Citing Fire Safety Concerns, Governor Vetoes Condo Bill; Authorizes Sprinkler Retrofit Insurance Impact Workshop Review

While acknowledging the importance of individual condominium unit owner property insurance coverage requirements contained in Senate Bill 714, Florida Governor Charlie Crist nevertheless vetoed the measure on June 1, 2009 because of his “great concern” over a provision in SB 714 that would have delayed the applicable retrofitting of residential common areas with fire sprinkler systems by more than 10 years.

Invoking the concerns of his predecessor, Jeb Bush, who vetoed a similar bill (HB 391) passed in 2006, Governor Crist described the decade-long delay as an “unacceptable safety risk” to both residents and emergency responders that outweighs all other considerations.

Governor Crist also stated his “sensitivity” to the costs associated with fire sprinkler system retrofitting, and, in his SB 714 veto letter, directed the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (“DBPR”)  to initiate a comprehensive review of actual retrofit costs and the potential impact of retrofitting on insurance premiums.  The Governor’s directive authorized the DBPR to conduct workshops, as necessary, to solicit input from all stakeholders and report its finding and recommendations to him, as well as the Senate President and House Speaker by October  1, 2009.

Governor Crist’s veto letter may be viewed by clicking here.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Colodny Fass.