Category Archives: HOA Condo Association
HOAs And “Florida-Friendly” Landscaping
If one joins a homeowners’ association (HOA), they should be aware that the HOA has extensive powers to regulate things that might otherwise be up to the individual homeowner. One of the areas in which clashes routinely occur is landscaping – most HOAs have broad leeway to dictate what a homeowner can and cannot… Read More »
Bulk Telecommunications Contracts In Florida Community Associations
Under Florida law, both homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and condo boards have the authority to enter into bulk contracts for “communication services,” which may include video, telephone, and internet services. This may come as a shock to members of the association, particularly if they are pleased with their current services. The board does have the… Read More »
Community Seeks Legal Help After 400% Fee Increase From HOA
In early 2022, a community in South Florida called The Hammocks received notice that their homeowners’ association planned to raise fees by approximately 400%. Instead of acquiescing or choosing to take it up with the HOA board, the residents have planned to try a different approach – seeking an injunction from the 11th Circuit… Read More »
Defining “Structural Maintenance” For Community Associations
In many Florida community associations, the HOA or condominium board will be held generally responsible for ‘structural’ maintenance – that is, maintenance when it comes to the ‘common elements.’ However, sometimes there are disputes about both what constitutes a ‘common element,’ and what degree of maintenance is required to be performed by the community… Read More »
Unenforceable HOA Rules In Florida
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are organizations of people who agree to be bound by a set of rules governing both the properties and their residents. Most HOAs enjoy a high level of cooperation from their residents, but sometimes, rules are suggested and enacted that cannot, as written, be successfully enforced. While homeowners can bring these… Read More »
Sunshine Laws & Condominium Associations
Sunshine laws are regulations essentially requiring openness and transparency from governmental actors, which in turn allows the public to have a better understanding of (and often, more of a role in) governance and politics. The state of Florida has its broad Sunshine In The Government Act, allowing access to almost all public records, though… Read More »
How Far Can Community Associations Go?
When one purchases a home or condominium governed by a community association, one tacitly grants that community association a modicum of control over certain things in their lives. A homeowner in a homeowners’ association (HOA) cannot, say, paint their house in a color that is not acceptable to the association. However, the power granted… Read More »
How Can HOAs & Condo Associations Collect Delinquent Assessments?
Assessments are a part of life when one lives in a homeowners’ association (HOA) or condominium association. They are a part of the contract a person signs when they join the association, and must be paid as close to on time as possible. Collecting assessments from owners generally falls to the board, whether on… Read More »
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 »