A new law in Florida empowers timeshare companies, including Disney Vacation Club (DVC), to ban owners for inappropriate behavior, akin to how hotels handle unruly guests. House Bill 429, set to take effect on Monday, July 1, 2024, extends these rights to timeshare companies, ensuring they can address misconduct promptly.
DVC Gains Authority to Address Misconduct
The legislation, House Bill 429, was introduced following an incident where a DVC guest physically assaulted a Cast Member at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Due to the existing laws, immediate trespass was not possible because the individual was at their home resort. Instead, Disney had to consult their legal department before taking action. This new law eliminates such delays by granting timeshare companies the same authority as hotels to remove or have law enforcement remove unruly individuals.
Under HB 429, timeshare entities can take swift action against any purchaser, owner, or guest engaging in disruptive behavior. The law explicitly includes the right to call law enforcement for arrest or removal from the property, ensuring a safer environment for staff and other guests.
Law Text Highlights Enforcement Rights
The relevant section of the law states:
With regard to any timeshare project as defined in s. 509.242(1)(g), the managing entity or manager has all of the rights and remedies of an operator of any public lodging establishment or public food service establishment as set forth in ss. 509.141, 509.142, 509.143, and 509.162 and is entitled to have a law enforcement officer take any action, including arrest or removal from the timeshare property, against any purchaser, including a deeded owner, or guest or invitee of such purchaser or owner who engages in conduct described in s. 509.141, s. 509.142, s. 509.143, or s. 509.162 or conduct in violation of the timeshare instrument.
This legal text makes it clear that timeshare managers have the authority to act decisively against misconduct. This includes calling law enforcement to address behaviors such as assault or any other conduct that violates the timeshare rules or laws.
Implications for Disney Vacation Club Resorts
DVC operates 12 resorts at Walt Disney World, including Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Animal Kingdom Villas, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Boulder Ridge Villas, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins, The Cabins at Fort Wilderness, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
With this new law in place, these resorts can now swiftly address any inappropriate behavior, enhancing the safety and enjoyment for all guests. The law ensures that the rights of timeshare managers are in line with those of hotel operators, allowing for immediate action in maintaining order and safety.
The introduction of HB 429 represents a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of both guests and staff at DVC resorts. By aligning the rights of timeshare operators with those of traditional hotels, Florida is setting a precedent for other states to follow in improving the management and regulation of timeshare properties.