The 40-year or older Building Safety Program was created in 2005 and is now in effect throughout Broward County. Modeled after Miami-Dade County's program which has been in effect since the 1970's, Broward County's program calls for structural and electrical safety inspection for buildings 40 years old or older and every ten years, thereafter.
Exempt from this program are:
o One- and two-family dwellings
o U.S. government buildings
o State of Florida owned buildings.
o Schools under the jurisdiction of the Broward County School Board
o Buildings built on Indian reservations.
o All buildings under 3,500 square feet
Both Broward County and Dade County have had instances of structural building failures. This program helps minimize the possibilities of future building failure and better prepares us for hurricane winds.
Because of Hurricane Wilma, the worst storm to impact Broward County in 50 years, some cities could not implement the program in 2006. However, all jurisdictions are current with inspections and plan reviews and therefore are ready to implement the program in their respective city. Each municipality has the authority to establish a fee to review the Safety Inspection Reports.
There is a $350.00 fee, at the time of submittal, for Unincorporated Broward County to review the report.
After review of the reports, if the building is determined to be safe you will not be required to have another Building Safety Inspection for ten (10) years. In the event the report proves there are structural or electrical deficiencies, the owner shall have 180 days from the date of the report to obtain the required permit(s) and complete the necessary repairs.
If the 40-Year Building Safety Program affects your property, you will receive a certified letter with information about what you need to do.
For more information regarding the 40-Year or Older Building Safety Program for properties located in Unincorporated Broward County, please email Broward County Building Code Building Official Ronald Puentes rpuentes@broward.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
