What you need to know about aging buildings and foundations

Norton Hammersley Real Estate Law

The recent tragedy in Surfside has left Associations concerned about structural integrity of their buildings in Florida.

On July 1st Joseph M. Herbert from our Trial Practice and Dispute Resolution Group was a panelist for the Community Association Network Group to discuss what assocations need to know about aging buildings and foundations in Florida.

Surfside condo collapse could lead to legislation
State and federal legislation could be proposed to address construction or engineering issues after the deadly condominium-building collapse in Surfside.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, joined in structural reviews being conducted by Surfside and Miami-Dade County.

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, South Florida strengthened its building code standards and the tragic event at Surfside may also lead to further strengthining of both law and structural review processes.

Coastal high-rise condos are a way of life for many Floridians. Who’s making sure their associations and local governments are doing what it takes to keep them safe after the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condo in Surfside? This is where the state Legislature will step in. Lawmakers will have a better idea of what reforms are needed once an investigation into the cause of the collapse is done, but that could take months.

One things seems clear so far: Florida’s building inspection requirements need strengthening.

Joseph M. Herbert is a Partner and a member of our Trial Practice and Dispute Resolution Group and practices primarily in the areas of construction law, employment law, association law and business and commercial litigation. He handles a variety of disputes, contracts and negotiations within those areas. Mr. Herbert has a background in business management, which he draws from in order to provide a unique perspective on the challenges facing his business clients.

He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Florida and his J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from Stetson University.

Mr. Herbert is a member of the Florida Bar (Labor and Employment, Real Estate and Trial Lawyers Sections), the Sarasota County Bar Association (Labor and Employment, Trial Lawyers, Business Law and Real Estate Sections) and is a past chair of the Sarasota County Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section as well as a Steering Committee member for the Business Law and Employment Law Sections.