Florida Milestone Inspections in Hialeah, FL

EMA Structural Forensic Engineers performs Florida milestone inspections for condominium and cooperative buildings in Hialeah and throughout Miami-Dade County. Our licensed Florida P.E. engineers conduct the structural and life-safety evaluations required under Florida’s milestone inspection statute, producing defensible reports for boards, owners, and municipal building departments.

Scope of Milestone Inspection Services

Our inspection process includes a visual survey of structural components, targeted diagnostic testing, and documentation of findings in accordance with Florida Statute 553.899 and applicable building code provisions.

Visual and Diagnostic Survey

Engineers perform a comprehensive visual survey of load-bearing elements, building envelope components, and common structural systems, supplemented by infrared thermography and core sampling where warranted.

Concrete and Reinforcement Condition Assessment

Where applicable, our team evaluates concrete spalling, cracking, and reinforcement corrosion consistent with chloride intrusion or carbonation.

Structural Report and Recommendations

Findings are documented with photographic evidence, severity classification, and prioritized repair recommendations suitable for association budgeting and reserve planning.

Report Deliverables

Clients receive a sealed engineering report supporting HOA decision-making, insurance submissions, contractor scoping, and municipal recertification requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers the requirement for a milestone inspection in Hialeah?

Florida Statute 553.899 requires milestone inspections for buildings three stories or more in height once they reach 30 years of age, with subsequent recertification at defined intervals, or as required by local ordinance.

What is examined during a Phase 1 milestone inspection?

A Phase 1 inspection consists of a visual examination of structural and life-safety components to identify substantial structural deterioration requiring further evaluation.

When is a Phase 2 inspection required?

A Phase 2 inspection is required when the Phase 1 report identifies signs of substantial structural deterioration, and typically involves destructive or invasive testing to confirm the extent of damage.

Does Miami-Dade County have additional recertification requirements?

Yes. Miami-Dade County maintains its own 40-year recertification program under Chapter 8-11 of the county code, in addition to the statewide milestone inspection statute, with more frequent recertification intervals in some cases.

Who receives the milestone inspection report?

The report is provided to the building owner or association, who is responsible for submitting it to the local building official within the statutory timeframe.

What happens if deficiencies are found during the inspection?

Deficiencies are documented with severity classification and repair recommendations, allowing the association to prioritize corrective action and budget accordingly.

Is the milestone inspection report sealed by a licensed engineer?

Yes. All milestone inspection reports are prepared and sealed by a Florida-licensed Professional Engineer as required by statute.

Can the inspection report be used to support a reserve study?

Yes. The cost-prioritized findings in the report are commonly used by associations to inform reserve fund planning and special assessment decisions.