Dear NAFE Members,
I wanted to share that NAFE has submitted a formal response to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE) regarding Proposed Rule 61G15-38, which addresses the evaluation of damaged structures.
In our letter, we expressed support for the Board’s effort to provide clarity around damage evaluations. At the same time, we raised concerns that the proposed rule is narrowly focused on storm-related events and does not fully reflect the broader scope of forensic engineering work. As you know, our members are engaged in investigations stemming from a wide range of causes, including fires, accidents, equipment failures, and construction-related issues.
We encouraged the Board to consider a more comprehensive framework that can be applied consistently across all types of forensic investigations. In particular, we highlighted existing ASTM standards as a strong foundation for establishing a clear and defensible standard of care.
We also noted the potential for unintended consequences if the rule remains narrowly defined, including limitations on how complaints are evaluated and the risk of inconsistent enforcement.
Please see the attached letter for additional detail. NAFE remains committed to representing the interests of the forensic engineering community and supporting sound, fair regulatory practices.
Best regards,
Amanda Hendley
Executive Director
National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE)