The proposed bill establishes the Condominium and Homeowners Association Economic Crime, Fraud, and Corruption Investigation Pilot Program within the Department of Legal Affairs in Florida. This program is designed to investigate economic crimes, fraud, and corruption associated with condominium and homeowners associations. It allows the department to contract with private entities or hire personnel for program objectives and mandates that complaints be submitted to the Office of the Condominium and Homeowners Ombudsman for review and further investigation. The pilot program will be funded through the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes Trust Fund and is set to be repealed on October 2, 2030, unless renewed by the Legislature. The bill also amends existing statutes to enhance oversight, requiring a searchable database of condominium associations and revising the powers of the Division to monitor compliance and levy fines.

Additionally, the bill introduces several amendments to improve transparency and accountability within community associations. It clarifies the procedures for filing liens for unpaid assessments, ensuring property owners receive written notice and have the opportunity to pay owed amounts before a lien is filed. The bill also modifies financial reporting requirements for developers and associations, mandates that associations keep specific records for at least seven years, and allows tenants to pay rent directly to associations if property owners are delinquent. Furthermore, it clarifies the liability of first mortgagees for unpaid assessments and updates the powers and duties of homeowners' associations regarding record maintenance and access. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 368 Filed: 718.111, 718.1224, 718.5011, 718.5012, 718.509, 720.302, 720.305, 720.3085, 720.3086, 336.125, 558.002, 617.0725, 697.07, 702.10, 718.116