Let’s make one thing very clear: If your condo building has no fire-sprinklers yet, you can either save money or you can save lives. There is actually no way to do both!

In case you didn’t follow the legislative sessions you may not know that this topic was already a hot item while Governor Bush was still in office. Already in 2004 it was just a matter of time before the requirement to install fire-sprinklers became law. In many bills filed by special interest we saw the attempt to push the legal requirement to install fire-sprinklers further and further away. Finally our esteemed legislators – together with special interest – found the solution that still leaves an opening for associations to save money – by having a vote to opt-out by membership vote.

Let’s make no mistake: Many of Florida’s high-rise condominiums are populated by senior citizens who are often not very mobile. Many of them would have serious problems running downstairs when the elevators are not working due to a fire. Fire-sprinklers can buy a lot of time if installed in hallways and stairways.

Want to risk their lives?

Every older condominium association with no fire-sprinklers installed in the building(s) knew since many years that the day to install fire-sprinklers is coming closer and closer. If the estimated cost would have been added to the annual budget as reserve item the money would now be in place to pay for it, instead of scaring elderly owners who are living of social security with levying special assessments if they don’t vote to opt out of the installation requirement.

These elderly folks are caught between a rock and a hard place: Either they vote to opt out of the required sprinkler installation or they face a special assessment, having to pay money they often don’t have.

What’s the option? Losing your home or the possibility to lose your life in case of a fire?