A bipartisan proposal aimed at enhancing condominium safety laws was unanimously approved by a House panel on Tuesday. The bill, spearheaded by Rep. Vicki Lopez, would mandate inspections of older buildings and the establishment of adequate reserves for repairs in the wake of the Champlain Towers South building collapse in Surfside in 2021.
The legislation would expand on existing laws requiring milestone inspections and reserve studies to determine financial needs for future repairs. It also includes provisions to prevent Citizens Property Insurance Corp. from issuing or renewing policies to condo associations that fail to comply with inspection requirements.
Moreover, the bill allows condominium boards to levy special assessments or obtain loans for essential maintenance without member approval. This provision aims to assist boards that struggle to secure funds for critical repairs due to lack of support from owners.
A Senate proposal led by Jennifer Bradley focuses on ensuring transparency in the bidding process for maintenance and repair services related to structural integrity reserve studies. It also imposes penalties on associations that miss inspection deadlines.
Legislators have received numerous complaints from condo residents about rising assessments and insurance costs due to post-Surfside collapse laws. The House and Senate versions differ on certain points, prompting House Speaker Daniel Perez to emphasize the importance of debate and compromise in achieving a comprehensive condominium safety law.
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