House Bill 983 amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning homeowners' associations, focusing on governance and election processes. Key provisions include the requirement for the Office of the Condominium Ombudsman to appoint an election monitor upon petition, with costs borne by the homeowners' association. The bill prohibits the suspension of voting rights during board member recall votes and modifies procedures for serving recall agreements and certifying ballots. It also removes previous requirements such as the need for certified mail for recall agreements and the prohibition against electronic notice for meetings. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifies the scope of governing documents, emphasizing property rights and management transparency.

The legislation enhances transparency in real estate transactions by mandating that prospective buyers receive a comprehensive disclosure summary before executing contracts for properties governed by homeowners' associations. This summary must include information about association membership obligations and amenity dues. The bill also establishes that recreational covenants related to privately-owned amenities are not considered governing documents and outlines specific requirements for these covenants. Furthermore, it allows prospective purchasers to void contracts if they do not receive necessary documents in a timely manner. Overall, HB 983 aims to improve governance, accountability, and consumer protection within homeowners' associations in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 983 Filed: 720.3086, 720.401