First HOA Bill Filed for 2019 Legislative Session

Dear CALL Members,

Happy New Year!  We hope that you enjoyed your holidays.

The first HOA bill for the 2019 Legislative Session was filed this week by Representative John Cortes.  The bill, HB 155, provides that only owners who “physically reside” in the community may vote to recall a Board member.  The bill has already received widespread criticism, as it takes away owners’ rights to recall the Board.  While the bill is unlikely to pass, we will be keeping an eye on it during session.

The House and Senate have also finished appointing committee chairs and committee members.  The House subcommittees of interest will be chaired by Representative Heather Fitzenhagen (House Business and Professions Subcommittee) and Representative Bob Rommel (House Civil Justice Subcommittee).  Both are from the Southwest Florida area.  Rep. Fitzenhagen has served in the Florida House since 2012 and is well versed in community association issues.  Rep. Rommel was elected in 2016, replacing Senator Kathleen Passidomo.
Next week will be the second committee week of the 2019 Legislative Session, and it is also when Governor-Elect Ron DeSantis will be inaugurated as Florida’s next Governor.