Why?

Florida’s “Division of Hotels and Restaurants Certificate of Balcony Inspection” requirement (Section 509.2112, F.S.) applies to all public lodging – including hotels, apartments and condos that are 3+ stories. Stone has you covered: safe, secure and free of defects. Our engineers visually inspect all balconies and go the extra-mile to examine all decking, wall attachments, ledger boards, stairwell railings & fasteners. They note the total number of units inspected, the number of deficiencies; and describe the types of deficiencies. It’s an owner’s responsibility to then make the repairs and have our experts re-evaluate the property.

Did You Know?

An inspection must be performed every 3 years and Form HR-7020 must be filed. A balcony is defined as any structure 17+ feet above ground. Ground-level or near ground-level decks no taller than 3 feet are exempt; however, that does not relieve owners from litigation in the event of a collapse. Any stairs and railings do require inspection. 

The top cause of injury in each of these accessories is railing failure or collapse. 

The second cause is structural failure of the deck ledger board due to improper construction, fastening, wood rot or metal deterioration. 

The third cause of injury is overloading the structure’s load capacity (too many people). Hotels, motels, eating & drinking establishments or any business which provides an above-ground deck should take this inspection seriously. If you own or operate or are considering acquisition, you’d be wise to have Stone Inspections evaluate these critical components. 

The 2018 Florida Statutes.

“If a public lodging establishment that is 3+ stories fails to file the information required in subsection (1), the Division of Hotels and Restaurants shall impose administrative sanctions pursuant to s. 509.261. Balcony Inspection. 

(a) As provided in Section 509.2112, F.S., every public lodging establishment which is 3+ stories must submit to the division a certificate stating that any and all balconies, platforms, stairways, and railways have been inspected by a person who, through education and experience, is competent to inspect multi-story buildings and found by such person to be safe, secure, and free of defects. The term “balcony” is defined as a landing or porch that is accessible to or used by the public and shall include those  portions of a building which are unenclosed, except by a railing, guardrail system, balustrade, or parapet. It shall also include those portions of a building which are enclosed by screening or other non-permanent building material. 

(b) It is the responsibility of the operator to verify the facts and credentials establishing the competency of the multi-story balcony inspector. Such verification shall be clearly stated on the applicable form.”