This bill amends various sections of Florida law concerning community associations, with a particular focus on the processes for recalling board members and conducting elections. Key provisions include the prohibition of suspending voting rights during recall votes, ensuring that any prior suspensions do not affect these votes. The bill also eliminates the requirement for a special meeting to be called by a certain percentage of voting interests and allows for electronic transmission as a valid method of notice for meetings. Additionally, it mandates that recall agreements be served on the association via registered mail and establishes a presumption that a unit owner executing a recall agreement is the designated voter for their unit. The legislation aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the recall and election processes within community associations in Florida.

Further amendments streamline procedures for challenging recalls and elections, including immediate court hearings and the ability to seek temporary injunctions while challenges are pending. The bill clarifies board members' responsibilities regarding the turnover of association property upon recall and revises timelines for filing petitions related to recalls. It also modifies eligibility criteria for board membership, stating that individuals who are delinquent in assessments or have felony convictions (unless their civil rights have been restored for at least five years) are ineligible to serve. Overall, the bill seeks to improve governance and accountability within community associations, ensuring a more transparent and efficient process for board member recalls and elections.

Statutes affected:
S 1600 Filed: 720.302, 720.311