What § 768.0706 does
Florida Statute 768.0706 addresses multifamily residential property security and civil liability for criminal acts committed by third parties. It identifies security measures that, when substantially implemented at a qualifying property, may support a statutory presumption against liability for the criminal acts of third parties.
Where CPTED fits
The listed measures include a crime prevention through environmental design assessment that is no more than three years old, completed by a law enforcement agency or a Florida Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Practitioner designated through the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute. The statute states that the owner or principal operator must remain in substantial compliance with the assessment for purposes of that provision.
Other measures matter too
The statutory framework also addresses items such as security camera systems at points of entry and exit, lighting, door and window security, deadbolts, peepholes or viewers, and crime-deterrence and safety training. The exact statutory text, definitions, timing, exceptions, and current law should be reviewed with counsel.
What the statute does not mean
It should not be described as making a CPTED assessment universally mandatory for every apartment property. Nor does an assessment by itself guarantee immunity, eliminate risk, prove compliance, or establish that every recommendation must be implemented in the same way at every property.
A careful implementation path
- Confirm with counsel whether the property and circumstances fall within the statute.
- Inventory existing security measures and documentation.
- Commission an appropriately qualified CPTED assessment.
- Evaluate and substantially implement recommendations as applicable.
- Track training, maintenance, corrective work, and ongoing verification.