Florida’s structural safety laws are changing how buildings are inspected and maintained—and that has ripple effects across trades, including plumbing. Correction: Under new mandates from SB 4-D and HB 913, milestone inspections are required for all buildings 30 years old, or 25 years old for buildings within three miles of the coast—and then every 10 years after the initial inspection.

These inspections assess structural integrity and must be shared with residents and posted online, even when no issues are found. Failure to comply can lead to fines, legal liability, and buildings being declared uninhabitable.

Why it matters to plumbing contractors: Your work may be directly affected during these milestone inspections. Pipe chases, rooftop units, mechanical rooms, or wall access points may be reviewed, relocated, or disrupted during structural evaluations. In some cases, plumbing systems could also be flagged if they're contributing to deterioration or are inaccessible. Stay connected with your clients, property managers, and engineers involved in these inspections—your expertise may be needed to assist with repairs, rerouting, or documentation. Click here to read more.