• Parks and Common Areas: Transfer of maintenance and liability will create recurring fiscal impacts.
• Administrative Burden: Implementation of the new court program and related property record transfers would require additional funding and staff. This represents an unfunded mandate under Article VII, § 18( a), Florida Constitution, as the bill transfers private financial burdens to public entities without state funding.
Recommendations – Oppose Bill
As filed, CAI opposes this bill. Some possible amendments that may help include:
1. remove the Condominium governance Clause. 2. require local government Consent before any HoA termination involving public infrastructure. 3. Include Infrastructure Transition Standards mandating funding or bonding before transfer of assets. 4. restore Presuit Mediation to reduce litigation and court congestion. 5. Commission a Fiscal Impact Study by the office of economic and Demographic research.
Conclusion HB 657 would substantially alter Florida’ s HoA governance framework, create overlapping regulatory schemes, and expose local governments to significant financial liability. The bill risks constitutional challenges on mpairment of contract, due process, and unfunded mandate grounds. If you are interested in following along on the outcome of this and other bills, click here: caionline. org / advocacy / floridalegislative-resources / florida-legislative-issue-tracking /
To learn who represents you in government or to become an advocacy ambassador for community associations, go to: caionline. org / advocacy / take-action /
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