If you live in a homeowners’ association in Florida, proposed legislation could dramatically change how your community operates. House Bill 657 has raised concerns among real estate attorneys and HOA professionals across the state.
What Does House Bill 657 Propose?
This bill would make it significantly easier to dissolve a homeowners’ association. Here’s how:
- Only 20% of homeowners would need to sign a petition requesting termination
- The board would then be required to hold a membership vote within 60 days
- If two-thirds of all voting members approve, the HOA could be terminated
Why This Matters to Homeowners
Homeowners’ associations exist for important reasons. They maintain property values, manage shared amenities, and handle critical infrastructure like drainage systems that local water management districts require. When you purchased your home in an HOA community, you likely appreciated the well-maintained appearance, manicured lawns, and organized amenities.
Dissolving an HOA doesn’t just eliminate rules about parking boats or cleaning driveways—it can impact property values and leave essential community infrastructure without proper management.
Other Concerning Provisions
Beyond the termination process, House Bill 657 would:
Eliminate Pre-Suit Mediation: Currently, most HOA disputes must go through mediation before litigation. This process resolves a majority of disputes at a fraction of the cost of going to court. The bill would remove this requirement.
Create Unfunded Courts: The bill proposes a new “community association court program” without providing any funding mechanism to establish or operate these courts.
Apply Condo Law to HOAs: Starting July 1, 2026, new HOAs would be governed by the Florida Condominium Act—a law designed for a completely different type of property ownership. This could create significant legal confusion.
What You Can Do
If you value your HOA and want to protect your property investment and community standards, contact your Florida legislators and ask them to vote “NO” on House Bill 657.
For questions about how this legislation might affect your specific community, consult with your HOA’s attorney or contact our firm for guidance.
