Professional Risk Mitigation for Multifamily and Condominium Owners

​Effective January 1, 2025, Florida Statute §768.0706 introduces critical requirements for multifamily and condominium property owners and managers seeking to limit premises liability for criminal acts. Properties that satisfy these criteria may qualify for the statute’s “Safe Harbor” protection, significantly reducing legal exposure in the event of an incident.

 

Background: ​In the case of Chau v. Southstar Equity LLC and Brookside Properties Inc., the plaintiff, Lai Chau, filed a lawsuit against the defendants—Southstar Equity, LLC, the owner of Remington Apartment Homes, and Brookside Properties, Inc., the property manager—following a violent incident that occurred on December 13, 2001.

 

On that night, Ms. Chau was abducted at gunpoint from the apartment complex's parking area, forced into her vehicle, driven around, and subsequently shot three times in the head. Miraculously, she survived the attack.

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Ms. Chau's legal action was based on claims of negligence, negligent misrepresentation, and intentional misrepresentation. She contended that the defendants failed to provide adequate security measures at the apartment complex, despite being aware of existing security issues such as malfunctioning gates, poor lighting, and a history of criminal activity in the area.

 

The jury found in favor of Ms. Chau on all three claims. ​The trial resulted in the jury awarding Ms. Chau $5.67 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages, totaling $15.67 million

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🔒 Understanding the Requirements

To qualify for statutory protection under FS §768.0706, property owners and operators must fulfill two primary obligations:

1. CPTED Employee Training
All property personnel must receive training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) within 60 days of hire. Training must be conducted by a qualified instructor.

2. CPTED Property Assessment
A formal assessment of the property must be completed by a Certified CPTED Practitioner, recognized by the Florida Attorney General’s Crime Prevention Training Institute. The assessment ensures the property is evaluated against seven core CPTED standards.

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✅ Our Compliance Services

​Our firm provides a turnkey solution to ensure your property meets both legal requirements:

• CPTED Employee Training
  Conducted on-site at your property or available through scheduled group sessions. All training is documented for compliance records.

• CPTED Property Assessment
  Our certified CPTED professional will evaluate your property based on the seven CPTED criteria, identify any deficiencies, and provide corrective recommendations. Upon completion, we issue proper documentation confirming your compliance.

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🏢 Why Partner with Us?

We are Florida’s only CPTED compliance team with deep roots in both multifamily real estate management and professional crime prevention.

Our qualifications include:

• A licensed Florida Real Estate Broker with over 30 years of experience managing multifamily and commercial real estate assets.

• A certified CPTED Practitioner with 25 years in corporate and residential security, trained under Dr. C. Ray Jeffery, the originator of CPTED theory at Florida State University.

• Extensive working knowledge of Florida real estate law, fair housing regulations, and risk mitigation strategies.

This rare blend of property operations and security compliance allows us to offer unmatched insight and reliability when certifying your property under FS §768.0706.

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⚖️ Liability Protection You Can Count On

​Although participation in CPTED compliance is not mandated by law, the State of Florida strongly encourages owners and operators to adopt these risk reduction measures. Properties that meet the CPTED standards and maintain appropriate documentation will enjoy Safe Harbor status, which may reduce or eliminate exposure to liability claims associated with criminal acts on the premises.

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Choosing not to comply with FS §768.0706 does not eliminate risk—it may actually increase your exposure by demonstrating a failure to meet the state’s established standards of care.

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📞 Schedule Your Training and Assessment Today​

Take the proactive step toward reducing your legal liability and protecting your residents, staff, and property.

Contact us today to schedule your:

• Employee CPTED Training

• Certified Property Assessment

Our team is ready to help you achieve full compliance and document your eligibility for Safe Harbor under Florida law.

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 FL Crime Prevention Institute - CPTED Certification - Class of 2025