Florida Condo Safety Laws Updated on Surfside Collapse Anniversary
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed important amendments to Florida's condominium safety legislation, extending deadlines and providing financial relief to condo associations across the state. These changes come exactly four years after the tragic Champlain Towers South collapse that claimed 98 lives.
Learn About Surfside
Understanding the Surfside Tragedy
The June 24, 2021 collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside was one of Florida's deadliest building failures. The overnight disaster killed 98 residents ranging from just 1 to 92 years old, prompting immediate calls for stricter condominium safety regulations throughout the state.
In response, Florida lawmakers enacted comprehensive legislation requiring older buildings to undergo structural integrity evaluations and maintain adequate financial reserves for repairs.
Key Changes in House Bill 913
Extended Deadlines
HB 913 extends the deadline for completing Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) to December 31, 2025, giving associations more time to comply with requirements. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
Financial Flexibility
Associations can now use credit lines or loans to fund specific reserves, and the minimum cost threshold for major projects has increased from $10,000 to $25,000.
Associations that completed milestone inspections within the previous two years may pause or reduce reserve fund contributions with membership approval. This relief applies to budgets adopted through 2028 but excludes developer-controlled associations.
Preventing Conflicts of Interest
Disclosure Requirements
Licensed architects or engineers must disclose in writing their intention to bid on future work that may be recommended as part of milestone inspections they perform.
Separation of Services
Contractors bidding on repair work cannot have financial interests in companies providing milestone inspections or be related by blood or marriage to inspection providers.
Management Oversight
Community association managers must maintain online licensure accounts and disclose their employers. Managers with revoked licenses cannot work for property management firms for 10 years following revocation.
Local Government Reporting Requirements
By December 31, 2025, local enforcement agencies (cities and counties) must provide comprehensive data to the state regarding buildings under their jurisdiction. This includes:
  • Number of buildings requiring milestone inspections
  • Buildings that have completed phase one inspections
  • Structures granted compliance extensions
  • Buildings requiring phase two inspections
  • Permit application details
  • List of buildings deemed unsafe or uninhabitable
The state's Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability will collect and analyze this information to ensure compliance.
My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program Updates
House Bill 393 modifies the grant program designed to help condominiums improve safety and structural integrity. Key changes include:
  • Limiting eligibility to buildings that have complied with SIRS and milestone inspection requirements
  • Requiring only 75% owner approval for grant applications (down from 100%)
  • Restricting eligibility to buildings at least three stories tall with two or more units per structure
Financial Limitations
Roof-related project grants are now capped at $11 per square foot of replacement roof, not exceeding 50% of project cost or $1,000 per unit. The maximum grant for roof and hurricane protection projects is $175,000 per association.
Timeline for Compliance
1
July 1, 2025
House Bill 913 takes effect, extending deadlines and providing financial flexibility to associations
2
December 31, 2025
Extended deadline for all associations to complete their Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS)
3
December 31, 2025
Deadline for local enforcement agencies to report building compliance data to the state
4
December 31, 2028
Last date for eligible associations to adopt budgets with paused or reduced reserve funding
Resources for Florida Condo Owners
Legislation Text
Access the complete text of House Bills 913 and 393 through the Florida Legislature's official website to understand all provisions affecting your association.
Financial Planning
Consult with certified financial planners specializing in community associations to develop reserve funding strategies that comply with new requirements.
Inspection Services
Contact qualified structural engineers and architects for milestone inspections and reserve studies before the extended December 2025 deadline.