NEW PORT RICHEY - Local homeowner groups helped shape legislation to require disclosure of deed restrictions to potential home buyers. 
Council of Neighborhood Associations leaders are pleased with the bill, which will become law if signed by Gov. Jeb Bush. Without disclosure, buyers can back out of deals. 

The bill is the brainchild of state Sen. Mike Fasano, R- New Port Richey, whom the neighborhood council approached to draft the legislation. State Reps. Tom Anderson and Dave Russell filed companion bills in the House. 

"I feel it's certainly a step in the right direction,'' said Don Peyton, a local lawyer representing more than 60 area homeowners associations. 

"We have too many instances when people are coming to Florida and purchasing a home [and are] not familiar with deed restrictions,'' he said. 

Homeowners who have run afoul of neighborhood rules have complained about not being informed of deed restrictions. 

The neighborhood council had hoped the legislation might go a step further, said Vi Nichol, a member of the group and the Lakeside Woodlands Home Association. Council leaders envisioned a law requiring a deed restriction booklet be given to buyers before closing. 

Real estate groups tried to quash the legislation, Nichol said.