Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has intensified his criticism of the Florida House of Representatives’ condominium reform efforts, labeling their proposed legislation as favoring “special interests and developers” and predicting it will worsen the existing condo crisis.
During a press conference last week, DeSantis expressed his dissatisfaction with House Bill 7031, which he believes fails to adequately address the crippling financial burdens faced by condominium owners.
The governor highlighted the severe impact of mandatory assessments, some exceeding $100,000 per unit, stemming from laws enacted after the 2021 Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside.
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“Florida has a condo crisis that is impacting many of our residents, especially seniors living on a fixed income,” DeSantis stated. “While recent legislation was well-intended, it has resulted in unaffordable fee assessments pushing many from their homes. We must act now to protect Floridians and ensure they aren’t priced out of their homes.”
DeSantis also revealed that he had initially sought to address the condo issue during a special session on immigration enforcement earlier this year, but House leaders opted to defer the matter to the current regular legislative session, which concludes on May 2.
“There has not been meaningful action in the House to give Floridians relief from the condo crisis that the Legislature itself caused,” he said. “We’ve got to be able to step up and do the right thing.”
The governor voiced his support for Senate Bill 1742, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, which he believes offers increased accountability, stronger association voting integrity, and flexible funding options for necessary repairs. This bill is currently under review by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee.
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In contrast, House Bill 913, sponsored by Rep. Vickie Lopez, R-Miami, proposes stricter insurance requirements for condominium associations and grants boards the authority to levy special assessments and secure loans without resident approval. DeSantis did not voice specific support for this bill.
Furthermore, DeSantis declined to comment on whether he would veto House Bill 7031, which proposes a reduction in the state’s sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%.
While not opposing sales tax relief in principle, he expressed a preference for property tax cuts, arguing that they would directly benefit Florida residents.
“I’d support sales tax relief for Floridians, but I don’t want to give sales tax relief to Canadians,” DeSantis said. “I want them paying the tax. The issue is we need to do property tax relief for Floridians. We’re in a great situation with 142 million visitors. If they come and spend money, I have no problem for them to pay the tax. I want to cut taxes for Floridians, our residents, and the best way to target that is to provide property tax relief for our residents.”
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