Florida condominium owners hoping for relief from escalating fees are finding little support from state leadership. House Speaker Daniel Perez has explicitly ruled out “bailouts,” according to the News Service of Florida, a position previously echoed by State Sen. Jason Pizzo, a South Florida Democrat.

Tom Schoeller, president of the Casa Del Mar 1 condo association in St. Petersburg, challenges the characterization of their requests as bailouts. “I would ask them what their definition is of a ‘bailout,’” he said. “They’re not necessarily looking for a handout, so to speak. They’re looking for some relief through insurance, the way the insurance rates have skyrocketed. They’re looking for a little bit of relief on possibly some loans, low interest or no interest.”

The financial pressure stems largely from a state law enacted after the Surfside condo collapse, requiring stricter building safety inspections and larger cash reserves for emergencies. The impact has been significant for owners like Diana Summer, who has seen her costs double in just three years. “My assessments have doubled, my HOAs have doubled, and I’ve paid about $20,000 in additional assessments,” Summer said.

Governor Ron DeSantis has distanced himself from the issue, deflecting responsibility to the legislature during a January appearance in Polk County. “The issues that they’re facing is a result of the legislation that the legislature passed,” DeSantis said.

The mounting costs leave condo owners in limbo as they await potential legislative action to address their concerns about rising fees and insurance rates.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News/Elmancie Kelley)