Liability Protections for RV Park and Campground Owners:
Credit and Thanks to RVParkIQ for this valuable information!
HB 1323: Natural Risk Liability Shield
Florida’s House Bill 1323 provides important liability protections for RV park and campground operators:
- Shields operators from lawsuits related to “natural risks” such as insect bites
- Holds operators accountable for man-made structures like docks and piers
- Balances protection for businesses with guest safety considerations
- This legislation helps protect RV park owners from frivolous lawsuits while still maintaining responsibility for guest safety in areas under their direct control.
Health and Safety Regulations
Chapter 64E-15: Key Mandates
Florida’s Chapter 64E-15 outlines critical health and safety regulations for RV parks and campgrounds:
Spacing requirements:
- Sites must be at least 5 feet from water bodies
- Sewage disposal: Proper systems must be in place to handle waste
- Potable water access: Clean drinking water must be available to guests
These regulations ensure a safe and sanitary environment for guests while protecting natural resources.
Impact on RV Park Operations and Value
Understanding and implementing these liability protections and health regulations is crucial for RV park owners, especially when considering selling their property.
Here’s why:
- Risk Mitigation: Proper adherence to HB 1323 and Chapter 64E-15 can significantly reduce legal risks, making your property more attractive to potential buyers.
- Compliance Value: A park that meets or exceeds health and safety standards may command a higher price, as it represents lower regulatory risk for new owners.
- Operational Efficiency: Well-designed systems for sewage disposal and water access can lead to lower operating costs, increasing the park’s overall value.
- Guest Satisfaction: Safe, well-maintained facilities often lead to higher guest satisfaction, potentially increasing occupancy rates and revenue.
When preparing to sell your RV park, demonstrating compliance with these regulations and highlighting any additional safety measures can be a powerful selling point. It shows potential buyers that the property is well-managed and less likely to face legal or regulatory challenges in the future.
The Value Matrix System can help you assess your park’s compliance with these regulations and identify areas for improvement. By optimizing your park’s safety features and liability protections, you can potentially increase its value and attractiveness to buyers who are looking for well-managed, low-risk properties.
Reference
2 https://campflorida.org/fl-administrative-code-64e-15/
3 https://woodallscm.com/fla-bills-shield-park-owners-from-liability-claims/
4 https://floridapolitics.com/archives/591999-big-tent-party-senate-house-bills-shield-private-campgrounds-from-liability-claims/
5 https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/mobile-home-parks/_documents/64e-15.pdf
6 https://legiscan.com/FL/bill/H1323/2023
7 https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1323