2019 Florida Legislative Update for Condominium and Homeowner Associations

Eisinger, Brown, Lewis, Frankel and Chaiet, P.A, is pleased to provide a summary of relevant legislative updates to the 2019 Florida Condominium Act, the Florida Homeowners Association Act and other relevant statutes.



There were not any major changes during the past session as lawmakers passed about 10 percent of bills that were filed. However, there were two noteworthy legislative updates to Chapters 718/720 which impact Florida’s Condominium and Homeowner Associations that went into effect July 1, 2019.

 



HB 1159 – Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential propertyProperty owners no longer have to get a permit from their municipality to remove or replant trees. Excluding mangrove trees, the new law bans local governments from requiring a property owner to obtain a notice, application, approval, permit or pay a fee to prune, trim or remove a tree on residential property if the property owner obtains documentation from an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree presents a danger to persons or property. Local governments also cannot require a property owner to replant a removed tree or vegetation.



 



HB 7103 – Sprinkler Retrofitting
Previously, high rise condominium buildings taller than 75 feet were required to have sprinkler systems or emergency life safety systems in place to meet a Jan. 1, 2020 deadline. This new law provides an extension, allowing Condominium Associations to waive fire sprinkler system retrofitting requirements, with a majority vote, until January 1, 2024.At that time, local authorities may require an Association to retrofit fire sprinkler systems or install an engineered life safety system.



If you have any questions in regard to the foregoing matters or would like additional information with respect thereto, please do not hesitate to call or write and we will be happy to assist you.



Alessandra Stivelman, a partner at Eisinger Law is a Board Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law and AV rated. She focuses her practice on community association and real estate law and can be reached at (954) 894-8000 x 304 or astivelman@eisingerlaw.com.



Eisinger Law, is a full service Florida law firm focusing on community association law, real estate law, developer representation, commercial litigation, insurance law and estate planning. For more info visit eisingerlaw.com.