Answer: As of 2024, Florida law requires all condos over three stories to conduct mandatory building inspections and a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) every 10 years. Additionally, associations can no longer waive or reduce reserve funds, ensuring they are fully funded to cover future repairs.
Achieving a 70% funded reserve is considered a milestone for inium associations, indicating a reasonable level of financial preparedness. It signifies that the association has taken proactive steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of the community and mitigate the risk of financial instability.
Percent funded is calculated by dividing the current reserve fund balance by the fully funded balance. In the above example, if the association has $30,000 in reserves in year 10, it is 60% funded ($30,000 / $50,000).
On average, The Board should be setting aside 15% to 40% of their total assessments towards reserves, although for some simpler situations, a more minimal reserve fund ratio of 10% to 15% may be sufficient. Develop a funding plan that aligns with the calculated reserve fund requirements.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has weighed in by requiring approved inium projects to have at least 10% of the annual operating budget set aside for reserves. However, that percentage is arbitrary and is usually never enough for an association that has to paint and replace roofs.
So how much should your HOA have on hand to address these inevitable repair and replacement costs? A good rule of thumb is for Reserves to be funded at 70% or higher of the property's calculated deterioration.
New laws and regulations FL Statutes further allows condos to use reserve funds as collateral for loans and provides for a partial waiver for reserves not needed for more than 10, 15, or 20+ years.