I live in this area and have noticed that Homeowners Associations that finally become controlled by the owners tend to move towards totalitarianism pretty fast. A few power-hungry retirees with too much time on their hands take it upon themselves to mold the community in their own image (wrinkled and tight). Lawsuits are constantly being filed by owners in these communities against the HOA's because of these "rulings" and their "interpretations".
I have moved out of one such community and prefer living in ones where the developer is still in control I am in such a one now, but am looking to move again into a less controlled environment (Freeper-Friendly) by the time it gets turned over to the owners. Yeehaw!
No more condo rules for me. I am deed restricted but it's a plus to be part of a group of homes behind me. WE HAVE ELEVEN RULES or so because the homeowners don't want to live in a totalitarian society.
My condo had approximately 26 rules and they'd make some up as they went along. There are alternatives to condos - they are preferable. This is just outrageous. The reporter I called is in Tallahassee. Hopefully, he'll find a reason to duplicate the Times story in the Tampa paper.
Crist's Civil Rights office was clueless in Ft. Lauderdale.