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2013 Florida Statutes
Chapter 723
MOBILE HOME PARK LOT TENANCIES
MOBILE HOME PARK LOT TENANCIES
CHAPTER 723
MOBILE HOME PARK LOT TENANCIES
723.001 Short title.
723.002 Application of chapter.
723.003 Definitions.
723.004 Legislative intent; preemption of subject matter.
723.005 Regulation by division.
723.006 Powers and duties of division.
723.007 Annual fees; surcharge.
723.008 Applicability of chapter 212 to fees, penalties, and fines under this chapter.
723.009 Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes Trust Fund.
723.011 Disclosure prior to rental of a mobile home lot; prospectus, filing, approval.
723.012 Prospectus or offering circular.
723.013 Written notification in the absence of a prospectus.
723.014 Failure to provide prospectus or offering circular prior to occupancy.
723.016 Advertising materials; oral statements.
723.017 Publication of false or misleading information; remedies.
723.021 Obligation of good faith and fair dealings.
723.022 Mobile home park owner’s general obligations.
723.023 Mobile home owner’s general obligations.
723.024 Compliance by mobile home park owners and mobile home owners.
723.025 Park owner’s access to mobile home and mobile home lot.
723.027 Persons authorized by park owner to receive notices.
723.031 Mobile home lot rental agreements.
723.032 Prohibited or unenforceable provisions in mobile home lot rental agreements.
723.033 Unreasonable lot rental agreements; increases, changes.
723.035 Rules and regulations.
723.037 Lot rental increases; reduction in services or utilities; change in rules and regulations; mediation.
723.038 Dispute settlement; mediation.
723.0381 Civil actions; arbitration.
723.041 Entrance fees; refunds; exit fees prohibited; replacement homes.
723.042 Provision of improvements.
723.043 Purchase of equipment.
723.044 Interference with installation of appliances or interior improvements.
723.045 Sale of utilities by park owner or developer.
723.046 Capital costs of utility improvements.
723.051 Invitees; rights and obligations.
723.054 Right of mobile home owners to peaceably assemble; right to communicate.
723.055 Right of mobile home owner to invite public officers, candidates for public office, or representatives of a tenant organization.
723.056 Enforcement of right of assembly and right to hear outside speakers.
723.058 Restrictions on sale of mobile homes.
723.059 Rights of purchaser.
723.061 Eviction; grounds, proceedings.
723.0611 Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation.
723.06115 Florida Mobile Home Relocation Trust Fund.
723.06116 Payments to the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation.
723.0612 Change in use; relocation expenses; payments by park owner.
723.0615 Retaliatory conduct.
723.062 Removal of mobile home owner; process.
723.063 Defenses to action for rent or possession; procedure.
723.068 Attorney’s fees.
723.071 Sale of mobile home parks.
723.072 Affidavit of compliance with statutory requirements.
723.073 Conveyance by the association.
723.074 Sale of facilities serving a mobile home subdivision.
723.075 Homeowners’ associations.
723.0751 Mobile home subdivision homeowners’ association.
723.076 Incorporation; notification of park owner.
723.077 Articles of incorporation.
723.078 Bylaws of homeowners’ associations.
723.079 Powers and duties of homeowners’ association.
723.0791 Mobile home cooperative homeowners’ associations; elections.
723.081 Notice of application for change in zoning.
723.083 Governmental action affecting removal of mobile home owners.
723.084 Storage charges on mobile homes.
723.085 Rights of lienholder on mobile homes in rental mobile home parks.
723.086 Property and lienholder contracts.
723.0861 Attorney’s fees and costs.
723.001 Short title.—This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Florida Mobile Home Act.”
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.002 Application of chapter.—
(1) The provisions of this chapter apply to any residential tenancy in which a mobile home is placed upon a rented or leased lot in a mobile home park in which 10 or more lots are offered for rent or lease. This chapter shall not be construed to apply to any other tenancy, including a tenancy in which both a mobile home and a mobile home lot are rented or leased by the mobile home resident or a tenancy in which a rental space is offered for occupancy by recreational-vehicle-type units which are primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational camping or travel use and which either have their own motor power or are mounted on or drawn by another vehicle. When both the mobile home and lot are rented or when fewer than 10 lots are available for rent or lease, the tenancy shall be governed by the provisions of part II of chapter 83, the “Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.” However, this chapter shall continue to apply to any tenancy in a park even though the number of lots offered in that park has been reduced to below 10 if that tenancy was subject to the provisions of this chapter prior to the reduction in lots. This subsection is intended to clarify existing law.
(2) The provisions of ss. 723.035, 723.037, 723.038, 723.054, 723.055, 723.056, 723.058, and 723.068 are applicable to mobile home subdivision developers and the owners of lots in mobile home subdivisions.
(3) Any other provision of this chapter or any other provision of the Florida Statutes to the contrary notwithstanding, the provisions of this chapter shall be applicable to a park trailer located on a mobile home lot in a mobile home park.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; ss. 1, 13, ch. 90-198; s. 3, ch. 92-148.
723.003 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the following words and terms have the following meanings unless clearly indicated otherwise:
(1) The term “division” means the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
(2) The term “lot rental amount” means all financial obligations, except user fees, which are required as a condition of the tenancy.
(3) The term “mobile home” means a residential structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is 8 body feet or more in width, over 35 body feet in length with the hitch, built on an integral chassis, designed to be used as a dwelling when connected to the required utilities, and not originally sold as a recreational vehicle, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein.
(4) The term “mobile home lot rental agreement” or “rental agreement” means any mutual understanding or lease, whether oral or written, between a mobile home owner and a mobile home park owner in which the mobile home owner is entitled to place his or her mobile home on a mobile home lot for either direct or indirect remuneration of the mobile home park owner.
(5) The term “mobile home owner” or “home owner” means a person who owns a mobile home and rents or leases a lot within a mobile home park for residential use.
(6) The term “mobile home park” or “park” means a use of land in which lots or spaces are offered for rent or lease for the placement of mobile homes and in which the primary use of the park is residential.
(7) The term “mobile home park owner” or “park owner” means an owner or operator of a mobile home park.
(8) The term “mobile home subdivision” means a subdivision of mobile homes where individual lots are owned by owners and where a portion of the subdivision or the amenities exclusively serving the subdivision are retained by the subdivision developer.
(9) The term “operator of a mobile home park” means either a person who establishes a mobile home park on land which is leased from another person or a person who has been delegated the authority to act as the park owner in matters relating to the administration and management of the mobile home park, including, but not limited to, authority to make decisions relating to the mobile home park.
(10) The term “pass-through charge” means the mobile home owner’s proportionate share of the necessary and actual direct costs and impact or hookup fees for a governmentally mandated capital improvement, which may include the necessary and actual direct costs and impact or hookup fees incurred for capital improvements required for public or private regulated utilities.
(11) The term “proportionate share” as used in subsection (10) means an amount calculated by dividing equally among the affected developed lots in the park the total costs for the necessary and actual direct costs and impact or hookup fees incurred for governmentally mandated capital improvements serving the recreational and common areas and all affected developed lots in the park.
(12) The term “unreasonable” means arbitrary, capricious, or inconsistent with this chapter.
(13) The term “user fees” means those amounts charged in addition to the lot rental amount for nonessential optional services provided by or through the park owner to the mobile home owner under a separate written agreement between the mobile home owner and the person furnishing the optional service or services.
(14) The term “discrimination” or “discriminatory” means that a homeowner is being treated differently as to the rent charged, the services rendered, or an action for possession or other civil action being taken by the park owner, without a reasonable basis for the different treatment.
(15) The term “resale agreement” means a contract in which a mobile home owner authorizes the mobile home park owner, or the park owner’s designee, to act as exclusive agent for the sale of the homeowner’s mobile home for a commission or fee.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 1, ch. 86-162; s. 2, ch. 90-198; s. 1, ch. 91-202; s. 242, ch. 94-218; s. 912, ch. 97-102; s. 2, ch. 2001-227; s. 72, ch. 2008-240.
723.004 Legislative intent; preemption of subject matter.—
(1) The Legislature finds that there are factors unique to the relationship between a mobile home owner and a mobile home park owner. Once occupancy has commenced, unique factors can affect the bargaining position of the parties and can affect the operation of market forces. Because of those unique factors, there exist inherently real and substantial differences in the relationship which distinguish it from other landlord-tenant relationships. The Legislature recognizes that mobile home owners have basic property and other rights which must be protected. The Legislature further recognizes that the mobile home park owner has a legitimate business interest in the operation of the mobile home park as part of the housing market and has basic property and other rights which must be protected. This chapter is created for the purpose of regulating the factors unique to the relationship between mobile home owners and mobile home park owners in the circumstances described herein. It recognizes that when such inequalities exist between mobile home owners and mobile home park owners as a result of such unique factors, regulation to protect those parties to the extent that they are affected by the inequalities, while preserving and protecting the rights of both parties, is required.
(2) There is hereby expressly preempted to the state all regulation and control of mobile home lot rents in mobile home parks and all those other matters and things relating to the landlord-tenant relationship treated by or falling within the purview of this chapter. Every unit of local government is prohibited from taking any action, including the enacting of any law, rule, regulation, or ordinance, with respect to the matters and things hereby preempted to the state.
(3) It is expressly declared by the Legislature that the relationship between landlord and tenant as treated by or falling within the purview of this chapter is a matter reserved to the state and that units of local government are lacking in jurisdiction and authority in regard thereto. All local statutes and ordinances in conflict herewith are expressly repealed.
(4) If any provision of this chapter is held invalid, it is the legislative intent that the preemption by this section shall no longer be applicable to the provision of the chapter held invalid.
(5) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the enforcement of a right or duty under this section, s. 723.022, s. 723.023, s. 723.031, s. 723.032, s. 723.033, s. 723.035, s. 723.037, s. 723.038, s. 723.061, s. 723.0615, s. 723.062, s. 723.063, or s. 723.081 by civil action after the party has exhausted its administrative remedies, if any.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 2, ch. 86-162; s. 4, ch. 92-148.
723.005 Regulation by division.—The division has the power and duty to enforce and ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter and rules promulgated pursuant hereto relating to the rental, development, and sale of mobile home parks. However, the division does not have the power or duty to enforce mobile home park rules and regulations or to enforce the provisions of ss. 723.022, 723.023, and 723.033.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 3, ch. 90-198.
723.006 Powers and duties of division.—In performing its duties, the division has the following powers and duties:
(1) The division may make necessary public or private investigations within or outside this state to determine whether any person has violated this chapter or any rule or order hereunder, to aid in the enforcement of this chapter, or to aid in the adoption of rules or forms hereunder.
(2) The division may require or permit any person to file a statement in writing, under oath or otherwise as the division determines, as to the facts and circumstances concerning a matter to be investigated.
(3) For the purpose of any investigation under this chapter, the division director or any officer or employee designated by the division director may administer oaths or affirmations, subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any matter which is relevant to the investigation, including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any book, document, or other tangible thing and the identity and location of any person having knowledge of relevant facts or any other matter reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of material evidence. Upon a person’s failure to obey a subpoena or to answer questions propounded by the investigating officer and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected thereby, the division may apply to the circuit court for an order compelling compliance. Financial records of a mobile home park acquired by the division pursuant to any investigation under this section are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. However, if the division, pursuant to a consent order, final order, or cease and desist order, makes a finding that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the financial records acquired by the division specifically relevant to that finding are no longer exempt as provided for in this subsection, unless otherwise made specifically exempt by law. “Financial records” means any financial information which is owned or controlled by the mobile home park owner and is not otherwise required to be filed with the division under other sections of this chapter.
(4) The division is authorized to prepare information to assist prospective mobile home owners and mobile home park owners in assessing the rights, privileges, and duties pertaining hereto.
(5) Notwithstanding any remedies available to mobile home owners, mobile home park owners, and homeowners’ associations, if the division has reasonable cause to believe that a violation of any provision of this chapter or related rule has occurred, the division may institute enforcement proceedings in its own name against a developer, mobile home park owner, or homeowners’ association, or its assignee or agent, as follows:
(a) The division may permit a person whose conduct or actions may be under investigation to waive formal proceedings and enter into a consent proceeding whereby orders, rules, or letters of censure or warning, whether formal or informal, may be entered against the person.
(b) The division may issue an order requiring the mobile home park owner, or its assignee or agent, to cease and desist from an unlawful practice and take such affirmative action as in the judgment of the division will carry out the purposes of this chapter. The affirmative action may include the following:
1. Refunds of rent increases, improper fees, charges and assessments, including pass-throughs and pass-ons collected in violation of the terms of this chapter.
2. Filing and utilization of documents which correct a statutory or rule violation.
3. Reasonable action necessary to correct a statutory or rule violation.
(c) In determining the amount of civil penalty or affirmative action to be imposed under this section, if any, the division must consider the following factors:
1. The gravity of the violation.
2. Whether the person has substantially complied with the provisions of this chapter.
3. Any action taken by the person to correct or mitigate the violation of this chapter.
(d) The division may bring an action in circuit court on behalf of a class of mobile home owners, mobile home park owners, lessees, or purchasers for declaratory relief, injunctive relief, or restitution.
(e)1. The division may impose a civil penalty against a mobile home park owner or homeowners’ association, or its assignee or agent, for any violation of this chapter, a properly adopted park rule or regulation, or a rule adopted pursuant hereto. A penalty may be imposed on the basis of each separate violation and, if the violation is a continuing one, for each day of continuing violation, but in no event may the penalty for each separate violation or for each day of continuing violation exceed $5,000. All amounts collected shall be deposited with the Chief Financial Officer to the credit of the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes Trust Fund.
