Protecting Florida Condos Through Reserve Studies
December 2, 2025
In 2024, residents at The Cricket Club in North Miami received a gut-punch: special assessments as high as $134,000 per unit. At Mediterranean Village in Aventura, the numbers were even more alarming: some owners assessed up to $400,000.
These assessments weren’t caused by sudden structural failure. They were the predictable result of years of deferred maintenance, uncovered by the mandated inspections now required under Florida law.
The cost of delaying reserve planning for repairs
The financial burden fell squarely on homeowners, many of whom had no time to prepare. As a result, they experienced severe financial distress, threats of foreclosure, strained relationships with association boards, and even health issues brought on by stress.
The financial consequences also extended into the real estate market. Newsweek reports that in May 2025, the median sale price of a townhouse/condo in Florida was US $310,000, down 6.1 % year-over-year.
What a Structural Integrity Reserve Study is and why it matters to condo boards
Following the 2021 Surfside condo collapse, Florida passed Senate Bill 4-D and later HB 913, making Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) a legal requirement for condominiums and cooperatives that are three stories or more in height.
These laws are designed not only to prevent the tragic consequences of structural instability but also to prevent exactly the kind of costly, last-minute assessments we’ve seen at The Cricket Club and Mediterranean Village.
By December 31, 2025, all applicable buildings must complete their first SIRS. This study must:
- Be conducted by a licensed architect or engineer
- Identify common structural components such as roofs, load-bearing walls, waterproofing, plumbing, and fire systems
- Estimate their remaining useful life and replacement costs
- Include a reserve funding plan covering at least the next 25 years
A reserve study isn’t just a regulatory requirement. It’s one of the most critical tools a condominium can use to protect both its structural safety and financial stability.
Here’s who can perfom one: A structural integrity reserve study, including the visual inspection portion of the structural integrity reserve study, must be performed or verified by an engineer licensed under chapter 471, an architect licensed under chapter 481, or a person certified as a reserve specialist or professional reserve analyst by the Community Associations Institute or the Association of Professional Reserve Analysts.
The Value of Proactive Reserve Planning
A well-prepared SIRS allows HOAs and Condo Boards to fund future repairs gradually and strategically, avoiding the turmoil of unplanned, emergency-level assessments. It also improves transparency for owners, strengthens legal compliance for board members, and supports long-term property values.
Looking ahead: SIRS deadline is December 31, 2025
With just a few months until the Florida’s SIRS deadline, condo associations and property managers must act decisively. The goal isn’t just to comply with the law, it’s to protect communities from financial shocks, safeguard residents’ investments, and strengthen the long-term viability of condominium living.
Why choose Building Mavens for your SIRS
When it comes to Structural Integrity Reserve Studies, Building Mavens offers much more than compliance. We deliver clarity, confidence, and continuity. Our licensed engineers and building experts bring extensive technical knowledge, decades of field experience, and a practical understanding of the unique challenges facing Florida condominiums.
Each SIRS is tailored to your property, combining structural assessments with clear financial forecasting and maintenance planning.
Clients have consistently commended us for our proactive, communication-driven approach, ensuring that every study is not only technically sound but clearly understood and actionable for boards and owners alike.
With Building Mavens, you gain a trusted partner committed to protecting your building’s safety, stability, and financial future.
Enjoyed this article? Scott Harvey-Lewis, PE, shares more insights on Building Mavens. Head over to their site, https://buildingmavens.com/, for additional resources and expert tips to keep your community informed and prepared.
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