On February 23, 2025, the Florida State Legislature introduced House Bill 913, a significant piece of legislation aimed at reforming the election processes within residential condominium associations. The bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in the governance of these associations, addressing long-standing concerns regarding election integrity and member participation.

One of the key provisions of HB 913 mandates that the notice of association meetings must be accompanied by an affidavit or a United States Postal Service certificate of mailing. This requirement is intended to ensure that all members receive timely and verifiable notifications about meetings, thereby fostering greater engagement among unit owners.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that board members of residential condominiums must be elected through written ballots or voting machines, explicitly prohibiting the use of proxies in general elections and in elections to fill vacancies. This change aims to empower unit owners by ensuring that their votes are directly counted, thus reducing the potential for manipulation or misrepresentation in the election process.

The legislation also outlines a timeline for election notifications, requiring associations to send out a first notice at least 60 days prior to an election and a second notice, along with ballots, 40 days before the election. These measures are designed to provide unit owners ample time to prepare for elections and to encourage participation.

Debate surrounding HB 913 has highlighted concerns from some stakeholders about the potential administrative burden these new requirements may impose on smaller associations. Critics argue that the added paperwork and procedural changes could complicate the election process, particularly for associations with limited resources. Proponents, however, assert that the benefits of increased transparency and member involvement far outweigh these concerns.

The implications of HB 913 extend beyond procedural changes; they reflect a broader push for reform in condominium governance in Florida. Experts suggest that if passed, the bill could lead to a more engaged and informed community of unit owners, ultimately enhancing the democratic processes within these associations.

As the legislative session progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the bill's journey through the Florida House and Senate, with potential amendments and debates likely to shape its final form. The outcome of HB 913 could set a precedent for how condominium associations operate in Florida, influencing governance practices for years to come.