2. If a violator fails to pay the civil penalty, the division shall thereupon issue an order directing that such violator cease and desist from further violation until such time as the civil penalty is paid or may pursue enforcement of the penalty in a court of competent jurisdiction. If a homeowners’ association fails to pay the civil penalty, the division shall thereupon pursue enforcement in a court of competent jurisdiction, and the order imposing the civil penalty or the cease and desist order shall not become effective until 20 days after the date of such order. Any action commenced by the division shall be brought in the county in which the division has its executive offices or in which the violation occurred.
(6) With regard to any written complaint alleging a violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto, the division shall periodically notify, in writing, the person who filed the complaint of the status of the investigation, whether probable cause has been found, and the status of any administrative action, civil action, or appellate action, and if the division has found that probable cause exists, it shall notify, in writing, the party complained against of the results of the investigation and disposition of the complaint.
(7) The division has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(8) The division has the authority by rule to authorize amendments permitted by this chapter to an approved prospectus or offering circular.
(9) The division shall adopt rules establishing a category of minor violations of this chapter or rules promulgated pursuant hereto. A minor violation means a violation which does not endanger the health, safety, or welfare of mobile home residents, which does not involve the failure to make full and fair disclosure, or which does not cause economic harm to mobile home park residents.
(10) The division is authorized to require disclosures to fully and fairly disclose all matters required by this chapter. If a park owner or operator, in good faith, has attempted to comply with the requirements of this chapter, and if, in fact, the park owner or operator has substantially complied with the disclosure requirements of this chapter, nonmaterial errors or omissions in the disclosure materials shall not be actionable.
(11) Upon adoption of rules establishing minor violations and a determination by the division that the violation is a minor violation, the division may levy a civil penalty of up to $250 but shall not require a refund of rent increases, fees, charges or assessments, including pass-through and pass-ons collected from mobile home owners. Until rules have been adopted as provided in this section, the enforcement procedures of the division in existence on the effective date of this act shall be in effect.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 3, ch. 86-162; s. 25, ch. 87-102; s. 10, ch. 88-147; s. 30, ch. 93-150; s. 1, ch. 94-78; s. 4, ch. 96-394; s. 415, ch. 96-406; s. 4, ch. 97-291; s. 224, ch. 98-200; s. 1895, ch. 2003-261; s. 73, ch. 2008-240.
723.007 Annual fees; surcharge.—
(1) Each mobile home park owner shall pay to the division, on or before October 1 of each year, an annual fee of $4 for each mobile home lot within a mobile home park which he or she owns. If the fee is not paid by December 31, the mobile home park owner shall be assessed a penalty of 10 percent of the amount due, and he or she shall not have standing to maintain or defend any action in the courts of this state until the amount due, plus any penalty, is paid.
(2) There is levied on each annual fee imposed under subsection (1) a surcharge in the amount of $1. The surcharge shall be collected in the same manner as the annual fee and shall be deposited in the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Trust Fund. Collection of the surcharge shall begin during the first calendar year after this subsection takes effect. This surcharge may not be imposed during the next calendar year if the balance in the trust fund exceeds $10 million on June 30. The surcharge shall be reinstated in the next calendar year if the balance in the trust fund is below $6 million on June 30. The surcharge imposed by this subsection may not be imposed as a separate charge regardless of any disclosure in the prospectus.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 4, ch. 85-155; s. 31, ch. 93-150; s. 913, ch. 97-102; s. 5, ch. 2003-263.
723.008 Applicability of chapter 212 to fees, penalties, and fines under this chapter.—The same duties and privileges imposed by chapter 212 upon dealers in tangible property respecting the collection and remission of tax; the making of returns; the keeping of books, records, and accounts; and the compliance with the rules of the enforcing agency in the administration of that chapter apply to and are binding upon all persons who are subject to the fee, penalty, and fine provisions of this chapter. However, the provisions of s. 212.12(1) do not apply to this chapter.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 6, ch. 2012-145.
723.009 Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes Trust Fund.—All proceeds from the fees, penalties, and fines imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited into the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes Trust Fund created by s. 718.509. Moneys in this fund, as appropriated by the Legislature pursuant to chapter 216, may be used to defray the expenses incurred by the division in administering the provisions of this chapter.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 26, ch. 87-102; s. 74, ch. 2008-240.
723.011 Disclosure prior to rental of a mobile home lot; prospectus, filing, approval.—
(1)(a) In a mobile home park containing 26 or more lots, the park owner shall file a prospectus with the division. Prior to entering into an enforceable rental agreement for a mobile home lot, the park owner shall deliver to the homeowner a prospectus approved by the division. This subsection does not invalidate those lot rental agreements for which an approved prospectus was required to be delivered and which was delivered on or before July 1, 1986, if the mobile home park owner had:
1. Filed a prospectus with the division prior to entering into the lot rental agreement;
2. Made a good faith effort to correct deficiencies cited by the division by responding within the time limit set by the division, if one was set; and
3. Delivered the approved prospectus to the mobile home owner within 45 days of approval by the division.
This paragraph does not preclude the finding that a lot rental agreement is invalid on other grounds and does not limit any rights of a mobile home owner or preclude a mobile home owner from seeking any remedies allowed by this chapter, including a determination that the lot rental agreement or any part thereof is unreasonable.
(b) The division shall determine whether the proposed prospectus or offering circular is adequate to meet the requirements of this chapter and shall notify the park owner by mail, within 45 days after receipt of the document, that the division has found that the prospectus or offering circular is adequate or has found specified deficiencies. If the division does not make either finding within 45 days, the prospectus shall be deemed to have been found adequate.
(c)1. Filings for mobile home parks in which lots have not been offered for lease prior to June 4, 1984, shall be accompanied by a filing fee of $10 per lot offered for lease by the park owner; however, the fee shall not be less than $100.
2. Filings for mobile home parks in which lots have been offered for lease prior to the effective date of this chapter shall be accompanied by a filing fee as follows:
a. For a park in which there are 26-50 lots: $100.
b. For a park in which there are 51-100 lots: $150.
c. For a park in which there are 101-150 lots: $200.
d. For a park in which there are 151-200 lots: $250.
e. For a park in which there are 201 or more lots: $300.
(d) The division shall maintain copies of each prospectus and all amendments to each prospectus which are considered adequate by the division. The division shall provide copies of documents requested in writing under this subsection within 10 days after the written request is received.
(2) The park owner shall furnish a copy of the prospectus or offering circular together with all of the exhibits thereto to each prospective lessee. Delivery shall be made prior to execution of the lot rental agreement or at the time of occupancy, whichever occurs first. Upon delivery of a prospectus to a prospective lessee, the lot rental agreement is voidable by the lessee for a period of 15 days. However, the park owner is not required to furnish a copy of the prospectus or offering circular if the tenancy is a renewal of a tenancy and the mobile home owner has previously received the prospectus or offering circular.
(3) The prospectus or offering circular together with its exhibits is a disclosure document intended to afford protection to homeowners and prospective homeowners in the mobile home park. The purpose of the document is to disclose the representations of the mobile home park owner concerning the operations of the mobile home park.
(4) With regard to a tenancy in existence on the effective date of this chapter, the prospectus or offering circular offered by the mobile home park owner shall contain the same terms and conditions as rental agreements offered to all other mobile home owners residing in the park on the effective date of this act, excepting only rent variations based upon lot location and size, and shall not require any mobile home owner to install any permanent improvements.
(5) The mobile home park owner may request that the homeowner sign a receipt indicating that the homeowner has received a copy of the prospectus, the rules and regulations, and other pertinent documents so long as any such documents are clearly identified in the receipt itself. Such a receipt shall indicate nothing more than that the documents identified herein have been received by the mobile home owner. The receipt, if requested, shall be signed at the time of delivery of the identified documents. If the homeowner refuses to sign the receipt, the park owner shall still deliver to the homeowner a copy of the prospectus, rules and regulations, and any other documents which otherwise would have been delivered upon execution of the receipt. However, the homeowner shall thereafter be barred from claiming that the park owner has failed to deliver such documents. The refusal of the homeowner to sign the receipt shall under no circumstances constitute a ground for eviction of the homeowner or of a mobile home or for the imposition of any other penalty.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 4, ch. 86-162; s. 11, ch. 88-147; s. 5, ch. 90-198; s. 1, ch. 96-394; s. 3, ch. 2001-227.
723.012 Prospectus or offering circular.—The prospectus or offering circular, which is required to be provided by s. 723.011, must contain the following information:
(1) The front cover or the first page must contain only:
(a) The name of the mobile home park.
(b) The following statements in conspicuous type:
1. THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOUR FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS IN LEASING A MOBILE HOME LOT. MAKE SURE THAT YOU READ THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT AND SEEK LEGAL ADVICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THIS DOCUMENT.
2. THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE ONLY SUMMARY IN NATURE. A PROSPECTIVE LESSEE SHOULD REFER TO ALL REFERENCES, ALL EXHIBITS HERETO, THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, AND SALES MATERIALS.
3. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PARK OWNER OR OPERATOR. REFER TO THIS PROSPECTUS (OFFERING CIRCULAR) AND ITS EXHIBITS FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS.
4. UPON DELIVERY OF THE PROSPECTUS TO A PROSPECTIVE LESSEE, THE RENTAL AGREEMENT IS VOIDABLE BY THE LESSEE FOR A PERIOD OF 15 DAYS.
(2) The next page must contain all statements required to be in conspicuous type in the prospectus or offering circular in a summary form.
(3) A separate index of the contents and exhibits of the prospectus.
(4) Beginning on the first page of the text, the following information:
(a) The name and address or location of the mobile home park.
(b) The name and address of the person authorized to receive notices and demands on the park owner’s behalf.
(c) A description of the mobile home park property, including, but not limited to:
1. The number of lots in each section, the approximate size of each lot, the setback requirements, and the minimum separation distance between mobile homes as required by law.
2. The maximum number of lots that will use shared facilities of the park; and, if the maximum number of lots will vary, a description of the basis for variation.
(5) A description of the recreational and other common facilities, if any, that will be used by the mobile home owners, including, but not limited to:
(a) The number of buildings and each room thereof and its intended purposes, location, approximate floor area, and capacity in numbers of people.
(b) Each swimming pool, as to its general location, approximate size and depths, and approximate deck size and capacity and whether heated.
(c) All other facilities and permanent improvements which will serve the mobile home owners.
(d) A general description of the items of personal property available for use by the mobile home owners.
(e) A general description of the days and hours that facilities will be available for use.
(f) A statement as to whether all improvements are complete and, if not, their estimated completion dates.
(6) The arrangements for management of the park and maintenance and operation of the park property and of other property that will serve the mobile home owners and the nature of the services included.
(7) A description of all improvements, whether temporary or permanent, which are required to be installed by the mobile home owner as a condition of his or her occupancy in the park.
(8) The manner in which utility and other services, including, but not limited to, sewage and waste disposal, cable television, water supply, and storm drainage, will be provided, and the person or entity furnishing them. The services and the lot rental amount or user fees charged by the park owner for the services provided by the park owner shall also be disclosed.
(9) An explanation of the manner in which the lot rental amount will be raised, including, but not limited to:
(a) Notification of the mobile home owner at least 90 days in advance of the increase.
(b) Disclosure of any factors which may affect the lot rental amount, including, but not limited to:
1. Water rates.
2. Sewer rates.
3. Waste disposal rates.
4. Maintenance costs, including costs of deferred maintenance.
5. Management costs.
6. Property taxes.
7. Major repairs or improvements.
8. Any other fees, costs, entrance fees, or charges to which the mobile home owner may be subjected.
(c) Disclosure of the manner in which the pass-through charges will be assessed.
(10) Disclosure of all user fees currently charged for services offered which the homeowner may elect to incur and the manner in which the fees will be increased.
(11) The park rules and regulations and an explanation of the manner in which park rules or regulations will be set, changed, or promulgated.
(12) A statement describing the existing zoning classification of the park property and permitted uses under such classification.
(13) A statement of the nature and type of zoning under which the mobile home park operates, the name of the zoning authority which has jurisdiction over the land comprising the mobile home park, and, if applicable, a detailed description of any definite future plans which the park owner has for changes in the use of the land comprising the mobile home park.
(14) Copies of the following, to the extent they are applicable, as exhibits:
(a) The ground lease or other underlying leases of the mobile home park or a summary of the contents of the lease or leases when copies of the same have been filed with the division.
(b) A copy of the mobile home park lot layout showing the location of the recreational areas and other common areas.
(c) All covenants and restrictions and zoning which will affect the use of the property and which are not contained in the foregoing.
(d) A copy of the rental agreement or agreements to be offered for rental of mobile home lots.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 5, ch. 86-162; s. 12, ch. 88-147; s. 914, ch. 97-102; s. 4, ch. 2001-227.
723.013 Written notification in the absence of a prospectus.—A mobile home park owner who enters into a rental agreement in which a prospectus is not provided shall give written notification to the mobile home owner of the following information prior to occupancy:
(1) The nature and type of zoning under which the mobile home park operates; the name of the zoning authority which has jurisdiction over the land comprising the mobile home park; and a detailed description containing all information available to the mobile home park owner, including the time, manner, and nature, of any definite future plans which he or she has for future changes in the use of the land comprising the mobile home park or a portion thereof.
(2) The name and address of the mobile home park owner or a person authorized to receive notices and demands on his or her behalf.
(3) All fees and charges, assessments, or other financial obligations not included in the rental agreement and a copy of the rules and regulations in effect.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 6, ch. 90-198; s. 21, ch. 92-148; s. 915, ch. 97-102.
723.014 Failure to provide prospectus or offering circular prior to occupancy.—
(1) If a prospectus or offering circular was not provided to the prospective lessee prior to execution of the lot rental agreement or prior to initial occupancy of a new mobile home, the rental agreement is voidable by the lessee until 15 days after the receipt by the lessee of the prospectus or offering circular and all exhibits thereto.
