FL S1768

Establishes the Office of Community Association Hearings within the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes and requires employment of full-time attorneys as "community association hearing officers" to replace arbitrators.

Allows certification of non-employed attorneys as community association hearing officers by mutual party agreement, with minimum qualifications including 5 years Florida Bar membership and specified mediation/arbitration experience or board certification in real estate or condominium law.

Authorizes community association hearing officers to impose sanctions against board members or officers found to have intentionally prevented association compliance with chapters 617, 718, 719, or 720, including requiring reimbursement of attorney fees, costs, and damages, with non-payment resulting in liens against the member's unit.

Amends dispute resolution procedures in sections 718.1255 and 720.311 by replacing all references to "arbitrators" with "community association hearing officers" throughout condominium, cooperative, and homeowners' association statutes.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.