Florida residents have until Friday to report problems during a special legislative investigation on how the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation regulates condominiums, mobile homes and land sales in Florida.

"Now is the time for the legislature to get input regarding problems Floridians are having with (state) oversight," said Steve Comley of Amelia Island in a press release. "With all the hurricane damage to condos and rebuilding issues facing both owners and associations I am sure that many complaints will be sent to (the state Division of Land Sales and Condominiums) and it is more important than ever that there be a timely and correct response to each complaint."

Condo owners may fill out a questionnaire online - www.ccfj.net/OPPAGAreview.htm - to participate in the investigation.

Earlier this year, Senate President Jim King, Rep. Julio Robaina and other legislative leaders asked the legislature's Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to investigate how the state Division of Land Sales and Condominiums handles regulatory complaints.

This followed passage earlier this year of legislation amending state condominium laws after testimony from consumers that the state office did not address their complaints.

Comley, founder of We the People, testified in support of the new legislation as the result of his experiences with a local condo association.

Comley continues to seek redress from Piper Dunes North, which barred him from renting his condo during the summer months when he does not live in it.

The new legislation provides condo owners with increased protection against illegal actions by associations restricting their property rights. A new condominium ombudsman position has also been created. Gov. Jeb Bush appointed Virgil R. Rizzo, 67, of Fort Lauderdale, attorney and retired medical doctor, as the condominium ombudsman.

We the People is continuing to press for condominium reform in Florida. Bill Reeves, a Tallahassee attorney and former director of the Division of Regulation for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, is now heading the organization.