Community Rules Explained
What’s an HOA?
Board of Directors
The board of directors typically includes the following members:
- President : Muck like the CEO of a company, the president of a homeowners association leads the board. The president sets the agenda, presides over meetings, signs legal documents, and ensures that procedural duties are carried out in accordance with the governing documents.
- Vice President : The vice president assists the president with leadership duties. He or she is sometimes assigned tasks that fall outside of the job description of other board members. If the president resigns or is no longer able to perform his or her duties, the vice president takes over unless stated otherwise in the governing documents.
- Secretary : The secretary is the custodian of official documents. The secretary is tasked with keeping records of meeting minutes, member information, and maintenance records.
- Treasurer : The treasurer oversees the association’s finances. The treasurer oversees the annual budget and reserves. He or she is responsible for ensuring that HOA dues are collected and dispersed in accordance with the HOA docs.
Governing Documents
The association defines the rights, rules, and responsibilities for both the board and HOA members in its governing documents. The governing documents, commonly known as HOA docs, are recorded in the county’s official records. These HOA documents change over time. When you purchase a home in an HOA community, you must obtain the most recent version, including all amendments.
HOA docs consist of:
- Bylaws: Govern the operation of the HOA. Dictate meeting rules, the responsibilities of board members, length of board member terms, the process for nominating and electing board members, and establish member voting rights.
- Articles of Incorporation: Florida homeowner’s associations must be incorporated as a nonprofit mutual-benefit nonprofit corporation . At a minimum, the articles of incorporation state the name of the HOA and identify the initial agent responsible for receiving legal notices.
- Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs): The CC&Rs set the rules for the community. Property use restrictions, guidelines for construction and renovations, maintenance responsibilities, rule enforcement procedures, minimum insurance requirements, and assessment obligations are covered in the CC&Rs.
- Rules & Regulations: The Rules & Regulations are easier to change than the Bylaws or CC&Rs because they don’t have to be recorded in the county’s public records. The Rules and Regulations generally cover things that are more likely to change over time such as pet, leasing, and vehicle restrictions, and rules for common areas.
HOA Dues
HOA dues are maintenance fees that residents pay as members of a homeowners association. During your property search, you will likely notice that HOA dues vary widely from one community to another. It is important to understand that the community with the lowest dues does not always save you money. To make the best financial decision, you should compare what each set of maintenance fees includes. You may achieve substantial savings in a community that offers more value for the cost.
Some common items covered in HOA fees include:
- Common Areas
- Recreational Facilities: Maintenance of the clubhouse, fitness center, community pool, tennis courts etc.
- Management Fees
- Reserves: Savings for future expenses
- Insurance: The master policy typically covers the common areas. You will still need homeowners insurance
- Exterior & Roof Maintenance: More common in townhouse communities.
- Security
- SecurityBasic Cable
- Internet
- Water/Sewer
- Trash Collection
- Pest Control
- Landscaping
Conclusion
Purchasing in a community governed by a homeowners association gives you access to amenities that support an active lifestyle, reduces your maintenance responsibilities, and improves overall security. You should always review the most recent HOA documents to fully understand your rights and responsibilities. You must also ensure you are comfortable with the restrictions set by the board of directors. Finally, you need to confirm what the HOA dues cover before you commit to a purchase.
Active lifestyle amenities
Enjoy access to community facilities that support recreation, wellness, and social living.
Reduced maintenance burden
HOA services help handle upkeep, making homeownership more convenient and stress-free.
Enhanced community security
Gated access and monitored communities provide added safety and peace of mind.
Review HOA documents
Carefully check governing rules to understand your rights, restrictions, and obligations.
Understand rules clearly
Know community guidelines to ensure smooth and compliant living within the HOA.
Check HOA dues coverage
Verify what services and amenities are included in monthly or annual HOA fees.
