Wednesday, September 25, 2024 / by Richard Eimers
FLORIDA'S CONDOMINIUM INSPECTION DEADLINE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As Florida’s December 31 deadline approaches for mandatory condo inspections, the pressure on property owners and associations continues to mount. Governor Ron DeSantis has promised relief for condo unit owners facing increased inspection costs, but the legislature has resisted calls for a special session, leaving the deadline intact.
Richard Eimers Broker Owner September 25, 2024
As Florida’s December 31 deadline approaches for mandatory condo inspections, the pressure on property owners and associations continues to mount. Governor Ron DeSantis has promised relief for condo unit owners facing increased inspection costs, but the legislature has resisted calls for a special session, leaving the deadline intact.
Richard Eimers Broker Owner September 25, 2024As Florida’s December 31 deadline approaches for mandatory condo inspections, the pressure on property owners and associations continues to mount. Governor Ron DeSantis has promised relief for condo unit owners facing increased inspection costs, but the legislature has resisted calls for a special session, leaving the deadline intact.
Key Inspection Requirements Condo buildings over two stories that turned 30 years old before July 1, 2022, must undergo two critical assessments:
Milestone Inspection Report: This report evaluates whether a building shows signs of structural deterioration.
Strategic Integrity Reserve Study: This study estimates the lifespan of key building components, such as plumbing and roofs, and calculates how much money associations need to reserve for repairs.
While many counties and cities report that inspection submissions are gradually being filed, few serious structural issues have been uncovered. For example, in Pompano Beach, five out of 73 buildings have completed inspections, while other cities like Deerfield Beach have not yet received any reports.
Concerns Over Costs Condo owners are particularly concerned about the financial burden of these inspections, especially with rising association fees. Some buildings are facing inspection costs of up to $60,000, exacerbating affordability challenges, particularly for elderly residents on fixed incomes.
Will the Deadline Be Extended? Currently, there are no plans to delay the December 31 deadline, despite growing concerns. Senate leaders have indicated that safety is their priority, and legislative adjustments are likely to be discussed in regular sessions in 2024. Meanwhile, owners can seek assistance through possible loan programs or explore the potential for future financial relief.
In the coming months, Florida's condo associations must be prepared to comply with the state’s stringent requirements to ensure resident safety and long-term structural integrity. While relief options may be discussed, the deadline remains unchanged.
