Most communities in south Palm Beach County are self-governed by a homeowners’ association, called an HOA.
What exactly is a homeowners association?
Under Florida statutes an HOA is a board of directors of unpaid volunteer homeowners who residents elect to enforce the community’s rules and bylaws, propose changes, and oversee the community’s property management company.
All property owners are required by law to pay the set HOA fee that covers the use, maintenance, repairs and upgrades of common areas such as swimming pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, lawn maintenance, landscaping and exterior painting. All HOAs have a budget that includes operating, repairs, replacement and upgrade expenses, and reserve funds to avoid assessing homeowners when HOA funds run short. HOAs also hire insurance agents and oversee insurance policies for the property and required flood control in Florida.
There is no opt out of an HOA once you move in. Homeowners can’t paint their house purple and do their own thing. Your Lang Realty agent will advise you about the HOA in that community to help you learn and understand the HOA monthly costs and rules and restrictions in advance. For instance, some HOAs have rules about the size of dogs, and don’t allow residents to dress only in bathing suits in the clubhouse.
It’s a tradeoff. There is no such entity as a non-homeowners association. But without one, homeowners incur the costs of a pool service, painting, lawn and landscaping, maintenance and repairs, insurance, etc.
Condominiums are self-governed by and have their own set of legalities under different Florida statutes.
Here’s the link to the Florida statute that explains what an HOA can and can’t legally do: Florida Statutes
