Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law to improve safety measures of buildings. This addresses the condo collapse that killed 98 people last year. The disaster became one of the deadliest structural building failures in American history.
The new law requires improved construction practices for buildings in the state. Our patriots in Florida are doing their best to prevent tragedies like the last time.
This is a big step forward for Florida residents since it will help to ensure that their condos are safe and secure.
Residents can now rest assured that their homes and their lives will be safe. New condo owners can also be confident that their investment will be alright.
Condos Older Than 30 Years Must Be Inspected
Florida will require statewide recertification of condominiums over three stories tall. Gov. DeSantis’ signature came after the House unanimously passed the bill. The Senate also passed the bill immediately, which was added to the agenda.
Buildings at least 30 years old will require recertification. Infrastructures at least 25 years old near the coast will also need recertification. Every building will undergo this process every 10 years.
Florida has over 1.5 million condominium units. Almost 28,000 associations operate them. More than 912,000 are older than 30 years… and are home to over 2 million residents.
The bill would require condominium associations to pay for major repairs. It would also ask them to provide inspection reports to owners. If structural repairs are necessary, the work should begin within a year of the report.
Questions Arise About the New Condo Inspection Law
Central Florida condominium association members question how new requirements for older condominiums will impact owners.
A Sand Pebbles Condominium Association board member, Daniel Rogers, thinks that the inspection could be costly. He opposes government mandates like the new condo inspection requirement. Rogers said, “It all depends on how intrusive the inspection is and how expensive it will be. Is it workable for these associations to afford it?”
Rogers also mentioned that the Sand Pebbles Condominium Association voluntarily hired an engineer to ensure the condo’s safety. He said, “These buildings show wear after a while. We have them look at these signs of wear. [This] makes sure there’s no structural problem, the foundation is sound, and there are no sinkholes.”
Then he added, “We take good care of it. We stay ahead of it. We have good reserves. We take care of the building.”
As of now, the primary concern of the associations is the affordability of the mandates. Lawmakers expect to provide more detailed information about the inspection before taking effect.
The democratic state senator representing Surfside, Jason Pizzo… along with other state legislators, plans to host a public forum on the new law later this June.
