Rep. Porras Announces Filing of Bill Strengthening HOA Regulations

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.

"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.

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.