The deadly Surfside collapse is casting a spotlight on how Florida's condominiums are built and regulated. The 40-year-old Champlain Towers South in Miami-Dade County killed 98 people when the 12-story building unexpectedly crumbled on June 24th. A USA TODAY Network analysis of property records in the coastal Florida communities of Miami Beach, Fort Myers Beach, Daytona Beach and Palm Beach show more than a thousand condos three stories or taller close to the water constructed in 1981 or earlier. There are likely many more across the state. An examination of the way high-rise condos are regulated and maintained in Florida shows why some experts believe the system was designed to fail. And human nature plays a part: Many condo boards defer repairs because of the costs. Too much economizing could be deadly.

The deadly Surfside collapse is casting a spotlight on how Florida's condominiums are built and regulated. The 40-year-old Champlain Towers South in Miami-Dade County killed 98 people when the 12-story building unexpectedly crumbled on June 24th. A USA TODAY Network analysis of property records in the coastal Florida communities of Miami Beach, Fort Myers Beach, Daytona Beach and Palm Beach show more than a thousand condos three stories or taller close to the water constructed in 1981 or earlier. There are likely many more across the state. An examination of the way high-rise condos are regulated and maintained in Florida shows why some experts believe the system was designed to fail. And human nature plays a part: Many condo boards defer repairs because of the costs. Too much economizing could be deadly.

News briefs from the state of Florida.

Florida News Briefs - Florida Podcast

News Briefs from the state of Florida.