Denying Records May End With You In Jail

With the governor signing HB 1203, all homeowners’ associations must review their process for providing the community public records homeowners are entitled to receive.

Not doing so – and not clearly understanding the new law – could give board members criminal records, including the possibility of a third-degree felony.

To be clear, those new criminal penalties are tied to a willful and intentional effort to harm the association or resident, but it’s best to follow the law in all cases and not leave a director’s actions to be interpreted by law enforcement and the courts.

The attorneys at The Orlando Law Group represent more than 100 communities in Central Florida. If you live in Orlando, Winter Garden, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee or anywhere throughout Central Florida, The Orlando Law Group is ready to help you.

How have records been treated in the past?

When it comes to public records of a homeowners’ association, there were no reductions of standards in the new bill. As it was at the beginning of the year, all official records of the association are to be available for inspection by any parcel owner in the community.

The list of what constitutes an “official record” and what is exempt from that designation is significant. The Orlando Law Group wrote an entire article specifically outlining all of the official records.

It is extensive and still applies today.

Read more.