(2) To cancel the rental agreement, the mobile home owner shall deliver written notice to the park owner within 15 days after receipt of the prospectus or offering circular and shall thereupon be entitled to a refund of any deposit together with relocation costs for the mobile home, or the market value thereof including any appurtenances thereto paid for by the mobile home owner, from the park owner.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 13, ch. 88-147; s. 7, ch. 90-198; s. 22, ch. 92-148.
723.016 Advertising materials; oral statements.—
(1) All advertising materials for, used by, or promoting any mobile home park shall be filed with the division by the developer, park owner, or mobile home dealer within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter in which it was used, unless the material has been previously filed. The calendar quarters shall end on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year.
(2) The term “advertising materials” includes:
(a) Promotional brochures, pamphlets, advertisements, or other materials disseminated to the public in connection with the sale of a new mobile home or lease of a mobile home lot.
(b) Billboards and other signs posted on and off the premises.
(3) The following “advertising materials” are exempt from the filing requirements of this section: telephone directories, business cards, items placed solely on bulletin boards in a mobile home park, and correspondence in response to inquiries by individuals.
(4) No advertising materials or oral statement made by any developer, park owner, or mobile home dealer shall:
(a) Misrepresent a fact or create a false or misleading impression regarding the mobile home or mobile home park.
(b) Contain any asterisk or other reference symbol as a means of contradicting or substantially changing any statement previously made or as a means of obscuring a material fact.
(c) Misrepresent the size, nature, extent, qualities, or characteristics of the offered facilities.
(d) Misrepresent the nature or extent of any service incident to the tenancy.
(5) The division shall not impose a civil penalty in excess of $250 per advertisement for each instance of the untimely filing of advertising materials.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 32, ch. 93-150.
723.017 Publication of false or misleading information; remedies.—Any person who pays anything of value toward the purchase of a mobile home or placement of a mobile home in a mobile home park located in this state in reasonable reliance upon any material statement or information that is false or misleading and published by or under authority from the park owner or developer in advertising and promotional materials, including, but not limited to, a prospectus, the items required as exhibits to a prospectus, brochures, and newspaper advertising, shall have a cause of action to rescind the contract or collect damages from the developer, park owner, or mobile home dealer for her or his loss.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 916, ch. 97-102.
723.021 Obligation of good faith and fair dealings.—Every rental agreement or duty within this chapter imposes an obligation of good faith and fair dealings in its performance or enforcement. Either party to a dispute under this chapter may seek an order finding the other party has not complied with the obligations of good faith and fair dealings. Upon such a finding, the court shall award reasonable costs and attorney’s fees to the prevailing party for proving the noncompliance.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 1, ch. 97-291.
723.022 Mobile home park owner’s general obligations.—A mobile home park owner shall at all times:
(1) Comply with the requirements of applicable building, housing, and health codes.
(2) Maintain buildings and improvements in common areas in a good state of repair and maintenance and maintain the common areas in a good state of appearance, safety, and cleanliness.
(3) Provide access to the common areas, including buildings and improvements thereto, at all reasonable times for the benefit of the park residents and their guests.
(4) Maintain utility connections and systems for which the park owner is responsible in proper operating condition.
(5) Comply with properly promulgated park rules and regulations and require other persons on the premises with his or her consent to comply therewith and conduct themselves in a manner that does not unreasonably disturb the park residents or constitute a breach of the peace.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 917, ch. 97-102.
723.023 Mobile home owner’s general obligations.—A mobile home owner shall at all times:
(1) Comply with all obligations imposed on mobile home owners by applicable provisions of building, housing, and health codes.
(2) Keep the mobile home lot which he or she occupies clean and sanitary.
(3) Comply with properly promulgated park rules and regulations and require other persons on the premises with his or her consent to comply therewith and to conduct themselves in a manner that does not unreasonably disturb other residents of the park or constitute a breach of the peace.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 918, ch. 97-102.
723.024 Compliance by mobile home park owners and mobile home owners.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or of any local law, ordinance, or code:
(1) If a unit of local government finds that a violation of a local code or ordinance has occurred, the unit of local government shall cite the responsible party for the violation and enforce the citation under its local code and ordinance enforcement authority.
(2) A lien, penalty, fine, or other administrative or civil proceeding may not be brought against a mobile home owner or mobile home for any duty or responsibility of the mobile home park owner under s. 723.022 or against a mobile home park owner or mobile home park property for any duty or responsibility of the mobile home owner under s. 723.023.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2011-105.
723.025 Park owner’s access to mobile home and mobile home lot.—A mobile home park owner has no right of access to a mobile home unless the mobile home owner’s prior written consent has been obtained or unless to prevent imminent danger to an occupant of the mobile home or to the mobile home. Such consent may be revoked in writing by the mobile home owner at any time. The park owner has, however, the right of entry onto the lot for purposes of repair and replacement of utilities and protection of the mobile home park at all reasonable times, but not in such manner or at such time as to interfere unreasonably with the mobile home owner’s quiet enjoyment of the lot.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.027 Persons authorized by park owner to receive notices.—Any person authorized by a park owner to receive notices and demands on the park owner’s behalf retains such authority until the mobile home owner is notified otherwise. All notices of such names and addresses or changes made thereto shall be delivered to the mobile home owner’s residence or to another address specified in writing by the mobile home owner.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.031 Mobile home lot rental agreements.—
(1) No rental agreement shall contain any rule or regulation prohibited by this chapter, nor shall it provide for promulgation of any rule or regulation inconsistent with this chapter or amendment of any rule or regulation inconsistently with this chapter.
(2) Whether or not a tenancy is covered by a valid written rental agreement, the required statutory provisions shall be deemed to be a part of the rental agreement.
(3) The homeowner shall have no financial obligation to the park owner as a condition of occupancy in the park, except the lot rental amount. The parties may agree otherwise as to user fees which the homeowner chooses to incur. No user fees shall be charged by the park owner to the mobile home owner for any services which were previously provided by the park owner and included in the lot rental amount unless there is a corresponding decrease in the lot rental amount.
(4) No rental agreement shall be offered by a park owner for a term of less than 1 year, and if there is no written rental agreement, no rental term shall be less than 1 year from the date of initial occupancy; however, the initial term may be less than 1 year in order to permit the park owner to have all rental agreements within the park commence at the same time. Thereafter, all terms shall be for a minimum of 1 year.
(5) The rental agreement shall contain the lot rental amount and services included. An increase in lot rental amount upon expiration of the term of the lot rental agreement shall be in accordance with ss. 723.033 and 723.037 or s. 723.059(4), whichever is applicable, provided that, pursuant to s. 723.059(4), the amount of the lot rental increase is disclosed and agreed to by the purchaser, in writing. An increase in lot rental amount shall not be arbitrary or discriminatory between similarly situated tenants in the park. No lot rental amount may be increased during the term of the lot rental agreement, except:
(a) When the manner of the increase is disclosed in a lot rental agreement with a term exceeding 12 months and which provides for such increases not more frequently than annually.
(b) For pass-through charges as defined in s. 723.003(10).
(c) That no charge may be collected that results in payment of money for sums previously collected as part of the lot rental amount. The provisions hereof notwithstanding, the mobile home park owner may pass on, at any time during the term of the lot rental agreement, ad valorem property taxes and utility charges, or increases of either, provided that the ad valorem property taxes and the utility charges are not otherwise being collected in the remainder of the lot rental amount and provided further that the passing on of such ad valorem taxes or utility charges, or increases of either, was disclosed prior to tenancy, was being passed on as a matter of custom between the mobile home park owner and the mobile home owner, or such passing on was authorized by law. Such ad valorem taxes and utility charges shall be a part of the lot rental amount as defined by this chapter. Other provisions of this chapter notwithstanding, pass-on charges may be passed on only within 1 year of the date a mobile home park owner remits payment of the charge. A mobile home park owner is prohibited from passing on any fine, interest, fee, or increase in a charge resulting from a park owner’s payment of the charge after the date such charges become delinquent. Nothing herein shall prohibit a park owner and a homeowner from mutually agreeing to an alternative manner of payment to the park owner of the charges.
(6) Except for pass-through charges, as defined in this chapter, failure on the part of the mobile home park owner or developer to disclose fully all fees, charges, or assessments prior to tenancy, unless it can be shown that such fees, charges, or assessments have been collected as a matter of custom between the mobile home park owner and the mobile home owner, shall prevent the park owner or operator from collecting said fees, charges, or assessments; and refusal by the mobile home owner to pay any such fee, charge, or assessment shall not be used by the park owner or developer as a cause for eviction in any court of law.
(7) No park owner may increase the lot rental amount until an approved prospectus has been delivered if one is required. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit those increases in lot rental amount for those lot rental agreements for which an approved prospectus was required to be delivered and which was delivered on or before July 1, 1986, if the mobile home park owner had:
(a) Filed a prospectus with the division prior to entering into the lot rental agreement;
(b) Made a good faith effort to correct deficiencies cited by the division by responding within the time limit set by the division, if one was set; and
(c) Delivered the approved prospectus to the mobile home owner within 45 days of approval by the division.
This subsection shall not preclude the finding that a lot rental increase is invalid on other grounds and shall not be construed to limit any rights of a mobile home owner or to preclude a mobile home owner from seeking any remedies allowed by this chapter, including a determination that the lot rental agreement or any part thereof is unreasonable.
(8) If a mobile home owner has deposited or advanced money on a rental agreement as security for performance of the rental agreement, which money is held in excess of 3 months by the mobile home park owner or his or her agent, such deposit shall be handled pursuant to s. 83.49.
(9) No rental agreement shall provide for the eviction of a mobile home owner on a ground other than one contained in s. 723.061.
(10) The rules and regulations and the prospectus shall be deemed to be incorporated into the rental agreement.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 6, ch. 86-162; s. 14, ch. 88-147; s. 8, ch. 90-198; s. 9, ch. 96-396; s. 1778, ch. 97-102.
723.032 Prohibited or unenforceable provisions in mobile home lot rental agreements.—
(1) A mobile home lot rental agreement may provide a specific duration with regard to the amount of rental payments and other conditions of the tenancy, but the rental agreement shall neither provide for, nor be construed to provide for, the termination of any tenancy except as provided in s. 723.061.
(2) Any provision in the rental agreement is void and unenforceable to the extent that it attempts to waive or preclude the rights, remedies, or requirements set forth in this chapter or arising under law.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 7, ch. 86-162.
723.033 Unreasonable lot rental agreements; increases, changes.—
(1) If the court, as a matter of law, finds a mobile home lot rental amount, rent increase, or change, or any provision of the rental agreement, to be unreasonable, the court may:
(a) Refuse to enforce the lot rental agreement.
(b) Refuse to enforce the rent increase or change.
(c) Enforce the remainder of the lot rental agreement without the unreasonable provision.
(d) Limit the application of the unreasonable provision so as to avoid any unreasonable result.
(e) Award a refund or a reduction in future rent payments.
(f) Award such other equitable relief as deemed necessary.
(2) When it is claimed or appears to the court that a lot rental amount, rent increase, or change, or any provision thereof, may be unreasonable, the parties shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to present evidence as to its meaning and purpose, the relationship of the parties, and other relevant factors to aid the court in making the determination.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a lot rental amount that is in excess of market rent shall be considered unreasonable.
(4) Market rent means that rent which would result from market forces absent an unequal bargaining position between mobile home park owners and mobile home owners.
(5) In determining market rent, the court may consider rents charged by comparable mobile home parks in its competitive area. To be comparable, a mobile home park must offer similar facilities, services, amenities, and management.
(6) In determining whether a rent increase or resulting lot rental amount is unreasonable, the court may consider economic or other factors, including, but not limited to, increases or decreases in the consumer price index, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor; increases or decreases in operating costs or taxes; and prior disclosures.
(7) An arbitrator or mediator under ss. 723.037, 723.038, and 723.0381 shall employ the same standards as set forth in this section.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 9, ch. 90-198.
723.035 Rules and regulations.—
(1) A copy of all rules and regulations shall be posted in the recreation hall, if any, or in some other conspicuous place in the park.
(2) No rule or regulation shall provide for payment of any fee, fine, assessment, or charge, except as otherwise provided in the prospectus or offering circular filed under s. 723.012, if one is required to be provided, and until after the park owner has complied with the procedure set forth in s. 723.037.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.037 Lot rental increases; reduction in services or utilities; change in rules and regulations; mediation.—
(1) A park owner shall give written notice to each affected mobile home owner and the board of directors of the homeowners’ association, if one has been formed, at least 90 days prior to any increase in lot rental amount or reduction in services or utilities provided by the park owner or change in rules and regulations. The notice shall identify all other affected homeowners, which may be by lot number, name, group, or phase. If the affected homeowners are not identified by name, the park owner shall make the names and addresses available upon request. Rules adopted as a result of restrictions imposed by governmental entities and required to protect the public health, safety, and welfare may be enforced prior to the expiration of the 90-day period but are not otherwise exempt from the requirements of this chapter. Pass-through charges must be separately listed as to the amount of the charge, the name of the governmental entity mandating the capital improvement, and the nature or type of the pass-through charge being levied. Notices of increase in the lot rental amount due to a pass-through charge shall state the additional payment and starting and ending dates of each pass-through charge. The homeowners’ association shall have no standing to challenge the increase in lot rental amount, reduction in services or utilities, or change of rules and regulations unless a majority of the affected homeowners agree, in writing, to such representation.
(2) Notice as required by this section shall, in addition to the information required in subsection (1), only be required to include the dollar amount of the relevant portions of the present lot rental amount that are being increased and the dollar amount of the proposed increases in lot rental amount if there is an increase in the lot rental amount, the reduction in services or utilities, or the change in rules and regulations and the effective date thereof.
