(c) Prepare and issue reports and recommendations to the Governor, the department, the division, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on any matter or subject within the jurisdiction of the division. The ombudsman shall make recommendations he or she deems appropriate for legislation relative to division procedures, rules, jurisdiction, personnel, and functions. (d) Act as liaison between the division, parcel owners, boards of directors, board members, community association managers, and other affected parties. The ombudsman shall develop policies and procedures to assist parcel owners, boards of directors, board members, community association managers, and other affected parties to understand their rights and responsibilities as set forth in this chapter and the governing documents of their respective associations. The ombudsman shall coordinate and assist in the preparation and adoption of educational and reference materials and shall endeavor to coordinate with private or volunteer providers of these services, so that the availability of any such resource is made  known to the largest possible audience.

(e) Monitor and review procedures and disputes concerning elections or meetings, including, but not limited to, recommending that the division pursue enforcement action in any manner if there is reasonable cause to believe that election misconduct has occurred and reviewing secret ballots cast at a vote of the association.

(f) Make recommendations to the division for changes in rules and procedures for the filing, investigation, and resolution of complaints filed by parcel owners, associations, or managers.

g) Provide resources to assist members of boards of directors and officers of associations to carry out their powers and duties consistent with this chapter, division rules, and the governing documents of their associations.

(h) Encourage and facilitate voluntary meetings between parcel owners, boards of directors, board members, community association managers, and other affected parties when the meetings may assist in resolving a dispute that involves a homeowners’ association before a person submits a dispute for a  formal or administrative remedy. It is the intent of the Legislature that the ombudsman act as a neutral resource for both the rights and responsibilities of parcel owners, associations, and board members. 

(i) Assist with the resolution of disputes between parcel owners and the association or between parcel owners when the dispute is not within the jurisdiction of the division to resolve.

(j) Appoint an election monitor.

(3) ELECTION MONITORING.— (a) Fifteen percent of the total voting interests in a homeowners’ association, or six parcel owners, whichever is greater, may petition the ombudsman to appoint an election monitor to attend the annual meeting of the parcel owners and conduct the election of directors. (b) The ombudsman shall appoint a division employee, a person who specializes in homeowners’ association election monitoring, or an attorney licensed to practice in this state as the election monitor. (c) All costs associated with the election monitoring process must be paid by the association. (d) The division may adopt a rule establishing procedures for the appointment of election monitors and the scope and extent of the monitor’s role in the election process. If the division does not adopt a rule, then, to the extent applicable, rule 61B-23.00215, Florida Administrative Code, must govern the administration of election monitoring.

This act shall take effect July 1, 2025.

SO HOA OWNERS……..WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Do you feel like someone out there actually cares for the well-being of HOA owners?