I live in an HOA and it comes with benefits and issues yet we choose to live here because the benefits outweigh the issues from our perspective.
This week Tallahassee has started talking about major changes to how HOA neighborhoods are run. When politicians start talking about legislating me and my neighborhood — I sit up straight and pay attention. And friends… HB 657 is a whopper.
Lawmakers say it will fix long-standing HOA problems and give homeowners more power.
Maybe it will.
But it also opens doors that we’d better look through very carefully before anyone marches this bill across the finish line.
Here is my breakdown — the good, the bad, and the questions every homeowner should be asking right now.
THE GOOD: Things Homeowners Might Celebrate
1. A special court just for HOA battles
No more spending thousands of dollars to fight over a fence, a roof color, or a board that won’t answer emails.
HB 657 creates a Community Association Court — a streamlined system with trained arbitrators.
If it works as promised, this could mean:
- Faster resolutions
- Lower costs
- Less drama
- Fewer bullies with power
That’s a win for the regular folks.
2. A real path to dissolve a dysfunctional HOA
Right now, getting rid of an HOA is like trying to drain the Atlantic with a teaspoon.
HB 657 finally gives homeowners a clear, statewide process:
- Petition → Super-majority vote → Court review
- A trustee handles the finances and loose ends
- Everyone knows the rules
For neighborhoods trapped under bad leadership, this could be the first breath of fresh air in years.
3. More oversight and cleaner rules
The bill forces standard language in governing documents and tightens rules on what boards can and cannot do.
Translation:
Fewer surprises. Fewer tricks. More transparency.
THE BAD (OR AT LEAST THE “HOLD ON JUST A MINUTE…”)
1. No more required mediation
Right now, HOAs must try mediation before dragging people to court.
HB 657 scraps that.
Maybe that stops stalling.
But it also might mean:
- More lawsuits
- More expenses
- More tension in the neighborhood block party line
If this new court system gets overwhelmed, we’re right back where we started — only with more frustration.
2. HOA termination could be misused
Here’s the part where I raise an eyebrow:
Opening the door for HOA termination creates opportunity…
…for homeowners
…and for developers.
Florida has already seen how condo terminations can be abused by investors looking to scoop up property. HOAs could be next if safeguards aren’t rock-solid.
Not everyone wants their neighborhood bulldozed for “future development.”
3. Who takes care of the roads and ponds if an HOA disappears?
If the HOA goes poof:
- Does the county take over?
- Do we get slapped with new taxes?
- Do stormwater ponds sit neglected?
This isn’t a small detail — it’s the backbone of neighborhood safety and property values.
4. Who chooses these new arbitrators?
A specialized court is great…
if it’s truly fair.
We need answers:
- Who appoints the arbitrators?
- Can homeowners appeal their decisions?
- Will homeowners need lawyers?
- Is this really simpler or just a different maze?
These details matter — big time and another layer of bureaucracy has never been a good thing…just sayin!
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HOA BOARD (YES, REALLY ASK THEM)
Email them. Bring them to the next meeting. Put them on the agenda.
1. Has the board reviewed HB 657, and what do they think about it?
If they shrug… that’s a concern.
2. What would happen in our neighborhood if the HOA dissolved?
Be specific: ponds, streets, stormwater, insurance, common areas.
3. Do our governing documents match what the bill will require?
4. Could investor groups gather enough votes to force a termination here?
5. Would removing mediation increase legal costs for our community?
6. How will this new court impact our budget and reserves?
Boards should be able to answer these questions — and if they can’t, homeowners deserve to know why.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE
They’re hearing from lobbyists and lawyers.
They need to hear from homeowners.
1. How will this new HOA court be funded and overseen?
2. What protections exist for seniors and homesteaded owners during termination?
3. Who maintains neighborhood infrastructure if an HOA dies?
4. How will you prevent investor abuse or forced terminations?
5. Why eliminate mediation instead of improving it?
6. Can homeowners participate without a lawyer, or will this get more complicated?
Lawmakers need to answer these questions before they celebrate this bill as “the fix.”
FINAL THOUGHT — FROM ONE HOA HOMEOWNER TO ANOTHER
Big reforms always sound great in a press release.
But we — the people who actually live in these communities — are the ones who deal with the fallout when the details aren’t fully baked.
HB 657 has real potential, both good and risky.
Let’s make sure Tallahassee hears from the homeowners who will live with the consequences — not just the people who write the checks or lobby the committees.
See the Press Release about this bill here.
