DeSantis Urges Legislative Action on Condo Crisis Ahead of 2025 Session
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday called for urgent legislative action to tackle the rising financial burdens facing Florida condominium owners and associations, emphasizing that solutions should be in place before the 2025 legislative session begins in March.
Speaking at the Roberto Alonso Community Center in Miami Lakes, DeSantis floated the possibility of low-interest or no-interest loans to help condo owners struggling with steep assessments for repairs and maintenance. These measures would address growing concerns among Floridians, many of whom are facing financial hardship following new laws aimed at preventing disasters like the 2021 Surfside condo collapse that killed 98 people.
“We do need to do something this year,” DeSantis said. “I don’t think this is something that you can just put off until next March or April.”
Urgency in Addressing Costs and Maintenance
Condo associations and owners have seen skyrocketing property insurance rates and hefty assessments for building repairs and reserves. These costs stem from laws passed in the aftermath of the Surfside tragedy, which require condo boards to maintain financial reserves for building upkeep and mandate regular inspections for condos three stories or taller.
Legislators will return to Tallahassee for committee meetings in December, and DeSantis stressed that the time to gather feedback and solutions from constituents is now. He encouraged lawmakers to explore actionable ideas ahead of the 2025 legislative session, which begins March 4.
“Let’s just be nimble with this. Let’s listen to people,” DeSantis said. “Let’s make sure they’re able to stay in their home.”
Challenges Facing Condo Owners
The condo crisis is creating issues across the state, particularly for seniors and individuals on fixed incomes. Rep. Tom Fabricio (R-Miami Lakes), who joined DeSantis at Monday’s event, called the risk of residents being priced out of their homes “the most important issue in Florida at this time.”
Fabricio pointed out that many condo boards had deferred necessary maintenance for years, leading to “excessive” assessments that are now falling on condo owners. These financial obligations make it difficult for some Floridians to sell their units, as they are required to disclose ongoing assessments and repairs.
“This is causing issues with the market throughout,” Fabricio said. “It’s causing a problem for these seniors.”
Legislative Path Forward
Though there is no plan for a special session before the November election, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) has indicated that condo reform will be a priority in the upcoming committee meetings and 2025 session. In an August 16 memo, Passidomo acknowledged concerns but ruled out immediate action, noting the need for thorough analysis and stakeholder input.
“In my view, no law is perfect,” Passidomo wrote. “However, the legislative process best serves Floridians when there is analysis, collaboration, and input from all stakeholders.”
The legislative committee meetings are set to begin in December, giving lawmakers time to craft proposals that could provide financial relief to struggling condo owners while addressing long-term maintenance and safety concerns.
