks penalties and liability for any safety incidents. Taking proactive steps to schedule inspection and recertification provides peace of mind and ensures compliance with county standards.
How Is the Recertification Date Determined?

The recertification date is calculated as 40 years from your building's original Certificate of Occupancy issuance date. This timeline applies specifically to buildings in Miami-Dade County requiring structural and electrical inspections for code compliance.
What Are the Key Inspection Points?

The recertification evaluates your building's structural and electrical integrity using specific criteria based on size, age, and condition. Meeting these requirements ensures your building satisfies current safety standards and local regulations.
Why Is This Certification Critical?

Florida's history of building incidents, particularly the 2021 Surfside collapse, demonstrates the importance of structural maintenance, especially in coastal areas. Licensed professionals examine concrete, reinforcement, electrical systems, and plumbing. While potentially costly, proper certification protects property values and resident safety. It's essential for maintaining Florida's coastal buildings and preventing structural risks from environmental exposure.