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Panel advances bill letting self‑storage operators use online public notices, adds alternate contact option
Summary
The Civil Justice Subcommittee voted to report HB 587 favorably as amended. The bill allows self‑storage lease agreements to include an alternate point of contact and permits online publication instead of a mandatory newspaper notice for lien sales; it does not change existing timelines for default or servicemember protections.
Tallahassee — The Civil Justice Subcommittee on Tuesday voted to report favorably HB 587, a bill by Representative Smith that would allow self‑storage operators to publish default and lien notices online and add an alternate point of contact on lease agreements.
Representative Smith told the committee the bill “adds on any lease agreement … the ability to add an alternate point of contact” so an owner can be reached if the renter cannot be contacted, and that the change does not grant the alternate contact access to the renter’s unit. Smith said the bill also would remove the statute’s requirement that notices be run in a newspaper, allowing notices to be posted online in addition to, but not instead of, other outreach the operator may choose.
Supporters representing rural newspapers and the Florida Press Association urged caution. Emerald Green, who said she owns small weekly newspapers in several Panhandle counties and also owns a storage facility, testified that newspaper publication often succeeds where certified letters and phone calls do not: “There are several times that we have sent…and one thing that wasn't mentioned is we do have to send a certified letter. Sometimes a certified letter comes back…But just as soon as their name goes in the newspaper…they come in to pay.” Carolyn Nolte, president and CEO of the Florida Press Association, said current newspaper publication (including posting on newspaper websites and floridapublicnotices.com) reaches an estimated 86% of Floridians and warned the bill contains no minimum‑reach requirement for alternative online publications.
Committee members questioned how the online option would work in rural areas and for people with limited internet access. Representative Joseph said he would like amendments to preserve newspaper notice or to specify a statewide dedicated site for notices; Smith said she was willing to discuss amendments after the hearing. Representative Placencia asked whether storage operators already try other means to contact renters before running a notice; Smith replied they do, relying on the contact information provided on leases and other standard outreach.
An amendment changing the enacting date to Jan. 1, 2025, was explained by Smith, offered to the committee and adopted. The committee then voted to report the bill favorably as amended by voice; the committee clerk announced the vote as “12 yeas, 2 nays.” HB 587 does not change the statute’s timelines for default notification or the legal process for lien sales and does not alter servicemember protections, Smith said.
The bill will proceed to further committee consideration. The sponsor and members indicated willingness to negotiate language addressing rural notice concerns and specifying options that ensure public reach.
