Legislation by Miami Republican Rep. Juan Porras that would revamp how Florida handles disputes with condo and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) has broad, bipartisan support among Florida voters, new polling shows.
A survey this week by the Civic Data & Research Institute found that more than 3 in 4 Sunshine State voters — 78% — are in favor of the measure’s aims, which include allowing HOA disputes to go directly to court (rather than through pre-lawsuit mediation) and creating a process for homeowners to dissolve their HOA.
Porras’ bill (HB 657) cleared its first House committee with unanimous support Wednesday.
A by-party breakdown of the poll’s results shows the cross-aisle approval was warranted.
According to Civic Data, 82% of Republicans back the changes contemplated in HB 657, with just 18% opposing. Seventy-five percent of Democrats and 77% of third- and no-party voters approve too, with 25% and 23% saying otherwise, respectively.
Civic Research polled 1,001 likely General Election voters online between Jan. 19-22. The survey had a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Republicans composed 45% of respondents, while Democratic and no-party voters respectively made up 31% and 24%. Respondents were 52% female, 65% White, 16% Hispanic, 13% Black, 31% 65 or older and 33% ages 45 to 64.
Thirty-eight percent reported earning less than $50,000, while 36% said they earn $50,000 to $100,000, 15% earn $101,000 to $150,000, and 8% earn more than that.
According to Porras, more than 60% of Florida’s homes are within HOAs, accounting for more than 8 million homeowners statewide.
If passed, HB 657 would create a state-funded court process to address condo and HOA disputes, which would replace the existing pre-lawsuit mediation process required today.
It would also enable homeowners to begin the process of dissolving an HOA with petition signatures from just 20% of members. An election and final approval by a judge would be required after that for an organization to be terminated.
Further, the measure would mandate that HOAs include Kaufman language in their governing documents that require organization bylaws to automatically change in accordance with updates to state law.
HB 657 will next go to the House Civil Justice and Claims Committee.
A similar Senate bill (SB 1498) by Fleming Island Republican Sen. Jennifer Bradley awaits a first committee hearing.
The Civic Data poll comes less than a year and a half after a Tyson National Research Firm found most Floridians like their HOAs and condo associations, with 65% saying they were satisfied with their community association governing bodies.
The post Poll: 78% of voters support overhauling Florida’s HOA dispute rules appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
Disclaimer
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure & Legal Disclaimer
AI Content Policy.
To provide our readers with timely and comprehensive coverage, South Florida Reporter uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in producing certain articles and visual content.
Articles: AI may be used to assist in research, structural drafting, or data analysis. All AI-assisted text is reviewed and edited by our team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our editorial standards.
Images: Any imagery generated or significantly altered by AI is clearly marked with a disclaimer or watermark to distinguish it from traditional photography or editorial illustrations.
General Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service. In no event shall South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service.
The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice. The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components.
