HOMEOWNERS living in HOA neighborhoods in one state are set to see some relief from overzealous management boards. Residents in Florida are set to benefit from a new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday that cracks down on hefty HOA fines that can lead to late fees, legal fees, and property liens. HB 1203 will come into effect on July 1 and is hoped to put an end to HOA horror stories of homeowners receiving huge fines for petty issues.
It was unanimously approved by the House and Senate earlier this year after Representative Tiffany Esposito proposed the bill. Under HB 1203, HOAs will have improved transparency with members and will be unable to enforce and issue problematic rules and fines. The bill "includes some of the strongest reforms in state history," the Republican told the Sun Sentinel .
"These associations are rightfully under the microscope because of their impact on the greatest investment Floridians will ever make, their home. "Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ signature, we have empowered homeowners and increased transparency and accountability across homeowners associations in our state." It is one of several bills introduced to address problems with HOAs such as a new law forcing associations to allow homeowners to make home hardening improvements against hurricanes .
Under the latest bill, eight major changes will directly benefit homeowners in just a few weeks. For example, HOAs will no longer be able to selectively enforce rules with certain resident.