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ARTICLE · 21 OCTOBER 2022

Senate Bill 4-D And The Champlain Towers South Disaster: A Problem In Response To A Problem

Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP
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On June 24, 2021, we witnessed one of the most disturbing events in recent memory. A residential condominium building in Surfside partially collapsed overnight leaving 98 people dead...

United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Martin A. Schwartz
Martin A. Schwartz
Kevin M. Koushel
Kevin M. Koushel

On June 24, 2021, we witnessed one of the most disturbing events in recent memory. A residential condominium building in Surfside partially collapsed overnight leaving 98 people dead and the surviving residents without a home. The actual cause of the Champlain Towers South tragedy is still under investigation, but several disparate factors are likely to blame. The state took immediate action and appointed a task force to make recommendations on how to prevent a similar tragedy.

The task force was comprised of eight attorneys, each of whom had extensive experience with condominium law on behalf of real estate developers or associations. After several months of inquiries and hearings with key stakeholders, the task force published its report (task force report),1 which proposed significant changes to the Florida Condominium Act (condo act).2

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