(3) The park owner shall file annually with the division a copy of any notice of a lot rental amount increase. The notice shall be filed on or before January 1 of each year for any notice given during the preceding year. If the actual increase is an amount less than the proposed amount stated in the notice, the park owner shall notify the division of the actual amount of the increase within 30 days of the effective date of the increase or at the time of filing, whichever is later.
(4)(a) A committee, not to exceed five in number, designated by a majority of the affected mobile home owners or by the board of directors of the homeowners’ association, if applicable, and the park owner shall meet, at a mutually convenient time and place within 30 days after receipt by the homeowners of the notice of change, to discuss the reasons for the increase in lot rental amount, reduction in services or utilities, or change in rules and regulations.
(b)1. At the meeting, the park owner or subdivision developer shall in good faith disclose and explain all material factors resulting in the decision to increase the lot rental amount, reduce services or utilities, or change rules and regulations, including how those factors justify the specific change proposed. The park owner or subdivision developer may not limit the discussion of the reasons for the change to generalities only, such as, but not limited to, increases in operational costs, changes in economic conditions, or rents charged by comparable mobile home parks. For example, if the reason for an increase in lot rental amount is an increase in operational costs, the park owner must disclose the item or items which have increased, the amount of the increase, any similar item or items which have decreased, and the amount of the decrease. If an increase is based upon the lot rental amount charged by comparable mobile home parks, the park owner shall disclose, and provide in writing to the committee at or before the meeting, the name, address, lot rental amount, and any other relevant factors relied upon by the park owner, such as facilities, services, and amenities, concerning the comparable mobile home parks. The information concerning comparable mobile home parks to be exchanged by the parties is to encourage a dialogue concerning the reasons used by the park owner for the increase in lot rental amount and to encourage the home owners to evaluate and discuss the reasons for those changes with the park owner. The park owner shall prepare a written summary of the material factors and retain a copy for 3 years. The park owner shall provide the committee a copy of the summary at or before the meeting.
2. The park owner shall not limit the comparable mobile home park disclosure to those mobile home parks that are owned or operated by the same owner or operator as the subject park, except in certain circumstances, which include, but are not limited to:
a. That the market area for comparable mobile home parks includes mobile home parks owned or operated by the same entity that have similar facilities, services, and amenities;
b. That the subject mobile home park has unique attributes that are shared with similar mobile home parks;
c. That the mobile home park is located in a geographic or market area that contains few comparable mobile home parks; or
d. That there are similar considerations or factors that would be considered in such a market analysis by a competent professional and would be considered in determining the valuation of the market rent.
(c) If the committee disagrees with a park owner’s lot rental amount increase based upon comparable mobile home parks, the committee shall disclose to the park owner the name, address, lot rental amount, and any other relevant factors relied upon by the committee, such as facilities, services, and amenities, concerning the comparable mobile home parks. The committee shall provide to the park owner the disclosure, in writing, within 15 days after the meeting with the park owner, together with a request for a second meeting. The park owner shall meet with the committee at a mutually convenient time and place within 30 days after receipt by the park owner of the request from the committee to discuss the disclosure provided by the committee. At the second meeting, the park owner may take into account the information on comparable parks provided by the committee, may supplement the information provided to the committee at the first meeting, and may modify his or her position, but the park owner may not change the information provided to the committee at the first meeting.
(d) The committee and the park owner may mutually agree, in writing, to extend or continue any meetings required by this section.
(e) Either party may prepare and use additional information to support its position during or subsequent to the meetings required by this section.
This subsection is not intended to be enforced by civil or administrative action. Rather, the meetings and discussions are intended to be in the nature of settlement discussions prior to the parties proceeding to mediation of any dispute.
(5)(a) Within 30 days after the date of the last scheduled meeting described in subsection (4), the homeowners may petition the division to initiate mediation of the dispute pursuant to s. 723.038 if a majority of the affected homeowners have designated, in writing, that:
1. The rental increase is unreasonable;
2. The rental increase has made the lot rental amount unreasonable;
3. The decrease in services or utilities is not accompanied by a corresponding decrease in rent or is otherwise unreasonable; or
4. The change in the rules and regulations is unreasonable.
(b) A park owner, within the same time period, may also petition the division to initiate mediation of the dispute.
(c) When a dispute involves a rental increase for different home owners and there are different rates or different rental terms for those home owners, all such rent increases in a calendar year for one mobile home park may be considered in one mediation proceeding.
(d) At mediation, the park owner and the homeowners committee may supplement the information provided to each other at the meetings described in subsection (4) and may modify their position, but they may not change the information provided to each other at the first and second meetings.
The purpose of this subsection is to encourage discussion and evaluation by the parties of the comparable mobile home parks in the competitive market area. The requirements of this subsection are not intended to be enforced by civil or administrative action. Rather, the meetings and discussions are intended to be in the nature of settlement discussions prior to the parties proceeding to litigation of any dispute.
(6) If a party requests mediation and the opposing party refuses to agree to mediate upon proper request, the party refusing to mediate shall not be entitled to attorney’s fees in any action relating to a dispute described in this section.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 8, ch. 86-162; s. 15, ch. 88-147; s. 10, ch. 90-198; s. 8, ch. 92-148; s. 2, ch. 97-291; s. 5, ch. 2001-227; s. 1, ch. 2002-27; s. 1, ch. 2005-79.
723.038 Dispute settlement; mediation.—
(1) Either party may petition the division to appoint a mediator and initiate mediation proceedings.
(2) The division upon petition shall appoint a qualified mediator to conduct mediation proceedings unless the parties timely notify the division in writing that they have selected a mediator. A person appointed by the division shall be a qualified mediator from a list of circuit court mediators in each judicial circuit who has met training and educational requirements established by the Supreme Court. If such mediators are not available, the division may select a mediator from the list maintained by the Florida Growth Management Conflict Resolution Consortium. The division shall promulgate rules of procedure to govern such proceedings in accordance with the rules of practice and procedure adopted by the Supreme Court. The division shall also establish, by rule, the fee to be charged by a mediator which shall not exceed the fee authorized by the circuit court.
(3) A mediator appointed by the division or selected by the parties shall comply with the rules adopted by the division. The mediator shall also notify the division in writing within 10 days after the conclusion of the mediation, that the mediation has been concluded.
(4) Upon receiving a petition to mediate a dispute, the division shall, within 20 days, notify the parties that a mediator has been appointed by the division. The parties may accept the mediator appointed by the division or, within 30 days, select a mediator to mediate the dispute. The parties shall each pay a $250 filing fee to the mediator appointed by the division or selected by the parties, within 30 days after the division notifies the parties of the appointment of the mediator. The $250 filing fee shall be used by the mediator to defray the hourly rate charged for mediation of the dispute. Any portion of the filing fee not used shall be refunded to the parties.
(5) The parties may agree to select their own mediator, and such mediation shall be governed by the rules of procedure established by the division. The parties, by agreement, may waive mediation, or the petitioning party may withdraw the petition prior to mediation. Upon the conclusion of the mediation, the mediator shall notify the division that the mediation has been concluded.
(6) No resolution arising from a mediation proceeding as provided for in s. 723.037 or this section shall be deemed final agency action. Any party, however, may initiate an action in the circuit court to enforce a resolution or agreement arising from a mediation proceeding which has been reduced to writing. The court shall consider such resolution or agreement to be a contract for the purpose of providing a remedy to the complaining party.
(7) Mediation pursuant to this section is an informal and nonadversarial process. Either party may submit to the opposing party at least 10 days prior to mediation a written request for information.
(8) Each party involved in the mediation proceeding has a privilege to refuse to disclose, and to prevent any person present at the proceeding from disclosing, communications made during such proceeding, whether or not the dispute was successfully resolved. This subsection shall not be construed to prevent or inhibit the discovery or admissibility of any information which is otherwise subject to discovery or admission under applicable law or rules of court. There is no privilege as to communications made in furtherance of the commission of a crime or fraud or as part of a plan to commit a crime or a fraud. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed so as to permit an individual to obtain immunity from prosecution for criminal conduct.
(9) A mediator appointed pursuant to this section shall have judicial immunity in the same manner and to the same extent as a judge.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 11, ch. 90-198; s. 9, ch. 92-148; s. 1, ch. 94-102.
723.0381 Civil actions; arbitration.—
(1) After mediation of a dispute pursuant to s. 723.038 has failed to provide a resolution of the dispute, either party may file an action in the circuit court.
(2) The court may refer the action to nonbinding arbitration pursuant to s. 44.103 and the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. The court shall order the hearing to be held informally with presentation of testimony kept to a minimum and matters presented to the arbitrators primarily through the statements and arguments of counsel. The court shall assess the parties equally to pay the compensation awarded to the arbitrators if neither party requests a trial de novo. If a party has filed for a trial de novo, the party shall be assessed the arbitration costs, court costs, and other reasonable costs of the opposing party, including attorney’s fees, investigation expenses, and expenses for expert or other testimony or evidence incurred after the arbitration hearing if the judgment upon the trial de novo is not more favorable than the arbitration decision. If subsequent to arbitration a party files for a trial de novo, the arbitration decision may be made known to the judge only after he or she has entered his or her order on the merits.
History.—s. 12, ch. 90-198; s. 10, ch. 92-148; s. 61, ch. 95-211; s. 919, ch. 97-102; s. 3, ch. 97-291.
723.041 Entrance fees; refunds; exit fees prohibited; replacement homes.—
(1)(a) Entrance fees on new mobile home placements shall be specifically set forth in the prospectus or offering circular. Any such fee shall be clearly identified in writing at the time that the rental agreement is signed or otherwise concluded.
(b) The failure on the part of a mobile home park owner or developer to disclose fully all fees, charges, or assessments shall prevent the park owner or operator from collecting such fees, charges, or assessments; and a refusal by the mobile home owner to pay any undisclosed charge shall not be used by the park owner or developer as a cause for eviction in any court of law.
(c) It is unlawful for any mobile home park owner or developer to make any agreement, written or oral, whereby the fees authorized in this subsection will be split between such mobile home park owner or developer and any mobile home dealer, unless otherwise provided for in this chapter. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this paragraph is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(d) With respect to the first rental agreement for a mobile home lot in a developing park, the park has the right to condition such initial rental agreement upon the prospective resident’s purchasing the mobile home from a dealer chosen by the park developer. A park developer may also buy down rentals on the initial rental agreement of a mobile home lot, and such buy-downs may be split between the owner of a developing park and the dealer.
(e) Whenever an entrance fee is charged by a mobile home park owner or developer for the entrance of a mobile home into the park and such mobile home is moved from the park before 2 years have passed from the date on which the fee was charged, the fee shall be prorated and a portion returned as follows:
1. The entrance fee shall be refunded at the rate of one twenty-fourth of such fee for each month short of 2 years that the mobile home owner maintained his or her mobile home within the park.
2. The entrance fee shall be refunded within 15 days after the mobile home has been physically moved from the park.
No new entrance fee may be charged for a move within the same park. This paragraph does not apply in instances in which the mobile home owner is evicted on the ground of nonpayment of rent; violation of a federal, state, or local ordinance; or violation of a properly promulgated park rule or regulation or leaves before the expiration date of his or her rental agreement. However, the sums due to the park by the mobile home owner may be offset against the balance due on the entrance fee.
(2) No person shall be required by a mobile home park owner to pay an exit fee upon termination of his or her residency.
(3) No entrance fee may be charged by the park owner to the purchaser of a mobile home situated in the park that is offered for sale by a resident of the park.
(4) Except as expressly preempted by the requirements of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, a mobile home owner or the park owner shall be authorized pursuant to this section to site any size new or used mobile home and appurtenances on a mobile home lot in accordance with the lot sizes, separation and setback distances, and other requirements in effect at the time of the approval of the mobile home park.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 9, ch. 86-162; s. 27, ch. 91-110; s. 168, ch. 91-224; s. 920, ch. 97-102; s. 6, ch. 2003-263.
723.042 Provision of improvements.—No person shall be required by a mobile home park owner or developer, as a condition of residence in the mobile home park, to provide any improvement unless the requirement is disclosed pursuant to s. 723.011 prior to occupancy in the mobile home park.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 59, ch. 85-62.
723.043 Purchase of equipment.—No mobile home park owner or developer shall require a mobile home owner of the mobile home park to purchase from such mobile home park owner underskirting, equipment for tying down a mobile home, or any other equipment required by law, local ordinance, or regulation of the mobile home park. However, the park developer or park owner may determine by rule or regulation the style or quality of such equipment to be purchased by the mobile home owner from the vendor of the mobile home owner’s choosing, provided the style or quality has been disclosed in the prospectus given by the park developer or park owner to the mobile home owner.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.044 Interference with installation of appliances or interior improvements.—A mobile home park owner or developer shall not charge any resident who chooses to install an electric or gas appliance in her or his mobile home an additional fee solely on the basis of such installation or restrict the installation, service, or maintenance of any such appliance or the making of any interior improvement in such mobile home, so long as the installation or improvement is in compliance with applicable building codes and other provisions of law.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 921, ch. 97-102.
723.045 Sale of utilities by park owner or developer.—No mobile home park owner or developer who purchases electricity or gas (natural, manufactured, or similar gaseous substance) from any public utility or municipally owned utility or who purchases water from a water system for the purpose of supplying or reselling the electricity, gas, or water to any other person to whom she or he leases, lets, rents, subleases, sublets, or subrents the premises upon which the electricity, gas, or water is to be used shall charge, demand, or receive, directly or indirectly, any amount for the resale of such electricity, gas, or water greater than that amount charged by the public utility or municipally owned utility from which the electricity or gas was purchased or by the public water system from which the water was purchased. However, as concerns the distribution of water, the park owner may charge for maintenance actually incurred and administrative costs. This section does not apply to a park owner who is regulated pursuant to chapter 367 or by a county water ordinance.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 922, ch. 97-102.
