A Miami lawmaker says it may be time to do away with homeowners associations in Florida altogether.

Republican Rep. Juan Carlos Porras argues HOAs have become overly controlling, mismanaged, and lack transparency.

“People just want to live in the free state of Florida without authoritarian boards telling them what they can and can’t do with their house,” Porras said.

Porras previously championed the Homeowners Association Bill of Rights, passed two years ago to improve transparency and accountability. But now, he says he’s “very likely” to file legislation next year to abolish HOAs entirely. The 2026 legislative session begins Jan. 13.

If HOAs are eliminated, their responsibilities—such as maintaining streets, sidewalks, pools, and trash collection—would have to shift to local governments, private clubs, or disappear altogether. Porras believes those alternatives could be cheaper and more effective for residents.

But industry leaders warn the plan would create more problems than it solves. Dawn Bauman, CEO of the Community Associations Institute, said dismantling HOAs would be legally complex and could lead to higher property taxes if cities and counties were to take on those services.

“In Florida, homeowner satisfaction with associations is actually higher than the national average,” Bauman said, adding that state law already requires transparent elections and accountability.

Still, Porras argues that enforcement is weak and many HOAs continue to frustrate residents. “I think people across the state are tired of what’s been going on,” he said.

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