Today, Florida condo owners have a new tool to rein in their out-of-control association.    A new law just signed by the Governor this week promises to protect owners' interest, their investment and their rights. The new law contains a lot of changes, but one of the most important is that it gives owners better access to financial records, so they can see exactly how their board is spending their money. The law contains as well these provisions:

• Destroying Accounting Records = $5,000 Fine

• Stealing Association Money = Removal From Office

• Boards Can't Use Association Money For Lawsuits Against Owners Who Speak Out Against Association Issues.

The new Condo Law will go into effect October 1, 2008.

The House Select Committee heard as well complaints against homeowners' associations. Legislation to overhaul the HOA laws stalled in the Senate, but supporters of the new laws say they are not going to let the issue die. They will try again next session. 

Note: The report states that lobbyist Travis Moore is working for Florida's Condo Associations. This is not correct.

Travis Moore is the lobbyist for:

Community Association Leadership Lobby (CALL -- the lobbying arm of the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff) and the 

Community Associations Institute (CAI -- Trade organization of the Association Service Providers). 

Moore, as a lobbyist for these organizations, actually fought a lot of the provisions that are included in the new statutes.