723.046 Capital costs of utility improvements.—In the event that the costs for capital improvements for a water or sewer system are to be charged to or to be passed through to the mobile home owners or if such expenses shall be required of mobile home owners in a mobile home park owned all or in part by the residents, any such charge exceeding $200 per mobile home owner may, at the option of the mobile home owner, be paid in full within 60 days from the notification of the assessment, or amortized with interest over the same duration and at the same rate as allowed for a single-family home under the local government ordinance. If no amortization is provided for a single house, then the period of amortization by the municipality, county, or special district shall be not less than 8 years. The amortization requirement established herein shall be binding upon any municipality, county, or special district serving the mobile home park.
History.—s. 11, ch. 92-148.
723.051 Invitees; rights and obligations.—
(1) An invitee of a mobile home owner shall have ingress and egress to and from the home owner’s site without the home owner or invitee being required to pay additional rent, a fee, or any charge whatsoever. Any mobile home park rule or regulation providing for fees or charges contrary to the terms of this section is null and void.
(2) All guests, family members, or invitees are required to abide by properly promulgated rules and regulations.
(3) For the purposes of this section, an “invitee” is defined as a person whose stay at the request of a mobile home owner does not exceed 15 consecutive days or 30 total days per year, unless such person has the permission of the park owner or unless permitted by a properly promulgated rule or regulation. The spouse of a mobile home owner shall not be considered an invitee.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.054 Right of mobile home owners to peaceably assemble; right to communicate.—
(1) No provision contained in any bylaw, rental agreement, regulation, or rule pertaining to a mobile home park shall infringe upon the right of the mobile home owners to peaceably assemble in an open public meeting for any lawful purpose, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, in the common areas or recreational areas of the mobile home park.
(2) No provision contained in any bylaw, rental agreement, regulation, or rule pertaining to a mobile home park shall infringe upon the right of the mobile home owners or tenants to communicate or assemble among themselves, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, for the purpose of discussing any problems relative to the mobile home park. Such discussions may be held in the common areas or recreational areas of the park, including halls or centers, or in any resident’s mobile home. In addition, the park owner or developer may not unreasonably restrict the use of any facility, including the use of utilities, when requested.
(3) No provision contained in any bylaw, rental agreement, regulation, or rule pertaining to a mobile home park shall prohibit any mobile home owner from canvassing mobile home owners for the purposes described in this subsection. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “canvassing” includes an oral or written request; the distribution, circulation, posting, or publication of a notice; or a general announcement requesting the payment of membership dues or other matters relevant to the membership of the park association, federation, or organization. Such canvassing shall be done at a reasonable time or times and in a reasonable manner. It is the intent of the Legislature, through the enactment of this subsection, to prohibit any owner, developer, or manager of a mobile home park from prohibiting free communication among mobile home owners or tenants in the guise of regulations or rules restricting or limiting canvassing for association, federation, or organization dues or other association, federation, or organization matters.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.055 Right of mobile home owner to invite public officers, candidates for public office, or representatives of a tenant organization.—No provision contained in any bylaw, rental agreement, regulation, or rule pertaining to a mobile home park shall infringe upon the right of a mobile home owner to invite public officers, candidates who have qualified for public office, or officers or representatives of a tenant organization to appear and speak upon matters of public interest in the common areas or recreational areas of the mobile home park at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner in an open public meeting. The mobile home park owner, however, may enforce rules and regulations relating to the time, place, and scheduling of such speakers, which rules and regulations will protect the interests of the majority of the home owners.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.056 Enforcement of right of assembly and right to hear outside speakers.—Any mobile home owner who is prevented from exercising rights guaranteed by s. 723.054 or s. 723.055 may bring an action in the appropriate court having jurisdiction in the county in which the alleged infringement occurred, and, upon favorable adjudication, the court shall enjoin the enforcement of any provision contained in any bylaw, rental agreement, or rule pertaining to a mobile home park which operates to deprive the home owner of such rights.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.058 Restrictions on sale of mobile homes.—
(1) No mobile home park owner or subdivision developer shall make or enforce any rule, regulation, or rental agreement provision which denies or abridges the right of any mobile home owner or owner of a lot in a mobile home subdivision to sell his or her mobile home within the park or mobile home subdivision; which prohibits the mobile home owner or the owner of a lot in a mobile home subdivision from placing a “for sale” sign on or in his or her mobile home (except that the size, placement, and character of all signs are subject to properly promulgated and reasonable rules and regulations of the mobile home park or mobile home subdivision); or which requires the mobile home owner or the owner of a lot in a mobile home subdivision to remove the mobile home from the park or mobile home subdivision solely on the basis of the sale thereof.
(2) The park owner or subdivision developer shall not exact a commission or fee with respect to the price realized by the seller unless the park owner or subdivision developer has acted as agent for the mobile home owner or the owner of a lot in a mobile home subdivision in the sale pursuant to a written contract.
(3) No mobile home owner, owner of a lot in a mobile home subdivision, or purchaser of an existing mobile home located within a park or mobile home subdivision, as a condition of tenancy, or to qualify for tenancy, or to obtain approval for tenancy in a mobile home park or mobile home subdivision, shall be required to enter into, extend, or renew a resale agreement.
(4) No resale agreement shall be construed to be of perpetual or indefinite duration. Any duration shall be construed to expire 6 months following written notice from the homeowner to the park owner or subdivision developer informing the park owner or subdivision developer that the homeowner is placing his or her mobile home for sale, and requesting the park owner or subdivision developer to utilize his or her best efforts to sell the mobile home on the homeowner’s behalf. Any extension or renewal of a resale agreement shall be in writing and shall be of specified duration.
(5) No mobile home park owner or subdivision developer shall impose a discriminatory increase in lot rental amount upon a mobile home owner, owner of a lot in a mobile home subdivision, or purchaser of an existing mobile home within the park or mobile home subdivision based upon the failure or refusal of such mobile home owner, owner of a lot in a mobile home subdivision, or purchaser to enter into, extend, or renew a resale agreement prohibited by subsection (3).
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 14, ch. 90-198; s. 2, ch. 91-202; s. 923, ch. 97-102.
723.059 Rights of purchaser.—
(1) The purchaser of a mobile home within a mobile home park may become a tenant of the park if such purchaser would otherwise qualify with the requirements of entry into the park under the park rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the park owner, but such approval may not be unreasonably withheld.
(2) Properly promulgated rules may provide for the screening of any prospective purchaser to determine whether or not such purchaser is qualified to become a tenant of the park.
(3) The purchaser of a mobile home who becomes a resident of the mobile home park in accordance with this section has the right to assume the remainder of the term of any rental agreement then in effect between the mobile home park owner and the seller and shall be entitled to rely on the terms and conditions of the prospectus or offering circular as delivered to the initial recipient.
(4) However, nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit a mobile home park owner from increasing the rental amount to be paid by the purchaser upon the expiration of the assumed rental agreement in an amount deemed appropriate by the mobile home park owner, so long as such increase is disclosed to the purchaser prior to his or her occupancy and is imposed in a manner consistent with the initial offering circular or prospectus and this act.
(5) Lifetime leases, both those existing and those entered into after July 1, 1986, shall be nonassumable unless otherwise provided in the lot rental agreement or unless the transferee is the home owner’s spouse. The renewal provisions in automatically renewable leases, both those existing and those entered into after July 1, 1986, are not assumable unless otherwise provided in the lease agreement.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 10, ch. 86-162; s. 924, ch. 97-102.
723.061 Eviction; grounds, proceedings.—
(1) A mobile home park owner may evict a mobile home owner, a mobile home tenant, a mobile home occupant, or a mobile home only on one or more of the following grounds:
(a) Nonpayment of the lot rental amount. If a mobile home owner or tenant, whichever is responsible, fails to pay the lot rental amount when due and if the default continues for 5 days after delivery of a written demand by the mobile home park owner for payment of the lot rental amount, the park owner may terminate the tenancy. However, if the mobile home owner or tenant, whichever is responsible, pays the lot rental amount due, including any late charges, court costs, and attorney’s fees, the court may, for good cause, deny the order of eviction, if such nonpayment has not occurred more than twice.
(b) Conviction of a violation of a federal or state law or local ordinance, if the violation is detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of other residents of the mobile home park. The mobile home owner or mobile home tenant must vacate the premises within 7 days after the date the notice to vacate is delivered. This paragraph constitutes grounds to deny an initial tenancy of a purchaser of a home under paragraph (e) or to evict an unapproved occupant of a home.
(c) Violation of a park rule or regulation, the rental agreement, or this chapter.
1. For the first violation of any properly promulgated rule or regulation, rental agreement provision, or this chapter which is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to have been an act that endangered the life, health, safety, or property of the park residents or employees or the peaceful enjoyment of the mobile home park by its residents, the mobile home park owner may terminate the rental agreement, and the mobile home owner, tenant, or occupant must vacate the premises within 7 days after the notice to vacate is delivered.
2. For a second violation of the same properly promulgated rule or regulation, rental agreement provision, or this chapter within 12 months, the mobile home park owner may terminate the tenancy if she or he has given the mobile home owner, tenant, or occupant written notice, within 30 days after the first violation, which specified the actions of the mobile home owner, tenant, or occupant that caused the violation and gave the mobile home owner, tenant, or occupant 7 days to correct the noncompliance. The mobile home owner, tenant, or occupant must have received written notice of the ground upon which she or he is to be evicted at least 30 days prior to the date on which she or he is required to vacate. A second violation of a properly promulgated rule or regulation, rental agreement provision, or this chapter within 12 months of the first violation is unequivocally a ground for eviction, and it is not a defense to any eviction proceeding that a violation has been cured after the second violation. Violation of a rule or regulation, rental agreement provision, or this chapter more than 1 year after the first violation of the same rule or regulation, rental agreement provision, or this chapter does not constitute a ground for eviction under this section.
A properly promulgated rule or regulation may not be arbitrarily applied and used as a ground for eviction.
(d) Change in use of the land comprising the mobile home park, or the portion thereof from which mobile homes are to be evicted, from mobile home lot rentals to some other use, if:
1. The park owner gives written notice to the homeowners’ association formed and operating under ss. 723.075-723.079 of its right to purchase the mobile home park, if the land comprising the mobile home park is changing use from mobile home lot rentals to a different use, at the price and under the terms and conditions set forth in the written notice.
a. The notice shall be delivered to the officers of the homeowners’ association by United States mail. Within 45 days after the date of mailing of the notice, the homeowners’ association may execute and deliver a contract to the park owner to purchase the mobile home park at the price and under the terms and conditions set forth in the notice. If the contract between the park owner and the homeowners’ association is not executed and delivered to the park owner within the 45-day period, the park owner is under no further obligation to the homeowners’ association except as provided in sub-subparagraph b.
b. If the park owner elects to offer or sell the mobile home park at a price lower than the price specified in her or his initial notice to the officers of the homeowners’ association, the homeowners’ association has an additional 10 days to meet the revised price, terms, and conditions of the park owner by executing and delivering a revised contract to the park owner.
c. The park owner is not obligated under this subparagraph or s. 723.071 to give any other notice to, or to further negotiate with, the homeowners’ association for the sale of the mobile home park to the homeowners’ association after 6 months after the date of the mailing of the initial notice under sub-subparagraph a.
2. The park owner gives the affected mobile home owners and tenants at least 6 months’ notice of the eviction due to the projected change in use and of their need to secure other accommodations.
a. The notice of eviction due to a change in use of the land must include in a font no smaller than the body of the notice the following statement:
YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FROM THE FLORIDA MOBILE HOME RELOCATION TRUST FUND, ADMINISTERED BY THE FLORIDA MOBILE HOME RELOCATION CORPORATION (FMHRC). FMHRC CONTACT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION.
b. The park owner may not give a notice of increase in lot rental amount within 90 days before giving notice of a change in use.
(e) Failure of the purchaser, prospective tenant, or occupant of a mobile home situated in the mobile home park to be qualified as, and to obtain approval to become, a tenant or occupant of the home, if such approval is required by a properly promulgated rule. If a purchaser or prospective tenant of a mobile home situated in the mobile home park occupies the mobile home before such approval is granted, the mobile home owner or mobile home tenant must vacate the premises within 7 days after the date the notice of the failure to be approved for tenancy is delivered.
(2) In the event of eviction for a change in use, homeowners must object to the change in use by petitioning for administrative or judicial remedies within 90 days after the date of the notice or they will be barred from taking any subsequent action to contest the change in use. This subsection does not prevent any homeowner from objecting to a zoning change at any time.
(3) A mobile home park owner applying for the removal of a mobile home owner, tenant, or occupant or a mobile home shall file, in the county court in the county where the mobile home lot is situated, a complaint describing the lot and stating the facts that authorize the removal of the mobile home owner, tenant, or occupant or the mobile home. The park owner is entitled to the summary procedure provided in s. 51.011, and the court shall advance the cause on the calendar.
(4) Except for the notice to the officers of the homeowners’ association under subparagraph (1)(d)1., any notice required by this section must be in writing, and must be posted on the premises and sent to the mobile home owner and tenant or occupant, as appropriate, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the mobile home owner and tenant or occupant, as appropriate, at her or his last known address. Delivery of the mailed notice shall be deemed given 5 days after the date of postmark.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 11, ch. 86-162; ss. 7, 8, ch. 87-117; ss. 2, 3, 4, ch. 87-150; s. 16, ch. 88-147; s. 3, ch. 91-66; s. 12, ch. 92-148; s. 925, ch. 97-102; s. 6, ch. 2001-227; s. 7, ch. 2003-263; s. 1, ch. 2007-47; s. 2, ch. 2011-105.
723.0611 Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation.—
(1) There is created the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation. The corporation shall be administered by a board of directors made up of six members, three of whom shall be appointed by the Secretary of Business and Professional Regulation from a list of nominees submitted by the largest nonprofit association representing mobile home owners in this state, and three of whom shall be appointed by the Secretary of Business and Professional Regulation from a list of nominees submitted by the largest nonprofit association representing the manufactured housing industry in this state. All members of the board of directors, including the chair, shall be appointed to serve for staggered 3-year terms.
