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For years, Florida condominium associations have wrestled with outdated voting procedures, but a new law that took effect in 2025 is finally making electronic voting easier, faster, and legally required. Originally introduced in 2015, electronic voting was permitted only if an association’s board of directors passed a formal resolution and implemented a secure online system that met strict statutory requirements. While the option was available, many communities found the process too complicated or expensive to adopt.
Now, a decade later, the Florida Legislature has enacted changes that make electronic voting significantly easier and more affordable for condo communities. These updates are designed to transform how associations conduct elections, especially those that have struggled to meet quorum and voting thresholds in the past.
Under the new law, condo associations that have not adopted a formal electronic voting system must now accept signed ballots submitted via email for annual elections. These ballots must be sent from the unit owner’s designated email address and include the owner’s full name and unit number, which serve as a digital signature. Boards are required to designate a specific email address for ballot submissions.
Similar to paper ballots, ballots submitted via email must be received by the association no later than the scheduled date and time of the annual meeting, and they must include a statutory disclaimer informing owners that submitting their vote via email waives their right to a secret ballot. This new method offers a streamlined alternative to traditional paper ballots and complex online platforms, and owners are now allowed to cast emailed ballots even if their association has not passed such a resolution to officially adopt it.
For associations that wish to implement a formal online electronic voting system, the process has been streamlined with the new law. A 48-hour notice of the board meeting to adopt electronic voting now suffices, replacing the previous 14-day requirement. Once adopted, electronic voting must be used for all future board elections, although associations are not obligated to offer the email ballot option if they implement a formal electronic voting system.
Associations still need to obtain owner consent to use the online system, and their signed consent forms will need to be retained as part of the community’s official records. Owners also now have the right to petition their board to adopt electronic voting, and if at least 25 percent of the voting interests support the petition, the board must hold a meeting within 21 days to adopt such resolution.
These changes mark a major shift in how Florida condo associations conduct elections. By mandating email ballot acceptance and simplifying the adoption of online systems, the law aims to improve accessibility and reduce the logistical challenges that have historically hindered participation.
However, associations must remain vigilant about compliance. The statutory disclaimer, ballot authentication, and recordkeeping requirements are critical to ensuring the integrity of the voting process. Associations should seek the advice of highly experienced and qualified legal counsel to implement the best approach for their community together with effective safeguards against fraud or procedural errors.
Florida’s 2025 e-voting reforms offer condo associations a valuable opportunity to modernize their election procedures. Whether through email ballots or a formal online system, electronic voting can help communities achieve quorums, streamline ballot counting, and foster greater engagement among unit owners. With thoughtful implementation and legal guidance, associations can take full advantage of these new tools to strengthen their governance and simplify their operations.