Florida Condo Law Reforms Spark Debate

Florida lawmakers are preparing for a special session to address ongoing issues in the condominium sector, sparked by reforms instituted after the Surfside building collapse in 2021 that killed 98 people. New laws mandate structural inspections and funding reserves for older condos, but have led to significant increases in homeowners association fees and special assessments, causing financial strain for many owners. Experts testified that the condo crisis is not new, with long-standing maintenance neglect and underfunding by associations contributing to current challenges. Gov. Ron DeSantis acknowledged the need for legislative adjustments to alleviate unintended consequences of the reforms, such as exorbitant assessments for minor repairs. The upcoming session, starting January 27, will consider various proposals, including uniform inspections and potential financial relief for affected homeowners. As over 900,000 condos face inspection deadlines, the situation has generated heightened scrutiny and calls for reform from both lawmakers and constituents.