Building a Safer Florida: ACEC Florida Member Organizations Lead the Charge

By Jennifer Nix McGerald, CPSM ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS, RS&H

Reinforcing Building Safety Standards

After the tragedy of the Surfside Condominium collapse in 2021, Florida's engineering community responded with unified resolve. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC Florida) quickly mobilized, joining forces with state leaders and industry partners to make vital changes to our state's building safety standards – changes designed to protect Floridians today and for generations to come.

The urgent need for reform led ACEC Florida and fellow engineering organizations to advocate for comprehensive legislation. New laws now mandate more frequent inspections of high-rise residential buildings, robust structural assessments and stricter code enforcement.

These updates are more than regulatory milestones; they are restoring confidence in Florida's built environment. Residents and property owners can be sure that their buildings meet elevated safety standards. ACEC Florida member firms continue to assess existing structures with advanced tools and proactive solutions, tackling the unique challenges of Florida's climate and coastal conditions with unwavering commitment.

Safer Roadways For All

Safety is not limited to buildings. ACEC Florida's vision encompasses Florida's roads, designing infrastructure that considers the needs of every user. Through collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on their Project Zero initiative, member organizations are working toward the ambitious goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. This partnership is pioneering "Complete Streets" principles, introducing protected bike lanes, improved crosswalks, better lighting and traffic calming measures that save lives.

Member firms are deploying proven strategies like roundabouts to reduce conflict points and pedestrian refuge islands for safer crossings. Smart technologies, such as adaptive signals, further enhance roadway safety.

By treating every road user as a valued member of the community, ACEC Florida's member professionals are reshaping Florida's transportation landscape with innovation and care.

Advancing Infrastructure Resilience

Florida's exposure to hurricanes, flooding and severe storms demands infrastructure that can withstand extreme events. ACEC Florida member firms have elevated resilience as a core value in project design. From storm-resistant buildings to hardened water and power facilities, member firms are employing advanced materials and flexible design strategies to maintain critical services during disasters.

Green infrastructure solutions are also a priority. Living shorelines buffer against erosion and support coastal ecosystems. Permeable pavements fight flooding while cleaning runoff. Urban forests lower temperatures and protect against storms.

Each innovation not only safeguards our communities but also uplifts environmental health, serving as a testament to ACEC Florida's commitment to holistic resilience.

Building Healthier, Connected Communities

Safety and resilience go hand in hand with quality of life. ACEC Florida organizations approach urban planning with a comprehensive vision: fostering communities that promote health, economic vitality and social well-being. Their projects inspire walkability, encourage connection through thoughtfully designed public spaces, and support accessible green areas, all of which nurture mental well-being and bring people together.

Well-planned neighborhoods and robust infrastructure strengthen economic growth. ACEC Florida members actively promote equitable access, striving to make affordable housing, efficient transit and recreational amenities available for all. These efforts create vibrant, inclusive spaces where businesses and residents alike can thrive.

ACEC Florida's Enduring Mission

At the heart of ACEC Florida's mission is an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all Floridians. This mission is not merely aspirational; it actively guides every initiative, partnership and innovation driven by member firms across the state.

ACEC Florida envisions a Florida where lives are protected, communities flourish and future generations inherit a landscape strengthened by thoughtful engineering and steadfast integrity.

This commitment is realized through a multifaceted approach. By collaborating closely with state leaders on legislative reforms, ACEC Florida has played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing policies that heighten building safety standards and enforce rigorous inspections across Florida's built environment. These reforms are critical safeguards, setting a foundation where public trust and confidence can thrive.

Beyond policy, ACEC Florida member organizations champion infrastructure resilience as a core value. Whether reinforcing buildings to withstand nature's extremes or designing roads that keep every traveler safe, their projects embody the belief that every life is worth protecting. Through proactive planning, advanced technology and the integration of resilient, sustainable practices, ACEC Florida is empowering communities to weather storms, adapt to change and emerge stronger.

Furthermore, ACEC Florida's mission radiates through efforts that enhance community well-being on every level. Initiatives centered on urban connectivity, green spaces and walkable neighborhoods are not only improving daily life, but they are also cultivating environments that support economic opportunity, mental health and social connection.

United by a vision that transcends mere compliance, ACEC Florida member firms stand as partners in progress, dedicated to building a Florida where everyone can live, work and grow with confidence. Their enduring mission is visible in every strengthened building code, every resilient bridge, and every thriving community, laying the groundwork for a safer, more prosperous tomorrow for generations to come.