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Article
Courtesy of The Floridian
By Michael Costeines
Published March 13, 2025
Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) announced the filing of
HB 983, a legislation designed to reform Florida's Homeowners Association (HOA)
by enhancing enforcement, improving transparency, and empowering residents
with stronger rights.
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"As Florida continues
to grow, it is critical that our HOA system is fair,
transparent, and accessible to all residents," Porra said in
a press release. "HB 983 introduces key reforms that address
persistent challenges in HOA governance, ensuring that
homeowners are protected from unfair practices and have a
greater say in the communities they call home."
Juan Carlos Porras added HB 983 seeks to "ensure that HOAs
operate accountable while providing homeowners with the
necessary tools to protect their interests."
The bill would authorize local law enforcement agencies to
investigate, audit, and inspect HOAs within their
jurisdictions. The release noted this would provide
oversight to enforce compliance under state law.
Furthermore, HB 983 would reform the recall process by
adjusting voting regulations and quorum requirements, thus
preventing board members from stalling or obstructing
recalls. |
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State Representative Juan Carlos Porras (R-119 Miami)
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In his statement, Porras mentioned the bill's
introduction of "One Way Attorney's Fees", a provision that allows
homeowners to recuperate legal costs after winning lawsuits against their
HOA, which he says will decrease the financial burden on residents seeking
legal recourse.
The release said HOAs have been poorly run because of financial
mismanagement, fraudulent activity, lack of transparency, and obstruction of
homeowner rights, thus adding more stress for residents.
On those points, HB 983 would increase transparency by requiring prospective
homebuyers to receive significant HOA documentation and records before
finalizing a property, which it says will guarantee the prospective
homebuyer understands their obligation before purchasing.
The bill specifies it strengthens Florida Statute 720, which requires legal
protections for homeowners and guarantees that HOA laws are honored.
"HB 983 will require more transparency for prospective homebuyers, grants
enforcement authority to local law enforcement, and completely reforms the
recall process among many other critical reforms," Porras added on X. "This
bill is reflective of the momentum behind HOA reform here in Florida and I
am honored to continue tackling the issue!"
If passed, HB 983 would take effect on July 1.
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