(2)(a) The board of directors may employ or retain such persons as are necessary to perform the administrative and financial transactions and responsibilities of the corporation and to perform other necessary and proper functions not prohibited by law.
(b) Members of the board of directors may be reimbursed from moneys of the corporation for actual and necessary expenses incurred by them as members but may not otherwise be compensated for their services.
(c) The corporation shall, for purposes of s. 768.28, be considered an agency of the state. Agents or employees of the corporation, members of the board of directors of the corporation, or representatives of the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes shall be considered officers, employees, or agents of the state, and actions against them and the corporation shall be governed by s. 768.28.
(d) Meetings of the board of directors are subject to the provisions of s. 286.011.
(e) Any person who receives compensation from the corporation or the park owner pursuant to ss. 723.061-723.0612 shall not have a cause of action against the corporation or the park owner for any claim arising under the rights, duties, and obligations of the corporation or park owner in ss. 723.061-723.0612.
(3) The board of directors shall:
(a) Adopt a plan of operation and articles, bylaws, and operating rules pursuant to the provisions of ss. 120.536 and 120.54 to administer the provisions of this section and ss. 723.06115, 723.06116, and 723.0612.
(b) Establish procedures under which applicants for payments from the corporation may have grievances reviewed by an impartial body and reported to the board of directors.
(4) The corporation may:
(a) Sue or be sued.
(b) Borrow from private finance sources in order to meet the demands of the relocation program established in s. 723.0612.
History.—s. 7, ch. 2001-227; s. 8, ch. 2003-263; s. 2, ch. 2005-79; s. 75, ch. 2008-240.
723.06115 Florida Mobile Home Relocation Trust Fund.—
(1) The Florida Mobile Home Relocation Trust Fund is established within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The trust fund is to be used to fund the administration and operations of the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation. All interest earned from the investment or deposit of moneys in the trust fund shall be deposited in the trust fund. The trust fund shall be funded from moneys collected by the corporation from mobile home park owners under s. 723.06116, the surcharge collected by the department under s. 723.007(2), the surcharge collected by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and from other appropriated funds.
(2) Moneys in the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Trust Fund may be expended only:
(a) To pay the administration costs of the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation; and
(b) To carry out the purposes and objectives of the corporation by making payments to mobile home owners under the relocation program.
(3) The department shall distribute moneys in the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Trust Fund to the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation in accordance with the following:
(a) Before the beginning of each fiscal year, the corporation shall submit its annual operating budget, as approved by the corporation board, for the fiscal year and set forth that amount to the department in writing. One-fourth of the operating budget shall be transferred to the corporation each quarter. The department shall make the first one-fourth quarter transfer on the first business day of the fiscal year and make the remaining one-fourth quarter transfers before the second business day of the second, third, and fourth quarters. The corporation board may approve changes to the operational budget for a fiscal year by providing written notification of such changes to the department. The written notification must indicate the changes to the operational budget and the conditions that were unforeseen at the time the corporation developed the operational budget and why the changes are essential in order to continue operation of the corporation.
(b) The corporation shall periodically submit requests to the department for the transfer of funds to the corporation needed to make payments to mobile home owners under the relocation program. Requests must include documentation indicating the amount of funds needed, the name and location of the mobile home park, the number of approved applications for moving expenses or abandonment allowance, and summary information specifying the number and type, single-section or multisection, of homes moved or abandoned. The department shall process requests that include such documentation, subject to the availability of sufficient funds within the trust fund, within 5 business days after receipt of the request. Transfer requests may be submitted electronically.
(c) Funds transferred from the trust fund to the corporation shall be transferred electronically and shall be transferred to and maintained in a qualified public depository as defined in s. 280.02 which is specified by the corporation.
(4) Other than the requirements specified under this section, neither the corporation nor the department is required to take any other action as a prerequisite to accomplishing the provisions of this section.
(5) This section does not preclude department inspection of corporation records 5 business days after receipt of written notice.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 2001-231; s. 2, ch. 2003-249; s. 9, ch. 2003-263; s. 22, ch. 2005-3; s. 2, ch. 2013-158.
723.06116 Payments to the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation.—
(1) If a mobile home owner is required to move due to a change in use of the land comprising a mobile home park as set forth in s. 723.061(1)(d), the mobile home park owner shall, upon such change in use, pay to the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation for deposit in the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Trust Fund $2,750 for each single-section mobile home and $3,750 for each multisection mobile home for which a mobile home owner has made application for payment of moving expenses. The mobile home park owner shall make the payments required by this section and by s. 723.0612(7) to the corporation within 30 days after receipt from the corporation of the invoice for payment. Failure to make such payment within the required time period shall result in a late fee being imposed.
(a) If payment is not submitted within 30 days after receipt of the invoice, a 10-percent late fee shall be assessed.
(b) If payment is not submitted within 60 days after receipt of the invoice, a 15-percent late fee shall be assessed.
(c) If payment is not submitted within 90 days after receipt of the invoice, a 20-percent late fee shall be assessed.
(d) Any payment received 120 days or more after receipt of the invoice shall include a 25-percent late fee.
(2) A mobile home park owner is not required to make the payment prescribed in subsection (1), nor is the mobile home owner entitled to compensation under s. 723.0612(1), when:
(a) The mobile home park owner moves a mobile home owner to another space in the mobile home park or to another mobile home park at the park owner’s expense;
(b) A mobile home owner is vacating the premises and has informed the mobile home park owner or manager before the change in use notice has been given; or
(c) A mobile home owner abandons the mobile home as set forth in s. 723.0612(7).
(d) The mobile home owner has a pending eviction action for nonpayment of lot rental amount pursuant to s. 723.061(1)(a) which was filed against him or her prior to the mailing date of the notice of change in use of the mobile home park given pursuant to s. 723.061(1)(d).
(3) This section and s. 723.0612(7) are enforceable by the corporation by action in a court of appropriate jurisdiction.
(4) In any action brought by the corporation to collect payments assessed under this chapter, the corporation may file and maintain such action in Leon County. If the corporation is a party in any other action, venue for such action shall be in Leon County.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2001-231; s. 105, ch. 2002-1; s. 2, ch. 2002-27; s. 10, ch. 2003-263; s. 2, ch. 2007-47.
723.0612 Change in use; relocation expenses; payments by park owner.—
(1) If a mobile home owner is required to move due to a change in use of the land comprising the mobile home park as set forth in s. 723.061(1)(d) and complies with the requirements of this section, the mobile home owner is entitled to payment from the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation of:
(a) The amount of actual moving expenses of relocating the mobile home to a new location within a 50-mile radius of the vacated park, or
(b) The amount of $3,000 for a single-section mobile home or $6,000 for a multisection mobile home, whichever is less. Moving expenses include the cost of taking down, moving, and setting up the mobile home in a new location.
(2) A mobile home owner shall not be entitled to compensation under subsection (1) when:
(a) The park owner moves a mobile home owner to another space in the mobile home park or to another mobile home park at the park owner’s expense;
(b) A mobile home owner is vacating the premises and has informed the park owner or manager before notice of the change in use has been given;
(c) A mobile home owner abandons the mobile home as set forth in subsection (7); or
(d) The mobile home owner has a pending eviction action for nonpayment of lot rental amount pursuant to s. 723.061(1)(a) which was filed against him or her prior to the mailing date of the notice of change in use of the mobile home park given pursuant to s. 723.061(1)(d).
(3) Except as provided in subsection (7), in order to obtain payment from the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation, the mobile home owner shall submit to the corporation, with a copy to the park owner, an application for payment which includes:
(a) A copy of the notice of eviction due to change in use; and
(b) A contract with a moving or towing contractor for the moving expenses for the mobile home.
(4) The Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation must approve payment within 45 days after receipt of the information set forth in subsection (3), or payment is deemed approved. A copy of the approval must be forwarded to the park owner with an invoice for payment. Upon approval, the corporation shall issue a voucher in the amount of the contract price for relocating the mobile home. The moving contractor may redeem the voucher from the corporation following completion of the relocation and upon approval of the relocation by the mobile home owner.
(5) Actions of the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation under this section are not subject to the provisions of chapter 120 but are reviewable only by writ of certiorari in the circuit court in the county in which the claimant resides in the manner and within the time provided by the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure.
(6) This section does not apply to any proceeding in eminent domain under chapter 73 or chapter 74.
(7) In lieu of collecting payment from the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation as set forth in subsection (1), a mobile home owner may abandon the mobile home in the mobile home park and collect $1,375 for a single section and $2,750 for a multisection from the corporation as long as the mobile home owner delivers to the park owner the current title to the mobile home duly endorsed by the owner of record and valid releases of all liens shown on the title. If a mobile home owner chooses this option, the park owner shall make payment to the corporation in an amount equal to the amount the mobile home owner is entitled to under this subsection. The mobile home owner’s application for funds under this subsection shall require the submission of a document signed by the park owner stating that the home has been abandoned under this subsection and that the park owner agrees to make payment to the corporation in the amount provided to the home owner under this subsection. However, in the event that the required documents are not submitted with the application, the corporation may consider the facts and circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the home to determine whether the mobile home owner is entitled to payment pursuant to this subsection. The mobile home owner is not entitled to any compensation under this subsection if there is a pending eviction action for nonpayment of lot rental amount pursuant to s. 723.061(1)(a) which was filed against him or her prior to the mailing date of the notice of change in the use of the mobile home park given pursuant to s. 723.061(1)(d).
(8) The Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation shall not be liable to any person for recovery if funds are insufficient to pay the amounts claimed. In any such event, the corporation shall keep a record of the time and date of its approval of payment to a claimant. If sufficient funds become available, the corporation shall pay the claimant whose unpaid claim is the earliest by time and date of approval.
(9) Any person whose application for funding pursuant to subsection (1) or subsection (7) is approved for payment by the corporation shall be barred from asserting any claim or cause of action under this chapter directly relating to or arising out of the change in use of the mobile home park against the corporation, the park owner, or the park owner’s successors in interest. No application for funding pursuant to subsection (1) or subsection (7) shall be approved by the corporation if the applicant has filed a claim or cause of action, is actively pursuing a claim or cause of action, has settled a claim or cause of action, or has a judgment against the corporation, the park owner, or the park owner’s successors in interest under this chapter directly relating to or arising out of the change in use of the mobile home park, unless such claim or cause of action is dismissed with prejudice.
(10) It is unlawful for any person or his or her agent to file any notice, statement, or other document required under this section which is false or contains any material misstatement of fact. Any person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(11) In an action to enforce the provisions of this section and ss. 723.0611, 723.06115, and 723.06116, the prevailing party is entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
(12) An application to the corporation for compensation under subsection (1) or subsection (7) must be received within 1 year after the expiration of the eviction period as established in the notice required under s. 723.061(1)(d). If the applicant files a claim or cause of action that disqualifies the applicant under subsection (9) and the claim is subsequently dismissed, the application must be received within 6 months following filing of the dismissal with prejudice as required under subsection (9). However, such an applicant must apply within 2 years after the expiration of the eviction period as established in the notice required under s. 723.061(1)(d).
History.—s. 8, ch. 2001-227; s. 3, ch. 2002-27; s. 11, ch. 2003-263; s. 1, ch. 2004-13; s. 3, ch. 2005-79; s. 3, ch. 2007-47.
723.0615 Retaliatory conduct.—
(1) It is unlawful for a mobile home park owner to discriminatorily increase a home owner’s rent or discriminatorily decrease services to a home owner, or to bring or threaten to bring an action for possession or other civil action, primarily because the park owner is retaliating against the home owner. In order for the home owner to raise the defense of retaliatory conduct, the home owner must have acted in good faith and not for any improper purposes, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or for frivolous purpose or needless increase in the cost of litigation. Examples of conduct for which the park owner may not retaliate include, but are not limited to, situations where:
(a) The home owner has in good faith complained to a governmental agency charged with responsibility for enforcement of a building, housing, or health code of a suspected violation applicable to the mobile home park;
(b) The home owner has organized, encouraged, or participated in a homeowners’ organization; or
(c) The home owner has complained to the park owner for failure to comply with s. 723.022.
(2) Evidence of retaliatory conduct may be raised by the home owner as a defense in any action brought against him or her for possession.
(3) In any event, this section does not apply if the park owner proves that the eviction is for good cause. Examples of such good cause include, but are not limited to, good faith actions for nonpayment of the lot rental amount, violation of the rental agreement or of park rules, or violation of the terms of this chapter.
History.—s. 12, ch. 86-162; s. 926, ch. 97-102.
723.062 Removal of mobile home owner; process.—
(1) In an action for possession, after entry of judgment in favor of the mobile home park owner, the clerk shall issue a writ of possession to the sheriff, describing the lot or premises and commanding the sheriff to put the mobile home park owner in possession. The writ of possession shall not issue earlier than 10 days from the date judgment is granted.
(2) At the time the sheriff executes the writ of possession, the landlord or the landlord’s agent may remove any personal property, including the mobile home, found on the premises to or near the property line or, in the case of the mobile home, into storage. If requested by the landlord, the sheriff shall stand by to keep the peace while the landlord removes personal property. When such a request is made, the sheriff may charge a reasonable hourly rate, and the person requesting the sheriff to stand by to keep the peace shall be responsible for paying the reasonable hourly rate set by the sheriff. Neither the sheriff nor the landlord nor his or her agent shall be responsible to the tenant or any other party for loss, destruction, or damage to the property after it has been removed.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 9, ch. 94-170; s. 927, ch. 97-102.
