Community associations create stable, well-managed neighborhoods where families invest, connect, and thrive. A Florida legislator’s recent call to ban homeowners associations is, respectfully, a solution in search of a problem and would cause needless disruption for millions of Floridians. Florida thrives because neighbors choose to work together.
This week, I’ve given a half–dozen interviews with media across the Sunshine State to keep the conversation grounded in facts. I’ve shared findings from the Foundation for Community Association Research’s Homeowner Satisfaction Survey, which consistently shows the overwhelming majority of residents living in association-governed communities are satisfied with their experience. The data reflects what we see every day in well-run communities that protect property values, maintain critical infrastructure, and foster a sense of harmony.
Florida law empowers homeowners with choices. If a community determines an association no longer fits its needs, Chapter 720 of the Florida statutes provides a legal pathway to dissolution through a community vote and due process. Homeowners decide the community’s future.
Today, associations fund neighborhood operations through assessments. If the state outlaws associations, city and county budgets would be forced to absorb additional costs.
Local governments would face pressure to raise millage rates, create special taxing districts, or cut other services to absorb roads, stormwater systems, lighting, security, and amenities now paid privately. With property taxes poised to dominate the upcoming legislative session, banning associations would move Florida in the wrong fiscal direction.
An outright ban would shift billions of dollars in private responsibilities for roads, stormwater systems, lighting, landscaping, and amenities to local governments and taxpayers. It would destabilize housing markets, jeopardize maintenance and safety, and create complex legal and financial challenges for cities and counties.
Florida homeowners associations build harmony and community. With clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, pickleball courts, walking trails, art studios, and dozens of resident-led clubs and events, these neighborhoods create daily touchpoints that spark connections and purpose. Decades of public health research links strong social connection to better mental health, reduced loneliness, and improved physical outcomes — from higher activity levels to lower cardiovascular risk. By design, association-governed communities make those healthy connections easier and more frequent. When we support community associations, we’re also supporting the social infrastructure that keeps Floridians healthier, happier, and more resilient.
CAI stands ready to work with lawmakers, local leaders, and homeowners on constructive, evidence-based improvements that keep neighborhoods strong.
>> Review the latest homeowner satisfaction survey results.
