Wrap-Up of 2018 Legislative Changes for Community Associations
By Dan Rich
On March 23, 2018, Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 841 into law. House Bill 841, which shall take effect on July 1, 2018, makes numerous alterations to a number of statutes regulating certain community associations (i.e. cooperatives, condominiums and homeowners associations; however, House Bill 841 does not amend Chapter 723, which relates to mobile home parks). Below are some of the highlights of House Bill 841:
Fines and Suspensions: A fine approved by the fining committee of a homeowner, condominium or cooperative association is due five (5) days after the date of said committee meeting at which the fine was approved. Sections 718.303(3)(b), 719.303(3)(b) and 720.305(2)(b), Florida Statutes. If the fine is not paid after the five (5) days said fine can be assessed for each day the violator continues to not comply with the association’s governing documents. Once the fine reaches a total of one thousand dollars ($1,000), the association can then proceed to place a lien on the violator’s property in accordance with Florida law.
Notice of Meetings: A homeowners association, or HOA, is allowed to give notice by email to any parcel owner who has previously provided written consent and an email address to the HOA for the purpose of receiving notices. Section 720.303(2)(c)1., Florida Statutes. Condominium and cooperative associations were previously permitted to do so.
Official Records: A condominium association must permanently maintain the following documents since inception of the association (as opposed to the general requirement of seven (7) years of retention): (i) a copy of the articles of incorporation, declaration of covenants, bylaws and rules and regulations, if any, of the association; (ii) meeting minutes; and (iii) a copy of all plans, permits, warranties and other items provided by the developer at turnover. Section 718.111(12), Florida Statutes.
Board Member Communication: Members of the board of directors for cooperative associations and HOAs are permitted to utilize email as a means of communication; but, a director may not cast a vote on an association matter via email. Sections 719.106(1)(c) and 720.303(2)(a), Florida Statutes.
Term Limits: The provision that a condominium board member may not serve more than four consecutive 2-year terms was repealed by House Bill 841. Now, condominium board members may not serve more than eight (8) consecutive years, unless approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of unit owners or there are not enough eligible candidates to fill said vacancy. Section 718.112(2)(d)2., Florida Statutes.
Electric Vehicles: Condominium associations are now permitted to authorize the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles in limited common element parking spaces at the expense of the unit owner to which the parking space is assigned. Additionally, condominium associations may not prohibit unit owners from installing electric vehicle charging stations within limited common element parking spaces, provided that such installations must comply with Section 718.113(8), Florida Statutes.
HOA Elections: If an election is not required by the association’s by-laws because there are fewer or an equal number of candidates than the number of vacancies on the board to be filled, and nominations from the floor are not mandated by the association’s by-laws, then write-in nominations are not permitted and the candidates will commence service on the board regardless of whether a quorum is attained at the meeting in which the directors are elected. Section 720.306(9)(a), Florida Statutes.
Modifications: If a condominium declaration does not outline a procedure to approve material alterations to condominium property, then approval by seventy-five percent (75%) of the voting interests must be obtained prior to the material alterations to the property may begin. Section 718.113(2), Florida Statutes.
In addition to the provisions highlighted above, House Bill 841 contains other changes to Florida’s community association statutes. Persons who reside or own property within a homeowners, condominium or cooperative association should take time to review House Bill 841. The full text of this Bill is available for free on the Florida Legislature’s website (Link: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/00841). If you have questions about the new laws or how they may impact you or your community, you should consider consulting an attorney who is knowledgeable in Florida community association law for guidance.
- The Basics Surrounding Homeowners Association Turnovers. - July 12, 2018
- Enforcing community association rules by imposing fines. - May 31, 2018
- Wrap-Up of 2018 Legislative Changes for Community Associations - April 19, 2018