In a growing crisis for Florida homeowners, rising HOA fees are leaving residents struggling to keep their homes, with some facing the threat of foreclosure. At one community, monthly fees of $605 have become so burdensome that residents feel abandoned, with one tenant lamenting, “There’s no help,” after narrowly avoiding eviction.
High Costs, Little Relief
Despite claims from the Sandalwood Lakes HOA that fees have dropped by roughly $70 compared to last year, many locals insist that even the reduced rate is unsustainable. “It’s very difficult when you find yourself in a tough situation, and there’s no help,” one homeowner shared. For many, the steep fees are forcing desperate decisions, with some residents seeking to relocate in search of more affordable living. House hunter Simon Putman, frustrated by the scarcity of non-HOA homes in Palm Beach County, chose to move four hours away to Ocala rather than endure the “HOA hassle.”
Escalating Pressure and Community Impact
The strain is not limited to isolated incidents. In some neighborhoods, HOA fees have escalated dramatically—at one point, fees reportedly tripled to as high as $3,371, leaving homeowners with little choice but to accept unfavorable offers if they try to sell. A recent study by real estate firm Redfin noted a 12.8 percent rise in HOA fees in West Palm Beach, underscoring a broader trend that is pushing residents out of communities they once called home.
Political and Legal Repercussions
Amid mounting frustration, Florida state Republican Representative Juan Carlos Porras has introduced legislation aimed at cracking down on abusive HOA practices. The proposed bill would empower local police to investigate and audit HOAs, paving the way for stricter oversight and accountability. The legislation would also streamline the process for recalling HOA board members, allow homeowners to recoup legal fees in disputes, and mandate greater transparency by requiring HOAs to provide essential documents to prospective buyers. “Even in my district—one of the largest organized crime busts in the state’s history occurred with our HOA, The Hammocks,” Porras told WPTV, referring to a case in Miami-Dade County where board members were arrested for allegedly misappropriating millions of dollars from residents.
Legal experts, such as Camron Dowlatshahi from Mills Sadat Dowlat LLP, caution that while HOAs do have the legal right to foreclose on properties under certain conditions, tenants should carefully review their contracts for red flags. “When you sign the HOA paperwork, you’re entering a contract. If there’s a provision you find unfair, it’s important to address it before it becomes a problem,” Dowlatshahi advised.
A Community Under Pressure
For many, the relentless increase in fees and the accompanying neglect of maintenance and repairs have turned what were once vibrant communities into places of uncertainty and distress. As one resident put it, “It was fine until this new board took over. It’s gone to crap.” With homeowners facing dwindling options and soaring fees, the call for reform grows louder.
The unfolding situation in communities like Sandalwood Lakes and The Hammocks highlights a critical need for intervention. Until new legislation takes effect and stricter oversight is implemented, Florida homeowners may continue to face an uphill battle against rising costs and diminishing support.