‘Failed Experiment’: Florida Committee Unanimously OKs Plan to Scrap HOAs
If approved, HB 657 would take effect July 1

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Florida House committee has unanimously approved a sweeping proposal that could make it significantly easier for homeowners to dissolve their homeowners associations, with the bill’s sponsor calling HOAs a “failed experiment.”

House Bill 657, titled Community Associations, would establish a formal legal pathway for homeowners to terminate their homeowners associations (HOAs) and condominium associations (COAs) if enough members agree. The measure now advances to the full Legislature for consideration.

The bill is sponsored by state Rep. Juan Porras, R-Miami, who has argued that many associations operate with limited transparency and too little accountability to residents. Supporters of the proposal say it empowers property owners who feel trapped in poorly managed or overly restrictive communities.

If passed and signed into law, HB 657 would take effect July 1.

Clear Path to Dissolution

Under the proposal, homeowners could initiate the dissolution process by gathering signatures from at least 50% of voting members in the association. Once that threshold is reached, the HOA would be required to hold a meeting and conduct a vote on a formal termination plan.

To dissolve the association, at least two-thirds of voting members would need to approve the plan. If successful, the HOA’s remaining assets would be distributed among homeowners, and its affairs would be wound down under court supervision.

Currently, dissolving an HOA can be legally complex and often requires navigating restrictive governing documents and state statutes.

Legal and Structural Changes

In addition to outlining a dissolution process, HB 657 would make several broader changes to how associations operate.

The bill would remove certain pre-suit mediation requirements, allowing disputes between homeowners and associations to move more directly into a newly created Community Association Court Program. Lawmakers backing the bill say this would streamline conflict resolution and reduce delays.

The proposal would also require standardized statutory language in governing documents for new associations and for older ones that choose to update their bylaws. Proponents say that would make it clearer how state law applies and reduce confusion for homeowners.

Further provisions aim to increase accountability for association officers and board members. The bill would impose penalties for misuse of association funds, particularly if funds are used to campaign for or against dissolution. It would also establish consequences for withholding records or failing to comply with required procedures.

Debate Ahead

While the bill passed committee unanimously, debate is expected as it moves through the Legislature.

Supporters argue that the measure restores power to homeowners and offers an escape from associations that may be mismanaged or overly aggressive in enforcement.

Critics caution that dissolving HOAs could create new complications. Many associations are responsible for maintaining shared amenities such as pools, roads, landscaping, and stormwater systems. Without an HOA structure, communities may struggle to manage and fund those responsibilities, potentially affecting property values.

HB 657 must still pass the full Florida House and Senate before heading to the governor’s desk. If approved, the changes would take effect July 1, potentially reshaping how community governance functions across the state.