Florida's condo landscape has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly after the tragic 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside. Stricter safety regulations, mandatory milestone inspections, and increased reserve funding requirements led to surprise special assessments, higher HOA fees, and a noticeable slowdown in condo sales and prices across the state—including in our beautiful Treasure Coast areas like Vero Beach and Hutchinson Island.
But as of January 1, 2026, a key set of new transparency provisions has gone into effect, requiring condo associations with 25 or more units to maintain a website or secure portal where official records are publicly accessible to owners and prospective buyers. This includes governing documents, meeting minutes (and video recordings), contracts, bank statements, ledgers, structural reports, and more—posted promptly after creation or receipt.
These changes build on earlier reforms and aim to eliminate the "hiding the ball" practices that made buyers wary. No more surprises like massive repair bills months after closing—buyers can now review financial health, reserve status, and inspection findings upfront.
Experts suggest this added transparency could restore confidence. As one analyst noted, it puts more condo purchases on par with single-family homes, where inspections reveal the full property's condition. Investors and buyers who hesitated due to uncertainty about underfunded reserves or pending assessments may now feel more secure.
Vero Beach and Hutchinson Island Oceanfront Charm
Our local condo markets on the barrier island and in Vero Beach have felt the statewide pinch. Recent data shows elevated inventory, softening prices (with some reports of year-over-year declines in price per square foot), and longer days on market—creating a buyer's market with plenty of options.
While statewide condo prices and sales have declined (with national trends showing volatility and Florida-specific drops in places like the Sebastian-Vero Beach area), the new law could mark a turning point. Buyers get seven days (up from three) to review documents and cancel, plus expert advice to consult attorneys or CPAs familiar with Florida condo rules.
For Vero Beach and Hutchinson Island—known for their relaxed, upscale coastal lifestyle—these transparency measures might encourage more activity in 2026, especially as broader market factors like potentially easing mortgage rates and steady population growth support a rebound.
If you're considering a condo here, now is an excellent time to explore. The added openness could mean fewer risks and more opportunities in one of Florida's most scenic spots.
What do you think—will this new law bring buyers back to the Treasure Coast condos? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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