Florida Lawmaker Weighs Statewide Ban on Homeowners’ Associations

TALLAHASSEE, FL — A South Florida lawmaker is drawing attention statewide after announcing he is considering legislation that would abolish homeowners’ associations (HOAs) across Florida.

Rep. Juan C. Porras (R–Miami) said this week he is “seriously considering legislation to repeal Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs),” adding that in his view, the private governing boards too often overstep their bounds.

“In the Free State of Florida, we should not have authoritarian boards dictate your day-to-day life with no accountability,” Porras said.

HOAs have been a fixture of Florida neighborhoods for decades, particularly in planned developments and gated communities. Their boards typically enforce rules on property upkeep, parking, home appearances, and common area use — all with the goal of maintaining property values.

The associations, however, have long been a source of frustration for some residents, who argue that the rules can be overly restrictive and the enforcement heavy-handed. In recent years, disputes over HOA fines, foreclosures, and board transparency have prompted calls for reform.

Eliminating HOAs would be unprecedented in the United States and could raise significant legal and logistical challenges. Florida is home to more than 49,000 HOAs, according to the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, collectively representing millions of property owners. Without them, responsibility for community amenities and maintenance — such as landscaping, pools, and private roads — could become unclear.

Porras’s proposal has yet to be filed as a formal bill, but his remarks have already sparked debate. Supporters argue a ban would free homeowners from what they see as unnecessary oversight, while opponents warn that abolishing HOAs could erode property values and destabilize neighborhoods.

If introduced, the measure would likely face strong opposition from developers, real estate interests, and many homeowners who see HOAs as essential to preserving community standards. Still, Porras’s comments mark one of the boldest challenges yet to the powerful system of neighborhood governance that has shaped modern Florida living.