Florida’s New Laws on HOAs, Condo-Hotels, and Insurance Take Effect July 1

Florida is set to implement several new real estate laws starting July 1, following Governor Ron DeSantis’ recent signings. The legislation addresses longstanding issues in the state’s real estate sector, notably aiming to strengthen oversight of condo hotels and residential communities governed by associations. Key provisions include criminal penalties for association board members and managers who engage in misconduct, responding to widespread complaints of mismanagement and fraud.

However, not all proposed legislation was passed. DeSantis vetoed Senate Bill 280, which aimed to restrict short-term rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, citing concerns over its impact on local regulations.

Among the signed bills, House Bill 1021 and House Bill 1203 stand out for their strict enforcement measures against condo and homeowners associations. These laws mandate the timely provision of subpoenaed records and criminalize behaviors like accepting kickbacks and suppressing records. Notably, provisions to cap assessment increases were removed late in the legislative process.

Additionally, House Bill 1503 changes Citizens Insurance Corp., allowing surplus lines insurers to cover non-primary and non-homesteaded properties, potentially affecting insurance rates and coverage requirements across the state.

Another significant law, Senate Bill 812, addresses the longstanding issue of building permit delays in large counties and municipalities, aiming to streamline the permitting process for residential developments.

Finally, House Bill 433 prohibits local governments from enacting heat-related protections for outdoor workers, effectively overriding Miami-Dade County’s efforts in this area.

These legislative changes are expected to impact various aspects of Florida’s real estate market and community governance, setting the stage for potential legal challenges and future amendments.