TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Condo owners are waiting for answers on whether lawmakers will do anything to ease concerns over rising fees.

The News Service of Florida reported that State House Speaker Daniel Perez has ruled out “bailouts” for condo owners facing high fees.

Previously, State Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Democrat out of South Florida, echoed similar comments.

Tom Schoeller is the condo association president for Casa Del Mar 1 in St. Petersburg. He pushed back on the use of “bailouts,” saying that condo owners never wanted free money.

“I would ask them what their definition is of a ‘bailout’,” Schoeller said. “They’re not necessarily looking for a handout, so to speak. They’re looking for some relief through insurance, the way the insurance rates have skyrocketed. They’re looking for a little bit of relief on possibly some loans, low interest or no interest.”

Schoeller believes that could help associations comply with the building safety and inspection state law passed following the condo collapse in Surfside. That law also requires associations to keep a healthy amount of cash in their reserves for any potential emergency.

Just two weeks ago, Condo Owner Diana Summer explained the impact of that law is causing a dent in her wallet. 

“I’ve been here about three years,” Summer said. “My assessments have doubled, my HOAs have doubled, and I’ve paid about $20,000 in additional assessments.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis has not made any proposals on relief for condo owners. Instead, when asked about it in Polk County in January, he left any potential relief up to lawmakers to decide.

“The issues that they’re facing is a result of the legislation that the legislature passed,” DeSantis said.

The speaker’s office and the senate president’s office did not reply to News Channel 8’s request for comment.