Former Republican Representative Julio Robaina argued that a law revoked about 10 years ago would have prevented the tragic Florida building collapse that claimed many lives on the condo.

Robaina mentioned his arguments during an interview with NBC News, saying a "reserve study" might have prevented the tragedy.

To date, the death toll of the collapsed condo rose to 64, with 76 individuals still unaccounted for, The Guardian reported. At least 35 were identified by the authorities after the search and rescue operation in the rubble shifted to recovery.

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Florida Building Collapse: Former Lawmaker Argues Repealed Law Would Have Prevented the Tragedy

The Hill reported that Robaina backed a bill in 2008 that would require building associations to hire experts who would submit reports every five years about the estimated costs of repairs, called a reserve study. However, the law lasted for only two years and was repealed in 2010, after Robaina left office.

The former Republican representative blamed the revoking of the law on real estate lawyers and property managers who argued that the legislation placed too high of a burden on the condo owners. 

Former State Representative Gary Aubuchon, a Republican real estate broker, and homebuilder, was the legislator who sponsored the revocation of the law, NBC News reported.

"If the owners would have had a reserve study if the board was proactive and had funded its reserves, this never would have happened," Robaina noted.

The current law in Florida required the condo boards to maintain reserves for repairs over $10,000. But it does not say exactly how much they need to set aside, granting them the flexibility in avoiding saving for repairs that do not need to be made right away.

NBC News also cited a survey by the Community Associations Institute that revealed most homeowners' associations were hesitant to increase the residents' fees, anticipating opposition, and plan for long-term infrastructure fixes.

Robaina, who co-owns a property management company, noted that maintaining healthy reserves is the most essential action a condominium board needs to take.

Miami Beach Officials Order Building Inspections After Florida Condo Collapse

Miami Beach officials directed a two-pronged drive to reinspect their high-rise buildings, focusing on 500 buildings under the 40-year recertification process. 

Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak confirmed that they began their operation a day after the Florida building collapse.

Hudak noted that their top priority is to make sure that the buildings in Miami Beach are safe. Teams of city inspectors were sent to the targeted buildings along with structural engineers to join them in the inspection.

If the dispatched team discovered any concerns, the building management team will have 48 hours to respond with a letter from their structural engineer that would certify that the deficiency is being repaired.

Among the 500 buildings on the focus, 15 were tagged by the Miami Beach officials, and 10 are being occupied. Hudak said that Miami Beach in Florida is being as "proactive as possible."

READ NEXT: Florida Building Collapse: First Funerals Held for Victims; Death Toll Rises to 36 as Tropical Storm Elsa Hampers Search Efforts

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Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH:Repealed Florida Law Could Have Repaired Collapsed Condo Sooner - From MSNBC