Florida Introduces New Condominium Law: Enhanced Flexibility and Structural Inspection Adjustments

Governor Ron DeSantis has enacted a sweeping legislative reform that significantly alters the safety and financial regulations for condominiums in Florida. This initiative is a direct response to the challenges highlighted by the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside in 2021, which resulted in 98 fatalities.

The legislation aims to balance structural safety with financial relief for thousands of residents, particularly senior citizens or those on fixed incomes who have been burdened by the high maintenance costs imposed by previous laws. During a press conference in Clearwater, DeSantis signed the bill, HB 913, which had been unanimously approved by both legislative chambers.

"We have listened to the concerns of condominium owners across Florida and are implementing reforms that will offer financial relief and flexibility, strengthen oversight of condo associations, and empower unit owners," stated DeSantis.

Key Features of the New Law

Taking effect on July 1, 2025, the core of the new regulation is the amendment of structural inspection requirements and the relaxation of financial mechanisms that condominium associations must employ to ensure building safety. One of the most significant changes is extending the original deadline by a year for completing required structural integrity studies for older buildings, previously set to conclude by December 31.

This adjustment addresses the difficulties many associations encountered in meeting the timeline established by the 2022 law, which some lawmakers considered an overly stringent reaction to the Surfside disaster. Furthermore, the new law allows for a temporary pause of up to two years on the obligation to fund reserve accounts following a structural inspection, granting associations more leeway to prioritize immediate repairs.

Alternative Financial Options for Associations

Another crucial provision allows these organizations to utilize lines of credit or loans instead of maintaining traditional reserve funds, a strategy designed to lessen the financial burden on owners. Complementing these changes, DeSantis also signed HB 393, which modifies the My Safe Florida Home Condominium Pilot Program.

This state program aids associations in enhancing buildings' structural resilience against hurricanes. With the new legislation, the required percentage of owners needed to approve grant applications is reduced from 100% to 75%. Additionally, it specifies that associations must contribute one dollar for every two dollars received in state grants, clarifying the program's funding structure.

Broader Construction Sector Reforms

In parallel, the HB 683 Act was also enacted, focusing on broader residential construction reforms. This law sets new standards for residential projects, streamlines the issuance of construction permits, and regulates aspects such as the use of synthetic turf, virtual inspections, and the bidding processes for public contracts.

Automatic responses are included if local authorities do not process applications within set times (e.g., 20 business days for general permits, five for single-family homes), preventing contracts from altering public entities' response obligations, thereby promoting transparency and efficiency in government management.

Together, these reforms aim to modernize condominium and construction regulations in Florida, ensuring greater safety without sacrificing property owners' economic viability. "It's time for change," expressed a satisfied Republican State Senator Ed Hooper. "Seniors are losing their condos because they couldn't afford the increase in their monthly (repair) fees. That's wrong."

The new legislation also serves as an institutional response to the cumulative impact of recent hurricanes, chronic structural problems, and the urgency to prevent tragedies like the one in Surfside. Although confident that the measures will bring relief, DeSantis left open the possibility of making further adjustments in future legislative sessions.