SB 596 - Homeowners' Associations Summary

• Renames the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes to the Division of Florida Condominiums, Homeowners' Associations, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes, expanding its regulatory authority to include homeowners' associations.

• Establishes new division duties including complaint investigation with 30-day acknowledgment and 90-day action requirements, development of mediator certification programs, provision of education and training, and submission of annual reports to the Governor and Legislature.

• Creates the Office of the Community Association Ombudsman appointed by the Governor to serve as a liaison between the division and community members, handle dispute resolution, and monitor association elections.

• Imposes an annual fee of $4 per residential unit on homeowners' associations with more than two units, effective January 1, 2014, with penalties for non-payment and collected funds deposited into the trust fund.

• Establishes the Community Association Living Study Council, a temporary 7-member council created every 5 years for a 6-month term to review community association issues and recommend legislative changes.