HIGHLAND BEACH, Fla. — Retirees at Highland Towers in Palm Beach County are facing a potential $600,000 bill to undo plumbing work they believed was fully compliant with building codes, a situation highlighting a contentious battle between homeowners and industry lobbyists in Florida. The initial work, completed in 2025, cost approximately $100,000, but residents now identify themselves confronting a far larger expense due to what officials say was a non-permitted and ultimately flawed installation. This Highland Towers case has turn into a focal point in ongoing debates over construction standards and contractor oversight in the state.
The issue centers around cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) installation, a method used to rehabilitate existing drainage systems. Highland Towers contracted with Blue Works, a PermLiner Industry-certified contractor, to perform the work. Residents were led to believe the installation met all necessary building code requirements, but it was later discovered that the work was not permitted. According to correspondence from the manufacturer, the warranty was denied because the liner was installed using a “non-code-compliant GAP method,” leading to deterioration and failures at branch connections. The residents, many on fixed incomes, now face a significant financial burden.
A Loophole in Florida Plumbing Code
At the heart of the problem lies an ambiguity in Florida’s plumbing code regarding the continuity of CIPP installations. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) defines compliant CIPP as a single, continuous liner within an existing pipe. However, the Florida Building Commission in December 2025 denied a modification – P11834 – that would have explicitly clarified this requirement in state law. This clarification had broad support from the Florida Plumbing Technical Advisory Committee, building officials from Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, the Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF), condominium associations, and plumbing contractors who testified that continuity is essential for ASTM compliance.
Despite this widespread support, the modification was opposed by representatives from the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA), the Florida Concrete Coalition (FCC), the Florida Apartment Association (FAA), NuFlow Technologies, Pipe Restoration Solutions, Joanne Carroll representing Subtegic Group, Inc., and Kari Hebrank, Senior Government Consultant at Carlton Fields. These groups argued against the clarification, and their opposition ultimately prevailed, leaving the ambiguity in the code intact. The result, residents of Highland Towers are now discovering, is that “code-compliant” can depend on lobbying power rather than engineering standards.
Industry Opposition and Legislative Action
The opposition to clarifying the CIPP standard raises questions about the influence of industry interests in shaping building regulations. Critics argue that allowing segmented or “gapped” CIPP installations to be marketed as compliant undermines consumer protection and compromises the integrity of the building code. The Florida Plumbing TAC, building officials, and local governments all supported the clarification, yet it was blocked by industry representatives.
Now, as the Florida Legislature considers major construction and permitting reform bills – including SB 1234 and HB 803 – there is an opportunity to address this issue. These bills, which focus on contractor oversight and building standards, could include a simple provision stating that any product marketed as compliant CIPP must be continuous.
Residents Seek Legislative Intervention
The owners of Highland Towers are actively seeking support from state lawmakers. “We’re asking Sen. Lori Berman, Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, and legislative leadership to step up,” they said in a statement. “Industry lobbyists had their say. Now it’s time for homeowners to be protected.” State Senator Lori Berman previously delivered a legislative update to the town of Highland Beach in May 2025, according to a Facebook post.
The situation at Highland Towers serves as a cautionary tale for other condominiums in Florida. If the Legislature fails to act, residents could continue to be vulnerable to costly repairs resulting from non-compliant installations. The difference between a properly installed system and the current predicament at Highland Towers isn’t a matter of engineering, but of politics.
The residents initially paid $100,000 for the installation, and now face an additional $600,000 to rectify the issues. This case underscores the importance of clear and enforceable building codes, and the need to protect homeowners from potentially misleading practices. The upcoming legislative session will be a critical test of whether Florida prioritizes the interests of its residents or continues to allow industry influence to dictate building standards.
The Florida Legislature is expected to continue debate on SB 1234 and HB 803 in the coming weeks. Further updates on the bills’ progress can be found on the Florida Senate website and the Florida House of Representatives website. Residents and concerned parties are encouraged to contact their representatives to voice their opinions on this essential issue.
If you or someone you grasp is struggling with the financial strain of unexpected home repairs, resources are available. Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services for information on consumer protection and assistance programs.
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