The cost of living in paradise has increased for many Florida condo owners. Reforms aimed at ensuring building safety have forced some owners to contend with increases in homeowners association (HOA) fees and special assessments. The situation has sparked frustration and concern among condo owners, prompting Gov. Ron DeSantis to consider the issue in an upcoming special legislative session.
Structural reforms implemented following the Surfside condo tragedy in 2021 have mandated that this year condo buildings must have adequately funded reserves – money set aside for necessary structural repairs. However, many homeowners feel that special assessments are an additional burden they cannot bear. One homeowner expressed that there is always a special assessment, and one must choose between paying it or selling and walking away.
On Monday, Governor DeSantis called a special legislative session to discuss condo reforms, among other issues. In his statement, he noted that while there has been neglect in condo management for decades, one piece of legislation cannot solve all the problems. “We are seeing some issues that I think were unintended, that have arisen and we have a responsibility to act to ensure that people can stay in their condo units,” DeSantis said.
In the past, state leaders have suggested changing the deadline for reservations or offering zero-interest loans to ease the financial burden on homeowners. Recently, Florida Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo mentioned the need for uniform condo inspections, something he said would ensure that special assessments aren’t bloated with unnecessary extra costs. “We’re seeing tens of millions of dollars proposed for an assessment that involves pool furniture at one location and a basketball court. The core issue we’re seeing is a lack of uniformity,” Pizzo explained.
What will be decided in the special session that begins Jan. 27 is still uncertain, but condo owners across the state are watching closely for the results. “I know the Senate has worked to get ideas and I’m confident the legislature will be able to listen to its constituents,” she added.
In Miami-Dade, the county offers a special zero-interest loan program to help condo owners pay special assessments. However, Broward County does not offer the same option, leaving many homeowners in a tough spot. The regular legislative session for Florida lawmakers is set to begin in March, and pressure on officials to address these concerns continues to grow.
