27 02, 2026

Does My Building’s Height in Florida Affect Safety Inspection Requirements?
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Does My Building’s Height in Florida Affect Safety Inspection Requirements?

Inspections, Building Safety, Structural Inspections

Does My Building’s Height in Florida Affect Safety Inspection Requirements?

By Scott Harvey-Lewis|2026-08-04T08:11:32-05:00February 27, 2026|

In this article: we explore how a building’s height in Florida interacts with age and location to determine structural safety inspection requirements. We break down the differences between low-rise properties and threshold buildings of four or more stories, explaining when higher professional credentials like a Special Inspector are necessary. Finally, we clarify common misconceptions about Phase 2 inspections to help condo boards and property owners navigate their compliance milestones with confidence.

Two […]

29 12, 2025

Building Recertification Inspection: What Commercial Property Decision‑Makers Need to Know About the Local Programs
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Building Recertification Inspection: What Commercial Property Decision‑Makers Need to Know About the Local Programs

Education, Broward, Building Recertification, Building Safety, Inspections, Miami-Dade, Structural Inspections

Building Recertification Inspection: What Commercial Property Decision‑Makers Need to Know About the Local Programs

By Scott Harvey-Lewis|2026-03-03T07:36:30-05:00December 29, 2025|

In this article: we explain how South Florida building recertification and safety inspection programs apply to commercial properties and why knowing the difference between statewide inspection rules and local recertification programs matters. We review where these rules apply across Miami-Dade, Broward, Boynton Beach, and Boca Raton, what is reviewed during structural and electrical inspections, and how report and repair timelines work. We also outline what happens when issues are found and how staying […]

4 11, 2025

Owner’s Representative vs Project Manager: Which to choose as a Florida HOA or property owner?
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Owner’s Representative vs Project Manager: Which to choose as a Florida HOA or property owner?

Owner's Representative, Education

Owner’s Representative vs Project Manager: Which to choose as a Florida HOA or property owner?

By Scott Harvey-Lewis|2025-11-05T14:23:32-05:00November 4, 2025|

In this article: we explain what an owner’s representative is and how they act as your trusted partner during a major repair or construction project for your Florida HOA or condo. We cover the important differences between an owner’s rep, who works only for your association, and a project manager, who works for the contractor. We detail how this role protects your budget, timeline, and quality, ultimately ensuring your community’s investment is secure and the […]

15 10, 2025

A SIRS at Developer Turnover: How Florida law affects condo boards and developers
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A SIRS at Developer Turnover: How Florida law affects condo boards and developers

SIRS, Building Safety, Education, Property Turnover, Structural Inspections

A SIRS at Developer Turnover: How Florida law affects condo boards and developers

By Scott Harvey-Lewis|2026-11-02T08:08:00-05:00October 15, 2025|

In this article: we examine Florida’s new law that mandates a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) at developer turnover, explaining how this change prevents new condo boards from inheriting buildings with unknown structural defects and underfunded reserves. We detail the benefits for both condo associations, who gain immediate transparency and financial foresight, and for developers, who ensure a smoother, more professional handoff while reducing future liability, ultimately fostering long-term stability and safety for the community.

25 09, 2025

Protecting Florida Condos Through Reserve Studies
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Protecting Florida Condos Through Reserve Studies

SIRS, Building Safety, Education, Structural Inspections

Protecting Florida Condos Through Reserve Studies

By Scott Harvey-Lewis|2025-09-26T14:46:06-05:00September 25, 2025|

In this article: we explore the devastating financial impact of deferred maintenance, highlighting recent six-figure special assessments levied on Florida condo owners. We explain how the state’s mandatory Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) is designed to prevent these crises, detailing what the study includes, who must comply, and why the fast-approaching December 31, 2025, deadline makes immediate action essential for protecting property values and ensuring the long-term stability of your community.

In […]

31 08, 2025

HB 913 Is Now in Effect: What Florida Condo Boards Need to Know
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HB 913 Is Now in Effect: What Florida Condo Boards Need to Know

Building Recertification, Building Safety, Education, Inspections, News, Structural Inspections

HB 913 Is Now in Effect: What Florida Condo Boards Need to Know

By Scott Harvey-Lewis|2026-06-02T08:45:06-05:00August 31, 2025|

In this article: we outline the major provisions of Florida’s House Bill 913 affecting condominiums. We clarify the state’s Milestone Inspection timeline and its interaction with local enforcement, explain the extended deadline for Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS), and detail new rules for reserve funding flexibility and mandatory insurance appraisals. We also cover updated requirements for financial reporting, virtual meeting recordings, and electronic voting to help associations stay compliant.

