What You Need to Know About Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) for Miami Condos
- Anthony Johnson
- Apr 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 19
With stricter Florida condo laws now in effect, understanding the Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re a condo owner, a buyer researching buildings, or a seller preparing to list your unit, knowing if a building is SIRS-compliant can significantly affect your financial outlook and real estate decisions.
At Allioo, we’re working to make this process more transparent by adding SIRS compliance data to our Miami condo listings at allioo.com/miami-condos. We want every buyer and seller to be informed about a building’s safety planning, structural health, and financial readiness.
What is a Structural Integrity Reserve Study?
A SIRS is a legally required budget planning tool that ensures condo associations save enough for future repairs and replacements of major building systems. It includes a visual inspection of structural components and a financial reserve analysis.
It covers explicitly eight structural elements:
Roof
Structural systems
Fireproofing & fire protection systems
Plumbing
Electrical systems
Waterproofing & exterior painting
Windows & exterior doors
Other items over $10,000 that impact structural safety
SIRS Compliance Status in Miami-Dade (As of February 24, 2025)
The current compliance rate is:
47.6% of qualifying condos have submitted a completed SIRS
Out of 1,653 three-story or taller buildings, only 787 have reported completion
The remaining 52.4% may still be eligible for extensions tied to their Milestone Inspection (MI) deadlines
This compliance data matters if you want to avoid buildings at risk of future legal or financial issues. We’re actively listing SIRS status on our Miami Condo List.
How SIRS Impacts Budgets and Assessments
Starting January 1, 2025, Florida law requires associations to fund reserves fully based on their SIRS report. These reserves cannot be waived for any structural component identified in the study.
If your budget is:
Adopted before December 31, 2024 – You can temporarily waive SIRS reserves with a majority vote
Adopted on or after January 1, 2025 – You must fund reserves as required by SIRS; no waivers allowed
This directly impacts monthly fees and the likelihood of special assessments, a topic we cover in detail in our related post on Miami-Dade’s $50K Special Assessment Relief Program. If a SIRS reveals significant funding gaps, assessments may be required. Still, some qualifying owners can apply for up to $50,000 in assistance.
Who Must Complete a SIRS?
All residential condo associations with buildings 3 stories or taller
Associations controlled by unit owners on or before July 1, 2022
Those with a milestone inspection deadline of December 31, 2026, can complete the SIRS concurrently
SIRS must be completed at least every 10 years after the condominium’s creation.
Who Performs a SIRS?
Visual inspection must be completed or verified by a licensed engineer, architect, or certified reserve specialist
Financial study must be performed by someone qualified to conduct reserve studies
After completion, associations must notify owners within 45 days and submit confirmation to the Florida DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation).
SIRS vs. Milestone Inspection (MI): What’s the Difference?
While both are essential, they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
Feature | SIRS | Milestone Inspection (MI) |
Purpose | Long-term budget planning & reserve funding | Structural integrity & safety check |
Focus | Visual review of key components + financial projections | Structural safety inspection of load-bearing systems |
Conducted by | Engineer, architect, or certified reserve specialist | Engineer or architect only |
Required for | Buildings 3+ stories | Buildings 3+ stories at 30 & 10-year intervals |
For a full breakdown of the Milestone Inspection process and what it means for buyers and sellers, please read our article: Milestone Inspections in Miami: What Condo Owners, Buyers, and Sellers Need to Know.
Enforcement and Legal Risk
The Florida DBPR oversees enforcement. Failure to complete a SIRS may be considered a breach of fiduciary duty by the association’s board and can result in legal action or fines.
If owners believe the SIRS was improperly conducted, they can file a complaint with:
Why SIRS Matters for Buyers, Sellers, and Owners
Owners: Know what your fees are supporting and avoid future surprises
Sellers: A SIRS-compliant building can increase buyer confidence and transaction speed
Buyers: Avoid purchasing into a building with underfunded reserves or looming special assessments
Allioo’s Miami Condo List makes this process easier by clearly displaying a building’s SIRS and Milestone Inspection status alongside detailed condo information.
FAQs: Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS)
What is a SIRS?
A Structural Integrity Reserve Study evaluates major structural components. It ensures the condo association saves enough to repair or replace them.
Who must complete a SIRS?
All residential condominium buildings are three stories or more and controlled by owners as of July 1, 2022.
When is the SIRS deadline?
December 31, 2024—unless the association’s milestone inspection is due by December 31, 2026, both may be done together.
Can reserves be waived?
Not after January 1, 2025. Associations must fund reserves as recommended by the SIRS.
How is SIRS different from Milestone Inspections?
SIRS is financial and budget-focused; Milestone Inspections are structural and safety-focused.
How often is a SIRS required?
Every 10 years.
What happens if the association doesn’t comply?
It could be considered a breach of fiduciary duty, subject to investigation and penalties from the state.
Where can I check if a building has completed a SIRS?
You can search the web or you can visit allioo.com/miami-condos to explore updated compliance data for each building.
