As a board member or property manager of a Florida condo association, you’re not just managing a building—you’re safeguarding a community. You want to keep everything running smoothly, meet your insurance demands without drama, and ensure your property stands strong against hurricanes and regulations. But lately, the pressure’s on: Florida’s Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) requirements, amplified by the recent House Bill 913 (HB 913), effective July 1, 2025, have you wondering how to stay compliant without overwhelming stress or financial surprises. You’re dreaming of peace of mind, knowing your reserves are solid and your residents are safe.
The problem? Insurance companies are demanding reserve studies pronto, Florida’s wild weather adds urgency, and laws like SIRS for buildings three stories or taller feel like a regulatory maze. Internally, you’re stressed: “Where do I start? What if I get this wrong and face massive repair bills or angry owners?” Philosophically, it seems unfair—you shouldn’t have to tackle this alone when experts exist to make it straightforward.
That’s where FPAT steps in as your trusted guide. We empathize: We’ve seen countless Florida condo leaders just like you navigate insurance curveballs and SIRS mandates. As Florida’s local experts in reserve studies, we’ve helped associations from Tampa to Miami achieve compliance while accounting for our state’s unique risks. We’re here to lift the burden. For a deeper look at HB 913’s broader impact, read our post on HB 913: Florida 2025 Condo Association Rules.
What is a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)?
In the wake of the 2021 Surfside tragedy, SIRS emerged as Florida’s essential safeguard—a mandatory reserve study ensuring condos fund repairs for vital structural elements amid our state’s relentless weather challenges. For Gainesville associations, where hurricanes like Idalia accelerate wear on roofs and foundations, HB 913’s 2025 updates refine this by extending deadlines to December 31, 2025, and adjusting thresholds for costlier items (> $25k). This keeps reserves storm-ready without surprise shortfalls. For a full dive into SIRS fundamentals, requirements, and why it matters for compliance, check out our comprehensive guide: Understanding SIRS Reserve Requirements in Florida.
Why SIRS is Crucial for Your Association
Underfunded reserves can lead to special assessments that frustrate residents or, worse, structural risks. SIRS empowers you to plan ahead, maintaining safety and financial stability in Florida’s storm-prone climate.
Key Florida SIRS Requirements
Florida’s SIRS rules, rooted in Senate Bill 4-D and refined by HB 913, apply to condos and co-ops with buildings of three or more habitable stories. Here’s the breakdown:
Who Must Comply?
- Associations with buildings three or more habitable stories (per Florida Building Code), including four-family dwellings under HB 913.
- Exemptions: Buildings with fewer than three habitable stories or four or fewer units (though other rules may apply).
Timeline
- Conduct a SIRS every 10 years.
- Initial deadline for existing buildings: Extended to December 31, 2025, by HB 913—giving you breathing room.
Required Components
Performed by a licensed engineer or architect, the SIRS must evaluate and fund these structural elements (Florida Statutes Chapters 718/719):
| Key HB 913 Updates for SIRS Requirements & Components |
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Facing Florida’s 2025 SIRS deadlines? HB 913 brings critical updates to keep your condo reserves storm-ready and compliant. Unlike standard SIRS requirements (explore the full basics in our Understanding SIRS Reserve Requirements in Florida), HB 913 boosts flexibility for Gainesville associations with: – Higher Component Threshold: Focuses on major components costing over $25,000 (e.g., roofs, foundations, and waterproofing), aligning reserves with high-impact repairs. Ready to stay ahead? Contact FPAT today for a custom SIRS proposal or download our free guide to navigate these changes with confidence. |
Professional and Reporting Standards
- Experts Only: Licensed engineers/architects with structural expertise.
- Submission: Within 45 days, submit a DBPR confirmation statement (via MyFloridaLicense.com). Officers/directors must sign an affidavit acknowledging receipt.
- Online Portal: By October 1, 2025, create a DBPR account for annual updates.
Funding Mandates
- No waiving/reducing reserves for SIRS items via vote.
- Include a baseline funding plan keeping cash balances above zero (HB 913 requirement).
- Pooling allowed without owner vote for flexibility.
For contrasts with standard studies, see The Difference Between Traditional and SIRS Reserve Studies. And on updates, read Why Regular Updates to Your Reserve Study Are Crucial.
How HB 913 Enhances SIRS Compliance (Effective July 1, 2025)
For Gainesville associations facing higher flood risks, HB 913’s baseline funding keeps reserves positive, preventing post-storm shortfalls—expect 15-30% cost hikes for waterproofing reserves.
Deadline and Scope Adjustments
- Extends initial SIRS to December 31, 2025.
- Clarifies “habitable stories” excludes non-residential floors; includes four-family dwellings.
Funding Innovations
- Options: Fund via regular/special assessments, loans, or lines of credit (majority vote required for alternatives).
- Temporary Pause: Up to two years (through 2028 budgets) if recent inspections allow, with majority vote; requires new SIRS before resuming.
- Pooling/Straight-Line Switch: No owner vote needed.
- Uninhabitable Buildings: Pause funding without approval if declared unsafe.
Transparency Measures
- Conflict Disclosures: Inspectors must reveal bidding interests on repairs; non-disclosure voids contracts.
- Standardized Form: DBPR to create a uniform SIRS template with the Florida Building Commission.
These changes help balance safety with affordability. For full HB 913 details, explore Understanding HB 913 and How FPAT Can Help.
Your Simple Plan to SIRS Success with FPAT
Don’t go it alone—follow this straightforward path:
- Contact FPAT: Reach out via phone or email to share your challenges—we’re listening.
- Get a Customized Proposal: In 3-5 days, receive a plan tailored to your building, Florida laws, and risks like hurricanes.
- Obtain Your SIRS: Our experts deliver a compliant study, funding plan, and recommendations for peace of mind.
See how we’ve helped others in Case Study: How FPAT Helped a Tampa Condo Meet SIRS Compliance. For cost insights, visit Reserve Study Cost in Florida.
Avoid Gainesville-specific failures like underfunded foundations after heavy rains.
Ignore SIRS, and you risk:
- Insurance rejection or penalties.
- Surprise assessments from underfunded reserves—see Avoiding Special Assessments: A Guide for Florida Condos.
- Legal issues from non-compliance.
- Ongoing stress damaging your leadership credibility.
Achieve the Happy Ending
With FPAT’s help, you’ll have:
- A SIRS that satisfies insurers and regulators.
- Reserves ready for Florida’s challenges—no surprises.
- Confident residents and your well-deserved peace.
- Transformation from overwhelmed to empowered leader.
Take Action Now
Contact FPAT today to schedule your SIRS and secure your community’s future. Or start with our free resource: Download Educational Resources for Property Managers on Reserve Studies for instant guidance.
For location-specific tips, check Reserve Study Requirements for Tampa Condos, Reserve Study Miami Fort Lauderdale SIRS Compliance, Why Choose Reserve Study Companies in Orlando and SIRS Compliance for Orlando Buildings, or Condo Reserve Studies Clearwater St Petersburg. Also, explore Top 5 Reasons for a Reserve Study in Florida, What to Expect from a Reserve Study Inspection in Florida, Financial Planning for HOAs: The Role of Reserve Studies, and Your Trusted Guide in Florida’s Condo Chaos.
