DeSantis's New Laws Bring Much-Needed Relief for Florida Condo Owners

Clearwater, Florida, USA - On June 23, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis took a significant step towards bolstering support for Florida’s condominium owners by signing two pivotal bills aimed at easing their financial burdens and enhancing management practices within condo associations. During a news conference in Clearwater, DeSantis announced House Bill 913 and House Bill 393, both of which are set to take effect on July 1.

The focus of these reforms comes in the wake of increasing concerns over building safety, especially following the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in 2021. Now, Florida finds its condo owners grappling with steep costs related to safety assessments, adjustments that are particularly taxing for seniors on fixed incomes. As CBS12 reports, the new legislation intends to address these pressing issues, easing the pressure on residents who face rising assessments.

A Closer Look at the Legislation

House Bill 913 is all about transparency and accountability within condominium associations. Key provisions include extending the reserve study requirement by one year, granting financial relief to owners wary of sudden fee assessments. This bill ensures that unit owners have full access to board activities and financial records while holding board members accountable—a crucial step towards improved governance.

• Reserve Study Requirement: Extended by one year.
• Alternative Funding Options: Provides flexibility for associations.
• Reporting Requirement: Mandates transparency to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

In addition, DeSantis aims to enhance the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program through House Bill 393. This includes new restrictions that require at least 75% of unit owners to approve applications for inspection or mitigation grants—far more manageable than the previously mandated unanimous consent. Furthermore, the revisions specify which roof mitigation techniques will qualify for grant awards, promising to bolster resiliency against Florida’s relentless weather extremes.

Background and Context

The need for these changes comes on the heels of earlier reform efforts introduced after the Surfside tragedy, which claimed the lives of 98 people. Following this catastrophic event, the state mandated regular inspections for older condos and required sufficient funding for repairs. Yet, as Newsweek highlights, these requirements inadvertently led to soaring fees for condo owners, placing additional financial strain on already burdened residents.

In light of these challenges, both bills are designed with affordability in mind, ensuring that owners can manage necessary assessments without having to worry about skyrocketing costs. This move is a vital part of DeSantis’s efforts to provide stability amid rising property values and a demanding housing market, as more than 28,000 condos are currently for sale in South Florida—up from 25,000 in January.

As the new laws roll out, they promise to reshape the landscape for condo owners across the state, reinforcing accountability within associations and offering much-needed financial relief amid a time of uncertainty. For the many Floridians living in condos, these reforms represent a signal that their voices have been heard, paving the way for a more secure living environment.

To hear more about the specifics of these bills, visit Jax Today and CBS12 for detailed coverage.