The bill amends Florida Statutes concerning mobile home park tenancies, enhancing the authority of the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes. It allows individuals harmed by violations of state law to file complaints with the Department of Legal Affairs, which is empowered to enforce compliance and establish rules. Key provisions include criteria for courts to evaluate unreasonable rent increases, requirements for mobile home park owners to adopt electronic billing practices, and mandates for transparency regarding expenses and factors influencing rent proposals. Additionally, the bill introduces a mediation framework for disputes between park owners and residents, with the Department of Legal Affairs authorized to appoint mediators if one party declines to mediate.

House Bill 703 also extends the timeframe for park owners to terminate tenancies due to nonpayment of rent from 5 to 10 days after a written demand is issued. It allows payments for lot rent to be made by various individuals or organizations, not limited to the mobile home owner or tenant, and requires park owners to accept these payments. The bill further stipulates that if a mobile home owner or tenant pays the owed rent, including late fees and attorney costs, eviction orders may be denied if nonpayment has not occurred more than twice. Additionally, it increases relocation assistance payments for mobile home owners affected by land use changes and introduces a compensation option for those who abandon their homes under specific conditions, thereby enhancing protections and streamlining processes for mobile home residents.

Statutes affected:
H 703 Filed: 723.005, 723.022, 723.023, 723.038, 723.0611, 723.011