Panel backs bill letting storage operators use an alternate contact and online ads instead of mandatory newspaper ads

Representative Smith said HB135 makes two principal changes: it allows renters to list an alternate point of contact on a storage lease and permits storage facility owners to use online publication options instead of being required to place sale advertisements in local newspapers after abandonment procedures. Smith said the bill does not change legal notice requirements for default and emphasized protections for deployed service members under the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Relief Act.

Opponents from local press voiced concerns that moving notices online could reduce community awareness and the redundancy that newspapers provide: William Snowden (Wakulla Sun) and John Murphy (Citrus County Chronicle) described cases in which newspaper notices alerted family members and local residents about valuable items being sold. Carolyn Nolte of the Florida Press Association warned the bill would allow sites with low traffic to substitute for widely used public-notice repositories and said there are no minimum reach thresholds in the bill.

The Florida Self Storage Association’s Anna Higgins supported the bill, saying online advertising better reaches bidders and relieves a costly burden on small business operators; she said auctions are commonly run online now and that mandatory newspaper ads can cost operators about $2,000 annually. Representative Gottlieb suggested extending the 14-day post-notice sale window to 30 days to allow more time for notice; sponsor Smith said he would consider that at later stops. With debate concluded, the committee voted 16-0 to report HB135 favorably.

The bill moves forward for further consideration.