Every developer with an interest in
Florida is watching — and waiting — for a decision on the
case.
Another week goes by, and no decision from the 3rd District
Court of Appeals (DCA) on the Biscayne 21 case.
A whopping 34 opinions were released on Wednesday, Oct. 2,
but nothing that would signal some relief for the brewing
condo crisis.
Meanwhile, Florida’s condo crisis worsens.
As the deadline for structural integrity requirements
approaches, condo owners in older buildings face steep
assessment fees to ensure the safety of their buildings.
Many are desperate for an exit ramp.
ABC Action News recently cited a Redfin report that
indicates condo HOA fees in Tampa are up 17% year over year,
the highest jump in the nation.
The high fees are forcing many to sell, but properties are
slow to move. Those that do sell may sell at a loss.
CBS Miami reported last month that condo sales in buildings
30 years or older are selling 20% lower than they were at
the start of the year.
One obvious solution for owners in older buildings is to
invite bids from developers who have the means to tear down
and rebuild. Oftentimes, developers will pay a better price
for prime locations than owners could get on the open
market.
But the Biscayne 21 case has developers on edge. Many
developers are hesitant to invest until this legal dispute
is resolved.
At Biscayne 21, located at North Bayshore Drive in Miami,
the vast majority of owners recognized the costs to shore up
the building and maintain their 60-year old building could
very well exceed its current value or their means to pay for
it in the near future. Of the 192 units in the building, 96%
opted to sell to a developer, which began the process for
termination of the condo association.
Under current state law, condo associations can move forward
with terminations with 80% of owners’ approval. But the few
holdouts at Biscayne 21 insisted state law did not apply to
their situation. The 10 who refused to terminate took the
developer to court.
In March, Florida’s 3rd DCA ruled against Two Roads
Development, siding with the fraction of owners at Biscayne
21 who refused to sell. Two Roads has called for a
rehearing. More than six months have gone by, and there’s
been nothing but crickets from the 3rd DCA bench on this
case.
While the case is about just one condo building, the
decision could impact nearly every condo owner in Florida.
“If the ruling in Miami-Dade last (March) on Biscayne 21
stands, Florida condo owners are left with fewer rights and
even fewer options. While they currently have the right to
consider exit ramps and pursue pathways to termination, the
new ruling gives one hold out veto power,” explained Rep.
Vicki Lopez in an op-ed in the Miami Herald.
“Just one individual could stand in the way of the desires —
and what may be in the best interest — of the vast majority
of owners. Without options, condo owners across the state
will be saddled with financial burdens and obligations, even
the possibility of foreclosure.”
Every developer with an interest in Florida is watching —
and waiting — for a decision on the case. Until then,
they’re hesitant to spend more money in a market that may
not generate any investment.
Ancona Real Estate agent Stefania Mogollan told CNBC last
month that options for owners in older condo buildings are
extremely limited at this time.
“If they don’t have the funds to cope with these
assessments, there’s not much they can do,” Mogollan said.
“There’s nobody willing to purchase a property and cope with
these expenses; there’s not much you can do.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis has been holding a series of panel
discussions around the state with condo owners about the
challenges they face and potential solutions.
Should the 3rd DCA opine on Biscayne 21 next week, though,
maybe there will be clarity for developers and new
confidence in potential investment opportunities. Until next
Wednesday, they watch. And they wait.