A handful of real estate bills enacted by the 2000 Florida Legislature went into effect Oct. 1, 2000.

 Among the new laws are real estate related issues that cover pool safety and condominium unit unpaid assessments. Here's a recap:

 • Pool Safety (SB 86)  This requires new residential swimming pools, hot tubs and non-portable spas to be equipped with at least one of the following: a pool barrier; an exit alarm on all doors and windows with pool access; an approved safety cover; or self‑closing and self-latching doors with pool access.

 Pools that do not have one of these safety devices will not pass final inspection nor will they receive a certificate of completion. Cost to pool buyers will range from $50 for the least expensive alarm to $5,000 for the most expensive safety device.

 The legislation also requires pool contractors and builders of new homes equipped with pools to provide buyers with a notice that outlines the requirements of the law, advice on how to prevent a drowning and the responsibilities of pool owners for making their pool safe.

 The law does not apply to existing pools, however, of which there are an estimated one million in the state.

 • Condominium Unit Unpaid Assessments (CSISSB 680)  This Legislation clarifies that a third party purchaser will still be jointly and civilly liable with the previous owner for any unpaid assessments. A first mortgagee,  which joined the condominium association as a defendant in the foreclosure action, will be accountable for only up to 1 percent of the original mortgage debt for any unpaid assessments. The 1 percent limitation will also be applied to a subsequent holder of the mortgage.

 Lead Based Paint Disclosure
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued additional information about the requirements for lead­based paint hazard notification, evaluation and reduction in federally owned residential properties and housing receiving federal assistance.

 In response to a request by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) to review contracts used in California, the two agencies included the clarifications in a guidance document, suggesting they intend for the principles to apply beyond California, NAR analysts say.

 The first concerns the timing of the disclosure of a potential hazard. The agencies say that disclosure may be made after the contract is accepted as long as the buyer retains an unconditional right to terminate the contract without penalty for three days after receipt of the disclosure.

 The agencies also reaffirmed that buyers must be given the opportunity to have 10 days to complete a lead inspection. The inspection period can be modified by mutual agreement.