Table of Contents
- Overview
- Why Florida Passed HB 913
- Key Changes at a Glance
- Who Is Affected?
- Implementation Timeline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Falke HOA Supports Compliance
- Board Action Checklist
- Conclusion & Free Audit Offer
- References
Overview
Florida House Bill 913 (HB 913) is the largest update to condominium law since the Surfside tragedy. The act:
- Extends the first Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) deadline to 31 December 2026.
- Lets HOAs pause reserve payments for two years after an inspection.
- Requires new transparency and online-records rules.
The law takes effect 1 July 2025. Boards who act now avoid fines, special-assessment shocks, and member frustration.
Why Florida Passed HB 913
After the 2021 Surfside collapse, Florida demanded tougher inspections and stronger reserves. HB 913 fine-tunes those 2022 reforms, giving owners cost relief yet keeping safety intact.
Key Changes at a Glance
- Extended SIRS Deadlines.
• Old: 31 Dec 2025 → New: 31 Dec 2026. - Flexible Reserve Funding.
• Boards may pause contributions for two fiscal years.
• Loans, credit lines, and special assessments allowed. - Milestone & Structural Inspections.
• Required for all buildings with three or more habitable stories. - CAM Licensing & Conflict Rules.
• Revoked CAM licenses frozen 10 years.
• Mandatory vendor-relationship disclosure. - Digital Governance.
• Digital meeting recordings stored 7 years.
• Electronic voting if 25% of owners petition.
• Records posted online within 30 days. - Insurance & DBPR Enforcement.
• Replacement-cost appraisals every three years.
• More DBPR funding for audits and fines.
Who Is Affected?
HB 913 applies to all condo and co-op associations in Florida that manage buildings with three or more habitable stories. Small complexes (≤4 units or <3 stories) avoid SIRS and milestone inspections but must follow the new online-records rules.
Communities with older residents on fixed incomes may feel the biggest financial strain. Boards should plan funding early to avoid emergency assessments.
Implementation Timeline
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 18 Jun 2025 | HB 913 adopted by Florida Legislature |
| 1 Jul 2025 | Law takes effect; insurance, CAM, records rules start |
| 1 Oct 2025 | Associations create online DBPR accounts |
| 31 Dec 2026 | First SIRS must be complete and funded |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a “habitable story”?
A habitable story is any floor that’s used for living, sleeping, cooking, or dining. It does not include parking garages, mechanical spaces, or storage areas.
Can we pause reserve contributions?
Yes. After completing a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS), your board may vote to pause reserve payments for up to two consecutive fiscal years. The vote must be properly documented in meeting minutes.
Is electronic voting mandatory for all associations?
Not by default. However, if at least 25% of owners submit a formal petition, the board is required to implement an electronic voting system for the community.
Who enforces compliance with HB 913?
The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) is responsible for enforcement. They can audit your HOA, issue fines, and take legal action if necessary.
How can our community fund the new reserve requirements?
Typical funding options include phased special assessments, applying for bank loans, or using credit lines secured by HOA dues. Each approach has pros and cons depending on your financial position.
How Falke HOA Supports Compliance
As an owner-representation firm with 35+ years of construction experience, we:
Board Action Checklist
- Audit all governing documents and inspection history.
- Book milestone inspections if buildings are 30 or 40 years old.
- Create a reserve-funding roadmap through 2026.
- Select a secure digital-records and e-voting platform.
- Educate owners about costs and timelines.
- Schedule annual reviews to track progress.
Conclusion & Free Audit Offer
HB 913 is strict but manageable. Communities that act early:
- Avoid DBPR penalties.
- Prevent emergency special assessments.
- Protect long-term property values.
Ready to see where you stand? Request a free HB 913 compliance audit and get a personalised action plan within 48 hours.
References
- Realtor.com — “Florida Condo Reform Bill Awaits DeSantis”
- Associated Press — “Lawmakers Approve Changes to Condo Safety Law”
- Axios — “Bills to Watch: Condo Insurance & Safety”
- NY Post — “Condo Fees Crisis Could Trigger Homeless Wave”
Disclaimer: This article offers general information and is not legal advice. Always consult qualified counsel for guidance.
