Codes and Standards

Surfside condo collapse could spur new legislation

July 7, 2021

The deadly condominium-building collapse at the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Fla., may spawn new legislation and regulations.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has joined in the structural reviews being conducted by local and county officials. NIST participation is unusual, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis, as the agency typically investigates events such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

Fla. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said the findings could have long-term implications on federal oversight and federal law on building construction and code-enforcement decisions. The review examines potential foundational defects in the pool area and other structural issues to help answer if conditions were unique to the 12-story multifamily structure.

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