Cambios en la Ley de Condominios de Florida en 2025: Nuevos Requisitos de Seguridad y Transparencia para las Asociaciones

In response to the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, in 2021, the state has enacted comprehensive reforms to enhance the safety and financial stability of condominium associations. e measures, effective in 2025, introduce significant obligations for condo associations and unit owners.

Fondos de Reserva Obligatorios*

Starting January 1, 2025, all Florida condominium associations are required to establish and maintain reserve funds dedicated exclusively to essential repairs and maintenance. This includes components such as roofing, structural integrity, and electrical systems. Associations can no longer waive or reduce these reserve contributions, ensuring that funds are available for necessary upkeep. (Cosmo Management Group)

Estudio de Reserva para la Integridad Estructural (SIRS)

By December 2024, associations must complete a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS). This study involves a visual inspection by a licensed engineer or architect to assess the condition of critical building components and determine appropriate reserve funding levels. The SS must be updated every ten years to ensure ongoing accuracy and relevance. (CRC Group)

Inspecciones Estructurales por Etapas

Buildings three stories or higher are subject to mandatory structural inspections to identify potential safety concerns:

• *Initial Inspection: Buildings must undergo a milestone inspection by December 31 of the year they reach 30 years of age. For buildings within three miles of the coastline, the inspection is required at 25 years. (Florida Realtors)

• Subsequent Inspections: Después de la inspección inicial, los edificios deben ser reinspeccionados cada diez años.

If substantial structural deterioration is detected, a more comprehensive Phase Two inspection is mandated, and necessary repairs must be promptly addressed.

Mejoras en la Gobernanza y Transparencia

Effective July 1, 2024, additional measure have been implemented to improve condominium association governance:

• Reuniones de la Junta Directiva: Associations with more than ten units are required to hold board meetings at least once each quarter. Agendas must provide opportunities for unit owners to ask questions, fostering transparency engagement. (Ksn Law)

• Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Board members and community association managers must disclose y conflicts of interest, ensuring ethical governance.

Impacto en los Propietarios de Condominios

These reforms aim to enhance building safety and financial responsibility. However, they may lead to increased monthly maintenance fees and special assessments to fund reserve accounts and necessary repairs. Owners, particularly those on fixed incomes, should prepare for these financial adjustments. (Cosmo Management Group)

Las nuevas leyes de asociaciones de condominios de Florida, que entrarán en vigor en 2025, están diseñadas para prevenir tragedias como el colapso de Surfside mediante el mantenimiento proactivo, la preparación financiera y una gobernanza transparente. Las asociaciones de condominios y los propietarios deben familiarizarse con estos requisitos para garantizar el cumplimiento y promover la seguridad y el bienestar de todos los residentes.