(1) (b) “Multifamily residential property” means a
residential building, or group of residential buildings,
such as apartments, townhouses, or condominiums, consisting
of at least five dwelling units on a particular parcel.
(2) The owner or principal operator of a multifamily
residential property which substantially implements the
following security measures on that property has a
presumption against liability in connection with criminal
acts that occur on the premises which are committed by third
parties who are not employees or agents of the owner or
operator:
(a) 1. A security camera system at points of entry and exit
which records, and maintains as retrievable for at least 30
days, video footage to assist in offender identification and
apprehension.
2. A lighted parking lot illuminated at an intensity of at
least an average of 1.8 foot-candles per square foot at 18
inches above the surface from dusk until dawn or controlled
by photocell or any similar electronic device that provides
light from dusk until dawn.
3. Lighting in walkways, laundry rooms, common areas, and
porches. Such lighting must be illuminated from dusk until
dawn or controlled by photocell or any similar electronic
device that provides light from dusk until dawn.
4. At least a 1-inch deadbolt in each dwelling unit door.
5. A locking device on each window, each exterior sliding
door, and any other doors not used for community purposes.
6. Locked gates with key or fob access along pool fence
areas.
7. A peephole or door viewer on each dwelling unit door that
does not include a window or that does not have a window
next to the door.
(b) By January 1, 2025, the owner or principal operator of a
multifamily residential property has a crime prevention
through environmental design assessment that is no more than
3 years old completed for the property. Such assessment must
be performed by a law enforcement agency or a Florida Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design Practitioner
designated by the Florida Crime Prevention Training
Institute of the Department of Legal Affairs. The owner or
principal operator must remain in substantial compliance
with the assessment for purposes of this paragraph.
(c) 1. By January 1, 2025, the owner or principal operator
of a multifamily residential property provides proper crime
deterrence and safety training to its current employees.
After January 1, 2025, the owner or principal operator must
provide such training to an employee within 60 days after
his or her hire date for purposes of this paragraph.
2. For purposes of this paragraph, “proper crime deterrence
and safety training” means training which trains and
familiarizes employees with the security principles,
devices, measures, and standards set forth under paragraph
(a), and which is reviewed at least every 3 years and
updated as necessary. The owner or principal operator may
request a law enforcement agency or the Florida Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design Practitioner
performing the assessment under paragraph (b) to review the
training curriculum.
(3) For purposes of establishing the presumption against
liability under subsection (2), the burden of proof is on
the owner or principal operator to demonstrate that the
owner or principal operator has substantially implemented
the security measures specified in subsection (2).
(4) The Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute of the
Department of Legal Affairs shall develop a proposed
curriculum or best practices for owners or principal
operators to implement such training. The state has no
liability in connection with providing a proposed training
curriculum under this subsection.
While there seems to be some work that a condo needs to do,
I would do it. If these measures are implemented, it could
result in the avoidance of a multi million dollar lawsuit
against the association should anyone become the victim of a
violent crime while on the condominium property.
Here is the website for the Florida Crime Prevention
Training Institute:
http://www.fcpti.com/fcpti.nsf/pages/CPTED
