Over two years ago, I began researching issues surrounding Homeowner Associations (HOAs) for my recently released book, “Don’t Let Your HOA Bully You.” This work was initiated long before the growing public momentum to reform or even eliminate HOAs reached Florida’s state leadership. Representative Juan Carlos Porras of Miami has proposed abolishing HOAs altogether, and Governor Ron DeSantis signed laws in 2024 to strengthen HOA oversight. Concerns about HOA overreach are being heard at the highest levels of state government.

Investigative reports, such as ABC’s I-Team productions in Tampa Bay (available on YouTube), have documented widespread HOA abuses across Florida and the nation. My own research has shown that many of these problems stem from the makeup and qualifications of HOA Boards of Directors. Candidates’ résumés are rarely verified by homeowners, and once elected, board members are only required to certify in writing that they have read the declaration of covenants etc. withing 90 days. Or attend an approved course covering Chapter 720 and association governing documents.  This course takes about one hour. This certification is valid for life.

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A second, equally troubling issue is the dependency of HOA's on law firms that represent the board. These firms have virtually unlimited access to association funds to defend board actions, while individual homeowners must rely on a small number of private attorneys—often at great personal expense. This imbalance discourages homeowners from pursuing legitimate claims, which inspired me to write “Don’t Let Your HOA Bully You”—a practical, do-it-yourself guide for homeowners seeking to assert their rights.

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