There is also a social dimension: homeowners associations help build harmony and connection. Common areas such as clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, pickleball courts, walking trails, art studios, and resident-led clubs foster everyday connections. Decades of public health research link social connection to better mental and physical outcomes; by design, association-governed neighborhoods make those connections easier and more frequent, supporting a healthier and more resilient population.
The Florida Legislative Alliance recognizes that while many communities operate smoothly, there is still a need to remedy those that don’ t. But the policy question is whether abolition is the most effective remedy. Shifting billions of dollars in private upkeep to public budgets would require rapid, complex reassignments of legal and financial obligations. Local governments would need to inventory and assume responsibility for roads, drainage systems, lighting, and amenities built to varying standards and ages. Insurance and reserve funding— perpetual challenges even within associations— would become public headaches. Meanwhile, residents who purchased homes with the expectation of certain services and design standards could find those expectations upended. Last, since associations exist via private contracts, abolishing them in statute would most likely be unconstitutional since the legislature cannot pass a law that infringes or impedes a contract.
A more targeted path would focus on reform instead of eradication. Lawmakers could strengthen the process around
elections and expand low-cost dispute resolution for HOAs, so conflicts don’ t spiral into lawsuits. We will also encourage continued transparency rules, reasonable board education, developer transition clarity and financial reporting standards. CAI and the Florida Legislative Alliance will continue to support constructive, evidence-based improvements that keep neighborhoods strong. Florida thrives in no small part because neighbors choose to work together, pooling resources to maintain shared infrastructure and create the amenities that knit a community together. The Florida Legislative Alliance will work to channel the energy behind Porras’ s critique into practical, homeowner-first reforms. Fix what’ s broken, safeguard what works, and let Floridians decide— community by community— how they want to live together.
The Community Association’ s Institute’ s Florida Legislative Alliance( CAI-FLA) was formed in 1987 to provide perspective on how proposed legislation could impact people living and working in community associations. CAI-FLA is comprised of a diverse group of homeowner leaders, community managers and business partners representing all parts of the state. Each of FL’ s 8 CAI chapters nominates 2 delegates plus 4 at large members for a total of 20 delegates. This year, the chair of the Alliance is Chuck Schumacher, CMCA, AMS, CAM, a community manager from Naples. The two West Florida Chapter Delegates were Connie Morrow, a homeowner leader from Bradenton, who sadly passed away in August, and Matt Kuisle, a Reserve Specialist from Tampa.
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