Unfortunately, during the recent legislative session, the Florida Legislature destroyed decades of law that shielded Florida citizens from profit-driven insurance companies. In May 2023, in a sweeping new law written by insurance company lobbyists, legislators in Tallahassee stripped the rights of victims of negligence. Florida HB 837 will have a profound negative effect on plaintiffs, especially for those filing claims against property managers and operators of residential properties, for their failure to provide adequate security measures to protect their customers and residents.

HB 837 has significantly limited the rights of crime victims to obtain justice. In inadequate security cases, the new law creates a “presumption against liability” for those who own and manage “multifamily residential property,” such as an apartment or condominium complex, as long as they implement security measures such as:

  • A one-inch deadbolt in each dwelling door;
  • A peephole or “door viewer” on dwelling unit doors that do not include a window, or have a window next to the door;
  • A locking device on all windows, exterior sliding doors, and any other doors not used for community purposes;
  • A locked pool gate, with only a key or fob for access;
  • A lighted parking lot and lighted common areas;
  • Security cameras with retrievable footage at all entry and exit points.