Buying a new-construction condo should feel exciting, not uncertain. Understanding how warranties work in Florida gives you clarity on what is covered, who you call when something needs attention, and how to keep timelines on track from punch list to resolution.
Why Warranties Matter in New Condos
New buildings look perfect at first glance, yet systems settle, finishes expand and contract, and complex components get their first real use once residents move in. A clear grasp of warranty coverage helps you plan for small fixes and protect against larger issues.
- Peace of mind: You know which items are covered, for how long, and how to request service.
- Cost control: You can avoid out-of-pocket repairs for covered defects while terms are active.
- Process clarity: You understand who handles unit issues versus building issues and how to escalate if needed.
Florida treats condominiums differently from single-family homes. Most houses and small multifamily homes have a statutory builder warranty measured in one year for building code violations, effective for homes delivered on or after July 1, 2025 see Florida Statutes section 553.837. Condominiums fall under the Florida Condominium Act, which provides implied warranties from the developer with different timelines for units, common elements, and structural components per section 718.203. Knowing which framework applies to your purchase is the first step.
How New‑Condo Warranties Work
Condo warranties involve several parties, different documents, and a few important deadlines. Here is how the pieces fit together.
Developer, builder, and third‑party roles
- Developer implied warranties: In Florida condo projects, the developer is deemed to provide implied warranties for the unit, improvements for owners’ use, and key building systems for defined periods per section 718.203. These warranties run to initial buyers and successors within the set timeframes.
- General contractor and trade partners: The builder and subcontractors may be responsible for workmanship and materials that the developer must address during the warranty period. The developer typically coordinates service.
- Third‑party warranty programs: Some projects use insured or third‑party programs that administer claims. If so, your purchase packet should include claim procedures and contact details recognized under section 718.203.
Why this matters: Who administers your warranty affects response times, documentation, and how repairs are scheduled. You want clear service contacts before you close.
Manufacturer warranties for systems and appliances
Appliances, HVAC equipment, water heaters, and other unit components often carry separate manufacturer warranties. These are distinct from the developer’s implied warranties and any building coverage. Keep serial numbers, model details, manuals, and registration confirmations so you can file claims directly when needed. State law also makes clear that certain builder warranty statutes do not duplicate manufacturer coverage in non-condo contexts see section 553.837, a helpful reminder to track product warranties separately in condos as well.
Transferability and term structure
Implied condo warranties run for specific periods that usually begin at completion of the building or turnover to owners, depending on the component. Common timelines include one year for certain conveyed items, three years for units and many improvements, and up to three years from completion or one year after turnover for roofs and structural or major system components, capped at five years in some scenarios per section 718.203. These warranties benefit successor owners within those periods. Always confirm dates and triggers in your purchase documents.
What’s Covered and Who Covers It
Workmanship, materials, systems, and structure
Coverage buckets often include:
- Unit finishes and functions: doors, windows, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing fixtures, and electrical outlets, typically for limited periods focused on defects that affect proper function.
- Building systems and shared components: roofing, exterior walls, structural elements, elevators, chiller or boiler plants, fire and life safety systems, and common plumbing or electrical risers. These usually fall to the association, with developer responsibility during the applicable implied warranty period see section 718.203.
- Cosmetic vs functional: Hairline caulk cracks or minor paint touch-ups may be handled on a punch list, while functional failures, leaks, or code-related issues are treated as higher priority. Expect different timelines and thresholds for each.
Exclusions and owner maintenance duties
Most warranties exclude normal wear and tear, damage from misuse or alterations, and issues caused by lack of routine maintenance. Following maintenance guidelines is essential. In non-condo statutes, typical exclusions include normal settling consistent with trade practice and acts of God outlined in section 553.837. Treat condo warranties with the same mindset: maintain your systems, document service, and keep receipts.
Unit interiors vs. common elements
- Unit: You handle day-to-day items inside your four walls. The developer may address unit defects during the implied warranty window, then you rely on manufacturer warranties or your own maintenance plan.
- Common elements: The association is responsible for shared systems and spaces. During the developer’s implied warranty period, the association can make claims on behalf of owners for covered defects per section 718.203. Coordinate with management before filing duplicate requests so issues flow through the proper channel.
Filing and Managing Warranty Claims
Pre‑closing walkthrough and punch list
- Prepare: Bring blueprints or floor plans, appliance lists, and your purchase specs. Test every switch, outlet, faucet, drain, and appliance. Open and close every door and window.
- Document: Create a room-by-room punch list with photos and brief notes. Get written acknowledgment of each item.
- Be specific: Describe location, symptoms, and frequency. Specifics help the service team diagnose and schedule the right trade.
