A plain-language overview of Florida Statutes 718 and 720 — homeowner rights, enforcement procedures, financial requirements, and dispute resolution in Florida HOA communities.
For: EveryoneFlorida governs community associations under two separate statutes depending on community type.
The Condominium Act
Governs condominium associations. Applies when homeowners own individual units with shared ownership of common elements — land, structure, and amenities.
The Homeowners Association Act
Governs HOAs in planned unit developments (PUDs). Applies when homeowners own their lots and homes outright and share common areas through HOA membership.
Not sure which applies to a specific community? Look at the governing documents — the Declaration will reference the applicable statute.
Florida Statute 720.303(5) gives homeowners the right to inspect and copy official HOA records — financial statements, meeting minutes, contracts, and governing documents. The HOA must make records available within 5 business days of a written request. Failure to comply can result in a $50/day fine against the HOA.
Board meetings must be open to all members, with two exceptions: attorney-client privileged discussions and personnel matters. The HOA must post notice of meetings at least 48 hours in advance (14 days for annual meetings). You have the right to speak during designated homeowner comment periods.
Members in good standing may vote in HOA elections and run for the board. Florida law sets specific election procedures to prevent manipulation, including the right to request third-party election supervision for communities with 10+ units. Elections must use a secret ballot.
Before the HOA fines you for a violation, it must follow a due process procedure (see Enforcement below). The HOA cannot skip steps or impose fines without proper notice and a hearing. Violations of this procedure are enforceable against the HOA.
HOAs must adopt an annual budget and provide members with a summary at least 14 days before the budget meeting. Members may vote to approve or reject the budget; if rejected, the board can still implement it or revert to the prior year's budget.
Florida law recommends — but does not require — that HOAs maintain adequate reserves. Members may vote to waive or reduce reserve contributions, which shifts future financial risk to all homeowners.
Special assessments must be approved by the board at a properly noticed meeting. The HOA's bylaws may set dollar thresholds that require membership approval for larger assessments. Sellers are required by FS 720.401 to disclose pending or recently approved special assessments to buyers.
Florida Statute 720.401 requires sellers to provide buyers with:
Buyers have 3 business days to rescind the purchase contract after receiving these documents.
Under Florida Statute 720.305, before an HOA can fine a homeowner, it must follow this procedure:
Fine limits:
The HOA cannot skip the fining committee or impose fines without following this process. If they do, challenge it in writing immediately.
Florida law requires mandatory non-binding arbitration through the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes before either party can file suit over most HOA disputes.
The arbitration process is:
Keep detailed records of all communications with the HOA — every letter, email, and meeting note. Documentation is your most important asset in any dispute.
In addition to state law, Coral Springs HOAs may be subject to Broward County ordinances governing noise, landscaping, short-term rentals, and signage. Always check local code in addition to the HOA's own governing documents when evaluating restrictions.
Use the directory to compare communities before you commit to one.