HB 913 Lacks Funding and Tools for Local Enforcement, Leaving Volunteer Boards to Shoulder the Risk

By Laura Murray, Founder & CEO of Domexa Labs

Florida’s newest condo reform law, HB 913, which updates Florida Statute 718, takes important steps toward increasing condo association oversight and transparency. While well-intentioned, its lack of clear structure and support may limit its ability to create meaningful change across the state. It directs the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to take certain steps by October 1, 2025, such as the creation of a statewide public registry showing each condominium’s milestone inspection and Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) status. However, the bill does not allocate specific funding or resources to support the development of a functional, public-facing database.

Further, while the law provides new enforcement mechanisms for DBPR and local municipalities - such as requiring local governments to adopt ordinances to carry out the mandates of the statute - it fails to allocate enforcement funding or tools to assist these often financially overburdened local agencies. Instead, the statute places increased pressure on individual board members through expanded civil and criminal penalties, rather than providing them the local government support needed to educate residents and enforce compliance at the community level.

Greater government involvement could give board members the leverage they need to carry out these mandates, especially in communities where residents are hesitant to elect responsible board members who propose raising HOA fees or funding necessary repairs. As written, the law shifts liability to volunteers while missing the opportunity to hold entire associations collectively accountable through better-equipped municipal oversight.

It remains to be seen how these laws will impact the market, particularly given the lack of infrastructure to support their implementation. More likely, increasing insurance premiums and stricter lending requirements will have the greatest short-term effect: lowering property values and triggering fire sales or bulk buyouts in buildings that cannot stabilize their financial or structural health in time. Long term, a stronger, more resilient condo market is likely, with greater condo health across the state.

Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the personal views of Laura Murray, Founder & CEO of Domexa Labs. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about how HB 913 or Chapter 718 affects your condominium association, please consult a qualified attorney.