Post‑closing service requests and timelines
- Submit in writing: Use the developer’s portal or email. Include unit number, photos, videos, and when the issue occurs.
- Track dates: Warranty clocks depend on completion, turnover, and closing dates. Florida also requires a pre-suit “notice and opportunity to repair” process for construction defects if matters escalate to potential litigation, with a 60 or 120 day window for inspection and response see Chapter 558 procedures.
- Keep records: Save service tickets, correspondence, and technician notes. If a dispute arises, this file becomes critical.
Coordination with the association
If your issue involves a shared wall, riser, the building envelope, roof, garage, elevator, or building-level HVAC, notify management and the association. Many claims must be routed through the association so the right party can pursue implied warranty remedies during the applicable window per section 718.203.
Escalation and dispute pathways
- Start with the developer’s service team or warranty administrator and follow the published process.
- If progress stalls on a potential construction defect, Florida’s Chapter 558 requires written notice and a chance to inspect and offer repairs before you can file suit procedures in section 558.004.
- Be mindful of the overall time limit for construction claims. Florida’s statute of repose is 7 years, which can bar claims after that period regardless of discovery see section 95.11. Track your building’s completion and certificate of occupancy dates closely.
Due Diligence Before You Buy
Purchase agreement and warranty addenda review
- Request the full warranty text: Look for coverage scope, exclusions, reporting rules, response times, and any third‑party administrator details. Confirm whether any insured warranty program applies to the building as contemplated in section 718.203.
- Confirm key dates: Identify completion, certificate of occupancy, turnover, and closing dates, since these trigger warranty periods and statutes of limitations or repose timelines appear throughout sections 718.203 and 95.11.
Association documents and budgets
- Review the declaration, bylaws, rules, current budget, and reserves. Healthy reserves and a clear maintenance plan help the building address items as warranties expire.
- For larger projects, review the prospectus or offering circular. These documents outline developer obligations, turnover timing, and disclosures relevant to warranty administration see Chapter 718 context and the Division of Condominiums resources for consumer guidance DBPR services.
Independent inspections and walkthrough strategy
- Hire an inspector who understands high‑rise systems and coastal construction. Even new product benefits from third‑party eyes.
- Time your inspections to catch items before closing and again soon after move‑in, so you can use warranty periods effectively.
Planning for life after warranty
- Build a maintenance calendar for HVAC service, caulking, sealants, and appliance care. Register all products.
- Expect capital items to shift to the association and owners after warranties end. Review long‑term reserve plans and special assessment history.
Next Steps with a Local Expert
How an agent streamlines new‑build purchases
A seasoned agent coordinates the moving parts so you do not have to. Expect help with:
- Collecting and summarizing warranty documents and addenda
- Organizing walkthroughs, punch lists, and service follow‑up
- Routing common element issues through the association
- Tracking statutory and administrative timelines alongside builder commitments
- Aligning inspections, remote closings, and move‑in logistics
Book an Appointment to get tailored guidance
If you want a clear plan from contract to warranty closeout, let us help you manage the details. Book an Appointment with IJL Real Estate Group for senior-level guidance on South Florida new construction, from pre-contract due diligence to post-closing service strategy.
FAQs
What warranties apply to new Florida condos?
- Florida’s Condominium Act provides implied warranties from the developer for units, common elements, and key systems with specific timelines that typically start at completion or turnover section 718.203.
Do the new one‑year builder warranties apply to condos?
- The one‑year statutory builder warranty applies to most newly constructed houses and small multifamily homes, not condominiums. Condos rely on Chapter 718 implied warranties instead section 553.837 and section 718.203.
How long do I have to act on a construction defect?
- Before suing, you must generally provide a Chapter 558 written notice and allow 60 or 120 days for inspection and a repair offer section 558.004. Florida’s 7‑year statute of repose can bar claims after that period regardless of discovery section 95.11.
Who handles issues in shared areas like the roof or elevators?
- These are common elements. Report them to the association and management so claims are routed properly under the developer’s implied warranties during the applicable period section 718.203.
What documents should I keep for warranty claims?
- Keep your purchase agreement, warranty addenda, appliance manuals and registrations, completion and certificate of occupancy dates, service requests, and photos. These records help with timely claims and any required Chapter 558 notice section 558.004.
Can I transfer condo warranty coverage if I sell?
- Implied warranties under Chapter 718 benefit successor owners within the defined timeframes. Confirm exact triggers and any project‑specific terms in your documents section 718.203.
How do I escalate if service stalls?
- Follow the developer’s process, involve the association for common elements, and if needed, send a Chapter 558 notice to start the pre‑suit resolution timeline section 558.004. Track the 7‑year repose deadline for any construction claims section 95.11.