The bill CS/CS/CS/CS/HB 657 introduces comprehensive amendments to Florida's laws governing community associations, particularly homeowners' and condominium associations. It establishes a new section, 712.13, which mandates the termination of governing documents for dissolved homeowners' associations and requires the clerk of the circuit court to record this termination. The bill also stipulates that exclusive easements held by a dissolved association revert to the servient estate under specific conditions. Additionally, it retroactively applies these changes to associations dissolved before, on, or after July 1, 2026. Other key provisions include the requirement for condominium associations to conduct structural integrity reserve studies every ten years for buildings of three habitable stories or higher, and the introduction of a community association court program to streamline dispute resolution.

Further amendments focus on enhancing transparency and accountability within community associations. The bill removes presuit mediation requirements and mandates that associations maintain adequate records, allowing members to make electronic copies without incurring charges. It also introduces penalties for non-compliance with record requests from law enforcement and clarifies the process for amending governing documents. Notably, the bill specifies that contracts for the sale of residential units must include disclosures regarding milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies, with provisions for voidability if these requirements are not met. Overall, the bill aims to improve governance, protect property rights, and ensure the safety and structural integrity of residential buildings in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 657 Filed: 720.302, 720.303, 720.306, 720.311, 34.01
H 657 c1: 720.302, 720.306, 720.311, 34.01
H 657 c2: 720.302, 720.306, 720.311, 34.01, 336.125, 558.002, 617.0601, 617.0701, 617.0721, 617.0725, 617.0808, 617.1606, 718.116, 720.3085
H 657 c3: 720.302, 720.306, 720.311, 34.01, 336.125, 617.0601, 617.0701, 617.0721, 617.0725, 617.0808, 617.1606, 718.116, 720.3085
H 657 c4: 718.111, 718.112, 718.128, 719.106, 720.302, 720.3035, 720.306, 720.311, 34.01, 336.125, 558.002, 617.0601, 617.0701, 617.0721, 617.0725, 617.0808, 617.1606, 718.116, 720.3085
H 657 e1: 718.111, 718.112, 718.128, 719.106, 720.302, 720.3035, 720.306, 720.311, 336.125, 558.002, 617.0601, 617.0701, 617.0721, 617.0725, 617.0808, 617.1606, 718.116, 720.3085