The 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. The department is authorized to contract with private entities or hire personnel to achieve the program's goals. Individuals can submit complaints to the Office of the Condominium and Homeowners Ombudsman, which will review and forward relevant complaints to the department for further investigation. The 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will be funded through the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes Trust Fund and is set to be repealed on October 2, 2030, unless renewed by the Legislature.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 various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the powers and responsibilities of the Office of the Condominium and Homeowners Ombudsman, including the requirement for the division to forward complaints alleging economic crime, fraud, or corruption to the Ombudsman. It introduces new definitions, clarifies the enforcement of fines and penalties for violations by parcel owners, and specifies the procedures for filing liens for unpaid assessments. Notably, it requires associations to provide written notice of late assessments and allows tenants to pay rent directly to the association in cases of delinquent assessments. The bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and fairness in the management of condominium and homeowners associations, with an effective date of 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