Florida Condo Crisis: Lawmakers Hit the Brakes on New Safety Measures

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Hey Florida residents, while many condo owners across the state are bracing for a big hit to their wallets, state lawmakers aren’t in a rush to fix the situation. You might remember the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside that claimed 98 lives—well, it sparked new condo safety laws aimed at preventing such disasters. However, the response to these new regulations has been a bit of a mixed bag.

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, representing Naples, has decided that the Legislature won’t be reconvening until March to address the growing concerns about these laws. In a recent letter, she explained that she understands the frustration of condo owners facing hefty costs for repairs and inspections. Yet, she argued that the issue has been “ripe with misconceptions and inaccuracies” and suggested waiting until after the November elections to revisit the matter.

So, what’s the big deal? Starting January 1, condo associations across Florida must have their buildings inspected by engineers and determine how much they need to set aside for future repairs. If these repairs turn out to be extensive, it could cost millions—money that will likely fall on the shoulders of unit owners through steep special assessments and increased fees. The new laws are designed to ensure buildings don’t fall into disrepair like Champlain Towers did, but they’re also creating quite a bit of financial strain.

State Sen. Ileana Garcia from Miami expressed concern that the legislation might have been too rushed, stating, “Making them homeless is not going to make them safer.” The new rules require associations of buildings three stories or higher to review their reserves and undergo structural inspections if they are 30 years or older. If they fall short, they’ll need to fund significant repairs—something that’s already causing a rise in condo fees and insurance costs.

Former state Sen. Jeff Brandes has been vocal about the need for urgent action, claiming that the Legislature’s oversight has created a “catastrophic situation.” Although Governor Ron DeSantis has the power to call a special session, he’s currently deferring to the lawmakers on whether it’s necessary.

The stakes are high, especially for seniors and low-income residents who might struggle with the new assessments. While Miami-Dade County has a loan program to help with special assessments, it's the only one of its kind in Florida. State Sen. Garcia has suggested that the state should consider similar assistance programs to help those in financial difficulty.

Adding to the confusion are new companies offering reserve studies, which may not always be reliable. Travis Moore, a lobbyist for the Community Associations Institute, pointed out that some of these new firms might not be up to snuff, leading to unnecessary or incorrect recommendations.

So, while the new laws aim to protect residents and ensure building safety, they’ve also raised a lot of questions and concerns. Stay tuned—there might be more developments as lawmakers sort through these issues and potentially make changes to the legislation.