Miami.- Ron Desantis, governor of Florida, expressed his firm support to the SB 368 bill, promoted by state senator Ileana García, during a press conference this Thursday in Sweetwater, “because it protects the elderly,” and urged legislators to correct errors that endanger the homes of thousands of people.
The president stressed that this initiative seeks to protect condominium owners, especially older people with fixed income, compared to the devastating effects of a legislation approved after the collapse in Surfside. The new measure raises concrete solutions to the growing cases of corruption, unpayable quotas and forced displacement in southern Florida.
Context and background
Desantis recalled that since the collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in surfeside in 2021 —tragedia that claimed the life of 98 people – the state of Florida implemented more strict laws to guarantee the structural security of the condominiums. Among them, mandatory inspections and reservation studies for old buildings were required, which resulted in extraordinary maintenance installments that reach up to $ 100,000 per unit.
“Many of these owners have no mortgage, have lived in their homes for decades and are now forced to sell or leave because they cannot pay,” said Desantis. “This is especially affecting our older adults in communities like this,” he said in reference to Sweetwater, where the conference was held.
A good proposal
The legislative proposal SB 368, promoted by the senator Ileana García, Republican of Miamiseeks to directly face abuse and deficiencies in condominium owners associations. Among its most outstanding measures are:
- Creation of the Pilot of Investigation on Economic Crimes, Fraud and Corruption in Condominiums and Associations within the Department of Legal Affairs.
- It allows to hire private entities with experience in financial fraud to investigate irregularities.
- Grants the State Audit and Judicial Citation Facultiesand channels complaints through the Ombudsman.
- Requires associations to maintain Insurance of fidelity to protect owners from possible bad handling.
- Establishes the creation, before 2027, of a Public and digital database With detailed information from each association: names of managers, budgets, structural studies, internal documents, etc.
The pilot program will have its Main headquarters in Miami-Dade County And it will be in force until October 2030, unless the legislature decides to extend it.
Contrasts with the House of Representatives
Desantis directed strong criticism to the Florida House of Representatives, accusing it of ignoring the human impact of current legislation and stopping proposals that would provide immediate relief to the affected owners. He said he tried to address the issue in a special session at the beginning of the year and prevented it.
He pointed out that while the Senate advanced with a project that seeks transparency and protection for residents, the Chamber presented a proposal that, according to him, is in the opposite direction since “does not require greater responsibility to the Boards of Directors, Complica and makes the removal of membersand allows important decisions to be made without the approval of the owners “.
In addition, he warned that the camera project weakens electronic voting systems, which would open the door to internal manipulations. In his opinion, these measures benefit from particular interests, such as developers and litigating lawyers, to the detriment of the rights of residents, especially the most vulnerable.
Maybe
It is not clear if he referred to the Bill HB913, presented by Republican Vicki López, who according to the author, seeks to “modernize the governance of condominiums, focusing on security, transparency and financial responsibility.” Besides, demands electronic votewhich facilitates the participation of condominium owners in decisions, especially when the majority requests it. Also López’s proposal “It speeds up the condominium dissolution processs, prioritizing public safety and equity. “In addition,” it empowers condominium meetings to act quickly in structural repairs No delays, guaranteeing timely repairs to prevent catastrophic failures. ”
Instead, the governor praised the Senate for “prioritizing the interests of residents above the urbanizers” and stressed that the SB 368 project “promotes transparency, integrity and accountability.”
Correct errors
Desantis concluded with a call to state legislators to “correct legislative errors that have jeopardized the housing of thousands of Floridans.” He stressed that the problem was created by the State itself and that it is its responsibility to resolve it.
“We cannot accept a ‘no’ by response when there are families at risk of losing their homes,” said the governor.
Florida legislators have until May 2 to approve the proposals presented, before the current legislative session is completed.
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