If you have looked at condos in South Florida lately, you have probably noticed that monthly fees keep climbing. A few things are behind it.

Why fees are going up

  1. Insurance. The association's insurance premiums have risen sharply, and those costs are shared by owners.
  2. Required reserves. After the Surfside collapse, Florida began requiring condo buildings three stories and taller to complete a structural integrity reserve study and fund reserves for the major components it covers. A building that saved too little in the past has to catch up through higher fees, a special assessment or a loan.
  3. Cost increases. Labor, materials and maintenance all cost more than they used to.

What to do before you buy

A low monthly fee is not always good news. It can mean the building has not been saving enough. Before you make an offer, ask for the reserve study, the current budget, the reserve balance and recent meeting minutes. I walk through exactly what to ask in Florida Condo Law in 2026: What the Reserve Study Means for Your Offer, and how lenders look at condo buildings in the new condo lending rules.

Looking at a specific building? Contact me before you make an offer and we will go through its documents together.

This post is general information, current as of October 2026, and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult a Florida-licensed attorney about your situation.