‍Introduction‍

Florida's new Civil Remedies law, (formerly HB 837), represents a significant and positive shift in the legal landscape for property owners and managers. While legal compliance usually sounds awful, these reforms are a carrot, not a stick! With some upgrades to security technology, property owners and managers can achieve a “safe harbor” designation that will help protect them or limit their exposure to false liability claims. With increased tort liabilities and new requirements for maintaining a safe environment, multifamily property owners need to understand how these changes impact their operations. 

In this blog, we'll break down the key aspects of the law and explore how upgrading on-site technology, such as AI surveillance and smart security systems, can help property owners meet safe harbor requirements.

Key Provisions of HB 837‍

HB 837 introduces stricter guidelines on negligence and premises liability, making it crucial for property owners to ensure their premises are safe. This law mandates enhanced documentation of safety measures and increases potential penalties for non-compliance. The recommended security measures include:

•    Security cameras at exit and entry points and video retrievable for 30 days; 

•    A lighted parking lot from dusk to dawn; 

•    Lighting in common areas, porches, walkways, and laundry rooms;

•    A deadbolt measuring at least one inch in every door; 

•    Locking devices on every window and sliding door; 

•    Locked gates at pool fence areas; and 

•    A peephole or viewer on a door that does not have a window or window next to the door. 

Designs for each property must be approved by and subsequently reviewed by a Florida CPTED certified inspector.  Learn more about the Civil Remedies Law here.

Leveraging AI Surveillance & Remote Guarding Can Improve ROI

Surveillance cameras enhanced with AI Surveillance and Remote Guarding do more than help you achieve compliance. They can act as a force multiplier on the ROI of your investment by:

• Thwarting attempts at theft, vandalism, lease violations, and false liability claims in real time
• Reduce losses
• Provide ample supporting evidence for any claims brought to court

And they enable providers in many communities the opportunity to increase profits and resident satisfaction rates. Multifamily leaders who have invested in advanced on-site technologies are already seeing the benefits. According to a recent survey, 66% of property decision-makers who adopted security/surveillance cameras in common areas found it to be an "excellent value" investment.

Free Webinar: Attorney Amanda Podlucky Breaks Down Civil Remedies Law 

Want an attorney’s opinion? Join us Thursday, September 26th, at 12 ET when Amanda Podlucky, partner at Cobb Gonzalez, breaks down the Civil Remedies Law in detail. As always, you’ll have a chance to ask questions!

Don’t miss out, REGISTER TODAY!

‍