On Tuesday, the Florida House and Senate Committee approved plans to revamp laws dealing with condo associations, saying sponsors are trying to ease financial tensions among apartment owners.
The House Commerce Committee and the Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Budget Committee unanimously supported measures (HB 913 and SB 1742) that included differences that must be negotiated before the final version passes.
The bill will amend the law resulting from the 2021 collapse of the Champlain Tower South Mansion Building, located on Surfside, which killed 98 people.
The law, originally passed in 2022 and tweaked in 2023, required research into “milestone inspections” and “structural integrity reserves” of old buildings, deciding how much money should be reserved for major future repairs.
However, residents say they are facing a sudden financial assessment to cover costs as the condo association has tried to meet the requirements.
For example, an invoice allows a committee of the Condominium Association to obtain a line of credit.
Senate sponsor Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, said residents are almost struggling with a “double hit” as repairs need to be made after milestone inspections and reserves must be built.
Sen. Nick Diceglie of R-Indian Rocks Beach said there are hundreds of condo associations in the Pinellas County area.
“They need relief,” Diceglie said. “They have been going through extremely difficult times, especially financially.”
The House bill, sponsored by R-Miami Rep. Vicki Lopez, is now heading to the full house. The Senate version must clear the Rules Committee before going to the entire Senate.
Original issue: April 16, 2025 9am Edit
