Andrew Powell
The Senate has unanimously passed a bill aiming to improve the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program that enhances hurricane resilience.
St. Augustine Republican Sen. Tom Leek presented the bill (SB 592) before substituting in the House companion (HB 393) sponsored by Miami Republican Rep. Vicki Lopez. The House approved its version last week.
Leek explained the bill aims to revise and enhance the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to improve hurricane resilience of eligible condominiums by providing financial assistance for mitigation projects.
The bill states that condos need to be three stories or higher to be eligible for the program. In order to apply for a grant, at least 75% of all unit owners who live in the building must approve the move. The bill also revises rules for roof repair projects and revises reimbursement language, while clarifying that detached units are excluded.
Boynton Beach Democratic Sen. Lori Berman asked if a condo association could only use the pilot program if it will result in an insurance premium credit.
Leek said in response that the original version only applied to windows that were owned by the individual owner.
“We learned that some windows are owned by the condo association, so that amendment was intended to expand that to basically to cover the windows,” Leek said. “I don’t know if a condo association can get a discount on the policy.”
Hollywood independent Sen. Jason Pizzo said he appreciates the amendments but noted that some changes could be expanded.
“I appreciate the changes because 100% approval from ownership is tantamount to never getting approval on a condo board,” Pizzo said. “This is not a luxury second or third property, this is their home. I applaud your efforts on this, but I think we should lower the threshold more going forward and we have to fund it.”
In closing, Leek said programs such as this take time.
“This is an important program. It only came into existence last year as it relates to condos. As with any new program, they take time,” Leek said. “They take time to get implemented, you have to apply, you have to qualify, then you have to execute.”
