Senate Bill 4D (SB4D): A New Law to Improve Building Safety in Florida

03 Oct 2023

Bill aims to enhance the longevity and structural integrity of buildings

In May 2022, the state of Florida passed Senate Bill 4D (SB4D), a comprehensive legislation aimed at improving building safety and maintenance standards throughout the state. The new law encompasses significant provisions related to roofing system repairs, building safety inspections for condominium and cooperative association buildings, and the funding of reserves for continued maintenance and repair of such structures.

What is SB4D?

SB4D is a significant step forward in safeguarding building safety and promoting responsible maintenance practices in Florida. The law aims to enhance the longevity and structural integrity of buildings, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and property owners.

3 Key Provisions of SB4D

• Roofing system repairs: SB4D revises the requirements for repairing or replacing roofing systems in existing buildings. Under the previous Florida Building Code - Existing (FBC-E), no more than 25 percent of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building could be repaired, replaced, or recovered within a 12-month period unless the entire roofing system conformed to the current code requirements. SB4D now allows for more flexibility in repairing roofing systems as long as the remaining portion of the roof is still in good condition.
• Building safety inspections: SB4D mandates that condominium and cooperative association buildings that are three stories or higher in height undergo a "milestone inspection" of their structural integrity when they reach either 30 years of age and every ten years thereafter or 25 years of age and every ten years thereafter if located within three miles of a coastline. The milestone inspection must be conducted by a licensed engineer or architect and must include a visual inspection of the building's structural members and systems, as well as an assessment of the building's remaining useful life.
• Reserves for maintenance and repair: SB4D requires that condominium and cooperative association buildings that are three stories or higher in height have a structural integrity reserve study conducted every 10 years. The reserve study must estimate the cost of future repairs and maintenance to the building's structural components and recommend the amount of reserves that should be set aside to fund these costs. The association must then set aside those reserves in a separate account.

How Can SB4D Help You?

If you own or manage a condominium or cooperative association building that is three stories or higher in height, SB4D can help you to ensure the safety and long-term structural integrity of your building. By complying with the requirements of SB4D, you can help to protect your residents and property owners from harm and avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future.

3 Ways SB4D can Help

• Improve building safety: The milestone inspections and reserve studies required by SB4D can help to identify and address potential structural problems in your building before they become serious issues. This can help to prevent accidents and injuries and protect the safety of your residents and property owners.

• Reduce repair and replacement costs: By setting aside reserves for future repairs and maintenance, you can help to ensure that you have the financial resources to address any problems that may arise with your building. This can help to prevent costly repairs or replacements that could otherwise be a financial hardship for your association.
• Increase property value: A well-maintained and structurally sound building is more likely to attract and retain residents and property owners. This can lead to increased property values and profits for your association.

How Intertek Can Help

SB4D is an important new law that can help to improve building safety and maintenance standards throughout Florida. If you own or manage a condominium or cooperative association building that is three stories or higher in height, we encourage you to learn more about SB4D and how it can help you to protect your residents and property owners.

Intertek has a team of professionals who can provide the information you need and provide all the services needed to. For more information on Intertek and SB4D visit: Intertek.com/building/sb4d.