Florida’s New Condominium Laws — What Buyers, Sellers & Title Professionals Need to Know

Florida’s condominium market is undergoing notable legal changes aimed at improving transparency and bolstering confidence among buyers and lenders. Beginning January 1, 2026, several new provisions to the Florida Condominium Act are now in effect — and they’re reshaping how condo transactions are handled across the state. (Realtor)

Greater Transparency for Buyers

Under the updated law, condo associations are now required to provide more comprehensive information upfront in a real estate transaction. Associations must make key documents — including budgets, meeting minutes, inspection reports, reserve studies and governing documents — easily accessible to prospective buyers. This enhanced transparency helps buyers better understand potential liabilities before closing. (Realtor)

One of the most impactful changes is the extended review period:

• Buyers now have seven business days after receiving association documents to review them and cancel the contract if they find issues — an increase from the prior three-day window. (Florida Realtors)

• Condos with 25 units or more will have have a website that offers Bank Statements, Condo Docs and Structural Reports to potential buyers and owners.

Inspection and Reserve Requirements

Recent legislative changes build on safety and financial standards that were adopted in the wake of the tragic 2021 Surfside condominium collapse, where 98 people lost their lives. (Wikipedia)

Under prior laws, milestone structural inspections and structural integrity reserve studies (SIRS) were required for many multi-story buildings. The updated regulations refine those requirements — including extended deadlines and clearer application thresholds — in an effort to balance safety with financial feasibility for associations and owners. (Florida Realtors)

These studies and inspections often reveal needed repairs and help determine how much associations should set aside for future maintenance — information that is now more readily available to homebuyers during the due-diligence phase.

Market Impacts of the Legal Changes

The legislative overhaul was designed to alleviate some of the pressures that prior safety mandates placed on buyers and sellers. Before these revisions, many associations faced costly compliance timelines that translated into higher HOA fees, special assessments, and slowed sales activity. (Realtor)

By improving access to relevant financial and inspection information and extending review periods, the laws aim to both protect consumers and support market activity. These changes — combined with clearer disclosure requirements — can help reduce surprises after closing and minimize risks that may lead to litigation or title issues.

Why This Matters to Title Companies and Real Estate Agents

For title agents and settlement professionals, these updated condo laws have important implications:

• Document Collection & Exam: Title examiners should ensure that the extended association disclosure documents have been properly provided and reviewed, as this affects contract enforceability and buyer rights.

• Title Insurance Risk: Enhanced transparency around special assessments, reserve studies and structural issues helps underwriters better assess risk and avoid post-closing disputes.

• Closing Coordination: Allowing the seven-day review period requires careful coordination between real estate agents, lenders, and title teams to avoid delays in closing timelines.

If you want to know more, please reach out to us 239-334-3321 to learn more.