Five Things Florida Condo Owners Should Do Right Now

Learn how to take charge of your condo future in Florida

The passage of Florida’s Senate Bill 4-D has introduced sweeping changes for condominium owners, aimed at increasing safety and transparency. But with these changes come new responsibilities. If you own a condo in Florida, here are five steps Florida condo owners should take to protect your investment, stay informed, and help shape the future of your community.


1. Identify potential safety risks

Senate Bill 4-D increases transparency, but it’s up to you to take advantage of it. Inspection reports, reserve studies, and financial documents are available to all unit owners. Reviewing these documents helps you:

  • Highlight areas where proactive maintenance is needed.
  • Advocate for responsible financial planning.
  •  Ensure the board is fulfilling its legal obligations.

Attending condo association meetings can give you deeper insights. A 2022 study by the Florida Bar Association found that less than 40% of condo owners regularly attend association meetings despite their significant influence on property management and safety decisions.


Related resource: 
What is Structural Integrity Reserve Study and its importance for your Florida condominium


2. Understand your condo’s financial health

Take time to study your condo association’s budget, reserve funds, and financial plans. Pay special attention to whether reserves are adequately funded for future repairs, any pending assessments that may affect your finances, and the association’s compliance with Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS). These insights can help you advocate for sound financial practices and avoid unexpected costs.


3. Get involved in condo association elections

Much like local governments, condo associations wield power that can significantly impact your day-to-day life. Just as potholes and zoning decisions affect the quality of a neighborhood, your condo board’s decisions on maintenance, compliance, and spending affect the quality of your building. Yet unlike local elections, where voter turnout hovers around 60% in presidential years and often less than 25% in midterms, condo association elections see even lower participation. 

A small number of votes can determine leadership and policy directions. Participate in elections and meetings to have a voice in decisions about maintenance, compliance, and spending. Your vote can help steer your association toward responsible management.


4. Stay informed about new laws

Florida’s condo laws are evolving, and keeping up with the latest requirements is critical. Senate Bill 4-D emphasizes building safety, reserve funding, and transparency, but additional changes could follow. Sign up for newsletters from reputable real estate attorneys or condo advocacy groups to stay informed about legal updates and how they affect you.


5. Advocate for community engagement

Encourage your fellow owners to attend meetings and stay informed. A well-informed community can collectively:

  • Hold the board accountable.
  • Push for better safety measures.
  • Ensure fair financial planning for everyone.


Learn more: 
Why are condominium reserves essential? 


Conclusion

Navigating condo ownership in Florida has become more complex, but taking an active role in your community can make a significant difference. Think of your condo association as a local government—your involvement ensures that decisions benefit everyone.

Your condo is more than just a property; it’s a major investment in your future. By following these five steps, you can help safeguard your home, protect your finances, and create a thriving community.

If your association is not sure how to proceed amid the new mandates within new condominium legislation, our expert and knowledgeable team at Condominium Advisory Group can assess and determine the best course of action for your condominium community—deconversion, receivership, construction, or something else entirely.


Need advice on how to handle the SB 4-D mandate?
Contact us today and speak to one of our advisors

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