Understanding the "Why" Behind Florida HB 913

Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 913 into law on June 23, 2025. The bill goes into effect July 1, 2025. You can view the full bill on the Florida Senate website. The idea behind it is simple: maintain the core safety mandates set in 2022 while softening the financial blows they unintentionally created. For many associations, especially those with aging buildings and older residents, this bill could be the difference between foreclosure and stability.

If your board hasn’t reviewed how HB 913 affects your reserves, operations, or funding plans—reach out to Precedent Hospitality today. We’ll walk you through it.

 

 

Let’s start with the biggest shift: the flexibility around reserve funding. Associations now have until December 31, 2025, to complete their Structural Integrity Reserve Studies. In addition, if a milestone inspection calls for immediate repairs, boards can vote—with owner approval—to pause reserve contributions for up to two consecutive budget years. That flexibility wasn’t there before, and for communities with older residents on fixed incomes, it’s an absolute game-changer. This change provides breathing room without compromising long-term safety.

 

Another major change is how repairs get classified. Previously, anything over $10,000 had to be included in reserve planning. That number is now bumped to $25,000—and it’ll adjust for inflation every year. This means your association can focus on truly critical needs and not get weighed down by minor capital projects that used to trigger funding mandates.

 

 

Now, let’s talk about board authority. HB 913 gives condo boards the legal power to order emergency evacuations during natural disasters. But here’s the kicker—if a resident refuses to leave after a lawful evacuation order, the board is not liable for what happens next. This liability shield gives boards confidence to act quickly and decisively when safety is at stake. You can read more about this authority and protections on the Florida Governor’s official press site.

 

Transparency just got a lot more structured. Associations are now required to register with the Division of Florida Condominiums by October 1, 2025. This registration includes essential data like board contact info, unit count, building age, inspection history, and reserve status. That info must be updated within 30 days of any change. This creates a living database accessible to residents, buyers, and state officials alike. Full requirements are published on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

 

One of the updates generating a lot of buzz is the formal approval of electronic voting and remote participation in meetings. If 25% of your owners request it in writing, your board must implement electronic voting within 21 days. Virtual meeting attendance now counts toward quorum, as long as participants can hear and be heard throughout. This is especially helpful for snowbirds or investors who aren’t always in town but want to stay engaged.

 

Buyers of resale units now have more time to review association financials before closing. Specifically, they now have seven days, up from three, to examine the budget and financial statements after developer control ends. This longer window allows for better-informed purchasing decisions, especially in communities with ongoing major repair projects or rising assessments. For practical consumer guidance, visit Florida Housing and related state consumer resources.

 

HB 913 also takes a hard stance on professional accountability. Any community manager whose license is revoked by the DBPR cannot work for or own a management company for 10 years. This builds in important safeguards for boards and owners alike. You can check the license status of professionals at the DBPR’s License Search.

 

Under the new bill, associations must base insurance coverage—especially windstorm and catastrophic loss—on independent appraisals updated every three years. The appraisal must reflect the probable maximum loss of a 250-year windstorm event. This isn’t just bureaucratic housekeeping; it brings consistency and fairness to how communities protect themselves. State-level information about insurance regulations can be found via FLOIR, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

Another smart adjustment allows associations to fund required structural items using loans or lines of credit, not just special assessments. With the right vote and documentation, this gives boards flexibility to act fast on repairs without pushing owners into financial crisis. It’s particularly helpful for mid-sized communities who may not have deep reserves but still face major expenses after milestone inspections.

 

If you’re wondering where to start, the key is to not delay. October 1 is closer than it seems, and many communities are still trying to understand what applies to them and what doesn’t. Precedent Hospitality has already begun helping boards review their reserve study readiness, update governing documents where needed, and draft simple, owner-friendly communication to explain what these changes mean.

Want help implementing these changes the right way? Precedent Hospitality is here to assist with everything from reserve strategy to digital compliance. Let’s get your board prepared—before the deadlines hit. 

 

 

 

FAQ's

 

What is HB 913 and when does it start?
HB 913 is Florida’s 2025 condo reform law, signed in June 2025 and effective starting July 1, 2025.

Do all associations need to complete a Structural Integrity Reserve Study?
Yes, for buildings that are three stories or taller. The deadline to complete this study is now December 31, 2025.

Can our board pause reserve contributions?
Yes, if an inspection recommends significant repairs and the owners approve, you may pause contributions for up to two years.

Are virtual meetings now allowed?
Yes. Virtual participants count toward quorum as long as they can hear and be heard. Boards must also adopt e-voting if 25% of owners request it.

What information needs to be submitted to the state?
Boards must register association data including board names, inspection dates, building age, and budget history by October 1, 2025.

How long do buyers have to review condo documents?
Buyers now have seven days, instead of three, to review financials and budgets for resale transactions.

Are there consequences for managers with revoked licenses?
Yes. Any individual whose CAM license is revoked is banned from working in or owning a management firm for 10 years.

What’s the new reserve item threshold for planning?
Items costing more than $25,000 (up from $10,000) must be included in reserve studies. This figure is adjusted annually for inflation.

Can associations borrow money for reserve obligations?
Yes. Boards can now use loans and lines of credit as funding options with the proper documentation and approvals.

Where can we learn more about state compliance?
You can visit the Florida Senate Bill page, DBPR, or FLOIR for official guidance.