Erik Perez Speaks with Spectrum News About Surging Orlando Condo Fees Tied to New Safety Laws

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Orlando condo association to see monthly dues rise in 2025 to make repairs

Florida HOA and condo law attorney Erik Perez was recently interviewed by Spectrum News 13 in an article spotlighting the rising costs many Florida condominium owners are now facing as a result of legislation passed after the 2021 Surfside tragedy.

The report focused on Fairview Vista Condominiums in Orlando, where residents are preparing for dramatic increases in monthly dues, jumping from $587.33 to as much as $917.12 starting in 2025. This spike is largely driven by new requirements to fund structural reserves and complete inspections under the Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) mandates.

In his interview, Perez noted that while the legislation was designed to protect homeowners, the financial burden on condo residents is becoming unavoidable:

“The population at this stage probably doesn’t understand the effects of all this. But I can assure you next year, when they see those increases, they certainly will,” said Perez.

“Often times, the optics are more important than the practical aspects of something. The optics are the legislation is doing everything it can to protect homeowners. The practical concerns are now everyone is going to spend way more money than they wanted to spend.”

Residents at Fairview Vista will now contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure funding for critical building components, including roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, and waterproofing, among others. The law requires that certain structural elements with a replacement cost exceeding $10,000 be fully funded, something many associations had previously deferred or underfunded.

As Florida continues to grapple with the consequences of post-Surfside reforms, Perez encourages condo owners to stay informed and involved:

“We’re entering a new era of condominium ownership in Florida. Homeowners need to understand the legal and financial frameworks driving these assessments and fees.”