If your newly built home has issues — and we’re seeing a lot of them — Florida’s new warranty law just gave you more power than ever to get the builder to fix them.
But here’s the catch: it only applies for the first 12 months.
And without the right documentation, it’s just another law on the books.
The Problem Before 2025
Before July 1, 2025, many homeowners had a “builder warranty” in name only. Sure, builders would offer a one-year warranty, but it was filled with vague language and gray areas. They could drag their feet, deny requests, or make partial fixes — and unless something was blatantly defective, you had very little recourse.
Even obvious code violations were hard to enforce unless you involved lawyers or begged code enforcement to step in.
What Changed?
As of July 1, 2025, Florida Statute § 553.837 now requires builders of newly constructed homes to provide a mandatory one-year, transferable warranty that covers:
- Defects in materials, equipment, or workmanship
- That result in a material violation of the Florida Building Code
And here’s the key: under § 553.84, a “material violation” is defined as anything that:
“may reasonably result, or has resulted, in physical harm to a person or significant damage to the performance of a building or its systems.”
That means if your builder cuts corners — like overloading a circuit, using the wrong roof fasteners, improperly installing windows, or skipping attic ventilation — and it causes issues in how the house performs or poses a safety risk, they’re legally on the hook.
What’s Covered Under This Law?
This isn’t just cosmetic stuff. We’re talking about real problems that are common in new construction:
- Improper wiring or over-amped breakers
- Plumbing leaks or improper pressure
- HVAC undersizing or improper duct routing
- Roof installation errors
- Truss modifications or framing shortcuts
- Blocked or missing attic ventilation
- Window or door flashing errors
- Missing or unsealed roof decking fasteners
- And many many more…
These are violations of the Florida Building Code — and now they’re violations of the law.
How We Help You Use It
SW Inspections specializes in 11-month warranty inspections. Here’s how we help homeowners like you take full advantage of this new law:
- We inspect thoroughly — inside attics, electrical panels, behind outlets, under sinks — not just what’s visible.
- We document defects with photos, code references, and a clear explanation of what’s wrong.
- We cite the law and the code — so your builder knows you’re not guessing.
- We support your case — whether you’re going through the builder directly or bringing in code enforcement.
This isn’t just a report — it’s a tool to get results.
Why This Matters Now
This new law doesn’t apply retroactively. That means if your home was built before July 1, 2025, or you let your 1-year anniversary slip by, you’re out of luck.
But if you’re within your warranty period and your home was completed after the effective date — the clock is ticking. And most people won’t act until it’s too late.
Sean’s Advice
“This is the beginning of a new chapter in home inspections — and I plan to be at the front of it. For years, I’ve seen builders dodge responsibility. This law changes that.
But only if the homeowner is armed with the right report. That’s where we come in.”
Book Your 11-Month Warranty Inspection
If you’re 8–11 months into your new home — even if it seems fine — now’s the time to act. Builders are required to fix code violations and defects, but only if you catch them before the warranty ends.
Let us help you:
- Catch what walkthroughs miss
- Document it professionally
- Use the law to your advantage
Schedule your warranty inspection today.
Serving Vero Beach, Sebastian, Indian River County, and beyond.