This Florida case is the poster-child for the “standard operation procedures” by rogue HOA boards. The situation heard too many times by this advocate, and amounting to legalized extortion because most homeowners cannot afford to go to court for justice. And the HOA, its management firm, and its attorney all too well know this!
The “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” attitude of state legislatures and their misguided belief that the HOA, like any other business are angels can do no wrong — and will protect the rights and freedoms of its members — must cease right now! This is another example of “us agin’ them” and the destruction of trust and social capital within HOAs.
The appellate court quoted,
“The trial court found that the complaint to foreclose the lien was premature. Agreeing with the trial court, the Third District noted, ‘Had the Association accepted and applied the tendered payments, the dispute would have been reduced to an inconsequential amount, and the Association’s attorneys could not in good faith have filed to foreclose the miniscule claim remaining.’ Ocean Two Condominium Ass’n v. Kliger, 983 So.2d 739 (Fla. 3d Dist. App. 2008).”
The court held,
SAAR v. WELLESLEY AT LAKE CLARKE SHORES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
HOA Constitutional Government 
the favored Business model for corrupt HOAs: Throw false fines, false liens and every other POO you can dream up on a hapless homeowner – and something will probably stick, regardless of it’s complete invalidity. Then you, the Board, can split the proceeds with Trick’em, Stick’em and Dick’em – and pick a new target. Ah, life in the American Dream Home…I would only wish it on HOA Attorneys and entrenched crooked Board members , let them take turns fleecing each other, seems fair. There should be a law protecting anyone who DOESN’T have a law degree from buying into these unregulated cesspools as they exist now!