TAMPA, Fla. (Bloom) – Scathing Florida laws can quickly act as a model for property owners across the country, shaking the way homeowners approach safety.
House Bill 837, effective July 1, 2024, required owners of multifamily home property to implement a series of crime prevention measures by January 1, 2025 or risk liability for certain crimes committed at the facility.
The law gives the property owner a “estimation of liability” if it meets the requirements and effectively protects against expensive litigation related to third-party crimes, as long as it follows the mandated upgrade.
What is needed under the law?
Key regulations include installing video cameras at all entry points at all entries and exits that record and retain footage for at least 30 days, adding a 1-inch deadbolt lock to the front door of each unit, and upgrading the exterior of parking, sidewalks, laundry rooms and other common areas. Owners must also complete crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) assessments and provide crime deterrence training to staff.
Experts say that failing to comply with litigation leaves property managers vulnerable to litigation and major financial risks.
This is a powerful signal for HB 837, not just for Florida, but for the nation as a whole, that the state is beginning to hold property owners more accountable.
What does this mean for renters and everyday Floridians?
If you are renting an apartment or living in a condo in Florida, this new law may make your home safer.
Under HB 837, property owners had to install key safety features until January 1, 2025, such as deadbolt locks at the front door, proper lighting in the parking lot and corridors, and security cameras to record in and outgoing. These upgrades are intended to stop crime and help police catch criminals if something happens.
For tenants, this means brighter spaces, safer doors and windows, and potentially faster law enforcement responses. If the property manager has not created these upgrades, it is worth asking why. Because if they don’t comply, they could be legally on the hook if a crime occurs.
In short, the law is designed to prevent break-in, assault and other crimes and to ensure that landlords take more responsibility to keep people safe.
Potential national blueprints
The law applies only in Florida for now, but could mark the beginning of a wider change. Drako believes other states could follow suit under similar laws aimed at procuring safety standards for apartments and condos.
Many upgrades, including camera systems and CPTED ratings, take time to schedule and implement, so property owners are encouraged to act quickly. All necessary safety measures must be implemented before the January deadline to qualify for liability protection.
Training and Compliance Deadline
In addition to physical security changes, the law required existing staff to complete crime prevention training by January 1, 2025. New employees hired after that date must receive the same training within 60 days of the start date.
CPTED assessments must be conducted by law enforcement agencies or accredited practitioners designated by the Florida Department of Justice and must be no more than three years.
