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What's HB 837? What's FL 768.0706? Why CPTED?

In March 2023, Florida passed House Bill 837—a sweeping tort reform law that changed the game for multifamily property owners across the state. Tucked within it is Florida Statute 768.0706, which directly ties Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to premises liability protection. Together, they create a powerful incentive: implement proven security measures and get a documented CPTED assessment, and the law presumes you're not liable when a third-party crime occurs on your property. Ignore them, and you're exposed. Here's how the two work together.

The Law

HB 837

House Bill 837 is Florida's broad tort reform legislation, signed by Governor DeSantis on March 24, 2023. It overhauled how negligence, liability, and insurance disputes are handled statewide.

For multifamily property owners and operators with five or more units, HB 837 introduced a "presumption against liability" for third-party criminal acts on the premises.

  • It is not immunity
  • Applies to apartments, townhouses, and condominiums with 5+ units
  • Creates a legal presumption that compliant owners are not at fault
  • Shifts the burden of proof to the injured party
  • Does not grant full immunity—it's a rebuttable presumption
  • Represents the strongest legal shield Florida has ever offered property owners against negligent security claims
The Requirements

FL 768.0706

Florida Statute 768.0706 is the specific section within HB 837 that spells out exactly what property owners must do to earn that presumption. It requires substantial compliance with the following:

  • Security cameras at all entry and exit points with 30-day retrievable footage
  • Parking lot lighting at a minimum of 1.8 foot-candles per square foot at 18 inches above surface, dusk to dawn
  • Adequate lighting in walkways, laundry rooms, common areas, and porches
  • 1-inch deadbolt locks on unit entry doors
  • Peepholes or door viewers on unit entry doors
  • Locked gates or fencing around swimming pool areas
  • Crime prevention and safety training for employees
  • A documented CPTED assessment by a law enforcement agency or certified Florida CPTED Practitioner (FCP)
  • Assessments reviewed every three years

>> Read the whole text of the Florida Statute 768.0706 <<

The Solution

Why CPTED?

CPTED is the thread that connects it all. It's not just a checkbox for compliance—it's the methodology behind every requirement in 768.0706. A qualified CPTED assessment evaluates your property holistically:

  • Natural surveillance and sight lines
  • Access control and entry points
  • Territorial reinforcement and boundary definition
  • Maintenance and property condition
  • Lighting levels and coverage
  • Landscaping design and upkeep
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