Implications of Senate President Not Calling Special Legislative Session on Florida Condominium Act
Missy Turra, who co-chairs Holland & Knight's Condominium Development, Financing and Conversion Team, was featured in a Q&A with the Daily Business Review about amendments to the Florida Condominium Act and a recent memo from Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo regarding condominium safety legislation. In her memo, Passidomo emphasized the importance of clear safety and reserve guidelines to prevent tragedies like the 2022 Surfside condo collapse while recognizing the financial burden placed on condo owners to comply with changing regulations. Ms. Turra explained that Passidomo's memo confirmed the Florida Legislature will continue to adjust the Florida Condominium Act without calling a special legislative session to do so. She also clarified the memo does not affect the law itself or the requirements it imposes on condo owners and condo association board members.
"At its core, the memorandum issued by Senator Kathleen Passidomo on Aug. 16 acknowledges that there is an ongoing tug between the safety goals reflected in the changes to the Florida Condominium Act over the past several years (as a result of the Surfside tragedy) and the desire to maintain affordability with respect to condominium living in Florida," she said.
In her interview, Ms. Turra commented on the amendments from the past couple of years, saying they will benefit Florida residents in the long term because reserves will be adequately funded, allowing associations to address ongoing maintenance and repairs. She also said she anticipates an increase in board training as a result of the changes, noting "the states have undoubtedly been raised" now that certain forms of non-compliance are now deemed criminal violations. Finally, she advised condominium associations and individuals serving on boards of directors to engage legal counsel to help understand the law and governing documents.
READ: Implications of Senate President Not Calling Special Legislative Session on Florida Condominium Act (Subscription required)