723.063 Defenses to action for rent or possession; procedure.—
(1) In any action based upon nonpayment of rent or seeking to recover unpaid rent, or a portion thereof, the mobile home owner may defend upon the ground of a material noncompliance with any portion of this chapter or may raise any other defense, whether legal or equitable, which he or she may have. The defense of material noncompliance may be raised by the mobile home owner only if 7 days have elapsed after he or she has notified the park owner in writing of his or her intention not to pay rent, or a portion thereof, based upon the park owner’s noncompliance with portions of this chapter, specifying in reasonable detail the provisions in default. A material noncompliance with this chapter by the park owner is a complete defense to an action for possession based upon nonpayment of rent, or a portion thereof, and, upon hearing, the court or the jury, as the case may be, shall determine the amount, if any, by which the rent is to be reduced to reflect the diminution in value of the lot during the period of noncompliance with any portion of this chapter. After consideration of all other relevant issues, the court shall enter appropriate judgment.
(2) In any action by the park owner or a mobile home owner brought under subsection (1), the mobile home owner shall pay into the registry of the court that portion of the accrued rent, if any, relating to the claim of material noncompliance as alleged in the complaint, or as determined by the court. The court shall notify the mobile home owner of such requirement. The failure of the mobile home owner to pay the rent, or portion thereof, into the registry of the court as required herein constitutes an absolute waiver of the mobile home owner’s defenses other than payment, and the park owner is entitled to an immediate default.
(3) When the mobile home owner has deposited funds into the registry of the court in accordance with the provisions of this section and the park owner is in actual danger of loss of the premises or other personal hardship resulting from the loss of rental income from the premises, the park owner may apply to the court for disbursement of all or part of the funds or for prompt final hearing, whereupon the court shall advance the cause on the calendar. The court, after preliminary hearing, may award all or any portion of the funds on deposit to the park owner or may proceed immediately to a final resolution of the cause.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 928, ch. 97-102.
723.068 Attorney’s fees.—Except as provided in s. 723.037, in any proceeding between private parties to enforce provisions of this chapter, the prevailing party is entitled to a reasonable attorney’s fee.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.071 Sale of mobile home parks.—
(1)(a) If a mobile home park owner offers a mobile home park for sale, she or he shall notify the officers of the homeowners’ association created pursuant to ss. 723.075-723.079 of the offer, stating the price and the terms and conditions of sale.
(b) The mobile home owners, by and through the association defined in s. 723.075, shall have the right to purchase the park, provided the home owners meet the price and terms and conditions of the mobile home park owner by executing a contract with the park owner within 45 days, unless agreed to otherwise, from the date of mailing of the notice and provided they have complied with ss. 723.075-723.079. If a contract between the park owner and the association is not executed within such 45-day period, then, unless the park owner thereafter elects to offer the park at a price lower than the price specified in her or his notice to the officers of the homeowners’ association, the park owner has no further obligations under this subsection, and her or his only obligation shall be as set forth in subsection (2).
(c) If the park owner thereafter elects to offer the park at a price lower than the price specified in her or his notice to the home owners, the home owners, by and through the association, will have an additional 10 days to meet the price and terms and conditions of the park owner by executing a contract.
(2) If a mobile home park owner receives a bona fide offer to purchase the park that she or he intends to consider or make a counteroffer to, the park owner’s only obligation shall be to notify the officers of the homeowners’ association that she or he has received an offer and disclose the price and material terms and conditions upon which she or he would consider selling the park and consider any offer made by the home owners, provided the home owners have complied with ss. 723.075-723.079. The park owner shall be under no obligation to sell to the home owners or to interrupt or delay other negotiations and shall be free at any time to execute a contract for the sale of the park to a party or parties other than the home owners or the association.
(3)(a) As used in subsections (1) and (2), the term “notify” means the placing of a notice in the United States mail addressed to the officers of the homeowners’ association. Each such notice shall be deemed to have been given upon the deposit of the notice in the United States mail.
(b) As used in subsection (1), the term “offer” means any solicitation by the park owner to the general public.
(4) This section does not apply to:
(a) Any sale or transfer to a person who would be included within the table of descent and distribution if the park owner were to die intestate.
(b) Any transfer by gift, devise, or operation of law.
(c) Any transfer by a corporation to an affiliate. As used herein, the term “affiliate” means any shareholder of the transferring corporation; any corporation or entity owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the transferring corporation; or any other corporation or entity owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any shareholder of the transferring corporation.
(d) Any transfer by a partnership to any of its partners.
(e) Any conveyance of an interest in a mobile home park incidental to the financing of such mobile home park.
(f) Any conveyance resulting from the foreclosure of a mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument encumbering a mobile home park or any deed given in lieu of such foreclosure.
(g) Any sale or transfer between or among joint tenants or tenants in common owning a mobile home park.
(h) Any exchange of a mobile home park for other real property, whether or not such exchange also involves the payment of cash or other boot.
(i) The purchase of a mobile home park by a governmental entity under its powers of eminent domain.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 929, ch. 97-102.
723.072 Affidavit of compliance with statutory requirements.—
(1) A park owner may at any time record, in the official records of the county where a mobile home park is situated, an affidavit in which the park owner certifies that:
(a) With reference to an offer by him or her for the sale of such park, he or she has complied with the provisions of s. 723.071(1);
(b) With reference to an offer received by him or her for the purchase of such park, or with reference to a counteroffer which he or she intends to make, or has made, for the sale of such park, he or she has complied with the provisions of s. 723.071(2);
(c) Notwithstanding his or her compliance with the provisions of either subsection (1) or subsection (2) of s. 723.071, no contract has been executed for the sale of such park between himself or herself and the park homeowners’ association;
(d) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of s. 723.071 are inapplicable to a particular sale or transfer of such park by him or her, and compliance with such subsections is not required; or
(e) A particular sale or transfer of such park is exempted from the provisions of this section and s. 723.071.
Any party acquiring an interest in a mobile home park, and any and all title insurance companies and attorneys preparing, furnishing, or examining any evidence of title, have the absolute right to rely on the truth and accuracy of all statements appearing in such affidavit and are under no obligation to inquire further as to any matter or fact relating to the park owner’s compliance with the provisions of s. 723.071.
(2) It is the purpose and intention of this section to preserve the marketability of title to mobile home parks, and, accordingly, the provisions of this section shall be liberally construed in order that all persons may rely on the record title to mobile home parks.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 60, ch. 85-62; s. 930, ch. 97-102.
723.073 Conveyance by the association.—
(1) In the event that an association acquires a mobile home park and intends to reconvey a portion or portions of the property acquired to members of the association, the association shall record copies of its articles and bylaws and any additional covenants, restrictions, or declarations of servitude affecting the property with the clerk of the circuit court prior to the conveyance of any portion of the property to an individual member of the association. To create a mobile home cooperative after acquisition of the property, the association shall record the cooperative documents, as required by chapter 719, in the county where the property is located. The effective date of the cooperative shall be the date of the recording.
(2) An association that acquires a mobile home park pursuant to s. 723.071 is exempt from s. 719.1035 and the requirements of part VI of chapter 718 and part VI of chapter 719.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 8, ch. 96-396.
723.074 Sale of facilities serving a mobile home subdivision.—The owner of recreational facilities or other property exclusively serving a mobile home subdivision shall not sell such recreational facilities or other property unless she or he first gives the right to purchase such recreational facilities or other property to the owners of lots within the mobile home subdivision, in the manner provided for in s. 723.071, provided the owners of lots within the subdivision have created a homeowners’ association similar to that required by s. 723.075. A mobile home subdivision in which no more than 30 percent of the total lots are leased will not be deemed to be a mobile home park, provided the mobile home owner is granted an option to purchase the lot when the lease is entered into and provided the purchase price of the lot is included in the original lease agreement.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 931, ch. 97-102.
723.075 Homeowners’ associations.—
(1) In order to exercise the rights provided in s. 723.071, the mobile home owners shall form an association in compliance with this section and ss. 723.077, 723.078, and 723.079, which shall be a corporation for profit or not for profit and of which not less than two-thirds of all of the mobile home owners within the park shall have consented, in writing, to become members or shareholders. Upon such consent by two-thirds of the mobile home owners, all consenting mobile home owners in the park and their successors shall become members of the association and shall be bound by the provisions of the articles of incorporation, the bylaws of the association, and such restrictions as may be properly promulgated pursuant thereto. The association shall have no member or shareholder who is not a bona fide owner of a mobile home located in the park. Upon incorporation and service of the notice described in s. 723.076, the association shall become the representative of the mobile home owners in all matters relating to this chapter.
(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that any homeowners’ association properly created pursuant to chapter 715 prior to the effective date of this act be deemed an association created pursuant to the provisions of this section and have all rights and powers granted under this section and ss. 723.077 and 723.079. Any inconsistency in the provisions of the charter of such previously created homeowners’ association shall be deemed amended to conform herewith.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), if a portion of the park contains concrete block homes occupying lots under 99-year leases, those homeowners may be part of the association and may serve on the board of directors of the association based on the percentage of lots containing concrete block homes to the total number of mobile home lots in the park.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 2, ch. 2008-45.
723.0751 Mobile home subdivision homeowners’ association.—
(1) In the event that no homeowners’ association has been created pursuant to ss. 720.301-720.312 to operate a mobile home subdivision, the owners of lots in such mobile home subdivision shall be authorized to create a mobile home subdivision homeowners’ association in the manner prescribed in ss. 723.075, 723.076, and 723.078 which shall have the powers and duties, to the extent applicable, set forth in ss. 723.002(2) and 723.074.
(2) Rights granted to the owners of lots in a mobile home subdivision in ss. 723.002(2) and 723.074 may be exercised through an association created or authorized pursuant to this section for the owners of lots who are members of the mobile home subdivision homeowners’ association.
(3) In the event that the owners of lots in a mobile home subdivision share common areas, recreational facilities, roads, and other amenities with the owners of mobile homes in a mobile home park and the mobile home owners have created a mobile home owners’ association pursuant to ss. 723.075-723.079, said mobile home owners’ association shall be the authorized representative of owners of lots in said mobile home subdivision provided:
(a) The members of the mobile home owners’ association have, by majority vote, authorized the inclusion of subdivision lot owners in the mobile home park homeowners’ association; and
(b) The owners of lots in the mobile home subdivision are entitled to vote only on matters that effect their rights contained in ss. 723.002(2) and 723.074.
History.—s. 11, ch. 99-382; s. 57, ch. 2000-258.
723.076 Incorporation; notification of park owner.—
(1) Upon receipt of its certificate of incorporation, the homeowners’ association shall notify the park owner in writing of such incorporation and shall advise the park owner of the names and addresses of the officers of the homeowners’ association by personal delivery upon the park owner’s representative as designated in the prospectus or by certified mail, return receipt requested. Thereafter, the homeowners’ association shall notify the park owner in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, of any change of names and addresses of its president or registered agent.
(2) Upon written request by the homeowners’ association, the park owner shall notify the homeowners’ association by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the name and address of the park owner, the park owner’s agent for service of process, and the legal description of the park. Thereafter, in the event of a change in the name or address of the park owner or the park owner’s agent for service of process, the park owner shall notify in writing the president or registered agent of the homeowners’ association of such change by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(3) The homeowners’ association shall file a notice of its right to purchase the mobile home park as set forth in s. 723.071. The notice shall contain the name of the association, the name of the park owner, and the address or legal description of the park. The notice shall be recorded with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the mobile home park is located. Within 10 days of the recording, the homeowners’ association shall provide a copy of the recorded notice to the park owner at the address provided by the park owner by certified mail, return receipt requested.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 13, ch. 86-162; s. 17, ch. 88-147.
723.077 Articles of incorporation.—The articles of incorporation of a homeowners’ association shall provide:
(1) That the association has the power to negotiate for, acquire, and operate the mobile home park on behalf of the mobile home owners.
(2) For the conversion of the mobile home park once acquired to a condominium, a cooperative, or a subdivision form of ownership, or another type of ownership.
Upon acquisition of the property, the association, by action of its board of directors, shall be the entity that creates a condominium, cooperative, or subdivision or offers condominium, cooperative, or subdivision units for sale or lease in the ordinary course of business or, if the homeowners choose a different form of ownership, the entity that owns the record interest in the property and that is responsible for the operation of property.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 13, ch. 92-148.
723.078 Bylaws of homeowners’ associations.—In order for a homeowners’ association to exercise the rights provided in s. 723.071, the bylaws of the association shall provide for the following:
(1) The directors of the association and the operation shall be governed by the bylaws.
(2) The bylaws shall provide and, if they do not, shall be deemed to include, the following provisions:
(a) The form of administration of the association shall be described, providing for the titles of the officers and for a board of directors and specifying the powers, duties, manner of selection and removal, and compensation, if any, of officers and board members. Unless otherwise provided in the bylaws, the board of directors shall be composed of five members. The board of directors shall have a president, secretary, and treasurer who shall perform the duties of those offices customarily performed by officers of corporations, and these officers shall serve without compensation and at the pleasure of the board of directors. The board of directors may appoint and designate other officers and grant them those duties it deems appropriate.
(b) A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. Decisions shall be made by a majority of members represented at a meeting at which a quorum is present. In addition, provision shall be made in the bylaws for definition and use of proxy. Any proxy given shall be effective only for the specific meeting for which originally given and any lawfully adjourned meetings thereof. In no event shall any proxy be valid for a period longer than 120 days after the date of the first meeting for which it was given. Every proxy shall be revocable at any time at the pleasure of the member executing it.
(c) Meetings of the board of directors shall be open to all members, and notice of meetings shall be posted in a conspicuous place upon the park property at least 48 hours in advance, except in an emergency. Notice of any meeting in which assessments against members are to be considered for any reason shall specifically contain a statement that assessments will be considered and the nature of such assessments.
