DeSantis Signs SB 232 Offering Self-Storage Owners Protection

The Florida Self Storage Association (FSSA) and national Self Storage Association (SSA) worked together to help pass Senate Bill (SB) 232, closing a loophole in the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA) that was detrimental to the state’s facility operators. The bill was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 16 and took effect immediately, according to a May 26 email newsletter sent from the SSA to its members.

Several Florida self-storage operators were recently sued for sending reminder emails to customers at times that were prohibited under the FCCPA. A 2023 amendment by the Florida State Legislature forbids any debt-collection communication between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. SB 232 clarifies that emails sent during this time aren’t subject to the mandate.

The FSSA works to ensure the stability and growth of the Florida self-storage industry. In addition to an annual conference and tradeshow, it provides a forum through which members can increase knowledge, exchange information, and promote an established, unified voice, according to association officials.

The SSA represents more than 22,000 U.S. and international member-affiliated self-storage facilities, according to its website. It’s allied with several state and international self-storage associations and has about 6,000 members.