As a veteran real estate and community association attorney with decades of experience, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of legislation on our housing markets. Florida’s recent condominium safety regulations, born from the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South, are well-intentioned measures aimed at ensuring structural integrity and protecting lives. However, their unintended consequences are creating a crisis that disproportionately impacts older residents in Palm Beach County—and the ripple effects could reshape the region’s economic landscape. The regulations mandate milestone inspections for older buildings and require full funding of reserves for critical repairs. While these measures are critical for safety, they come at a steep financial cost. For older condos, many of which were built decades ago with minimal available reserve funds, compliance often necessitates significant monthly or quarterly fee increases or hefty special assessments. For retirees living on fixed incomes, this new financial burden is untenable. In Palm Beach County, where many condominium residents are retirees who moved here for an affordable, sunny lifestyle, these new costs have forced a wave of sales—many under duress. Owners are being priced out of their own homes, unable to cover mounting repair bills. Economic and Community Impacts At first glance, one might assume this turnover presents opportunities for real estate developers to revitalize older buildings or construct new ones. But the forced displacement of older residents has economic and social consequences that extend beyond individual hardship. Loss of Affordable Housing: Many older condos serve as de facto affordable housing for middle-income retirees. As these properties are sold and redeveloped into high-end units to recoup costs, the county’s stock of affordable housing shrinks further, leaving few options for fixed-income residents.Disruption of Community Fabric: Long-term residents contribute stability and character to communities. Their forced departure erodes the sense of community, transforming once-tight-knit neighborhoods into transient spaces dominated by seasonal or investment buyers.Economic Displacement: Older residents, who support local businesses and services year-round, are being replaced by higher-income seasonal residents. While this shift may initially seem like an economic boon, the loss of steady, year-round consumers can harm small businesses and disrupt the local economy.Stagnant Redevelopment:...

As we usher in 2025, Florida's condominium landscape is undergoing significant transformation due to new safety regulations enacted in response to the tragic Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside. These laws, designed to enhance building safety and ensure structural integrity, mandate that condominium associations maintain adequate reserves for major repairs and conduct regular structural inspections. While the intent is undeniably noble, the implementation has introduced substantial financial challenges for many condo owners and associations across the state. The legislation requires associations to conduct milestone structural inspections for buildings three stories or higher, with initial inspections having been due by December 31, 2024. Additionally, associations must perform Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) to assess and fully fund reserves for critical structural components. These measures aim to prevent future tragedies by ensuring timely maintenance and repairs often lacking in the past.  However, the financial implications are profound. Many associations, particularly those managing older buildings, are facing the necessity of imposing significant monthly or quarterly fee increases or special assessments to comply with the new requirements. For instance, residents of Springbrook Gardens in Fort Lauderdale Beach were compelled to sell their units after being unable to meet a $4.5 million repair bill to shore up the building's foundation.  This scenario is not isolated. Condo owners statewide are grappling with rising maintenance fees, insurance premiums, and taxes, leading to a surge in older units being put up for sale. The increased financial burden is particularly strenuous for retirees and individuals on fixed incomes, raising concerns about affordability and the potential displacement of long-term residents.  While the safety of residents is paramount, it's crucial to recognize the economic strain these regulations impose. A more nuanced approach, considering the age, location, and financial capacity of each condominium association, might mitigate some of the adverse effects. Flexibility in implementation timelines and financial assistance programs may provide relief to those most affected. Moreover, transparency and communication between condo boards and unit owners are essential. Associations should engage owners in open dialogues about upcoming inspections, necessary repairs, and the financial strategies to address them. This collaborative approach can foster trust...