New Legislation Adds Security and CPTED Requirements for Florida Property Owners
Property owners and operators should always be mindful of the liability they face if someone is hurt on their property.
In Florida, a piece of 2023 legislation was focused primarily on tort reform and an attempt to combat lawsuit abuse. But the law (HB 837/SB 236, or Ch. 2023-15 after it was signed by the state’s governor on 24 March 2023) also affects multifamily residential property owners.
Property owners hoping to mitigate claims of negligence against them will need to implement various security and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) measures, including:
- A security camera system that covers each entrance and exit and stores the recorded data for at least 30 days;
- A well-lit parking lot from dusk to dawn;
- Lighting in common areas, laundry rooms, porches, and walkways, also from dusk to dawn;
- A deadbolt measuring at least 1-inch for each dwelling unit’s door;
- Locks on every window, exterior sliding door, and any other doors that are not used by the community at-large;
- Access control for pool areas, such as fences and gates with key or fob access; and
- Peepholes or door viewers for each residence’s door, unless the door has a window or is bordered by one.
Property owners have until 1 January 2025 to have had a CPTED assessment performed by law enforcement and prove they are within compliance of that assessment.
By that same date, an owner or primary operator must have also given facility employees proper training in crime deterrence and safety practices. After 1 January, any new employees must receive that training within 60 days of their hiring.
Sara Mosqueda is associate editor for Security Management. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email via [email protected].
