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FRAUD, SCAMS, KICKBACKS and EMBEZZLEMENT runs rampant in Florida's community associations. But the Florida Legislature is obviously not interested in protecting the associations and owners against it. For the 2025 Legislative Session various bills had been filed trying to get law enforcement involved. HB 983 and SB 368 were bills filed for this legislative session trying to make these efforts state-wide. Both bills had the strong support of many of Florida's law enforcement agencies. But neither House nor Senate leadership seems to be interested in fighting crime in community associations. SB 368 didn't even get a committee hearing, while HB 983 had two very strong committee showings, only to die a silent death in the 3rd committee, where the bill was placed on the agenda but was then suddenly "not considered". I really wonder who killed this bill behind closed doors. Obviously quite a lot of Florida's legislators think that crime in community associations is absolutely ok! But not so Miami-Dade County! LAW ENFORCEMENT in Miami-Dade has shown that they are quickly going after BAD ACTORS. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has a great record of going after bad actors in community associations -- just remember the case of the HAMMOCKS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. During a town hall meeting in Doral in 2024 John Perikles, the Division Chief of the ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT, made it very clear that he will prosecute any bad actor in a community association to the fullest extent of the law. (See VIDEO) Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz had promised in her campaign running for office to combating this type of crime a priority. She kept her election promise. A special webpage was created, inviting owners to report crime in their association: "How to Report HOA and Condo Fraud". See as well: A Message From Your Sheriff: Transparency, Integrity and Service City of Homestead Police Department Launches HOA/Condo Fraud Investigative Unit In April 2025, the City of Homestead Police Department established a dedicated investigative unit to address concerns related to fraud within Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and Condominium Associations. The newly formed unit currently comprises one Sergeant and one Detective, and is currently in the process of hiring a Financial Investigative Analyst. This initiative reflects the Department's commitment to safeguarding property owners and ensuring transparency and accountability within residential associations. Property owners who suspect fraudulent activity within their HOA or Condo Association are encouraged to contact the unit directly via email at [email protected]. CONDO/HOA 101 FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
In 2007, under the Leadership of State Representative Julio Robaina, a similar attempt was made to teach law enforcement officers to investigate and prosecute criminal activities in community associations. Click here to see the information that was given to law enforcement officers at that time: THE PILOT PROGRAM "HOW TO CATCH A THIEF"
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