On June 7, 2013, the Governor signed House Bill 77 into law, effective July 1, 2013. This Bill amends Chapter 83 of Florida Statutes, involving landlord/tenant issues. With respect to the effect of amendments on community association interests, Section 83.64(1), F.S. was revised to add provisions which make it unlawful for a landlord to retaliate against the tenant, by way of threatening legal action for possession or to increase the rent, if the tenant pays the rent to a condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association after demand from the association, in order to pay the landlord’s obligation to the association. This new language supports the right of the condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association to demand rent from tenants of delinquent owners, as has been provided for in recent years in Chapters 718, 719 and 720 F.S.
HB 999 – SUBMERGED LAND LEASES
On May 30, 2013, the Governor signed House Bill 999 into law, effective July 1, 2013. The Bill principally focuses on environmental issues. As it primarily affects community associations, a new Section 253.0347 F.S., was added to eliminate the fees previously paid by community associations for the privilege of obtaining submerged land leases to permit boat docks.
