Category Archives: HOA Condo Association
Major Changes In Florida Community Association Law
On July 1, 2021, Senate Bill 630 was signed into law by Florida’s governor, making sweeping alterations to several of Florida’s community association laws. Major changes have come into effect with the law’s passage, and if you are a member of a homeowners’ association (HOA) or are under the aegis of a condominium board,… Read More »
Homestead Exemptions & HOA Parcels Or Condominiums
One of the most attractive things about Florida for many who chose to move to the state is its homestead property exemption. A person’s homestead can be exempt from property taxes up to a certain amount, depending on the value of the property. It is also protected from foreclosure or other adverse action from… Read More »
Common Misunderstandings About Homeowners’ Associations
The Foundation for Community Association Research (FCAR) estimates that in 2020, more than 73 million people in the U.S. live in some type of community association (a homeowners’ association, condominium board, cooperative, or other planned community). Florida has the second highest number of community associations, with almost 10 million Floridians in them. Homeowners’ associations… Read More »
Potential Pitfalls For Self-Managed Homeowners’ Associations
There are two types of homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in Florida. Many HOAs choose to engage a property management firm to help handle day-to-day workings of the association, such as collecting fees and dealing with potential issues from homeowners. Others, however, choose to manage such things on their own. Self-managed HOAs are becoming more common… Read More »
“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 »