Florida Building Safety Law SB4D: Why Certified Thermography Inspections Are Now Critical for Structural Recertification
- Stephen Fike
- Oct 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 13
From Tragedy to Transformation: The Surfside Wake-Up Call
The tragic collapse of Champlain Tower South in Surfside, Florida in 2021 was a moment that forever changed how building safety is viewed across the state — and the nation.
In the aftermath, Miami-Dade County’s Board of Rules and Appeals revised its 40-Year Building Recertification Guidelines, mandating more thorough and frequent structural and electrical inspections.
Soon after, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 4D (SB4D) in 2022, establishing a statewide requirement for building safety recertification.
Under SB4D, buildings must now undergo structural and electrical recertification:
At 25 years of age, and
Every 10 years thereafter.
The goal: Prevent future tragedies by catching infrastructure deterioration, electrical hazards, and hidden safety issues before they become catastrophic.
What SB4D Means for Building Owners and Engineers
Florida’s new recertification process now requires qualified thermographic inspections as part of every building’s electrical system safety evaluation.
Infrared thermography helps identify overheating connections, overloaded circuits, and hidden faults that could lead to electrical fires or system failures — all of which compromise building integrity and safety.
However, not all thermographic inspections are created equal. To meet Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County guidelines, only highly qualified, certified thermographers may perform these inspections.
The County’s Official Requirement:
“The Infrared inspection of electrical equipment shall be performed by a minimum Level II Certified Thermographer or higher, qualified and trained to recognize and document thermal anomalies in electrical systems, and possessing at least 7 years of experience inspecting electrical systems associated with commercial buildings.”
Why Proper Thermography Certification Matters
Since the law’s passage, many new or inexperienced providers have entered the field offering thermography services. Unfortunately, many of their reports have been rejected by county officials because they fail to meet the stringent requirements for professional analysis and documentation.
At Assured NDT, our ASTM Certified Master Thermographers set the benchmark for compliance and accuracy. We’ve assisted hundreds of building owners, engineering firms, and architectural practices across Florida with precise, standards-compliant infrared inspections that pass review the first time.
Our inspection process includes:
Comprehensive electrical system review (switchgear, panels, feeders, and risers)
High-resolution infrared imaging using calibrated equipment
Delta T measurement and trend analysis for each component
Defect classification and actionable recommendations
County-ready reports that integrate directly into your structural recertification package
How SB4D Impacts Florida Building Safety and Florida Building Recertification
The combination of SB4D and updated county recertification requirements represents the most significant shift in Florida’s building safety laws in decades.
These changes emphasize three key objectives:
Proactive risk prevention – Identifying hazards before they become life-threatening.
Professional accountability – Ensuring inspections are conducted by certified experts.
Enhanced transparency – Providing clear documentation to owners, engineers, and local authorities.
The result is a stronger, safer, and more resilient built environment across the state.
Assured NDT: Florida’s Trusted Partner for Thermography Compliance
Assured NDT’s certified thermographers are recognized across Florida for their precision, professionalism, and reliability.
We proudly support:
Building owners – Helping you meet SB4D inspection deadlines and avoid penalties.
Professional engineers and architects – Delivering thermography data and documentation that integrate seamlessly into recertification reports.
Property managers – Simplifying compliance and minimizing disruptions to occupants.
Our Certified Master Thermographers meet and exceed Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County standards, ensuring your inspection report is accepted — not returned.
Don’t Risk Delays or Penalties
Under the new law, late or incomplete recertification submissions can result in heavy penalties, fines, and even building occupancy restrictions.
Partnering with Assured NDT ensures your thermographic inspection:
Meets all county and state requirements
Is completed by certified, experienced professionals
Is delivered quickly and accurately for timely submission
Contact Assured NDT today to schedule your Florida building recertification thermography inspection. We proudly serve Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Broward, and all Florida counties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida SB4D Thermography Inspections
1. What is Florida’s SB4D law?
SB4D is a state law enacted in 2022 requiring structural and electrical recertification for buildings at 25 years of age and every 10 years thereafter. The law was created in response to the Surfside tragedy to improve public safety.
2. Are thermography inspections required for recertification?
Yes. Florida counties now require infrared thermography inspections of electrical systems as part of the recertification process, conducted by certified professionals.
3. What qualifications must thermographers have?
Thermographers must hold a minimum Level II certification, have at least seven years of experience in inspecting electrical systems for commercial buildings, and use high-resolution calibrated IR cameras.
4. What happens if I submit an invalid inspection report?
Reports that don’t meet Miami-Dade or Palm Beach County requirements are rejected, delaying the recertification process and risking penalties for the property owner.
5. How does thermography enhance building safety?
Infrared thermography detects overheating, corrosion, and loose connections early — preventing electrical fires and power failures that can threaten building integrity and occupant safety.
6. How can Assured NDT help my engineering or architectural firm?
Assured NDT’s Certified Master Thermographers collaborate with professional engineers and architects to provide NFPA- and county-compliant electrical thermography inspections, analysis, and documentation — ensuring your recertification submissions pass review.
Contact Assured NDT for professional thermography inspections that meet Florida’s SB4D requirements.
