Bill > S0120

This bill creates the Office of the Homeowners' Association Ombudsman within the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes, which will be led by an attorney appointed by the Governor. The ombudsman will have broad powers to support and oversee homeowners' associations, including accessing division files, preparing reports and recommendations, acting as a liaison between various stakeholders, monitoring association elections, and helping resolve disputes. The office will be funded by the division's trust fund, and the ombudsman and staff are prohibited from engaging in political activities or other professional work that could conflict with their duties. Importantly, the bill allows homeowners' associations to request an election monitor if 15% of voting interests or six parcel owners petition for one, with all associated costs paid by the association. The election monitor can be a division employee, an election monitoring specialist, or a licensed attorney who will oversee the election process. The goal is to provide a neutral resource to help parcel owners, associations, and board members understand their rights and responsibilities, and to facilitate dispute resolution before formal legal action becomes necessary. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/120