By unanimous vote, the City of Doral recently approved a resolution to strongly urge the Florida Legislature to pass of a bill that would enact a review of Homeowner Associations throughout the state including those operating in Doral.
Sponsored by City of Doral Vice Mayor Claudia Mariaca, the initiative supports residents in their quest for more efficient and effective management in neighborhoods, as HOA’s would be required greater transparency in governance and the handling of day- to-day business. Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez has been a firm advocate and lead city council on making this topic a legislative priority in regards to proposals the city made to the Florida State Legislature.
If passed at the state level, this law would affect and estimated two million homes in Florida; and in Doral, would impact 90 percent of the 136 communities that currently operate under some form of HOA. When HOA’s do not function as planned, homeowners pay a heavy toll in court fines, liens, and even foreclosures. For this, oversight, government regulations, mandatory training for volunteer association boards, background checks, and financial accountability need to be put in place to ensure that the HOA’s are managed well.
Gabriel Rodriguez, president of the Doral Isles Community Association, stated, “We thank the mayor and councilmembers for taking a proactive approach with Resolution 19-48 in urging the legislature to review the current legislation as it relates to HOA’s. The current lack of legislation and oversight on the operations of HOAs allow for far too many abuses of power and corruption to go unchecked, as there is no governing body that comprehensively regulates HOA activity.
“Unscrupulous Board members, HOA management companies, and HOA attorneys skirt the law and cause irreparable damage to the communities they are entrusted to manage. It is imperative that the state legislature immediately review and enact new legislation to regulate these entities and provide for consequences to those few causing harm to so many unsuspecting and defenseless homeowners.”
In 2018, the State of Florida proposed HB 873 and SB 1238 “Homeowners’ Associations,” sponsored by then-Senator Rene Garcia and then Representative Manny Diaz, Jr., prohibiting associations from hiring attorney who represents management company of association; requiring an association to provide members with a copy of the most recent annual financial report or a written notice detailing how to obtain such report; prohibiting an officer, director, or manager from soliciting, offering to accept, or accepting a kickback for which consideration has not been provided; and providing requirements and procedures relating to conflicts of interest; among other regulations.
For information, feel free to reach out to Vice Mayor Mariaca via email or call 305-593-6725.
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