Florida’s House Bill […]

29 07, 2025

Broward County’s Building Safety Inspection Program: Understanding the 2024 Updates
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Broward County’s Building Safety Inspection Program: Understanding the 2024 Updates

Building Recertification, Building Safety, Education, Inspections, Structural Inspections

Broward County’s Building Safety Inspection Program: Understanding the 2024 Updates

By Scott Harvey-Lewis|2026-06-29T14:25:18-05:00July 29, 2025|

In this article: we break down Broward County’s Building Safety Inspection Program (BSIP) under Board Policy #05-05. We explain how this local program aligns with Florida’s statewide Milestone Inspection law, detail which buildings require inspection based on age and height, and clarify which structures are not exempt. We also outline the critical 180-day timeline for completing inspections and repairs, cover the specific reporting requirements for associations, and discuss the penalties for noncompliance.

As of […]

8 07, 2025

Two Waterfront Mansions, One Smart Decision: A Luxury Property Condition Assessment
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Two Waterfront Mansions, One Smart Decision: A Luxury Property Condition Assessment

Property Condition Assessments, Building Safety

Two Waterfront Mansions, One Smart Decision: A Luxury Property Condition Assessment

By Scott Harvey-Lewis|2026-11-02T08:07:01-05:00July 8, 2025|

High-Stakes Real Estate Calls for High-Precision Assessments

In the spring of 2025, two of South Florida’s most exclusive residential estates changed hands: a $55 million oceanfront property in North Palm Beach and a $39 million dual-frontage estate on Jupiter Island. Both were extraordinary in their architecture, location, and market appeal. But before the sales took place, the buyers of these properties commissioned Building Mavens to perform a thorough Property Turnover Inspection and Property Condition Assessment (PCA). With good reason.

Massive […]

30 06, 2025

Supporting Excellence at Sandals Royal Caribbean with a Commercial Property Assessment
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Supporting Excellence at Sandals Royal Caribbean with a Commercial Property Assessment

Property Condition Assessments, Building Safety

Supporting Excellence at Sandals Royal Caribbean with a Commercial Property Assessment

By Scott Harvey-Lewis|2026-11-02T08:06:15-05:00June 30, 2025|

A New Benchmark for Caribbean Luxury Hospitality

As part of its ongoing commitment to world-class hospitality, Sandals Resorts International recently unveiled the new Balmoral building at its Royal Caribbean resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The building features 36 beachfront suites that reflect Sandals’ forward-thinking vision for next-level guest experiences, with ocean views, luxury finishes, and an unmistakable connection to the surrounding Caribbean landscape.

Ensuring Structural Integrity with Independent Assessment

To make sure every part of the new Balmoral building lived […]

5 06, 2025

Florida’s New SIRS Law (HB 913): The Key 2025 Deadline Extension & Reserve Rule Changes You Need to Know
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Florida’s New SIRS Law (HB 913): The Key 2025 Deadline Extension & Reserve Rule Changes You Need to Know

SIRS, Building Recertification, Building Safety, Education, Inspections, Structural Inspections

Florida’s New SIRS Law (HB 913): The Key 2025 Deadline Extension & Reserve Rule Changes You Need to Know

By Scott Harvey-Lewis|2025-08-31T11:53:28-05:00June 5, 2025|

In this article: we dive into the significant updates to Florida’s Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) requirements brought by CS/CS/HB 913. We’ll cover the crucial extension of the SIRS deadline to December 31, 2025, clarify the “habitable stories” rule for applicability, detail enhancements to SIRS content including the new “baseline funding plan,” explore new flexibilities linking SIRS funding to Milestone Inspection repairs, and outline updated rules for reserve funding mechanisms and conflict of interest disclosures. […]

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High-Stakes Real Estate Calls for High-Precision Assessments

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A New Benchmark for Caribbean Luxury Hospitality

Ensuring Structural Integrity with Independent Assessment

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