How HOAs work in Florida
A homeowners association manages a community's shared spaces and enforces its rules, often called covenants or deed restrictions. Most single-family neighborhood associations in Florida are governed by Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes. Condominium associations follow a different law, Chapter 718.
What dues usually cover
Common areas and landscaping, amenities like pools and clubhouses, and sometimes services such as lawn care, internet, or a staffed gate. What's included varies a lot from one community to the next, so compare what you get, not just the amount.
Rules to check before you buy
- Parking: work trucks, boats, trailers, and RVs.
- Changes to the home: fences, sheds, pools, paint colors, and other exterior changes that need approval first.
- Renting: whether leasing is allowed, and for how long.
- Pets: number, size, and breed limits.
If you plan to park a work truck or a boat at home, or rent the home out someday, read the covenants before your inspection period ends.
The disclosure summary and the estoppel certificate
Florida law requires a seller in an HOA community to give the buyer a disclosure summary before the contract is signed (section 720.401, Florida Statutes). If it comes after you sign, you get a short window to cancel. Before closing, the title company orders an estoppel certificate from the association, which confirms what the seller owes it.
HOA and CDD together
Many newer communities have both. The HOA runs the rules and the common areas; the CDD paid for the infrastructure and bills through your property taxes. Budget for both. The CDD guide explains how that bill works.
