DeSantis promises relief for Florida condo owners by year’s end. But how?

In a recent roundtable meeting, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reassured condominium owners that the Legislature would take action before the year's end to alleviate their financial strain caused by new building safety regulations effective January 1. He noted that something would be done in the next three and a half months but stopped short of committing to an extraordinary session of the Legislature, despite prior calls for urgency from Republican leaders. The regulations, implemented after the tragic Surfside building collapse, require condo associations to conduct inspections and develop financing plans for necessary repairs. Many condo owners are now facing overwhelming special assessments that threaten their ability to remain in their homes, particularly affecting low-income and senior residents. Earle Cooper, a condo owner, shared the daunting financial implications of the required repairs, stating that individual assessments could range from $30,000 to $100,000.

He poignantly questioned how to inform elderly residents like Dorothy, who just celebrated her 99th birthday, about such burdens. The governor's promise to support condo associations indicates a recognition of the pressing challenges faced by many Floridians. As the deadline approaches, residents and lawmakers alike wait to see what solutions will emerge to balance safety concerns with affordability.