|
Article
Courtesy of CBS Miami
By
Ivan Taylor
Published April 9, 2023
|
WATCH VIDEO |
MIAMI - A bill inspired by the headaches faced by
Hammocks HOA homeowners seems to be unstoppable on its way to becoming law.
HB919 recently passed through its first committee, one of three with
overwhelming support.
|
"Thirteen in favor and
one against," said Juan Carlos Porras, the state
representative who sponsored the bill and the Hammocks is in
his jurisdiction.
The bill creates criminal penalties for "kickbacks." So,
that means that any association member who's personally
financing from some of these contracts would be held
criminally liable if they receive a large amount of money.
At the Hammocks, an investigation of a scheme of corruption
started back in 2017 and in November 2020, five people were
charged with running a massive fraud that allegedly looted
more than one million dollars from the homeowners. |
|
|
Some of the members of the board were reportedly under
investigation.
"HB919 allows for immediate removal of any HOA director who's under
investigation of several crimes which can be the embezzlement of funds,
voters intimidation," said Porras.
Marco Antonio Real and Carlos Villalobos are not only happy about HB919.
They are now running for a position with the new board and if they win, they
will face the test.
Real said, "As a first step, it's a fantastic success."
"Millions of homeowners are going through the hell that we went through,"
said Villalobos.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernadez Rundle and Miami-Dade Mayor
Daniella Levine Cava stated next to Porras their support for the bill,
because of what they called an avalanche of complaints and older people
losing their homes.
A part that is new to the bill is removing the ability of HOA to issue leans
over petty fines. Fines such as parking fees and the color of someone's
house.
Porras said he is optimist that before the end of May the bill will become
law in Florida.
|
