If you own a condo in a South Florida high-rise, you’ve likely heard about Florida’s milestone inspection requirements. Passed in the wake of the 2021 Surfside tragedy, this legislation has reshaped how condo buildings are maintained—and it’s quietly become one of the biggest drivers of unit renovations we see today.
The Basics of the Law: Under Florida’s milestone inspection statute, condo and cooperative buildings of three stories or more must undergo a structural inspection once they reach a set age—generally 30 years, or 25 years for buildings within a few miles of the coastline—and then again on a recurring basis. Associations are also required to complete a Structural Integrity Reserve Study that evaluates the condition of major structural and life-safety components, and to fund reserves accordingly rather than waiving them, as was common in the past.
Why This Is Prompting Renovations: A few different dynamics are at play. Buildings that go through a milestone inspection and reserve study often move forward with structural repairs, waterproofing, and common-area upgrades—work that owners frequently pair with updates to their own units at the same time, since contractors, elevators, and building access are already part of an active project. In newer or recently recertified buildings, owners are also investing in interior renovations to bring their units up to the same standard as the building’s updated infrastructure and amenities. And for buyers purchasing in a building that has recently completed its milestone requirements, a fresh renovation is often the first step after closing.
What Owners Should Keep in Mind: Because these projects often happen within an active high-rise—with building management, HOA approval processes, and shared elevators and loading docks to coordinate—a smooth renovation depends on a contractor who knows how to work within those constraints without disrupting the building or other residents.
At Haus Signature, we’ve completed renovations in some of Miami’s most prominent high-rises, including units at the Estates at Acqualina and Aston Martin Residences, and we understand what it takes to deliver a high-end result while respecting a building’s rules and timelines. If your building has recently gone through milestone inspections or you’re planning a renovation after closing, we’d love to talk through your project.
Note: requirements and timing thresholds can vary by county and building age. Owners should confirm the exact requirements that apply to their building with their condo association or local building department.