Last year, Miami-Dade County was recognized nationally by the Center for Public Sector AI with the inaugural AI 50 Award for its countywide approach in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) focused on protecting resident privacy, ensuring government security and promoting ethical decision-making. Amidst all these technological advances being ushered in by AI, the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, Board and Code Administration Division, continues to ensure that building codes and construction products meet the stringent standards of Miami-Dade County’s high velocity hurricane zone. As a part of my overall directive on AI, the Division is committed to the use of AI best practices that enhance efficiency and improve access to services to residents and businesses. Responsible AI adoption and leveraging AI in the built environment will prioritize the needs of our residents and support the success of our businesses.
Looking ahead, the integration of new technologies in construction will transform not only the way we build, but also the way we experience life in Miami-Dade County. AI will have a significant impact on construction and how this industry is regulated. By understanding and embracing these advancements, neighborhoods and cities of tomorrow can be created that are not only functional, but also enjoyable, sustainable, and safe for our entire community.
This issue of Cornerstone includes a review of some of the ways that AI developments may impact on construction today. With continued advances in technology and innovation, Miami-Dade County maintains its focus on safety while utilizing smart technology to improve the way we build, live, work and play.
Daniella Levine Cava
The Future of AI in Construction
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the construction industry, transforming how buildings are designed, planned, and built. By analyzing large amounts of data, predicting outcomes, and supporting decision‑making, AI helps companies boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety.
AI in Design
AI is streamlining the design phase by analyzing existing building models, identifying patterns, and suggesting improvements. These tools can account for factors like sunlight, wind, and energy use to create more sustainable, efficient buildings. AI‑powered 3D models also help stakeholders visualize projects early, reducing costly changes later.
Project Management
Construction projects involve complex coordination. AI can track progress in real time, predict delays, flag budget risks, and even use weather data to anticipate disruptions. This allows teams to adjust plans proactively and complete projects on time and within budget.
Improving Safety
AI-driven cameras and sensors monitor job sites for hazards such as missing safety gear, sending instant alerts to supervisors. By analyzing past incidents, AI also identifies common risks, helping companies strengthen safety protocols and reduce accidents.
Predictive Maintenance & Resource Management
AI can predict when machinery needs maintenance before it breaks down, saving time and money. It can also analyze material use, labor, and equipment efficiency, helping reduce waste and support more sustainable construction practices.
Looking Ahead
As AI continues to advance, it will play an even larger role through technologies like augmented reality, enabling workers to see digital overlays of designs on-site. AI will also support smart city development—from managing infrastructure to improving energy efficiency—making urban environments more livable and sustainable.
AI is transforming construction into a more efficient, safer, and eco‑friendly industry. As we embrace these innovations, we move closer to building the resilient, sustainable cities of the future.
The continuing education requirement for recertification as a building official, plans examiner or inspector by the Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) is16 hours of classroom hours to be completed every year. A minimum of 12 hours must be obtained by BORA provided classes and a maximum of four hours may be earned by attendance at construction-related Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation approved seminars, BORA meetings and/or scheduled Building Officials meetings.
At the end of each year, the total sum of qualifying continuing education hours is compiled. Recertification by BORA is considered if the minimum 16 credit hours have been obtained. The opportunities to obtain continuing education hours diminish later in the continuing education year that a newly hired code personnel becomes certified by BORA. Consequently, a reasonable cut-off date has been established to attain continuing education hours.
An individual who obtains certification by BORA prior to July 1st will be required to obtain the total number of continuing education hours for recertification. However, an individual who obtains certification by BORA on July 1st or later will not be required to obtain any continuing education that year to be recertified by the Board.
Upcoming Building Officials Meeting Dates
The Miami-Dade Building Officials meetings were established with the intent of promoting uniformity in the enforcement of the Building Code throughout all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County. These meetings are conducted each month by Board and Code Administration Division staff with the 35 municipal Building Officials and their representatives and serve as a forum for maintaining open communication between the County and the various municipal building departments. Staff presents topics of interest, with a format that allows for open discussion of relative building code issues.
Meetings are hosted by RER Board and Code Administration Division, Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 N.W. 1 Street, 12th Floor, Miami, Florida 33128.
CONSTRUCTION TRADES QUALIFYING BOARD DIVISION A (CTQB-A):
April 29, at 9 a.m.
May 20, at 9 a.m.
June 24, at 9 a.m.
CONSTRUCTION TRADES QUALIFYING BOARD DIVISION B (CTQB-B):
April 7, at 10 a.m.
May 5, at 10 a.m.
June 2, at 10 a.m.
UNSAFE STRUCTURES BOARD (USSB):
April 15, at 1 p.m.
May 13, at 1 p.m.
June 17, at 1 p.m.
Meetings are held at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center, 111 NW 1st Street, 18th Floor, 18-3, Miami, Florida, 33128.
Building Faster and Smarter
Advances in construction products and science technology have helped us build faster and smarter than ever before. Have you heard the term structural insulated panels (SIP’s)? Structural insulated panels are a high-performance building system for residential and commercial construction.
SIPs consist of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, typically oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs are manufactured under factory-controlled conditions and can be fabricated to fit nearly any building envelope design.
Traditional concrete block construction requires multiple trades, ex-tended curing times, heavy equipment, and construction materials such as steel, concrete and masonry. Unlike conventional construction, SIP’s are pre-cut, pre-engineered kits that streamline the construction process, reducing build times and labor costs. The result is a building system that is extremely strong, energy-efficient and cost effective. The structural insulated panels greatly reduce the time and cost of construction projects.
