Local leaders and housing advocates gathered in West Palm Beach on Tuesday to talk about rising homeowners association fees and condo assessments that they say are squeezing residents, especially seniors trying to stay in their homes.
The panel was organized by U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel. Among the ideas raised were more financial assistance for seniors, greater state oversight of homeowners associations and limits on attorney fees charged to condo owners. State Sen. Mack Bernard said the situation is tough, but that lawmakers do not want another Surfside collapse while also trying to build new affordable housing.
Florida condo owners have faced higher costs since reforms passed after the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse. Those changes included inspection and reserve requirements aimed at building safety. A Realtor.com analysis, previously covered by WPTV, found seven of the nation’s 10 metro areas with the highest HOA fees relative to estimated mortgage payments are in Florida.
Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel Flores said transparency is a growing concern for homeowners, who are asking whether certain fees are necessary. Panelists also discussed reports of condo owners being forced from their homes because association costs became unaffordable.
Flores said keeping seniors in their homes should be central to the discussion, warning that officials would need another plan if those residents have nowhere to go.
