Fl Condo Safety Laws

Florida Condominium Safety Laws — Post-Surfside Exam: Real Estate Salesperson — Florida Chapter: Ch8 — Florida Practice and Property Law Enacted: 2022 | Implemented: 2023–2025 (phased) --- ## Background In June 2021, the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida collapsed, killing 98 people. In response, the Florida Legislature enacted significant condominium safety laws requiring structural inspections, reserve funding, and enhanced buyer disclosures. These laws are now embedded in Florida real estate practice and are testable on the FL licensing exam. --- ## Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) Who must comply: Condominium associations with buildings 3 stories or more What is required: - Complete a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) conducted by licensed engineers or architects - The SIRS evaluates the structural components of the building and estimates the cost of future repairs/replacements - Compliance deadline: December 31, 2025 Reserve funding requirement: - Buildings 3+ stories must fully fund reserves for structural components identified in the SIRS - The prior practice of waiving reserves by member vote is no longer permitted for buildings 3+ stories - Adequate reserves must be maintained regardless of membership vote --- ## Milestone Inspections Phase 1 Inspection — required when a building reaches: - 30 years of age (or 25 years if within 3 miles of the coastline) - A licensed engineer or architect performs a visual examination of structural components - Buildings that already reached the applicable age threshold by the law's enactment had a compliance deadline of December 31, 2024 Phase 2 Inspection — required if: - Phase 1 reveals concerns about the structural integrity of the building - Phase 2 involves more detailed inspection, which may include destructive testing | Inspection |…