OCALA - Concerned Homeowners In Partnership doesn't have to wonder what to do when the chips are down.

Though the Ocala-based grassroots group has been losing membership since it was founded four years ago, CHIP has merged with Cyber Citizens for Justice to create a stronger consumer coalition for homeowners living in deed-restricted communities.

And Friday tomorrow, members of the new and improved cyberspace coalition will meet in Ocala with representatives from similar alliances from throughout Florida.

CCFJ's annual meeting takes place Friday beginning at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Quality Inn of Ocala.

In what CCFJ director Jan Bergemann calls a "We The People" movement, the growing statewide organization is intent on "beneficially influencing government and improving the political, economic and social aspects of Florida citizens."

CCFJ, which has members from St. Augustine to Miami-Dade County - and now Ocala - wants increased regulation and full disclosure of deed restrictions and all association membership and assessment or dues requirements before a prospective buyer purchases a home. The group also wants to see alternative resolution procedures set up so homeowners could avoid going through costly court cases with associations.

Currently, there are about 120 deed-restricted communities in Marion County where homeowners pay monthly fees for a variety of amenities such as gated security, maintenance of common grounds, clubhouse and recreational facilities, roadways, garbage collection, cable television and golf.

Those fees can add up. According to the most recent reports on file with the Marion County clerk of court, $17 million in fees are assessed for amenities each year.

Bergemann said the choice of Ocala is ideal for CCFJ, now in its fifth year, "since there are many unanswered questions and lots of unrest in the communities in your area."

Channing Gerber of Cherrywood Estates, who served as CHIP's vice president until it dissolved last month, said the merger will mean more voices and more clout behind homeowners rights.

Year after year, CHIP and other groups have gone to Tallahassee seeking revision to state laws governing homeowners' associations, which can levy mandatory membership fees, deed restrictions and property liens. But while there is a state statute dealing with associations, no state agency regulates them or enforces compliance.

In 2000, Gerber and others lobbied county commissioners for an ordinance that would require developers to file financial reports detailing how HOAs spent residents' fees. But compliance has been limited at best, and there are no teeth built into the ordinance that would force compliance.

But by combining forces with the Jacksonville-based CCFJ, Gerber is optimistic that the group will be big enough to make an impact with legislators.

"There's more to be gained by merging than just dissolving and riding into the sunset," said Gerber, who also served on two of CCFJ's homeowners' task forces. "It will certainly help our message when we go before the legislature because we have a whole group of people."

The legislative process, "while perhaps more exciting than watching paint dry, is certainly more frustrating," he said.

"We've had varying degrees of promises from legislators, and when they get up there they find out it's a lot different than they thought it was going to be."

Friday Tomorrow night, Cyber Citizens plans to honor Rep. Julio Robaina, a Republican from Miami-Dade, for championing homeowners' advocacy, education and legislative reform. Gerber also said that Rep. Larry Cretul, whose district includes the Southwest State Road 200 corridor, has been "very supportive of CHIP."

Cretul, in Tallahassee until Wednesday getting his new legislative assignments, said Robaina is the "point person" on homeowners' rights and that "he probably understands that issue as well as anybody. I suspect if there is something coming, he'd be the best one to bring it."

Cretul also said that if Robaina brings it up for "discussion" in the upcoming session, "I'll look at it with him and work with him on it and go from there."

"I fully realize how and what the concerns are of the folks in our district," said Cretul, adding that while he didn't know about CCFJ's meeting, he would "certainly have no problem stopping by."