Florida’s New HOA Fine and Transparency Bill: Condo Commandos Take A Major Hit

Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new bill into law that significantly changes Florida’s homeowners association (HOA) regulations, marking a major shift in the balance of power between homeowners and HOAs.

## Limiting HOA Fines

The new law, HB 1203, limits certain fines imposed by HOAs. Residents can no longer be fined for leaving out trash cans within 24 hours before or after collection time, or for leaving holiday decorations up for longer than indicated in governing documents, unless the decorations remain more than a week after a written notice.[4]

## Increasing Transparency

HOAs with over 100 parcels must post online their articles of incorporation, bylaws, covenants, rules, budgets, and other documents by January 1, 2025, making it easier for homeowners to access important information.[4] The law also requires HOAs to provide a detailed accounting of any amounts owed by homeowners upon request, or waive outstanding fines if they fail to do so within 10 days.[1]

## Changes to Vehicle Parking Rules

The law prohibits HOAs from banning residents from parking personal vehicles, including pickup trucks or work vehicles that aren’t commercial, on the property.[4] It also allows first responders to park their assigned vehicles on public roads or HOA property.[4]

## Restrictions on Interior Rules

HOAs can no longer set requirements or rules for the inside of a home that are not visible from the outside or from neighboring homes, giving condo owners more freedom to personalize their living spaces.[4]

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3qm880_0tdHVlQc00

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0gD5la_0tdHVlQc00

By limiting certain fines, increasing transparency, changing vehicle parking rules, and restricting interior rules, this law represents a significant step towards protecting the rights of homeowners in Florida and making HOAs more accountable and fair to residents.[4] The law takes effect on July 1, marking a major hit to the power of “condo commandos” in the state.

Sources

[1]  https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3qm880_0tdHVlQc00

[2]  https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0gD5la_0tdHVlQc00

[3] Florida bill to limit HOA fines, increase transparency heads to DeSantis https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=3_cc-session_ee7b49f2-2474-4897-a9af-8624bed63697

[4] Florida bill to limit HOA fines, increase transparency heads to DeSantis https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/florida-bill-to-limit-hoa-fines-increase-transparency-heads-to-desantis/

[5] FL HOA Laws Update 2024: What You Need to Know! – Rockaway Inc https://www.rockawayinc.com/hoa/2024-new-florida-hoa-laws/

[6] Florida HOAs may not prohibit hurricane shutters, roofs under new law https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2024/05/30/florida-hoa-hurricane-hardening-new-law/73904003007/

[7] Florida bill aimed at giving some rights back to homeowners … – Yahoo https://www.yahoo.com/news/florida-bill-aimed-giving-rights-023251733.html