Florida Homeowner & Condo Associations Directory

HOA terms, What they mean, and how an HOA works in Florida:

What exactly is a Homeowners Association (HOA)?: A homeowners' Association (HOA) is a group of people elected by the residents of the community who create the board of directors for the Association. The main job of the board of directors is to represent the best interests of the residents of the community. The board enforces the rules, known as covenants and restrictions. They are also in charge of collecting homeowners' fees to help pay for the upkeep of common areas of the community and maintain all amenities.

Under the Declaration of Florida law, the board must promote the Homeowners' health, safety, and welfare and their fiduciary duty to act in the association's best interest along with its members. The obligations and powers of the board are outlined in the State of Florida's Corporations Code and the HOAs governing documents. 

What are HOA Bylaws?: The HOA Bylaws contain guidelines for the operation and management of the Association. In the Bylaws, you find provisions related to: 

• Membership
• Purpose of the Board
• Officer designation
• Term of office
• Powers and duties
• Meeting rules and schedules
• A Quorum for action by Officers
• Nomination and Election of Officers
• Removal of members
• Finance
• Liability of Officers
• Insurance

What encompasses a "Common Area?": The common area of joint interest development (CID) constitutes everything within the community development except the units or lots owned by the homeowners, also known as "separate interest." Examples of typical common areas within CIDs are:

• Planned Development
• Condominiums
• Everything outside the owner's lots or parcels
• Everything located on the outside of the Unit's interior perimeter walls, floors, and ceilings
• Sidewalks
• Hallways
• Non-public streets
• Elevators
• Community Amenities
• Roofs/Windows/Stairways
• Development walls
• Community amenities
• Entrance/Exit gates

To fully understand what is considered a common area in your development, read your HOAs governing documents or Florida real property codes.

What is the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions?: A Declaration of CC&R is the legal document that lists all rules and guidelines for the community you must agree to live by in exchange for living there.

What are Governing Documents?: To help you understand, here is a list of the "governing documents" that govern the common interest developments and homeowners:

• Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs)
• Bylaws
• Articles of Incorporation
• Plats of Survey and Easement Agreements
• Rules and Regulations
• Policies

What does "HOA" stand for?: The "HOA" acronym stems from the term "Homeowners Association." HOA is typically used to reference the following types of common-interest development communities:

• Condominiums (includes villas and townhomes)
• Cooperatives
• Single-family homes

Specific Roles of HOA Board Members: Apart from the general duties of the HOA board, its members also take on specific roles. Here are the primary responsibilities of each position.

• President: The HOA President serves as the leader of the board. They also represent the community as a whole. Therefore, the president works closely with other board members, homeowners, vendors, HOA property managers, etc. The president's primary responsibilities include presiding over board meetings and facilitating the decision-making process; signing contracts, checks, and other legal documents; serving as a spokesman for the HOA; and taking charge of the day-to-day operations.
• Vice President: The HOA Vice President takes charge in the absence of the HOA President. However, the vice president only has this authority if the president is unavailable. Depending on the association, the vice president may have additional duties. For instance, the vice president can serve as the head of the architectural review committee, maintenance committee, and other HOA committees. The vice president can also liaise with the members of these committees.
•  Treasurer: The HOA Treasurer oversees the financial operations of the association. The treasurer is responsible for developing the budget, monitoring income and expenses, collecting assessments, issuing payments to vendors, preparing financial reports, and facilitating an audit at the end of a fiscal year. If there is a finance committee, the treasurer can also serve as the head.
• Secretary: The HOA secretary creates the board meeting agenda (with the president), records the minutes of board meetings, and ensures quorum. They also send notices for board meetings, ensure compliance with the governing documents, maintain bank information and other essential documents, and store homeowner and maintenance records.

Knowing and Upholding HOA Board Member Duties

Since the success of a community can depend on the abilities of the HOA board, homeowners must elect only the most capable people. Thus, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the duties of HOA board members. Homeowners can also use this knowledge to ensure that HOA board members uphold their legal responsibilities to the community.

Some Benefits of Becoming a Board Member

As a homeowner, you have a significant stake in the cleanliness and safety of your community. Maybe you own a home or condo that's part of an association that shares common amenities, such as a community pool, sports facilities, a clubhouse, a country club, a golf course, gated entrances, and more. Becoming a volunteer in your condo or homeowners association can help to ensure that your community will be adequately maintained and looked after. Become a volunteer board member with your homeowner's association, and participate in the decision-making process. HOA committee positions are volunteer positions; however, knowing your community is well taken care of gives board members a sense of accomplishment.

You have a vested interest in your property: One of the top priorities of every homeowner is to protect the value of their home. Being involved with an HOA will put you in a better position to make and implement rules in your HOA neighborhood. Some of these regulations will directly affect property value, especially if they require decisions about the association's budget, reserve fund, and routine maintenance.

Correct problems: If you notice issues in your community, such as a lack of maintenance or maybe a problem with unruly neighbors, you can take charge and help correct those issues by being a part of the board.

Meet more of your expectations: For example, did you have certain expectations when you bought your home or condo in the community? Are your expectations being met? By serving on an HOA board, you can achieve your expectations of a perfect community much sooner by working with your neighbors.

Gain a better understanding of the by-laws: Volunteering as a board member will make you well-versed in your association's HOA by-laws, rules, and regulations. It will also give you a good grasp of operating finances and budgeting.

Have fun experiences: Taking on some of your association's tasks does not have to be boring. It can be fun, especially when you get to socialize, work with your neighbors and come up with creative ideas to make your community run better. In addition, many HOA communities hold get-togethers for their residents, allowing the community to become more social.

Give back to the community: One way to give back to your neighbors and community is to serve on your homeowner's association's board, allowing you to make good decisions that will positively impact all residents.

Meet your neighbors: An HOA meeting is the best place to meet your neighbors and learn more about them. It allows you to socialize and make friends with others in your community.