Key Changes to Florida’s Condo Laws

✅ Extended Review Period for Buyers

Previously, Florida condo buyers only had three days to review essential condo documents, including budgets, bylaws, rules, and reserve reports. That window has now been expanded to seven days, excluding weekends and holidays. This extra time allows for a more thorough review—and helps buyers feel more confident before closing.

✅ New Language in Contract Addenda

Florida Realtors® has updated multiple contract forms to align with the new law. These will be available on Form Simplicity beginning July 1, 2025, and include:

• CR-7 Condominium Rider: This revised rider now reflects the seven-day document review period and strengthens protections for buyers related to special assessments, governance disclosures, and structural inspection reports.

• CRSP17x_F Condominium Addendum: Sellers are now clearly instructed to complete this form. It outlines buyer review timelines for:

  • Milestone Inspection Reports

  • Turnover Inspection Reports

  • SIRS (Structural Integrity Reserve Study)

  • General condo documents

• COOP-4 Cooperative Addendum: This version includes the same seven-day review language and important notices to protect buyers purchasing cooperative properties.

For those of us working in areas with mid-rise and high-rise condos, these forms will be critical in ensuring compliance.

Why These Updates Matter

In recent years, concerns about building safety, reserves, and deferred maintenance have made headlines. The new law was designed to address these concerns with greater transparency—especially for buildings three stories or higher.

If you’re a buyer, these rules give you more time and better access to vital documents that reflect the condition, financial health, and future obligations of the condo association.

If you’re a seller, having these documents ready—along with the correct form versions—is essential to avoid delays or contract cancellations.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers Navigating These Changes

For Buyers:

• Use your 7-day review period wisely. Ask about pending assessments, SIRS reports, and recent board meeting minutes.

• If you're purchasing in a building that has undergone (or will undergo) milestone inspections, ask for those summary reports before signing.

• If you don’t receive the necessary documentation, you may be able to cancel the contract with written notice—so pay attention to dates and deadlines.

For Sellers:

• Work with your property manager or association to gather all documents in advance.

• Be proactive: Provide updated budgets, inspection summaries, and meeting minutes upfront to avoid delays.

• Use the updated versions of CRSP17x_F and CR-7 so your sale remains compliant under the new law.

If you’re thinking of purchasing or listing a condo in Florida—especially along the Gulf Coast—I’d be happy to guide you through these changes and help you navigate the updated documentation with confidence.