Surfside Building Collapse

The Florida Building Commission says there is no reason they see to treat coastal and inland buildings differently. That was a key idea behind the post-Surfside law that passed in 2022.

They include toll credits for frequent drivers and measures to combat the rising cost of property insurance.

Residents of the 14-story building were forced to evacuate Thursday evening after officials determined the structure was unsafe and gave orders to leave.

Hundreds of claims on the more than $1 billion settlement from the Champlain Towers South litigation have been tossed out as phony.

A year ago, the Champlain Towers South condominium collapsed in Surfside. Many first responders who searched for weeks to find victims are still struggling with what they saw, smelled and heard.

For his father and others, the rescue brings to mind the Old Testament tale of the prophet Jonah.

Most of the money goes to people who lost family members.

The victims' ages at the time of the collapse will play a huge role in deciding how much money their families will get.

Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman said it was the best possible outcome given the loss of life and property in the June 2021 disaster.

The purchase of the former Champlain Towers South property by a Dubai-based developer may lead other condominium associations in Florida to sell their buildings instead of their individual units.

Moving quickly after a special legislative session, Gov. Ron signed bills to try to stem problems in the property-insurance market and to bolster the safety of condominium buildings.

Recertification would be required after 30 years — or 25 years if the building is within three miles of the coast — and every 10 years thereafter.