A new proposal in Tallahassee could make it easier for homeowners to dissolve their homeowners’ association. House Bill 657 introduces a formal process that could shift the balance of power back to the residents.

Cape Coral Resident Gina Williams shared why some people shy away from owning within HOAs.

“I think the fees are the first point… the high reserves and lack of feeling like they have voting rights in order to what’s being approved or not approved,” said Gina Williams.

The bill would initiate a petition and voting process to dissolve an HOA. If 20% of homeowners sign the petition, the board must convene a meeting within 60 days. A two-thirds majority vote in favor would then trigger the dissolution process.

“This sounds like it’d be a great idea for them to give them a voice,” said Williams.

Bill Vittetoe, a Fort Myers resident and part of a condominium association, shared his perspective on the potential impact of the proposal.

“If you do away with that and you live in a huge complex, or even a small one, who’s gonna enforce the rules? That’s what condominium associations and HOAs do; that’s their job to make sure everything stays in perfect condition or as much as they can,” said Vittetoe.

Under the proposal, if the community votes to dissolve the HOA, the board would remain temporarily to finalize contracts, settle debts, maintain the property, and close out the association’s business. Once all obligations are fulfilled, any remaining assets will be distributed among homeowners. If the vote to dissolve fails, residents must wait 18 months before attempting again.

Enrique, a Cape Coral HOA homeowner, shared his thoughts on the proposal.

“For those individuals who are in a nightmare HOA, I would say it’s a, it’s a good out for them or a good remedy to bargain with the HOA. This one, I don’t think that’s a problem here,” said Enrique.

The bill also introduces a faster court option for condominium owners to resolve disputes with their boards, although it does not allow them to dissolve their associations.

The proposal aims to provide homeowners with a more transparent and more accessible process to dissolve their HOA if desired. However, some residents express concern that eliminating an HOA could remove the necessary structure for community maintenance and potentially lower property values.