Bill > H0137

This bill creates the Office of the Homeowners' Association Ombudsman within the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes, to be appointed by the Governor and staffed by an attorney who is prohibited from engaging in conflicting political or professional activities. The ombudsman will have broad powers including accessing division records, employing staff, preparing reports and recommendations, acting as a liaison between homeowners' associations and their members, monitoring association elections, and helping resolve disputes. Specifically, the bill establishes that 15% of voting interests or six parcel owners can request an election monitor for their association's annual meeting, with all monitoring costs paid by the association. The ombudsman will be tasked with developing educational resources, facilitating voluntary dispute resolution, and serving as a neutral resource to help parcel owners, board members, and associations understand their rights and responsibilities. The office is designed to provide oversight and support for homeowners' associations, with the goal of improving transparency, communication, and conflict resolution within these communities. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving time for the office to be established and prepared to serve homeowners' associations across Florida.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/137