A new bill filed in the Florida Legislature could give homeowners the ability to vote their homeowners association out of existence.House Bill 657, introduced last week by state Rep. Juan Porras, would create the “Homeowners Association Dissolution and Accountability Act.”The measure is designed to give residents more control over their property and increase transparency in HOA operations. Port Orange resident Gean Boggs said, “HOAs do aggravate people sometimes, but they do keep things in order.”Under the proposal, a petition signed by 20% of homeowners in a community would require the HOA board to hold a meeting within 60 days. If two-thirds of all members agree, the HOA could be dissolved. Boards would be responsible for liquidating assets, paying debts, handling final contracts and maintaining or demolishing unsafe properties. Any remaining funds would be distributed among homeowners.The bill also includes penalties for HOA officers who use association funds to influence the outcome of a termination vote, with fines of up to $5,000 per violation.Supporters say the legislation empowers homeowners and addresses frustrations over restrictive HOA rules.Real estate professionals caution that dissolving HOAs could have unintended consequences. Realtors say associations play a key role in maintaining community amenities, appearance and property values. Wes Stricklen, a local Realtor with Xcellence Realty, said, “HOAs to me are just not rules on paper. I think they help neighborhoods stay strong, safe and hold property values very well.”Stricklen added that even discussions about dissolving HOAs could influence buyer decisions and home prices in Central Florida.The bill has not yet been assigned to committees, and no Senate companion has been filed. If it becomes law, it would not take effect until July 2026.Lawmakers expect that the measure could spark a larger debate over HOA reform when the legislative session begins next month, with more bills potentially on the way.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —
A new bill filed in the Florida Legislature could give homeowners the ability to vote their homeowners association out of existence.
House Bill 657, introduced last week by state Rep. Juan Porras, would create the “Homeowners Association Dissolution and Accountability Act.”
The measure is designed to give residents more control over their property and increase transparency in HOA operations.
Port Orange resident Gean Boggs said, “HOAs do aggravate people sometimes, but they do keep things in order.”
Under the proposal, a petition signed by 20% of homeowners in a community would require the HOA board to hold a meeting within 60 days. If two-thirds of all members agree, the HOA could be dissolved. Boards would be responsible for liquidating assets, paying debts, handling final contracts and maintaining or demolishing unsafe properties. Any remaining funds would be distributed among homeowners.
The bill also includes penalties for HOA officers who use association funds to influence the outcome of a termination vote, with fines of up to $5,000 per violation.
Supporters say the legislation empowers homeowners and addresses frustrations over restrictive HOA rules.
Real estate professionals caution that dissolving HOAs could have unintended consequences. Realtors say associations play a key role in maintaining community amenities, appearance and property values.
Wes Stricklen, a local Realtor with Xcellence Realty, said, “HOAs to me are just not rules on paper. I think they help neighborhoods stay strong, safe and hold property values very well.”
Stricklen added that even discussions about dissolving HOAs could influence buyer decisions and home prices in Central Florida.
The bill has not yet been assigned to committees, and no Senate companion has been filed. If it becomes law, it would not take effect until July 2026.
Lawmakers expect that the measure could spark a larger debate over HOA reform when the legislative session begins next month, with more bills potentially on the way.