The Next Steps: After the Champlain South Tower Collapse

July 23, 2021

In the wake of the condo collapse at Champlain Towers South, we are starting to see a shift in homeowner association infrastructure reporting as well as maintenance. Towns and local governments ordered immediate inspections and updated reports on older towers.

Miami/Dade County ordered inspections on towers older than 40 years of age. Miami Beach ordered an additional and immediate building inspection on all of their towers since the collapse.

Aventura, Florida is one of the only cities in Florida to pass an ordinance requiring condo associations to provide the officials with engineering and architectural reports within 24 hours, when requested. These reports will include concerns electrical, structural, or life safety concerns and on an annual basis.

According to the city press release, associations that do not comply with the new guidelines will be fined up to $500 a day and up to 60 days in prison.

This new ordinance was passed on Thursday and was sponsored by the Mayor of Aventura, Enid Weisman. The ordinance will become law once it receives a second approval.

Mayor Weisman stated, “There is nothing more important than ensuring the safety of the residents of Aventura. Requiring that reports indicating potential dangers to our residents are provided to the city will create transparency and help us to ensure the structural and electrical integrity of our residents’ homes.”

A second meeting is scheduled on August 10, 2021, to officially vote on the new ordinance.

We are encouraged by the actions of Aventura Florida and we hope to see the same ordinances and guidelines for all of Florida.