One of the most rewarding aspects of being a public relations professional is working with experts who are committed to creating safer, more secure communities.
Over the past year, we have represented G. Batista Engineering & Construction, a South Florida-based engineering and contracting firm with over 30 years of experience throughout the state.
After the Champlain Towers disaster, the Florida legislature passed the Surfside Condo Law, mandating regular inspections, enhanced transparency, and stronger financial reserves for maintenance and repairs. However, understanding these changes and navigating their impacts have left many condo owners and boards feeling overwhelmed. G. Batista president Greg Batista has embraced these changes, working closely with condominiums to ensure safety standards are met and speaking to condo boards and local leaders. He’s also written two e-books on the topic.
A key update in the law was the requirement for regular structural inspections, particularly on properties that are over 30 years old or within three miles of the coast. These structural integrity reports can identify potential safety hazards before they become dangerous, offering condo associations a roadmap for setting aside the funds needed for future critical repairs and maintenance.
Understandably, media coverage has focused on the financial toll of the law, with some condos facing potential bankruptcy and many residents struggling to pay high assessment fees. These financial impacts are certainly challenging, but it’s vital that we don’t lose sight of the root of the issue: safety. Simply put, we must do everything possible to avoid another Champlain Towers.
We’ve worked in tandem with Batista to emphasize that the financial investments required by the Surfside condo law are an investment in safeguarding lives and preserving long-term property value. That was detailed in this excellent WSVN Channel 7 piece: Why Did Champlain Towers Fall?
Our team has been tireless in elevating experts like Batista into the broader conversation, ensuring that Florida residents understand the vital importance of proactive maintenance. From punching shear to bridge safety, we’ve shared that structural engineering is more than just complying with legal standards; it’s about protecting residents and creating living environments that can withstand the unpredictable forces of nature, particularly in a state as hurricane prone as Florida.
Condo safety is not just about ticking boxes on a compliance form—it’s about building trust, ensuring security, and preserving the longevity of these communities for generations to come.
