Category Archives: HOA Condo Association
“55 and Over” Communities In Florida
At this point, there are a sizable minority of housing developments in Florida that operate under a homeowners’ association (HOA). Given the elevated numbers of Floridians who are over the age of 65 (approximately 1 in 5, according to U.S. Census statistics), there is a market for housing communities that operate as ‘55 and… Read More »
Florida HOAs And Emotional Support Animals
In Florida, the law on service animals – those individually trained to perform work or tasks for any individual with a disability – is quite clear, restricting the types of animals that may qualify and the types of work they must do. However, until recently, Florida’s law on emotional support animals (ESAs) was much… Read More »
Can An HOA Regulate Fences On An Owner’s Property?
When someone buys a house that is located in a homeowners’ association, they must be advised of the association’s covenants, conditions, and restrictions (collectively referred to as the CC&Rs) in order for the contract to be appropriately binding. The CC&Rs are the rules by which the HOA’s board of directors governs day-to-day life, and… Read More »
Property Management Companies vs HOAs: Who’s The Boss?
Many homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in Florida are what is known as self-managed; they handle their finances in-house, out of either necessity or a simple belief that outside help is not necessary. Associations that are larger, or deal in more complex financial transactions, can and do engage outside help to manage their affairs, though they… Read More »
Parking Questions In Florida Homeowners’ Associations
One of the most commonly disputed issues for many Florida homeowners’ associations (HOAs) is parking. Sometimes, parking spots are necessarily limited due to lot size or other issues, but even necessary rules can lead to disagreements and disputes – if an HOA is not careful, it may even find itself faced with a civil… Read More »
What Are Special Assessments?
One of the major duties for homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and condominium boards is to maintain an appropriate reserve fund in order to replace and maintain common items and areas. However, if something happens where major repairs or replacements are needed, the association may simply not have the funds on hand to make the changes…. Read More »
HOAs and Collecting Delinquent Assessments
A homeowners’ association (HOA) has several different roles in dealing with their unit owners, but one of the most difficult is collecting assessments – particularly delinquent assessments. Since most HOAs have limited budgets, owners are usually charged assessment fees in order to help with upkeep of common areas. When an owner falls behind, the… Read More »
Can My HOA Prevent Me From Working From Home?
The strong majority of Florida homeowners’ associations (HOAs) prevent homeowners from engaging in any kind of commercial or ‘non-residential’ activity out of their home. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of those who might otherwise do their work in offices have found themselves stuck at home telecommuting. With the existing prohibitions… Read More »
Homeowners’ Associations Can Regulate ‘Yard Displays’ This Election Season
In 2020, election season has been drawn-out and passionate, with many strong opinions on all sides of the political spectrum. Because of the depth of feeling present, many people are inclined to try and show their support for one candidate or another, most often by placing signs or flags out on their property. However,… Read More »
Common Reasons For HOA Lawsuits
In Florida, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have a lot of power, with the ability to regulate almost every facet of life for the association’s members, because when someone moves in, they are generally required to sign a form displaying the association’s covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). While the HOA can file suit against a homeowner… Read More »