DeSantis signs bill requiring warranty protection for one year after house is built

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Monday requiring homeowners are protected with a one year builder warranty after purchasing a newly constructed home.

The bill, HB 623, requires the warranty to cover new homes for a minimum of a one-year period, even if the home is sold or transferred.

The warranty must cover structural defects that are in violation of the Florida Building Code. Builders will be able to purchase warranty coverage from a provider so that that they personally do not have to have to provide the document.

The one year period may begin at the date of title conveyance or initial occupancy.

The legislation was sponsored by Reps. Kevin Steele, R-Dade City, and Adam Anderson, R-Palm Harbor. Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills filed the Senate companion bill.

According to the law firm, Wilson, Reeder and Zudar, some of the most common structural defects in new Florida homes include roof issues, facade leaks and defective floors prone to flooding.

It’s set to go into effect on July 1, 2025.