Florida HOA and Condominium Law: A National Policy Spotlight Featuring Erik Perez
The balance between homeowners and associations isn’t legal—it’s ethical
-Erik Perez
TL:DR – Florida’s HOA and Condominium laws shape the experience of millions of residents. When RAND, one of the country’s most respected policy think tanks, invited attorney Erik Perez of Perez Mayoral, P.A. to share his expertise, it underscored how Florida’s framework serves as a national reference for association governance. His insights reveal both the system’s strengths and the ongoing challenges that homeowners face daily.
A Florida Voice in a National Policy Dialogue
When RAND, a leading policy research organization, began exploring community association laws across the United States, they turned to Florida—home to some of the most complex and influential statutes in the nation. Among the experts invited to participate was Erik Perez, co-founder of Perez Mayoral, P.A., recognized for his deep experience representing homeowners and condominium residents in disputes with their associations.
This conversation, conducted for the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB), wasn’t about collaboration—it was about contribution. RAND sought the practical insights that only attorneys working on the front lines can provide. Mr. Perez shared how Florida’s laws operate in real life—where theory meets human experience.
Why Florida’s HOA Laws Set the National Standard
Florida’s Condominium Act (Chapter 718, Florida Statutes) and Homeowners’ Association Act (Chapter 720, Florida Statutes) govern virtually every element of community association living—from board elections to dues, maintenance, and resident rights. With millions of Floridians living in association-governed communities, the state has become a model that other regions often follow.
As Mr. Perez explained, Florida’s legislative structure influences how the rest of the nation approaches association law. Its successes, as well as its pain points, forecast what other states may face as association-based housing continues to grow.
Strengths That Serve—and Weaknesses That Strain
Mr. Perez acknowledged that Florida’s framework is comprehensive and, on paper, remarkably balanced. It establishes transparency requirements, limits board authority, and aims to preserve community harmony. However, he pointed out that the day-to-day reality often looks much different.
Homeowners can face sudden assessments without full clarity on how funds are used. Boards sometimes overstep, imposing restrictions without proper authority. Requests for records—legally guaranteed to owners—are frequently delayed or ignored. These issues create frustration, mistrust, and financial stress.
Behind each case lies a personal story. Retirees on fixed incomes worry about being priced out of their communities. Families must choose between paying a disputed fee or risking a lien. These are not abstract policy debates—they’re the real consequences of imbalance in the system.
Bridging the Gap Between Law and Life
RAND’s objective in interviewing Mr. Perez was clear: policymakers need more than statutes—they need context. Lawyers who engage directly with homeowners see the unintended effects of laws every day. By bringing these perspectives forward, the study helps bridge the gap between what legislators intend and what residents actually experience.
Mr. Perez’s participation ensured that the homeowner’s voice was part of the policy dialogue. His insights not only highlighted where Florida’s laws succeed but also illuminated areas that urgently require reform to achieve true fairness.
Lessons That Reach Beyond Florida
While the discussion centered on Florida, the implications reach across the nation. Other states face the same tensions—over governance transparency, assessment practices, and power imbalances. Florida’s experiences can inform future legislation that protects residents, limits overreach, and preserves the integrity of shared-community living.
As Erik Perez emphasized, Florida is more than just a testing ground; it’s a blueprint. By studying what works—and what doesn’t—lawmakers elsewhere can design association laws that truly serve the people.
A Conversation That Matters
At Perez Mayoral, P.A., the invitation to contribute to a RAND policy study was more than recognition—it was validation of years spent advocating for fairness and transparency. The firm has long stood beside homeowners, challenging unjust assessments, exposing board misconduct, and fighting for access to essential records.
This participation demonstrates how local advocacy can influence national understanding. It reinforces a truth the firm lives by: laws must evolve with the people they govern.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
That quote perfectly captures the spirit of this conversation. The pursuit of fairness in Florida’s communities is part of a much larger mission—to ensure justice at every level, from neighborhood boards to national policymaking tables.
The real test of law is how it serves people in their everyday lives. As Florida continues to refine its HOA and Condominium framework, contributions like those from Perez Mayoral, P.A. help transform experience into progress—and remind us that policy reform begins with listening.
If you’re a homeowner struggling with your association or facing an unfair assessment, Perez Mayoral, P.A. can help. Contact us today to protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard. Call Now 305-800-8888
