Navigating Florida House Bill 913: What Changes Are on the Horizon for Homeowners?
Florida’s condo owners and homeowners associations (HOAs) are facing new regulatory updates that could significantly impact how communities are managed. Florida House Bill 913, introduced during the 2025 legislative session, seeks to tighten oversight on financial transparency, improve structural safety, and ensure stronger accountability from associations.
Whether you’re a property owner, association board member, or real estate investor, here’s what you need to know about Florida House Bill 913 and how it may reshape community living across the state.
Overview of Florida House Bill 913
Florida House Bill 913 (HB 913) was introduced by Representative Vicki Lopez to strengthen consumer protections in the wake of ongoing concerns about condominium management, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient reserves for repairs.
The bill is part of a broader legislative effort to reform how condominium and cooperative associations operate following the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse, which brought national attention to structural oversight and reserve funding issues in Florida.
Key Objectives and Goals
HB 913 outlines several objectives aimed at reinforcing safety and transparency in residential communities:
- Mandated Milestone Inspections: Requires updated structural integrity assessments to ensure safety and compliance.
- Reserve Studies & Funding: Associations must conduct reserve studies and meet minimum funding thresholds to maintain long-term property value.
- Financial Transparency: Enhances access to financial records for all condo unit owners.
- Board Accountability: Expands civil penalties for misconduct by association board members.
- Stronger State Oversight: Increases regulatory authority over associations that fail to comply with new laws.
Timeline of the Legislative Process
| Date/Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Filed | Early 2025 legislative session |
| Committee Review | Spring 2025 |
| House & Senate Amendments | Included expanded reserve disclosures |
| Final Vote | Passed in both chambers |
| Current Status | Will become law on July 1, 2025. |
To track the current status, visit the Florida Senate’s official page for HB 913.
Implications for Homeowners
Changes to Condominium Ownership Rules
Condo owners should prepare for increased maintenance fees and stricter governance standards. Under HB 913:
Mandatory structural inspections: Associations must conduct regular structural inspections after 30 years of building age (or 25 years if within three miles of the coast).
Non-waivable reserves: Reserve funds for major components like roofing, electrical systems, and structural framing are no longer waivable by a majority vote.
These rules aim to prevent future structural failures but may raise short-term costs for owners.
Impacts on Homeowner Associations
Although primarily focused on condominiums and co-ops, some provisions of HB 913 may apply to HOAs—especially those in mixed-use or multi-story developments.
Key impacts may include:
Board accountability: Greater scrutiny on board fiduciary responsibility
Financial transparency: Expanded requirements to provide financial disclosures
Digital access: Obligations to digitize records for owner access
Financial Transparency Requirements
HB 913 pushes for a higher standard of financial openness. Associations must now:
Annual transparency: Share annual budgets and reserve studies with all owners
Owner access: Provide timely access to financial records upon request
Digital compliance: Comply with digital posting of key documents if managing 25+ units
Reactions from Stakeholders
Perspectives from Condo Owners
Many homeowners welcome the added protections, especially around safety and financial transparency. However, some express concerns about:
Rising assessments: Owners may face increased costs to meet new reserve and inspection requirements
Limited say in large expenditures: Many funding decisions are now mandatory and not subject to owner vote
Legal complexities: Understanding and complying with updated laws can be challenging without legal guidance
Responses from Homebuilders and Developers
Developers are closely monitoring HB 913’s long-term effects on new construction liability, as stricter laws may influence project costs and timelines.
Some industry voices warn that increased regulation could deter investment or slow down condo development in Florida’s urban markets.
Insights from Lawmakers and Public Policy Experts
Public policy experts view HB 913 as a necessary evolution in Florida’s community association governance. Lawmakers have emphasized that the bill aims to protect both residents and property values long-term.
Connecting the Dots: Florida Law Changes
Comparison with Previous Legislation
HB 913 builds on earlier reforms such as:
Senate Bill 4-D (2022): First major post-Surfside legislation focused on structural safety and inspections.
Senate Bill 154 (2023): Focused on improving reserve funding transparency and reporting.
House Bill 5 (2024): Strengthened condo board regulations, fiduciary responsibilities, and owner rights.
What’s new in HB 913:
Broader reserve mandates: Associations are required to maintain reserves for a wider range of structural components.
Expanded inspection timelines: Regular structural inspections are now mandated with stricter frequency based on property age and location.
Stricter compliance enforcement: Oversight by the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes has increased, with greater authority to investigate and penalize violations.
Potential Long-Term Effects on Florida’s Housing Market
HB 913 may create a shift in Florida’s housing market dynamics:
Short-term affordability pressure for older condos: New compliance costs and reserve funding requirements may lead to higher dues and assessments for aging buildings.
Increased insurance underwriting requirements: Insurers are requesting more detailed inspection reports and reserve data before issuing or renewing policies.
More informed buyers demanding transparency: Buyers are asking for structural inspection results, reserve studies, and board disclosures before closing deals.
Over time, this bill could lead to safer, better-managed communities—though real estate professionals should be prepared for transitional challenges.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Florida House Bill 913 represents a pivotal moment in the state’s approach to condominium and HOA governance. For current and prospective homeowners, understanding the implications is essential to making informed decisions.
Staying Informed on Florida Political News
Keep an eye on updates through:
Florida House and Senate websites: Track bills, committee meetings, and legislative calendars.
Local REALTOR® associations: Stay informed on advocacy efforts, legislative alerts, and industry positions.
Industry newsletters: Subscribe to updates from NAR, Florida Realtors®, and public policy journals to stay ahead of regulatory changes.
How Homeowners Can Engage with the Legislative Process
Attend HOA or condo board meetings: Stay involved in decision-making and policy discussions that impact your property.
Request financial records: Monitor budgets, reserve studies, and expenditures to ensure transparency and compliance.
Contact your elected representatives: Share feedback on legislation and advocate for balanced homeowner protections.
Work with licensed property managers: Ensure your association remains compliant with evolving Florida condo and HOA laws.
Want more updates on Florida legislative changes that affect your home or investment? Subscribe to our blog or contact us directly for a personalized consultation.
Need Help Navigating HB 913?
Allegiant Management Group can guide your community through Florida’s new condo laws or squatter laws. From reserve studies to board compliance—we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to stay compliant and protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Florida House Bill 913 Law Changes
What is Florida House Bill 913?
Florida House Bill 913 is a 2025 legislative proposal designed to increase financial transparency and structural safety in condominium and cooperative associations. It introduces new requirements for milestone inspections, reserve funding, and board accountability.
Who does House Bill 913 affect?
The bill primarily affects condo owners, HOAs, and cooperative housing associations in Florida. Developers and property managers may also be impacted due to heightened compliance and reporting standards.
Does HB 913 apply to all HOAs?
While the bill focuses on condominium and cooperative associations, some provisions—such as financial transparency and access to records—may affect HOAs, especially in mixed-use or multi-story developments.
Will this bill increase my condo fees?
It is possible. Stricter reserve and inspection requirements could result in higher maintenance fees or special assessments to meet compliance standards and ensure long-term building safety.
When does Florida House Bill 913 take effect?
If enacted, most provisions are expected to take effect on July 1, 2025, unless otherwise specified in the final version of the legislation.
How can I prepare as a homeowner or board member?
Review current reserve studies and inspection schedules
Consult with a licensed property management or legal professional
Stay engaged in HOA or condo board meetings
Monitor updates from Florida’s legislative websites
Disclaimer: This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance on how Florida House Bill 913 may affect you, please consult a licensed attorney or property management professional
