Security Lighting Requirements for Florida Apartments: What HB 837 Requires

Lighting serves as a powerful tool for shaping the ambiance and aesthetics of multi-family housing communities.

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Thoughtfully designed lighting fixtures and arrangements can create inviting communal spaces, foster a sense of warmth and comfort in common areas, and contribute to the overall architectural appeal of the building.

Beyond aesthetics, lighting plays a critical role in promoting safety and security within multi-family housing communities. Well-lit pathways, parking lots, and entry points help deter criminal activity by increasing visibility and reducing hiding spots for potential perpetrators. Adequate illumination also enables residents to navigate common areas safely, minimizing the risk of accidents or falls, particularly during nighttime hours.

When our assessment team conducts inspections for compliance with Florida statute 768.0706, the most common issue we encounter is lights that are observed out, and lights that are obstructed by trees. Often, this causes the property to not meet the illumination standards set forth in statute 768.0706. This is something that can be prevented by implementing a weekly light inspection, and implementing a landscaping maintenance plan that includes trimming trees and other shrubbery away from light sources.

Signal has FCP’s designated by the Attorney General’s office that can help you get in compliance with the statute that allows for a presumption against liability in security negligence cases. If you would like more information about these assessments, please feel free to contact us.

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