Florida Bill Proposes Path for Homeowners to Dissolve HOAs Through Petition and Vote

House Bill 657 introduces a method that allows Florida homeowners to dismantle their associations. The proposal landed in the state legislature, giving residents the power to terminate HOAs when they believe these groups cause more harm than good.

The bill maps out how this works. First, one in five homeowners signs a petition asking to disband the HOA. After that, the board calls a meeting within 60 days.

Two-thirds of homeowners must approve dissolution at that gathering. If the vote doesn't pass, residents have to wait 18 months before trying again.

HOAs police property maintenance rules, but many residents view them as controlling because of fees and restrictions. This legislation creates an official way for communities to terminate these arrangements when enough members want out.

Karen Montgomery lives in Lake Arrowhead Village in North Fort Myers and is tracking the proposal. "I know there are people that really love their HOA fees to protect them against things in the neighborhood," said Montgomery, according to Gulf Coast News, "but I also know people that do not want to pay HOA fees."

The bill creates a court program where judges hear fights between property owners and their associations. This gives people another option instead of mediation when conflicts arise.

House Bill 657 lacks a Senate companion. Both chambers must approve it before the governor sees it.

Should lawmakers pass it and the governor sign, the law will take effect on July 1, 2026. The legislature received the bill on Dec. 15, 2025.