Once installed, SIPs deliver unrivaled insulation and airtightness, which reduces energy costs over the building’s lifetime. They use significantly less energy during the manufacturing process compared to traditional construction methods and have lower embodied energy than traditional construction materials.
Structural Insulated Panels offer excellent protection against hurricanes, often exceeding traditional building methods by providing superior strength against extreme winds (180+ mph) and meeting stringent Florida High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) codes.
The airtight walls also help control indoor air quality and reduce pollutants. In the battle for faster, smarter, and more sustainable construction SIPs are a game changer.
Building Codes - A Look Back
Since as early as 1790 B.C., building regulations have played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and integrity of structures. The sixth Babylonian king, Hammurabi, is credited with enacting the first set of building regulations in history. Hammurabi's code even included building regulations that covered aspects related to construction during his time. Throughout time building code regulations have evolved significantly to accommodate the advancement of building materials and techniques.
In South Florida the Board of County Commissioners of Dade County Commissioners of Dade County, Florida officially adopted the South Florida Building Code on Oct. 29, 1957. Initially, revised editions were published annually or biannually until 1972, when the publication cycle changed. Subsequent editions were released in 1974, 1976, 1979, 1984 and 1988. The 1994 edition amended the 1988 South Florida Building Code and all related ordinances, establishing a new three-year publication cycle with annual amendments provided as supplements.
The South Florida Building Code was retired in 2002 with the implementation of the statewide Florida Building Code. The primary objective of the Florida Building Code is to devise a comprehensive code that could be uniformly enforced across the state. Constantly changing, the Florida Building Code oversees all aspects related to the planning, construction, maintenance, modification, renovation, and dismantling of private and public structures. Through ongoing revisions and updates, the Florida Building Code is a pivotal tool in ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of buildings throughout the state, fostering a safer and more resilient environment for current and future generations.
Who are Private Providers?
In 2002, the Florida Legislature passed legislation on Section 553.791, F.S. authorizing the use of private providers to conduct plans review and inspections services. With the passage of this legislation, the Alternative Plan Review and Inspection program was implemented on October 1, 2002. This program allows a "Fee Owner" the option of using a Private Provider to conduct plan review and inspection duties in lieu of the municipal building department personnel.
A private provider is a person licensed as a building code administrator (Part XII, Ch. 468), a professional engineer (Ch. 471), or an architect (Ch. 481) who contracts with the fee owner (or contractor with the owner’s authorization) to perform plan review and/or inspection services.
Miami-Dade County provides registration for all architects, engineers and individuals certified under Chapter 471, Chapter 481, and part XII of Chapter 468 of the Florida Statutes who apply to participate in the Alternative Plan Review and Inspection Program.
Private Providers can now register using Board and Code Administration Division’s online portal.
A Product Approval Jewel
While strolling through Miami’s Design District, stop and take a moment to marvel at the eye-catching glass façade of the Cartier store. The exquisite design, exclusive to this store, entailed a one-time single use product approval processed by the Board and Code Administration Division’s Product Control Section.
Miami-Dade County product examiners Manny Perez and Christian-Rolf Rittel-Friedrich reviewed the one-time approval submitted by Mr. William D. Cook, P.E. of NV5. The product approval plans examiners ensure that product approval certifications are consistent with the Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade County’s high velocity hurricane provisions. The construction of the Cartier store is not only stunning to look at with its “multi-faceted” glazing elements but also meets all Miami-Dade County safety standards.
Photo Source: Willy Cook PE, SI, Senior Engineer from NV5
The Importance of Obtaining a Permit
Whether modifying an existing structure or building a new one, it is essential to obtain a permit for any construction project. Permits enhance the safety of the environment where residents live, work, and play and protect homeowners financial interests by ensuring that only licensed contractors are employed through the permitting process.
Below are some key benefits of getting a permit:
Permits ensure safety standards are met and the home is safe, sound and meets building code standards
Permits protect the property from potential hazards and liabilities
Permits guarantee approved products are being used during construction
Permits certify contractors are licensed by the County or State
The work is inspected by independent and qualified inspectors
Unpermitted projects can lead to dangerous situations such as mediocre construction and the use of unapproved products.
Unpermitted work can also lead to costly repairs to correct substandard word, violations on the property, and the possibility of fines.
The best way to safeguard against faulty and hazardous construction work is to obtain a permit. Understanding the permitting process empowers owners to make informed decisions, while also protecting the home and business and most importantly the occupants.
What to Know Before Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a licensed contractor is the most effective way owners can ensure construction work is safe and meets the requirements of the building code. Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 10 and Florida Statute Chapter 489 requires that construction contractors are licensed. Any construction contract entered into with an unlicensed contractor often leads unsafe and hazardous construction and additional cost to the property owner. Here are some indicators that a contractor is unlicensed:
You are asked to obtain the permit. A licensed contractor who is in good standing will always obtain the permit
The contractor does not have proof of insurance. Licensed contractors must have general liability, property damage, and worker’s compensation insurance at all times
You are informed that the job does not require a building permit
Check with your local building official. Almost all projects, with a few exceptions, require a building permit
The contractor is not willing to put all terms in writing. Never accept an oral agreement.
Don’t miss the signs of hiring an unlicensed contractor. These red flags will help avoid hidden dangers but most importantly will bring peace of mind.
Cornerstone Staff
Jaime D. Gascon, P.E.
Director, Board and Code Administration Division
Kathy Charles
Board Administrator
Marielys Blanco
Editor
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