SB-4D Explained: Florida's New Building Safety Law
Understanding Senate Bill 4D and what it means for residential buildings in Florida after the 2021 Surfside collapse.
What is SB-4D?
Senate Bill 4D is a comprehensive Florida state law enacted in 2021 following the Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside. It mandates structural integrity inspections and reserve studies for residential buildings 3 or more stories tall.
Who Must Comply?
Residential Buildings
3 or more stories tall in Florida
Condo & Co-op Buildings
Applies to condos, co-ops, and HOA-governed buildings
Statewide Requirement
Applies throughout entire state of Florida
SB-4D Milestone Inspection Timeline
First Inspection Due
Phase 1 visual + Phase 2 testing
Miami-Dade 30-Year Recertification
Local requirement (separate from SB-4D)
Recurrent Inspections
Ongoing structural assessments required
What's Required
Phase 1 Inspection
Visual inspection by licensed PE examining structural components and identifying defects
Phase 2 Testing
Laboratory testing if defects found; includes material testing and structural analysis
SIRS (Structural Integrity Reserve Study)
Financial analysis of repair costs and reserve fund adequacy
SB-4D Compliant Inspections
Post-Surfside laws are complex. Our engineers specialize in SB-4D compliance.