An Amelia Island condominium owner who can no longer rent his unit by the month is one of hundreds in Florida who have complained about unfair management by their condo associations. For example:

* A condominium owner in New Port Richey canceled his golf and country club membership earlier this year to divert the money to pay for his wife's medical bills. But as of Nov. 1, his condo association requires all residents who don't pay club dues to pay $92 a month for a "social membership" in the club.

* In Fort Pierce, a condo association manager was accused of stealing more than $100,000. In West Palm Beach, the former head of a condo association pleaded guilty to a charge of grand theft over $20,000.

* In Delray Beach, a condo association board was recalled because of state violations for overdue audits, misuse of reserve funds and failing to replace 150 felled trees.

* In Fort Lauderdale, a condo owner spent more than $65,000 and almost two years in a battle with his association. Earlier this fall, a member of the board got into a physical altercation with another board member, who is 67. 

* In Jupiter, a condo association forbid an owner from displaying an American flag.

These incidents, from accounts in the Miami Herald, St. Petersburg Times, South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Palm Beach Post, were found on the website of Cyber Citizens for Justice Inc. at www.ccfj.net. They are examples of why a legislative task force is hearing hundreds of complaints about condo management as it travels the state.

State condo laws should be rewritten, legislators have been told in two packed meetings in Miami and Davie. Complaints include allegations of illegal fines, predatory foreclosures, threats, missing funds, lack of accountability, unfair treatment and failure to enforce laws.

There are more than a million condo owners in Florida. That is why House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, R-Plant City, a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Bob Graham, appointed the task force to study state laws that govern condominium and homeowner association boards. Its recommendations will go to the full House next year. 

State Rep. Aaron Bean of Fernandina Beach has said he will file a bill on condo regulation in the next session, which begins in March.

State Senate President Jim King, a Jacksonville Republican, anticipates a similar bill to be offered in the senate.

Gov. Jeb Bush, acting after the furor over the flag display in Jupiter, asked the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation to set up a committee to study condo association rules problems. That committee is expected to schedule a hearing in Jacksonville to hear from condo owners in Northeast Florida.