Bills signed, go into effect, that help Florida homeowners

A pair of bills Kissimmee state Rep. Kristen Arrington sponsored during the recent legislative session have been signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and will go into effect July 1.

The bills will assist veteran homeowners, and those who live in areas governed by homeowner associations (HOAs).

House Bill 1161 expedites the homestead exemption process for 100 percent fully-disabled veterans or their surviving spouses. It requires the Department of Revenue to coordinate with county property appraisers offices to establish an eligibility verification procedure.

“I believe HB 1161 will bring peace of mind to fully disabled veterans or their surviving spouses during the stressful home buying period,” Arrington said. “Veterans and their families sacrifice so much for their communities and their country, so I am excited for these veterans to be able to get a home of their own without such a heavy financial burden.

House Bill 59 requires homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to provide copies of association rules and covenants to every member and to every new member thereafter by a specified date.

“People move into a community and don’t know what’s asked of them, or the HOA makes changes along the way and owners don’t know (the new covenants),” Arrington said in January when the legislation was filed to begin ascending through committees.

This legislation will enforce tougher regulations on HOAs, which Arrington says will allow them to be more transparent with their residents regarding rules and regulations.

“I strongly believe HB 59 is crucial for Floridians. Homeowners’ associations are a big part of our communities and it is vital that they are transparent with their residents, so that the residents are well-protected from unnecessary actions, such as fines or liens,” Arrington said. “District 46 is home to many HOAs and I am proud to sponsor this legislation and have it passed by the Legislature to help my community.

“I could not be prouder that these two pieces of legislation were signed into law.”