How Florida Condo Owners Can Encourage Their Boards to Adopt Online Voting

By: Ben Solomon, Esq., Managing Partner of Association Law Group and CEO of Voting Portals

Online voting is no longer a futuristic idea for condominium associations in Florida—it’s a practical tool that can increase participation, improve transparency, and make governance more efficient. Yet many condo boards have been slow to adopt it. If you’re a unit owner who wants your association to modernize by implementing electronic voting, there are several effective steps you can take.

Understand the Legal Framework 

Florida law allows condominium associations to conduct certain votes electronically, provided specific procedures are followed. First the board must adopt online voting and then owners must consent in writing to receive notices electronically and participate in online voting. Associations also must use a secure system that verifies voter identity, maintains vote secrecy when required, and keeps accurate records.  Importantly, Florida law now gives owners a more direct path to push the issue. If 25% of the voting interests in a condominium petition the board in writing to adopt online voting, the board must move forward with implementing an electronic voting system that complies with the statute. This change reflects the Legislature’s recognition that electronic voting can improve owner participation in association governance.

Start With Education, Not Confrontation 

Many boards resist online voting simply because they’re unfamiliar with the technology, concerned about compliance, or they believe it is too expensive. Owners who want to see progress should begin by sharing information about reputable online voting platforms used by other Florida associations.  Highlight the benefits: higher voter turnout, reduced administrative costs, and easier recordkeeping.  Additionally, the cost for electronic voting software like Voting Portals is only $1 per member per month and significantly reduces the costs of mailing, administrative time, and legal expense.  Providing examples of nearby condominiums that already use online voting can help boards feel more comfortable making the transition.  Using a provider that has an attorney running the company is also highly beneficial.

Raise the Issue at Board Meetings 

Owners should bring the topic up during the open owner comment period at board meetings. Ask whether the board has considered adopting online voting and whether it would be willing to review available platforms or consult association counsel about the process.

If multiple owners express interest, the board is more likely to take the request seriously.

Organize Owner Support

Boards respond when they see broad community interest. Consider circulating a petition because the law allows owners holding 25% of the voting interests to formally petition for online voting. A simple written petition signed by enough owners can require the board to act and implement an approved electronic voting system. Even if you don’t initially reach the 25% threshold, demonstrating strong owner interest often motivates boards to voluntarily move in that direction.

Encourage a Trial or Committee Review

A practical compromise is asking the board to form a small committee to research online voting providers and report back with recommendations. Some boards may also agree to test the system with a non-controversial vote before using it for elections. Some providers provide demos or offer free trials where you can test the program first.

Focus on Participation and Transparency

Ultimately, the strongest argument for online voting is that it strengthens the democratic process within condominium communities and increases participation. It also prevents errors and fraud.  When owners can vote easily from their phones or computers, participation increases and election results more accurately reflect the will of the membership. For boards committed to effective governance, that’s a goal worth pursuing.

Ben Solomon is a Miami condominium attorney who advises associations on Florida condo law and governance issues.  Mr. Solomon also owns Voting Portals, the “Gold Standard" in electronic voting for condos in Florida according to ChatGPT.