Local

Florida Senate approves bill making changes to a condominium-safety law approved last year

By News Service Florida

Surfside condo collapse The town of Surfside continues to be the focus of the recovery efforts as crews sift through the rubble of the Champlain Towers South condo. (Marta Lavandier/Associated Press )

By News Service Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In an issue stemming from the deadly collapse of a building in Surfside, the Florida Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill that would make changes to a condominium-safety law approved last year.

The bill (SB 154) is designed, at least in part, to address concerns that emerged as condominium associations started to carry out the law approved during a May special session.

The law and the Senate bill deal with issues such as inspections and condominium association financial reserves.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The bill, for example, would make changes in what is known as “milestone” inspections for condominium buildings three stories or higher. Under last year’s law, inspections are required for buildings that have been occupied for 30 years — or 25 years if the buildings are within three miles of a coastline. After initial inspections, the buildings have to go through the process every 10 years.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, would ease that somewhat, allowing buildings within three miles of the coastline to be inspected after they have been occupied for 30 years.

Read: Equality Florida issues travel advisory warning against visiting, moving to the state

It would allow local officials to require the inspections after 25 years of occupancy depending on “local circumstances, including environmental conditions such as proximity to salt water.”

Also, the bill would allow local officials to extend inspection deadlines if building owners have entered into contracts with architects or engineers, but the inspections cannot be finished in time.

Read: Reedy Creek board poised to claim ‘superior authority’ over land planning around Disney

A House version of the bill (HB 1395) is ready to go to the House Commerce Committee.

The Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved last year’s law after 98 people died in the June 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside.

Read: Controversial bill that will ban children from drag shows and fine businesses passes House panel

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group

Most Read