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Effective July 1st | Florida Real Estate, Condo & HOA Changes You Need to Know

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Big changes are rolling out in Florida real estate today, and if you own a condo, live in an HOA, or are thinking about buying, these updates are worth your coffee break.

1. Condo Buyers Get More Time to Review Docs

  • Extended review window: Instead of the previous 3-day review period, buyers now have 7 calendar days (excluding weekends and holidays) to dig into the condo association documents โ€” things like budgets, bylaws, reserve studies, structural inspection reports, and more.

  • Updated forms: The Florida Realtorsยฎ/Florida Bar contract forms (like CRโ€‘7 and CRSP17x_F) are refreshed as of Julyโ€ฏ1 to reflect this new timeline.

  • Big win: This extension gives buyers breathing room โ€” no more rushed reviews last minute!

2. More Flexibility for Condo Association Finances

  • New state law (HBโ€ฏ913 & HBโ€ฏ393): Gives condo boards more tools starting Julyโ€ฏ1:

    • Option to use loans or lines of credit for reserve funding.

    • Deferring reserve contributions for 1โ€“2 years to prioritize urgent repairs.

    • Higher assessment thresholds – only components over $25K (instead of $10K) count toward reserve obligations.

  • Smaller buildings exempt: Low-rise condos (under 3 habitable stories) can skip some structural mandates.

  • Why it matters: These changes are aimed at easing the financial pressure on owners (especially retirees) while still maintaining safety – a thoughtful balance post-Surfside.

3. Enhanced Transparency & Governance in Associations

  • Online access: Board meeting minutes, association rules, financials, and other docs must be posted online and clearly communicated to members.

  • Training & accountability: Association board members must undergo regular training. Plus, stricter rules curb conflicts of interest, and kickbacks could face new penalties.

  • Digital governance: Electronic voting and remote meeting options are now formally allowed.

4. HOA Fine Limits & Residents’ Rights

  • While most HOA fine caps took effect in Julyโ€ฏ2024, many communities are still benefiting from:

    • Restrictions on petty fines (e.g., holiday dรฉcor, garbage can timing, driveway parking)

    • Fair billing practices – excessive fines, lack of notice, or recordkeeping issues now face greater oversight.

Your Move: What This Means for You

If Youโ€™re Buying a Condo:

  • Enjoy more time reviewing disclosures.

  • Expect updated contract forms and clearer financial projections.

  • Benefit from stricter transparency rules.

If You Manage a Condo

  • Recheck reserve plans โ€” and consider if a loan, deferral, or higher threshold works better.

  • Get your website and record-sharing systems fully up to date.

  • Enroll board members in training, and tighten governance policies.


Why These Changes Are Happening Now

These updates reflect a shift from the post-Surfside urgency of 2022 to a more balanced approach in 2025. Florida lawmakers recognized the importance of both life safety and homeownersโ€™ financial stability, especially for older buildings and fixed-income residents


Need Help Navigating It All?

Thatโ€™s exactly what we do. Whether youโ€™re a buyer wanting to understand those extended document review periods, a seller preparing updated forms, or an association board member updating policies, weโ€™ve got your back. Drop us a line anytime โ€” weโ€™d love to walk you through how these laws apply to your specific situation.

Florida real estate regulation just took a leap this July 1st โ€” but with a caring, professional guide (hello โ€” thatโ€™s us!), smoother navigation is just a call or click away.

Letโ€™s make these changes work for you, not against you!