Is Florida's New Liability Law a Carrot or a Stick?
Florida passed a law giving multifamily property owners a powerful shield against negligence lawsuits — if you do a few basic things. But no one has tested it in court yet. Nuclear verdicts are still happening nationally. And a new 2026 bill could change the rules.
Free & Online · Thursday, June 18, 2026 · 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT
Free Webinar
What This Webinar Is About
Florida passed a law giving multifamily property owners a powerful shield against negligence lawsuits — if you do a few basic things. But no one has tested it in court yet. Nuclear verdicts are still happening nationally. And a new 2026 bill could change the rules.
This is the conversation every Florida property manager needs to have — before it's decided in court without you.
Understanding HB 837
The Carrot or the Stick
Implement basic security measures, earn a presumption against negligence liability in Florida courts. That's the deal the legislature offered in HB 837.
Courts haven't ruled on it yet. One judge reading it differently changes everything for every property in Florida. The definition of "substantial compliance" is still wide open.
By the Numbers
The Stakes: Nuclear Verdicts
HB 837 moved Florida from 2nd to 10th nationally in nuclear verdict payouts. Real progress. But nationally, verdict awards jumped 116% in 2024 — and plaintiff attorneys everywhere are watching Florida's courts.
Legislative Update
New Threat: HB 1423 Could Change the Rules
A bill filed January 2026 would carve exceptions into the liability presumption. If it passes, compliance that protects you today might not protect you tomorrow.
- ✅You implement basic security
- ✅You earn a legal presumption against negligence liability
- ✅Criminal's fault is considered — not just yours
- ✅CPTED assessment + employee training seals the deal
- ⚠️Certain violent crimes could pierce the protection even on compliant properties
- ⚠️Narrows the class of incidents the presumption covers
- ⚠️Plaintiff attorneys gain new footholds in cases previously shielded
- ⚠️Insurers may view compliant properties as higher risk if the presumption shrinks
Your Speakers
Meet the Panel
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A leading Florida CPTED practitioner and expert witness, Randy conducts risk assessments, security vulnerability assessments, and CPTED studies for public and private sector clients. Certified CAP B Class by the International CPTED Association.
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One of Florida's most sought-after voices on HB 837. Amanda's the one who told us it was designed as a carrot — and she's equally clear about where the risks still live.
Joseph has helped hundreds of Florida property managers understand what HB 837 means in practice — not in theory.
Why Attend
5 Reasons You Can't Miss This
Find out if you currently qualify
Find out if you currently qualify for the presumption — and what gaps could cost you.
Hear what "substantial compliance" is likely to mean
Hear what "substantial compliance" is likely to mean once courts actually weigh in.
Understand what HB 1423 changes
Understand what HB 1423 changes — and whether you should be concerned now.
Get a CPTED expert's practical view
Get a CPTED expert's practical view on what a qualifying assessment really requires.
Ask your questions live
Ask your questions live — this is a real panel, not a pitch deck.
Who Should Attend
Built for Florida Multifamily Professionals
If your property is in Florida, this session directly impacts your legal protection and risk exposure.
- Property Managers & Regional Managers
- Maintenance Supervisors & Directors
- Risk Management Professionals
- Property Owners & Investors
- Asset Managers
- Compliance Officers
- Insurance Professionals
- Anyone responsible for multifamily properties in Florida
Reserve Your Free Seat
Don't Let a Court Decide What You Should Have Learned Here.
Free & Online · No Sales Pitch · Real Panel
This webinar provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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