Miami-Dade’s $50K Relief Program for Condo Special Assessments: What Owners Need to Know

Why This Program Matters

Since the tragic Surfside condo collapse in 2021, building safety laws in Florida have become more stringent. Miami-Dade’s updated building recertification rules now require milestone inspections, reserve studies (SIRS), and timely structural repairs. The result? Thousands of condo associations are levying special assessments on unit owners to cover repair costs.

For many, these unexpected bills—sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars—can be devastating.

That’s where the Condominium Special Assessment Program steps in.

Program Highlights

Miami-Dade County’s program offers loans up to $50,000 to help primary-residence condo owners pay their special assessment fees for structural integrity repairs and milestone inspections.

Key points:

• Income-eligible owners (earning up to 140% of the Area Median Income) can qualify

• 40-year repayment term designed to ease monthly financial pressure

• Low-income families pay just $50/month, with the balance due at maturity

• Moderate-income families get a 0% interest loan for 40 years

• Funds go directly to the condo association

• Loan is due if the unit is sold, refinanced, or no longer a primary residence

Over 1,200 loans have already closed, with an average amount of $26,500, and more than 1,900 applications have been submitted.

Who’s Eligible?

Income limits are based on household size. You may qualify if your household earns less than:

• $111,300 for a single individual

• $127,120 for a couple

• $142,940 for a 3-person household

• $158,900 for a 4-person household

Other requirements:

• Must live in the unit as your primary residence

• Investment properties are not eligible

• Mortgage and HOA fees must be current

• Cash assets over $50,000 must contribute up to 10% of the loan amount

Why These Assessments Are Happening

Florida’s condo laws now require:

• Milestone Inspections for aging buildings (starting at 25 or 30 years depending on location)

• Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) by December 31, 2024 or in conjunction with a scheduled inspection

• Ongoing 10-year recertifications after the initial inspection

As of early 2025, only 47.6% of Miami-Dade’s qualifying condo buildings had reported SIRS compliance.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by mail or in person. Email submissions are not accepted.

Required documents include:

• Florida ID and property ownership proof

• Income verification (tax returns, pay stubs, SSA award letters, etc.)

• Proof of current mortgage and HOA status

• Bank statements, birth certificates, and more

Apply here:

Condominium Special Assessment Program Application – Miami-Dade County

This is a one-time loan per unit, aimed at helping owner-occupants stay in their homes safely and affordably. If you’re currently facing—or anticipating—special assessments tied to building safety compliance, now is the time to act.

For full program details, visit the official Miami-Dade County website.