Florida homeowners associations have pros and cons. Living in Florida has pros and cons too, and for some, HOA’s are one of them! For some, homeowners associations (HOA), are a restrictive and frustrating part of homeownership. For others, buying a home in an HOA means stability, uniformity, and more time to relax. Many will ask if it’s safer- that’s a question your agent isn’t allowed to answer. Since buying a home is a long-term commitment, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before moving!

Community Associations operate under Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes. Each HOA has governing documents and it’s important to read them, so plan time for that as they can be long! They’ll include all of the information needed to know to be able to integrate into a community successfully. Some buyers love living in HOAs. Some would never consider it because it’s just too restrictive. Let’s talk about some of the good and bad things about living in a HOA.

Benefits of living in a Florida Homeowners Association:

-You have a say. You’re an owner in the community and you get to elect the board of directors who represent you and make decisions about the community.

– It can be less expensive to buy a home in a HOA because neighbors are sharing in the cost of maintaining the amenities.

– There are rules and covenants in place that help to keep property value high.

Drawbacks of living in Community Associations in Florida:

– You have to pay monthly or annual dues which can be expensive, and there may also be special assessments from time to time to cover major repairs or improvements.

– Following the rules can be frustrating. Rules can include details about what plants you can and can’t plant, what fences you are allowed, whether or not trash cans can be out the garage, and vehicle restrictions. It’s vital you read these BEFORE you are at the point of not getting your escrow deposit back. Communities within communities can also have different rules, for example Esplanade at Starkey Ranch has additional and different rules than Starkey Ranch, and Del Webb at Bexley, as a 55+ community has other additional and different rules, so never assume!

– Not all HOAs are well run. The board could be unresponsive or even hostile, and the property might not be well-maintained.

– Some HOA’s have additional rules- this is common in HOA’s such as 55+ communities that are active adult communities such as Del Webb Bexley. It’s common to have for example restricted times children can use the pool, and restrictions on visitors. Adjusted pet restrictions are common too.

Watch this short video for more details!

So, there you have it. Some of the pros and cons of buying in a Homeowners Association in Florida. It’s important to do your research and make sure you’re comfortable with the HOA before making a long-term commitment to living there.

Do you have any questions about HOAs or Florida real estate? We’d be happy to answer!