Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) – It’s your turn to take on the Florida Senate’s condo reforms. The House passed its own drastic condominium reform measures on Wednesday.
The collapse of surfside apartment complexes in 2021 is the reason behind many current rules and requirements of Florida’s current Condominium Association. Miami Republican leader Vicki Lopez is behind the push for new laws aimed at reducing the financial burden on the association and owners.
“This is a condo bill you’ve heard so much,” Lopez said.
Many members of the House described the struggle for owners, and the elderly who often live in fixed income.
In the aftermath of a fatal collapse in South Florida, the Condominium Association must have reserves to pay for a structural integrity investigation.
The bill, which just passed in the House, allows the association to use a line of credit in place of reserve funds.
The proposed law makes it clear that only buildings with three habitable stories must complete research and inspections. You can also become more porters to condo owners and vote on association issues electronically.
Lopez admitted that the measure could require tweaking in the future.
“If I need to check if it’s working or if it’s not working in this format, I’ll definitely come back,” Lopez said.
The bill was passed in the House on Wednesday with a 113-2 majority.
The senator is expected to vote for the Companion Act on Thursday.
If the measure is signed by the law, it will come into effect on July 1st.
