Florida expected to change condo safety laws passed after Surfside collapse

The Florida Legislature approved proposed changes to condominium safety laws passed after the 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside.

The changes came after residents and associations argued that the laws passed in recent years were driving up condo fees and special assessments. Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he will sign the bill.

The new law, which will take effect July 1, extends by one year the deadline for structural-integrity studies that under current law must be completed by Dec. 31. Many condo associations have been struggling to meet that deadline.

The bill also allows a temporary pause in reserve funding for two years immediately following a milestone inspection, and gives condo associations more flexibility on meeting capital reserve requirements.