A Major Change May Be Coming for our HOA:
What HB 657 Could Mean for Our Community
Many homeowners feel frustrated when dealing with their HOA. Questions go unanswered. Certified letters are ignored. Decisions are made behind closed doors. And when homeowners push back, they are often told “the attorney will respond,” instead of getting answers from the board they elect and fund.
A proposed Florida bill, HB 657 (2026), signals that the state is finally taking these concerns seriously.
This post explains what the bill does, why it matters, and how it could impact homeowners in non-condo, gated HOA communities like ours.
What Is HB 657?
HB 657 is proposed legislation that would significantly change how disputes involving homeowners’ associations are handled in Florida. It applies to:
• Condominiums
• Cooperatives
• Homeowners’ Associations governed by Chapter 720, including non-condo, gated communities
The bill strengthens homeowner protections and creates a new, specialized court system to deal specifically with community association disputes.
Mandatory Presuit Mediation Explained Simply
Before most HOA lawsuits can proceed, Florida law already requires presuit mediation. HB 657 tightens and clarifies this process.
Under the bill:
• Both sides must participate in mediation
• Costs are shared equally
• Attorneys are optional
• Certified mail responses are required
• Refusing to respond or participate allows the other party to proceed to court
This is meant to stop associations from delaying or avoiding disputes through silence or procedural tactics.
The Biggest Change: A Community Association Court
HB 657 proposes the creation of a Community Association Court Program with judges experienced in HOA, condo, and co-op law.
This court would have the power to:
• Enforce homeowners’ statutory rights
• Compel boards and management companies to comply with Florida law
• Issue injunctions
• Impose civil penalties
• Award attorney fees
For homeowners, this means disputes would no longer be buried in complex, slow-moving circuit court cases handled by judges unfamiliar with HOA law.
Can an HOA Actually Be Dissolved Under This Bill?
Yes, but only in extreme circumstances.
HB 657 allows the Community Association Court to:
• Order the Department of State to dissolve a community association
• Appoint a receiver to wind down the association’s assets and liabilities
This is not automatic and not something that happens because homeowners are unhappy. Dissolution would likely require:
• Serious statutory violations
• A pattern of noncompliance or abuse
• Failure to operate lawfully even after court intervention
Think of it as a last-resort accountability measure for associations that refuse to follow the law.
Why This Matters to Homeowners
For years, many homeowners have felt powerless when boards or management companies ignore requests, hide behind attorneys, or avoid accountability.
HB 657 represents a clear shift:
• Homeowners’ rights are enforceable
• Silence and delay carry consequences
• Boards and management companies face real oversight
• Compliance is no longer optional
Even though the bill would not take effect until July 1, 2026, it reflects the direction Florida lawmakers are moving.
What Homeowners Should Do Now
• Educate yourself on Chapter 720
• Document communications and certified letters
• Attend board meetings and ask questions
• Demand transparency and lawful governance
• Stay informed about legislative changes
An informed community is a protected community.
Final Thoughts
HB 657 is not about attacking HOAs. It is about restoring balance, fairness, and accountability. When associations operate transparently and follow the law, everyone benefits.
This bill sends a clear message: homeowners matter, and the law applies to everyone.
