Part 1: What Are Milestone Inspections — and Why They Matter for Your Condo
A friendly guide to understanding Florida’s new building safety requirements.
If you live in a Florida condominium that’s three stories or taller, you’ve probably heard the term milestone inspection more than once this year. It sounds technical, but it’s really about one thing: keeping our buildings — and everyone inside them — safe. Here’s what every condo owner should know.
What Is a Milestone Inspection?
A milestone inspection is a structural health check-up for your building, required by Florida law.
Who: All condos or co-ops three stories or taller
When: First inspection at 30 years old (or 25 years if near the coast), then every 10 years
By whom: A licensed engineer or architect
What happens:
Phase 1: Visual review to ensure the structure looks sound.
Phase 2: Deeper testing if any structural deterioration is found.
These inspections were created after the tragic Surfside collapse in 2021, a reminder of why preventative maintenance matters.
Why It’s So Important
Milestone inspections protect more than just the structure — they protect lives, investments, and peace of mind. They:
✅ Catch hidden structural problems early
✅ Boost confidence for buyers, insurers, and lenders
✅ Help boards plan for long-term maintenance
✅ Keep our homes safe for years to come
What Happens After the Inspection
Once the inspection is done, the engineer submits a sealed report to the local building department and to your association. A summary of the findings must be shared with all unit owners — promoting transparency and accountability.
Up next: In Part 2, we’ll look at what these inspections are revealing — and the real-world challenges associations are facing as a result.
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Kennedy Association Management provides guidance, project coordination, and trusted professional resources to help your community meet state requirements while protecting your owners and property values.
