The Florida House approved legislation Thursday that would curtail the powers of homeowners’ associations, though the bill faces an uncertain path in the Senate.

The bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Juan Porras (R-Miami), argued that HOA board presidents currently wield unchecked authority, leaving residents with little recourse against excessive fines or liens. The legislation would move HOA disputes to a new state-run court and allow residents to petition to dissolve their HOA through a supermajority vote.

Critics, including State Rep. Lindsay Cross (D-St. Petersburg), raised concerns that the dissolution provision could create unfunded mandates for local governments, which would absorb responsibilities previously handled by HOAs.

According to state analysts, nearly half of Florida’s population lives under HOA governance.

For the bill to reach Gov. Ron DeSantis’s desk, the Florida Senate would need to pass companion legislation — something the Senate bill’s own sponsor acknowledges faces long odds.

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