A possible ban on homeowners associations (HOAs) in Florida is getting closer after a state Republican said he might introduce a law on the topic.
Juan C. Porras, who represents Miami-Dade County, has called for getting rid of HOAs, calling them “authoritarian bonds.”
Newsweek contacted Porras by website form to comment on this story.
Why It Matters
About 9.5 million Floridians, nearly half the state’s population, live in HOA communities. These organizations are made up of residents elected to a board that sets community rules, maintains common areas, and collects funds to do so.
HOAs have caused problems for some residents. A September 2024 survey by home repair and maintenance company Frontdoor found that 70 percent of people would rather buy a home in a community without an HOA.
HOAs are also becoming more common. U.S. Census data shows that the percentage of single-family homes built in HOAs increased from 49 percent in 2009 to 65 percent in 2023.
What To Know
Posting on X, Porras said: “I am seriously considering legislation to repeal Homeowner Associations (HOA’s). In the Free State of Florida, we should not have authoritarian boards dictate your day to day life with no accountability.”
Local outlets reported that he also shared a petition calling for enforcement and transparency in HOAs. So far, it has been signed 1,551 times.
Porras has not written the legislation or shared details about how a ban would work, but he told local media he wants to work on it before the state legislative session ends in January 2026.
What People Are Saying
Homeowner Sharon Siebert told Tampa Bay 28: “I understand that it’s a business, I understand that the business is to make sure the properties are maintained. But at the same time, when you’ve been here a long time and always maintained your property, it’s difficult when you find yourself in a tough situation and there’s no help.”
Porras told Tampa Bay 28: “It might just be time we take a look if HOAs are really even necessary. Maybe we should just do away with homeowner associations as a whole.”
He added: “You’re being charged $500, $600 plus a month when in reality you don’t see a lot of that money going back to even your own community.”
“It was a failed experiment,” he said.
What Happens Next
It’s unclear whether Porras will move forward with legislation or how other lawmakers will respond.
Any proposed law would need to pass the Florida House and Senate before being approved by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