(d) Members shall meet at least once each calendar year, and the meeting shall be the annual meeting. All members of the board of directors shall be elected at the annual meeting unless the bylaws provide for staggered election terms or for their election at another meeting. The bylaws shall not restrict any member desiring to be a candidate for board membership from being nominated from the floor. The bylaws shall provide the method for calling the meetings of the members, including annual meetings. The method shall provide at least 14 days’ written notice to each member in advance of the meeting and require the posting in a conspicuous place on the park property of a notice of the meeting at least 14 days prior to the meeting. The right to receive written notice of membership meetings may be waived in writing by a member. Unless waived, the notice of the annual meeting shall be sent by mail to each member, and the mailing constitutes notice. An officer of the association shall provide an affidavit affirming that the notices were mailed or hand delivered in accordance with the provisions of this section to each member at the address last furnished to the corporation. These meeting requirements do not prevent members from waiving notice of meetings or from acting by written agreement without meetings, if allowed by the bylaws.
(e) Minutes of all meetings of members and of the board of directors shall be kept in a businesslike manner and shall be available for inspection by members, or their authorized representatives, and board members at reasonable times. The association shall retain these minutes for a period of not less than 7 years.
(f) The share or percentage of, and manner of sharing, assessments and expenses for each member shall be stated.
(g) If the bylaws provide for adoption of an annual budget by the members, the board of directors shall mail a meeting notice and copies of the proposed annual budget of expenses to the members not less than 30 days prior to the meeting at which the budget will be considered. If the bylaws provide that the budget may be adopted by the board of directors, the members shall be given written notice of the time and place at which the meeting of the board of directors to consider the budget will be held. The meeting shall be open to the members. If the bylaws do not provide for adoption of an annual budget, this paragraph shall not apply.
(h) The method by which the bylaws may be amended consistent with the provisions of this chapter shall be stated. If the bylaws fail to provide a method of amendment, the bylaws may be amended by the board of directors and approved by a majority of the membership. No bylaw shall be revised or amended by reference to its title or number only.
(i) The officers and directors of the association have a fiduciary relationship to the members.
(j) Any member of the board of directors may be recalled and removed from office with or without cause by the vote of or agreement in writing by a majority of all members. A special meeting of the members to recall a member or members of the board of directors may be called by 10 percent of the members giving notice of the meeting as required for a meeting of members, and the notice shall state the purpose of the meeting.
(3) The bylaws may provide the following:
(a) A method of adopting and of amending administrative rules and regulations governing the details of the operation and use of the park property.
(b) Restrictions on, and requirements respecting, the use and maintenance of mobile homes located within the park, and the use of the park property, which restrictions and requirements are not inconsistent with the articles of incorporation.
(c) Other provisions not inconsistent with this chapter or with other documents governing the park property or mobile homes located therein.
(d) The board of directors may, in any event, propose a budget to the members at a meeting of members or in writing, and, if the budget or proposed budget is approved by the members at the meeting or by a majority of their whole number in writing, that budget shall be adopted.
(e) The manner of collecting from the members their shares of the expenses for maintenance of the park property shall be stated. Assessments shall be made against members not less frequently than quarterly, in amounts no less than are required to provide funds in advance for payments of all of the anticipated current operating expenses and for all of the unpaid operating expense previously incurred.
(4) No amendment may change the proportion or percentage by which members share in the assessments and expenses as initially established unless all the members affected by such change approve the amendment.
(5) Upon purchase of the mobile home park, the association organized under this chapter may convert to a condominium, cooperative, or subdivision. The directors shall have the authority to amend and restate the articles of incorporation and bylaws in order to comply with the requirements of chapter 718, chapter 719, or other applicable sections of the Florida Statutes.
(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 723.075(1), upon purchase of the park by the association, and conversion of the association to a condominium, cooperative, or subdivision, the mobile home owners who were members of the association prior to the conversion and who no longer meet the requirements for membership, as established by the amended or restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, shall no longer be members of the converted association. Mobile home owners, as defined in this chapter, who no longer are eligible for membership in the converted association may form an association pursuant to s. 723.075.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 61, ch. 85-62; s. 14, ch. 92-148.
723.079 Powers and duties of homeowners’ association.—
(1) An association may contract, sue, or be sued with respect to the exercise or nonexercise of its powers. For these purposes, the powers of the association include, but are not limited to, the maintenance, management, and operation of the park property.
(2) The powers and duties of an association include those set forth in this section and ss. 723.075 and 723.077 and those set forth in the articles of incorporation and bylaws and any recorded declarations or restrictions encumbering the park property, if not inconsistent with this chapter.
(3) An association has the power to make, levy, and collect assessments and to lease, maintain, repair, and replace the common areas upon purchase of the mobile home park.
(4) An association shall maintain accounting records in the county where the property is located, according to good accounting practices. The records shall be open to inspection by association members or their authorized representatives at reasonable times, and written summaries of such records shall be supplied at least annually to such members or their authorized representatives. The failure of the association to permit inspection of its accounting records by members or their authorized representatives entitles any person prevailing in an enforcement action to recover reasonable attorney’s fees from the person in control of the books and records who, directly or indirectly, knowingly denied access to the books and records for inspection. The records shall include, but shall not be limited to:
(a) A record of all receipts and expenditures.
(b) An account for each member, designating the name and current mailing address of the member, the amount of each assessment, the dates on which and amounts in which the assessments come due, the amount paid upon the account, and the balance due.
(5) An association has the power to purchase lots in the park and to acquire, hold, lease, mortgage, and convey them.
(6) An association shall use its best efforts to obtain and maintain adequate insurance to protect the association and the park property upon purchase of the mobile home park. A copy of each policy of insurance in effect shall be made available for inspection by owners at reasonable times.
(7) An association has the authority, without the joinder of any home owner, to modify, move, or create any easement for ingress and egress or for the purpose of utilities if the easement constitutes part of or crosses the park property upon purchase of the mobile home park. This subsection does not authorize the association to modify or move any easement created in whole or in part for the use or benefit of anyone other than the members, or crossing the property of anyone other than the members, without his or her consent or approval as required by law or the instrument creating the easement. Nothing in this subsection affects the rights of ingress or egress of any member of the association.
(8) Any mobile home owners’ association or group of residents of a mobile home park as defined in this chapter may conduct bingo games as provided in s. 849.0931.
(9) An association organized under this chapter may offer subscriptions, for the purpose of raising the necessary funds to purchase, acquire, and operate the mobile home park, to its members or other owners of mobile homes within the park. Subscription funds collected for the purpose of purchasing the park shall be placed in an association or other escrow account prior to purchase, which funds shall be held according to the terms of the subscription agreement. The directors shall maintain accounting records according to generally accepted accounting practices and shall, upon written request by a subscriber, furnish an accounting of the subscription fund escrow account within 60 days of the purchase of the park or the ending date as provided in the subscription agreement, whichever occurs first.
(10) For a period of 180 days after the date of a purchase of a mobile home park by the association, the association shall not be required to comply with the provisions of part V of chapter 718 or part V of chapter 719, as to mobile home owners or persons who have executed contracts to purchase mobile homes in the park.
(11) The provisions of subsection (4) shall not apply to records relating to subscription funds collected pursuant to subsection (9).
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80; s. 3, ch. 91-206; s. 1, ch. 91-223; s. 2, ch. 91-421; s. 15, ch. 92-148; ss. 3, 6, ch. 92-280; s. 1, ch. 93-160; s. 932, ch. 97-102; s. 4, ch. 2007-228.
723.0791 Mobile home cooperative homeowners’ associations; elections.—The provisions of s. 719.106(1)(b) notwithstanding, the election of board members in a mobile home cooperative homeowners’ association may be carried out in the manner provided for in the bylaws of the association. A mobile home cooperative is a residential cooperative consisting of real property to which 10 or more mobile homes are located or are affixed.
History.—s. 33, ch. 93-150.
723.081 Notice of application for change in zoning.—The mobile home park owner shall notify in writing each mobile home owner or, if a homeowners’ association has been established, the directors of the association, of any application for a change in zoning of the park within 5 days after the filing for such zoning change with the zoning authority.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.083 Governmental action affecting removal of mobile home owners.—No agency of municipal, local, county, or state government shall approve any application for rezoning, or take any other official action, which would result in the removal or relocation of mobile home owners residing in a mobile home park without first determining that adequate mobile home parks or other suitable facilities exist for the relocation of the mobile home owners.
History.—s. 1, ch. 84-80.
723.084 Storage charges on mobile homes.—
(1) As provided by this section, any lien or charge against a mobile home for storage upon the real property on which the mobile home is or has been located is subordinate to the rights of a lienholder for unpaid purchase price or first lien, which is recorded on the title of the mobile home, and the assignee of such lienholder if not recorded on the title. However, storage charges, as provided in this section, may be collected by the real property owner from the lienholder and the assignee of such lienholder by an action at law as authorized by this act. The term “lienholder” as used in this act applies only to the lienholder for unpaid purchase price or first lien who has recorded said lien on the title of the mobile home.
(2) The real property owner shall be entitled to collect storage charges accruing from 5 days after the lienholder receives written notice of either an eviction proceeding instituted by the real property owner against the homeowner, or that the mobile home is abandoned or voluntarily surrendered by the homeowner. The notice shall state that an action for eviction has been filed against the homeowner, the amount of the daily storage charges calculated pursuant to this section, and the date upon which the homeowner is required to make regular payments to the property owner.
(3) The lienholder must notify the property owner within 30 days of receipt of the notice pursuant to subsection (2) whether it intends to make payment of the storage charges and, if the lienholder agrees to make payment, to pay the storage charges accruing to that date. Thereafter, the lienholder shall pay storage charges according to the schedule of payments that the homeowner was responsible for paying. In the event that the lienholder does not notify the property owner of its intention to not pay storage charges, the storage charges shall accrue and be due and owing to the property owner. In the event the lienholder notifies the property owner within 30 days of the receipt of the notice that it does not intend to pay the storage charges, the storage charges shall not accrue, but the lienholder shall not be entitled to any of the protections set forth in this act, and shall be subject to any remedies available to the property owner including retention of possession of the mobile home and foreclosure thereon to satisfy the landlord’s lien for rent.
(4) In the event that the lienholder files either an action for replevin of the home or forecloses on the lien for unpaid purchase price or first lien, the lienholder is responsible for storage charges accrued from 30 days after the date of filing of the action for replevin or foreclosure.
(5) In the event that the homeowner declares bankruptcy, the lienholder is responsible for storage charges accrued from and after 5 days after the final court action discharging the bankruptcy, or releasing the collateral, whichever occurs first.
(6) The maximum storage charge available to the real property owner is a daily rate equal to one-thirtieth of the amount of the monthly payment last paid by the homeowner, the then-current lot rental amount paid by the homeowner, or if no payment has been made, the payment required pursuant to contract between the real property owner and the homeowner. The maximum daily storage charges may be increased over time in accordance with the notice requirements under applicable provisions of Florida law, including, but not limited to, this chapter.
(7) Notice required as set forth in subsection (2) shall be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested. Notice by certified mail shall be effective on the date of receipt or, if refused, on the date of refusal. All other notices may be by regular mail, and will, for purposes of calculation of time, be considered delivered 5 days after the date postmarked.
(8) For any lien for unpaid purchase price or first lien recorded after April 8, 1992, the lienholder shall notify the property owner of the lien against the mobile home and the address of the lienholder.
(9) It shall be unlawful for the property owner to refuse to allow the lienholder to repossess and move the mobile home for failure to pay any charges which were not noticed in accordance with the requirements of this section. In the event that the real property owner refuses to allow the lienholder to repossess and move the mobile home, then the real property owner shall be liable to the lienholder for each day that the real property owner unlawfully maintains possession of the home, at a daily rate equal to one-thirtieth of the monthly payment last paid by the homeowner to the real property owner, or, if no payment has been made, the payment required pursuant to contract between the real property owner and the homeowner.
History.—s. 16, ch. 92-148; s. 62, ch. 95-211.
723.085 Rights of lienholder on mobile homes in rental mobile home parks.—
(1) It shall be unlawful for a mobile home park owner to execute on a writ of possession of a mobile home that is either undergoing foreclosure of a lien for unpaid purchase price or first lien, properly noticed pursuant to this act, or that has been foreclosed on by the lienholder, and the lienholder is the titleholder of the mobile home, so long as the lot rental amount is paid in accordance with s. 723.084(6).
(2) Upon the foreclosure of the lien for unpaid purchase price and sale of the mobile home, the owner of the mobile home must qualify for tenancy in the mobile home park in accordance with the rules and regulations of the mobile home park. The park owner shall comply with the provisions of s. 723.061 in determining whether the homeowner may qualify as a tenant.
History.—s. 17, ch. 92-148; s. 78, ch. 99-3.
723.086 Property and lienholder contracts.—The property owner and lienholder may enter into any contract providing rights, duties, and obligations different from those set forth in this act, and the terms and conditions of such contract shall control the rights, duties, and obligations of the parties with respect to any action at law brought to enforce the provisions of this act. Any such contract shall control the rights, duties, and obligations of the parties to the extent of any inconsistency with the provisions of this act.
History.—s. 18, ch. 92-148; s. 63, ch. 95-211.
723.0861 Attorney’s fees and costs.—The prevailing party in any action brought to enforce the provisions of 1this section shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
History.—s. 19, ch. 92-148.
1Note.—As enacted; the reference to “this section” is probably intended to refer to ss. 723.085, 723.086, and 723.0861. Section 12 of H.B. 2179 and s. 11 of C.S. for H.B. 2179 included in one section the provisions compiled as ss. 723.085, 723.086, and 723.0861. C.S. for H.B. 2179 was amended on the floor. See Journal of the House of Representatives 1992, p. 1806. These provisions were separated in that amendment into ss. 17, 18, and 19 (see pp. 1809-1810), and the amendment was adopted (see p. 1812).