Since the 2021 Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside, Florida has tightened inspection and reserve requirements for condominium buildings. Much of the attention is on concrete and structure — but electrical systems are part of the picture too. This checklist helps Fort Lauderdale condo boards and property managers prepare.
The inspections that may apply to your building
- Milestone inspections (state law): Florida requires milestone structural inspections of condominium and cooperative buildings three stories or taller once they reach a certain age, and periodically after that. They are performed by a licensed engineer or architect.
- Structural integrity reserve studies (SIRS): associations of buildings three stories or taller must study and fund reserves for key building components, and electrical systems are among the items covered.
- Broward County building safety inspections: Broward has long required periodic safety inspections of older buildings that include an electrical review by a licensed professional.
Which programs apply, and when, depends on your building's age, height, use and location. Your association's engineer and the City of Fort Lauderdale are the authorities on your deadlines.
Electrical checklist: what typically gets reviewed
- Main service and switchgear: condition, corrosion, signs of overheating, clearances and labeling. Infrared (thermal) scanning can reveal loose or overheating connections.
- Meter centers and unit feeders: corrosion, damaged enclosures and connections.
- Panels: common-area panels (and sometimes unit panels) for missing covers, open knockouts, double-tapped breakers and outdated equipment.
- Grounding and bonding: including pools, spas and metal railings where required.
- Conduit and raceways: rusted or broken conduit — especially in garages and on exterior walls exposed to salt air.
- Exit and emergency lighting: working batteries, illumination and signage.
- Garage and exterior lighting: damaged fixtures, water intrusion and corroded supports.
- Generators and transfer switches: condition and testing records (for buildings that have them).
- Capacity planning: available capacity for future loads such as EV charging.
Fire alarm systems are typically inspected and serviced by licensed fire alarm contractors under separate requirements.
How to prepare
- Gather drawings, past inspection reports, permits and maintenance records.
- Make electrical rooms, meter rooms and panels accessible and clear of storage.
- Consider a pre-inspection walkthrough and thermal scan to catch problems early.
- Fix obvious issues — missing covers, burned-out exit signs, broken conduit — before the engineer visits.
After the report: repairs and budgeting
If the engineer's report lists electrical deficiencies, the board will need written repair pricing, permits and completion documentation. Grouping repairs and planning larger replacements over time also helps with reserve budgeting.
How Xlectrical helps
We don't perform the engineering inspection. We work alongside your engineer and manager: pre-inspection walkthroughs, repair proposals, permitted repairs and documentation for the board. Learn more about our condo and high-rise electrical services in Fort Lauderdale or call 754-289-8993.
Note: this guide is general information for Fort Lauderdale property owners, not legal or engineering advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — confirm the details for your property with the City of Fort Lauderdale, your association and, where required, a licensed engineer.
Co-Owner · Xlectrical
Elías Sierra is Co-Owner of Xlectrical in Sunrise, FL, with more than 17 years of electrical experience — including serving as electrical manager at power generation plants and leading installations in the petrochemical, plastics and oil industries. Every Xlectrical guide is written to help South Florida homeowners make safe, informed decisions.