Legislation moving through the Florida House could give homeowners the power to dissolve their homeowners associations.

House Bill 657, sponsored by State Rep. Juan Porras of Miami, would eliminate mandatory mediation for disputes between homeowners and HOAs and establish a community court system aimed at reducing legal costs. The bill’s most significant provision would allow residents to dissolve their HOAs entirely.

Under the proposal, dissolution would require a petition signed by 20% of community members, followed by a full membership vote with a two-thirds majority needed for approval.

Supporters say the measure would hold poorly managed HOAs accountable. However, real estate professionals have raised concerns about the lack of provisions for maintaining shared amenities after an HOA is eliminated.

Tampa realtor Craig Kincheloe said communities need alternative structures to fund pools, playgrounds and common areas. “Those costs are still out there and still have to be paid if you want these communities maintained,” he said.

More than two million single-family homes in Florida are located in HOA communities, according to Kincheloe. In the Tampa area, over half of homes currently on the market are in HOA neighborhoods.

The bill has passed two House committees since late January and is now before the Budget Committee. It still requires a companion measure to be filed in the Florida Senate, which has not yet occurred.

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