Article Courtesy of  The Hernando Sun

By Nicole Deangelo      

Published January 8, 2026

Homeowners’ associations across Florida were established to maintain shared property, administer common expenses, and preserve community value—not to function as neighborhood governments. Yet in many communities, homeowners increasingly raise concerns that this original mission has blurred.

 

I am a homeowner in the Silverthorn Hernando HOA in Spring Hill, Florida, and like many associations statewide, our community is not immune to disagreements over maintenance priorities, governance practices, financial transparency, and how governing documents are interpreted and applied. These concerns are not unique to any one community and reflect broader issues faced by aging HOAs across the state. Governing documents typically emphasize maintenance, repair, and administration of common areas, while reserving changes that materially affect property rights or financial obligations to the membership. When boards focus more heavily on regulation and rulemaking while infrastructure ages or maintenance is deferred, homeowners naturally question whether associations are remaining aligned with their foundational purpose. Many homeowners also express reluctance to speak publicly about these issues. Across Florida, residents report feeling intimidated by aggressive enforcement tactics, the involvement of association legal counsel, and the perception that associations have access to significantly greater financial resources than individual homeowners. Whether real or perceived, this imbalance can discourage open discussion and transparency within communities.

Similar concerns arise around budgeting and cost allocation, particularly when homeowners seek clarity on how assessments and reserves are being used and whether changes were made with appropriate notice and approval. These are not accusations, but reasonable requests for transparency and consistency.

For these reasons, many homeowners support proposed legislative efforts aimed at improving HOA transparency, accountability, and governance. Homeowners are encouraged to stay informed, participate in public discussion, and communicate respectfully with their elected representatives about issues affecting their communities.

At its core, the question faced by communities across Florida remains a simple one:

Were homeowners’ associations meant to govern people—or to maintain the property they were created to protect?