Florida’s 2025 legislative session has introduced several proposed laws that could dramatically reshape how HOAs and condominium associations operate. These potential changes touch on three core areas: vendor conflicts of interest, board member recalls, and hurricane protection responsibilities.
While these are still proposals, proactive community association managers and boards should start preparing now. Here’s a breakdown of the key provisions and how they could affect your day-to-day management strategy.
1. Conflicts of Interest: Separating Inspections from Repairs
What’s Proposed:
Under the proposed legislation, any person or company performing a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) or milestone inspection would be prohibited from offering or contracting to carry out the associated repair work. Additionally, any financial relationships between inspectors and contractors would be banned.
What This Means for Managers:
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RFPs must clearly separate inspection and repair scopes of work.
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Vendors will need to be screened for potential financial ties.
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Boards will need guidance on why bundled services may soon be non-compliant.
This measure aims to eliminate conflicts of interest and promote transparency—but it also changes how vendor proposals are handled moving forward.
2. HOA Recall Process: Stricter Guidelines for Rejections
What’s Proposed:
The legislation proposes stricter criteria for rejecting a board member recall. Associations would only be able to reject a recall petition for specific technical reasons—such as improper notice or incomplete signatures. It also ensures that suspended voting rights in other matters don’t affect recall participation and creates a presumption of voter legitimacy.
What This Means for Managers:
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Legal review is crucial upon receiving any recall request.
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Associations must consistently enforce voting certificate policies to avoid selective enforcement claims.
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Managers should help communicate the legal nuances to both boards and owners to maintain transparency and trust.
These changes could significantly speed up the recall process and limit room for legal maneuvering.
3. Hurricane Protection: Maintenance Responsibilities May Shift
What’s Proposed:
Unless a community’s governing documents state otherwise, unit owners would no longer be responsible for removing or reinstalling hurricane protection (e.g., shutters or impact windows) when necessary for association maintenance. Furthermore, the association:
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Cannot charge the owner if it handles the work.
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Must reimburse or credit owners if they handle it independently.
What This Means for Managers:
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Review governing documents with your attorney to clarify current responsibilities.
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Budgeting for capital projects must now consider these new reimbursement scenarios.
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Managers should notify residents in advance of any work that impacts hurricane protection.
This provision reinforces fairness in cost distribution and protects owners from unexpected expenses related to essential maintenance.
Final Thoughts: Prepare Now, Not Later
These proposed changes to Florida’s HOA and condo laws emphasize transparency, accountability, and owner protections—values at the heart of every well-managed community. While the legislation hasn’t passed yet, now is the time to:
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Review governing documents.
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Educate boards.
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Develop internal policies.
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Strengthen your relationship with your association attorney.
Stay Proactive. Stay Informed.
Want to stay ahead of legislative changes and ensure your community is always prepared? Request a proposal today to help you navigate legal updates, maintain compliance, and support your board every step of the way.
