Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature made significant changes to condominium laws to enhance the safety, financial transparency and governance of condo associations. These new changes, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, were mostly in response to the tragic 2021 collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South in Surfside, which caused the deaths of 98 people.
These changes — which include stricter qualifications for and accountability from board members — have been the topic of radio shows and podcasts. Several elected officials have had public forums for the community to discuss the consequences and provisions of these laws. Now it’s Miami-Dade Commissioner Rene Garcia‘s turn.
Read related: State legislators, Doral Mayor to have conference on new condo laws, issues
The former state senator will host a condo town hall in Hialeah Thursday for condo owners to share their experiences, learn about resources and voice whatever concerns they still have about condominium living. The event will address rising property insurance costs, new reserve requirements, and challenges in association management, and what their impact has across Miami-Dade County. Garcia said it was an opportunity for residents to engage directly with their elected officials on the issues.
“This is your opportunity to share your experiences and make your voice heard,” Garcia said in a statement. “We want to hear from our condo community and work together to address the issues affecting them.”
Among those issues: Fraud. The theft of more than $4 million at the Hammocks Homeowners Association in Kendall, where four board members were arrested in 2022 for massive fraud, also caused legislators to impose strict criminal penalties for shady condo dealings, especially dealings with records.
There are dozens of condominium buildings in District 13, which includes Hialeah and Miami Lakes. In fact, there were 367 condo units listed for sale just in Hialeah on realtor.com this week.
Condo owners, association board members, property managers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend the town hall which begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Milander Center, 4800 Palm Ave. It’s expected to end about 8 p.m.
Miami-Dade Commissioner Rene Garcia hosts town hall for condo owners added by Ladra on
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