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Governor Ron DeSantis Heavily Criticizes The Legislation
The Florida House has passed HB 913, a wide-ranging condominium reform bill inspired by the deadly 2021 Surfside building collapse, aiming to shore up safety and modernize governance for Florida’s aging condo infrastructure. But not everyone is on board—Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced strong criticism of the legislation, warning it could overreach and increase costs for homeowners.
Sponsored by Rep. Vicki Lopez (R) and backed by multiple House committees, the bill mandates structural integrity reserve studies, tighter financial reporting, and updated voting and insurance rules for Florida’s condominium associations. It responds directly to safety gaps exposed after the Champlain Towers South collapse killed 98 residents.
Key provisions include:
- Required structural studies and milestone inspections, with strict compliance reporting to state agencies.
- Broader authority for condo boards to initiate urgent repairs.
- Mandatory online posting of records and electronic voting access for owners.
- Legal updates on special assessments, hurricane protection decisions, and condo terminations.
However, Gov. DeSantis has called the bill an “over-correction” that imposes “heavy-handed mandates” on condo owners. In remarks reported by Florida Phoenix, he said the bill risks “pricing people out of their homes,” especially older residents living on fixed incomes. He emphasized the need to protect safety without “crushing affordability.”
DeSantis’ remarks come as over 912,000 Florida condos age past 30 years, many of them in urgent need of repair or major upgrades. Rep. Lopez defended the bill, calling it a “balance of safety, transparency, and financial sustainability” and saying it gives owners a stronger voice while preventing future tragedies.
Lobbyists All Over The Bill
Lobbying around HB 913 has been intense. Florida House records show 132 lobbyists from 84 organizations have registered interest in the bill. Notable stakeholders include:
- Florida Engineering Society and Florida Structural Engineers Association, advocating for improved safety standards.
- Florida Association of Insurance Agents, monitoring impacts on condo insurance rules.
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, focused on implications for construction timelines and contractor responsibilities.
If signed into law, HB 913 will take effect on July 1, 2025. It now moves to the Senate, where debate is expected to continue around the balance between safety reform and financial burden.
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