Several new Florida real estate-related laws will go into effect on Monday following this year’s legislative session. Here’s an overview of the key changes:
Condo and Homeowners Association Reforms (HB 1021, HB 1203):
– These laws introduce criminal penalties for mismanagement by condo and homeowners association board members. This addresses widespread complaints about fraud, election meddling, and improper assessment increases.
– The new regulations require prompt compliance with subpoenaed records and extend anti-retaliation protections to condo residents.
Condo-Hotels Regulation (HB 1021):
– A last-minute addition to the condo bill codifies the existing power structure of condo-hotels under the Florida Condominium Act, which has sparked litigation over control issues between commercial lot owners and individual condo owners.
Building Permit Process Streamlining (SB 812):
– This law aims to expedite the building permit approval process in large counties and municipalities, addressing developer frustrations over delays.
Citizens Insurance Corporation Changes (HB 1503):
– The law allows surplus lines insurers to assume policies from Citizens Insurance for non-primary residences and permits policyholders to purchase flood insurance that covers only dwellings, potentially reducing costs.
Heat Exposure Legislation Ban (HB 433):
– This law prevents local governments from setting heat exposure standards, impacting efforts in Miami-Dade County to protect outdoor workers amid record heat.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also vetoed Senate Bill 280, which sought to regulate short-term rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO by limiting occupancy and overriding local regulations to curb party houses.
These legislative changes reflect significant adjustments in Florida’s approach to real estate governance, insurance, and development processes.
