Florida lawmakers are signaling their willingness to revisit and potentially revise the state’s condominium safety laws, which have been criticized for imposing soaring costs on condo owners.
Senator Jennifer Bradley, Chairwoman of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee, expressed a desire to “smooth the transition” for condominium associations struggling to comply with the laws passed in the wake of the tragic 2021 Surfside condo collapse.
Bradley emphasized the need to prioritize urgent structural needs and clarify some requirements in the existing laws, which mandate inspections of older buildings and the establishment of adequate financial reserves for repairs.
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“We’re here to find solutions,” Bradley said. “The condo market will be stronger. Floridians will be safer.”
The laws, enacted after the Surfside tragedy, require “milestone inspections” of older buildings and “structural integrity reserve” studies to determine necessary funding for future repairs. However, many condo associations have hit owners with hefty assessments to meet compliance deadlines, leading to widespread complaints.
Bradley indicated that the reserve studies may include items not required by state law, such as landscaping or ornamental improvements, unnecessarily driving up costs. She also emphasized that condo boards are not required to immediately collect the full amounts identified in the studies.
“A lot of the panic is not required,” Bradley said, addressing misconceptions about the law.
READ: Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Condo Safety Changes Post Surfside Collapse
Governor Ron DeSantis recently called a special legislative session to address various issues, including the fallout from the condo reforms. His proclamation highlighted the “soaring costs” associated with the new requirements and the need to ensure housing affordability for Floridians.
While legislative leaders have expressed concerns about the timing of the special session, Senator Bradley emphasized the need for workshops and further discussion to determine appropriate revisions to the condo safety laws. She aims to prioritize urgent repairs and clarify funding requirements to alleviate the financial burden on condo owners.
Experts indicate that the new laws have primarily impacted sales of older condos, with buyers facing challenges in obtaining and understanding the required studies.
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