In Miami-Dade, yes—thermography is required for buildings with electrical service of 400 amps or more, which applies to most commercial properties.

In Broward County, it is not required yet, but cities are changing requirements and may become standard soon.

In Palm Beach County, thermography is currently required mainly in Boca Raton, while other cities do not yet enforce it but are expected to adopt similar requirements.

Buildings with electrical service rated at 400 amps or greater are required to undergo thermography level II to evaluate electrical system safety during recertification. This currently applies to Miami-Dade cities and Boca Raton.

Level I is the entry-level certification, primarily used for general inspections and identifying visible thermal anomalies—most common in residential applications and qualitative assessments. Level II is a more advanced certification that involves quantitative analysis, including proper camera calibration, emissivity adjustments, and validated temperature measurements. Level II is required for building recertification because it ensures that temperature readings are accurate, defensible, and suitable for engineering evaluation and official reporting.

A temperature difference becomes a concern when a component is hotter than similar components under the same load or above ambient temperature. In thermography, we evaluate the temperature rise (ΔT) along with the type and importance of the equipment. As a general guideline, temperature increases below 10°C (18°F) are typically not considered a significant deficiency. Once the temperature rise reaches 11°C (≈20°F) or higher, it is considered a deficiency that should be addressed. A rise of 20°C (36°F) or more indicates a serious condition requiring prompt corrective action. These thresholds are based on industry practices, recognizing that elevated temperatures accelerate deterioration, increase the risk of failure, and may pose a fire hazard affecting safety.

Failing a thermography inspection is usually not a major issue—most findings are common, repairable electrical conditions. Typical causes include loose or corroded connections, overloaded breakers or circuits, unbalanced electrical loads, improper or undersized wiring, aging or deteriorated components, and environmental factors like poor ventilation. The key is to correct these issues before submitting your report to the city, since unresolved thermal anomalies can trigger delays, additional scrutiny, or rejection during recertification. A licensed electrician can make the necessary repairs, and once temperatures return to acceptable levels, a reinspection confirms compliance. Addressing these items promptly not only helps ensure approval but also reduces fire risk, prevents unexpected failures, and avoids additional costs or delays.

Thermography is a highly effective tool for detecting temperature anomalies and identifying electrical issues that are not visible during standard inspections—but its accuracy depends on how it is used. Most professional infrared cameras have a typical accuracy of ±2°C, but reliable results require proper setup and interpretation. This includes correct calibration of the camera, input of emissivity and reflected temperature values, and verification with contact tools such as an infrared thermometer or surface readings to ensure the measurements reflect actual conditions. When performed by a qualified Level II thermographer following these procedures, thermography provides dependable, repeatable data for identifying overheating components and supporting engineering decisions, especially in building recertification contexts.

For recertification purposes, most cities will not accept reports older than 180 days, so timely submission is critical. However, from a technical standpoint, thermography reflects conditions at the time of inspection, and those conditions can change. Because of this, many thermographers require a full new inspection after about 60 days, especially if repairs were made or if the report is being used for compliance, since accurate evaluation depends on current load conditions and comparison between similar components. In short, while cities may allow up to 180 days, in practice, reports are most reliable—and often revalidated—within a much shorter window.

In most cases, no. Thermographic inspections for recertification are primarily focused on main electrical systems, including service equipment, distribution panels, switchgear, and electrical rooms located in common areas—typically where systems are 400 amps or greater. Access to individual units is generally outside the scope of the inspection. In some cases, the engineer may request access to a limited number of units as a representative sample, but this is usually for reference only and not a full-unit inspection. While requirements can vary slightly by city or engineer, most recertification thermography is completed without needing entry into individual units.

The duration of a thermographic inspection depends primarily on the number of electrical panels and systems being evaluated, rather than just the size of the building. As a general guideline, a small multifamily building (e.g., ~8 units) can often be completed in about 1 hour. Larger properties, such as multiple buildings with several units each, may take a full day, while high-rise or complex buildings typically require half a day to a full day. Ultimately, the more panels, switchgear, and distribution equipment involved, the more time is needed to perform a thorough and accurate inspection.

The cost depends on the scope of the inspection, primarily the number of electrical panels, buildings, and overall complexity. As a general guideline, smaller properties may start around $1,300, while larger projects—such as high-rise buildings or multifamily complexes with dozens of panels—can range up to $10,000. Factors like accessibility, number of electrical rooms, coordination requirements, and reporting needs can also influence the final price.

In many cases, overheating can be detected without opening panels, since elevated temperatures often transfer to breakers and external surfaces. However, for recertification—especially in Miami-Dade and cities like Boca Raton—inspectors are typically required to open panels and gutters to directly evaluate internal conductors, terminations, and connections. This ensures that hidden overheating conditions are not missed. Because some panels are large and heavy, access often requires building maintenance staff or a licensed electrician on site to safely assist. All work should follow OSHA safety practices, including proper PPE (gloves, eye protection, appropriate footwear), and thermographers are commonly accompanied by electricians to reduce risk and ensure safe handling of energized equipment.

Electrical systems at 400 amps or greater carry significantly higher loads, increasing the risk of:

- Overheating connections

- Insulation failure

- Electrical fires

Thermography inspections are performed under normal operating conditions, typically with electrical systems under load, to ensure accurate temperature readings and reliable results.