40 Year Building
Recertification Inspections
Reaching the age of 40 is often viewed as a significant point in life. Similarly, in Florida, the 40th anniversary of a building holds considerable importance.
The reason for this is that many buildings in Florida are mandated to undergo a recertification process when they hit their 40-year mark. Commercial property owners in the state must secure a 40-Year Inspection/Recertification to confirm that their building is safe, operational, and structurally stable.
What does a 40-Year Building Recertification Inspection entail?
Florida's county codes necessitate a 40 Year Inspection for the majority of commercial buildings. As the anniversary date approaches, property owners are served a Notice of Required Inspection, based on the original date when the structure was awarded its Certificate of Occupancy.
The recertification requirement extends to most structures, barring duplexes and single-family homes. Buildings in Miami-Dade County that hold 10 or fewer occupants and are under 2,000 square feet, and those in Broward County under 3,500 square feet, may also be excused.
Upon receipt of the Notice of Required Inspection, property owners have 90 days to organize the inspection. The outcome of this comprehensive assessment determines if the building can be recertified for another decade. If not, the property owner must undertake necessary repairs and improvements to achieve recertification, with a 60-day window provided for completion.
Failure to comply can result in severe legal and financial repercussions.
What is scrutinized during a 40 Year Building Recertification Inspection?
The inspection involves a comprehensive check of the structure's key components, including the electrical and foundational systems, roof, steel frames, masonry bearing walls, concrete framing systems, and wood framing. Additional elements like flooring, emergency lighting, and conduit raceways are also inspected.
Inspectors are tasked with assessing all principal structural elements for soundness. Any signs of compromised structural integrity are documented in a report. The electrical room is also visited to inspect panels, gutters, feeders, breakers, etc. A thermal inspection may be mandated if the building's electrical system operates above 400 amps.
Who is eligible to conduct a 40 Year Recertification Inspection?
The 40 Year Inspection in Florida must be executed by a licensed professional under the supervision of a professional architect or engineer. It's essential to employ an experienced professional to ensure a seamless process and precise results.
Miami-Dade and Broward 40 Year Recertification Requirements
Commercial buildings in Miami-Dade County that exceed 2,000 square feet and aren't single-family homes must undergo a recertification process. Owners of single-family homes, duplexes, and buildings accommodating 10 or fewer occupants and less than 2,000 square feet are exempted from inspection and recertification.
In Broward County, any commercial building over 3,500 square feet must be inspected and recertified after 40 years. Buildings smaller than this are exempted. Other exceptions include single-family and duplex homes, schools under the Broward County school board's jurisdiction, structures on Indian Reservations, State of Florida buildings, and federal government structures.
About Accurate BI Inspections
Is your building approaching its 40-year anniversary? If yes, you might have already received a notice about the required inspection and recertification.
Accurate BI Inspections is a perfect resource for understanding this process and for finding proficient professionals to manage it for you.
Our team at Accurate Bi Inspections comprises highly skilled inspectors who can guide you through a 40-year building inspection and recertification. Having already completed hundreds of such inspections and reports, we are seasoned and competent in this domain. Engage us with confidence, knowing that we'll provide a detailed, impartial report to help you recertify your property