There are new Florida regulations aimed at improving governance, transparency, and community communication. These legislative changes present an opportunity for HOA boards to not only meet the new standards but also improve communication and trust within the community. Below are key impacts to homeowner association (HOA) boards, along with action steps to ensure compliance.

1. Governing Document Notifications

HOA boards must notify all members of their governing documents. This can be done by either:

• Providing a physical copy of the documents to each member, or
• Sharing an accessible link where members can review the documents online.

Taking action on this requirement will ensure compliance and enhance transparency with your residents.

2. Records Retention & Hurricane Protection

HOAs must implement a written policy for records retention, ensuring the proper maintenance and storage of important documents.

Also, given Florida’s vulnerability to hurricanes, boards must establish clear specifications related to hurricane protection measures, ensuring the safety and preparedness of the community.

3. Education Requirements for Board Directors

Continuing education is now a formal requirement for board members:

• Current board members are required to complete four hours of continuing education every four years.
• New board directors must complete four hours of board certification training within 90 days of their appointment.

This is a significant update, reinforcing the importance of ongoing training and governance knowledge for all board members.

4. Bid Transparency on the HOA Portal

HOA boards must upload all bids, including insurance policies, to a public portal. This transparency initiative will ensure that homeowners have access to key decisions, enhancing trust in the board’s management and decision-making processes.

5. Parking Regulations: RVs and Large Vehicles

A noteworthy update involves parking regulations. HOA boards are now prohibited from restricting vehicles under 26,000 pounds from parking in the neighborhood. This includes recreational vehicles (RVs), and boards also cannot regulate parking on public streets.

6. Creating a Unified HOA Email System

To streamline communication and records storage, it would be beneficial to establish an official HOA board email address. This will allow official records to be kept in one secure place and avoid reliance on personal emails, which can complicate record-keeping and compliance.

Moving Forward

Boards should take proactive steps. The steps can be as simple as notifying residents about governing documents, creating clear records policies, and ensuring ongoing education for board members. With this, you can continue to foster a well-managed and prosperous community.

It’s worth noting that these actions can benefit any community. Be sure to check with your community association manager and attorney for more information. Staying ahead of these requirements is not just about compliance—it’s about building a stronger, more transparent HOA that serves its residents effectively.