For decades, homeowners' associations (HOAs) have shaped communities across Florida - enforcing rules, collecting fees, and maintaining property values. But one Miami lawmaker now says the system has gone too far. Rep. Juan Porras is considering legislation to abolish HOAs altogether, calling them an "authoritarian" and "failed experiment" that burdens residents with rising costs and unnecessary restrictions.
Published on Aug 28, 2025 - 19:00 GMT
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. - Homeowners' associations have long been a fixture in Florida's neighborhoods, setting community standards and collecting dues meant to preserve property values. But State Rep. Juan Porras (R-Miami) believes the time has come to rethink their role entirely.
"I am seriously considering legislation to repeal Homeowner Associations," Porras announced on social media last week. "In the Free State of Florida, we should not have authoritarian boards dictate your day-to-day life with no accountability."
Porras previously introduced HB 983, a bill designed to increase transparency in HOA elections and financial reporting. That measure failed in June, but the lawmaker says he's not done. He claims constituents are increasingly frustrated by ballooning monthly fees, special assessments, and opaque decision-making.
"I think the only real alternative right now is to go ahead and rip off the band-aid," Porras told Florida's Voice. "This is a failed experiment. In areas of my district, there are HOAs that pay $400, $500 a month for something as simple as lawn maintenance."
Beyond high costs, Porras says the restrictive nature of HOAs undermines personal freedom. "To have somebody tell you what color you can paint your house or what garden gnome you can have on your front porch - I don't think that's the free state of Florida," he added.
Recent disputes across the state underscore his concerns. In Volusia County, a homeowner faced legal action after installing a flagpole in his yard. In Riverview, a woman was jailed following an HOA lawsuit over brown grass and minor violations. Such cases have fueled debate over the power of associations versus homeowners' rights.
Florida's rapid housing growth has also made the issue more pressing. Many new developments are built under HOA governance, meaning more residents are affected each year. Porras suggested alternatives such as community development districts, which are managed through local governments and offer what he views as more accountability than private boards.
Any attempt to dismantle HOAs would require formal legislation, which could be introduced in the next legislative session. For now, the debate signals growing tension over the balance between community standards and individual property rights in Florida's fastest-growing neighborhoods.
If HOAs were scaled back or eliminated, homeowners could gain more freedom over their own landscaping choices-everything from lawn height and edging to whether artificial turf, native plants, or pollinator gardens are allowed. At the same time, fewer HOA restrictions might shift more responsibility onto residents to keep their yards well-maintained without community enforcement. Whether this would lower costs or create new disputes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: lawn care would become more about individual preference than association rules.
This article summarizes reporting originally published by www.clickorlando.com
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