Florida Condo Rules, Regulations & Rights

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Depending on the location and who manages a condominium project, most condominium associations have different rules and regulations. However, they also have rules in common set by the State of Florida, including, but not limited to the following:

Condo associations are required to -

• Hold a mandatory annual meeting of which all unit owners must be given adequate prior notice.
• Be self-managed or hire professional management.
• Make official records of the association available for the unit owner within five (5) working days after receiving a written request.
• Mail or deliver a copy of the proposed annual budget to each unit owner.

Condo associations may restrict -

• Parking and types of vehicles used on the premises.
• Leasing / renting or subleasing of your unit.
• The types of window coverings, pets and number of people living in the unit.
• Ownership of the common areas in the condo,which may be based on square footage or on equal ownership shares.

Unit owners have the right to -

• Automatically become association members with ownership of your condo.
• Access to the official records of the association.
• Peaceably assemble on the property.
• Use common areas without having to pay a fee.

If you are moving to a new condo building -

• Get involved in the process of forming the condo’s first association.
• Developers have a lot of influence in this process and in the first set of rules, regulations and bylaws as they create the initial association and its board of directors.
• You should always read the Declaration of Condominium (or consult an attorney) and all other condo related documents.

When buying a condo, one should get familiar with the condo docs of the building that you are planning to make your home or investment property. Most condominiums have specific rules on whether or not the owners can lease their units, as well as restrictions on pets and parking. You should review the association’s operating budget and most recent year end financial statements to make sure they are financially sound. Pay attention to any planned special assessments, the election of board members, subleasing and any restrictions on remodeling your unit.

For additional information on condominiums, review the Condo Governance Form as provided by the State of Florida.

To learn more about Florida’s condo rules and regulations, or for specific questions, information, issues or problems with your condo and association contact:

STATE OF FLORIDA OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE

(954) 202-3234 OR ombudsman@dbpr.state.fl.us

www.MyFlorida.com/dbpr OR (800) 226-9101

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