House Bill 59, effective July 1, 2024, mandates that HOAs provide all members with a physical or digital copy of the association's rules and covenants by October 1, 2024, and to new members upon joining.12 Updated copies must be provided whenever amendments occur. HOAs can meet this requirement by posting the documents on their website and notifying members via email or mail.13 This law promotes transparency and reduces misunderstandings by ensuring all homeowners have easy access to the governing documents.4

House Bill 293, which took effect on May 28, 2024, requires HOAs to adopt hurricane protection specifications for structures under their governance.12 These specifications must:

• Comply with building codes

• Include factors such as color and style of hurricane protection products13

Under this law, HOAs cannot deny applications for hurricane protection installations that conform to the adopted specifications.14 This measure is particularly important for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas like Palm Bay, as it allows them to install or upgrade hurricane protection without fear of denial from their HOA, provided they meet the specified guidelines.3

House Bill 1203, effective July 1, 2024, introduces several provisions to improve transparency, financial accountability, and governance within HOAs:12

• HOAs with 100+ units must store essential documents digitally and make them accessible online or through a mobile app by January 1, 2026.13

• HOAs with 1,000+ units are required to have their finances audited.4

• Board members must complete educational courses to better understand their roles and responsibilities.14

• New rules limit HOAs' ability to fine homeowners for minor infractions and mandate written notice for violations.13

• HOAs can offer electronic voting if members agree.14

These changes will benefit homeowners through easier access to important documents, more transparent financial practices, and better-equipped board members.23

House Bill 979, effective July 1, 2024, streamlines the estoppel certificate process for real estate transactions involving HOAs:12

• Prohibits HOAs from charging fees for preparing and delivering estoppel certificates13

• Reduces the deadline for delivering certificates from 10 to 5 business days13

• Requires annual resolutions to establish fee-charging authority1

• Eliminates additional fees (convenience, archive, service, processing, etc.)13

• Changes payment schedule, making fees due at closing rather than upon order13

• Allows associations to recover outstanding fees using the same process as collecting assessments1

These changes aim to expedite transactions and reduce costs for homeowners buying or selling property in Palm Bay, although associations may need to adjust budgets to accommodate the loss of fee revenue.34