Buying a home · HOAs
HOAs explained: what they do, the pros and cons, and what homeowners say
Most newer homes in Central Florida are in a homeowners association. A good HOA protects your home's value and makes the community a better place to live; a poorly run one can cost you money and stress. Here's how to tell the difference, plus reviews from people who live there.
What is an HOA, and what is it supposed to do?
A homeowners association is a non-profit run by a board elected by the owners. Every owner pays dues. Its job, in short, is to keep the community well run and protect the value of everyone's home. A well-run HOA should:
Look after shared areas
Entrances, landscaping, ponds, roads in private communities, pools, clubhouses, gyms and playgrounds.
Enforce the rules fairly
The covenants and rules (often called CC&Rs) keep homes and yards to a standard, applied the same way to everyone.
Plan the money
Set a yearly budget, collect dues, and save reserves for big repairs (roofs, roads, pool resurfacing) so owners aren't hit with surprise bills.
Be open with owners
Hold meetings and elections, keep records available, and answer owners' questions. Florida law gives owners the right to see the association's official records.
Why some people love HOAs, and others avoid them
People who like HOAs value what the association does for them: the entrance, common areas and amenities are looked after, the rules keep every home and yard to a standard, and that consistency helps protect the value of their own home. Many like not having to deal with a neighbor's overgrown lawn or a boat parked on the street; there's a set process to sort it out.
People who avoid HOAs usually object to the control the association has over their own property. The rules can cover paint colors, fences, landscaping, parking, trucks, boats, RVs, pets, holiday decorations and renting your home out, and changes often need approval first. Break a rule and there can be warning letters and fines. Add dues that can rise, possible special assessments and a board you may not agree with, and some owners would simply rather have the freedom of a home without an HOA.
Neither view is wrong. It comes down to how much you value a well-kept, consistent community compared with the freedom to do what you like with your home. The pros and cons below help you weigh it up, and reading a community's rules before you buy tells you exactly what you'd be signing up for.
Pros of living in an HOA
- Common areas, landscaping and entrances are kept up
- Amenities you might not have otherwise: pools, clubhouses, gyms, trails
- Rules keep the neighborhood looking good, which helps protect home values
- Some services may be included: lawn care, trash, internet or cable, gated security
- A set process for neighbor issues such as noise, parking or upkeep
- Reserve funds for big repairs, when the HOA is well run
Cons to weigh up
- Monthly or quarterly dues, which can go up
- Special assessments for big repairs if reserves fall short
- Rules on paint colors, fences, parking, boats and RVs, pets and short-term rentals
- Fines for breaking rules and, in Florida, liens or even foreclosure for unpaid dues
- Board decisions you may not agree with
- Quality depends on the board and the management company
Questions to ask before you buy in an HOA community
- How much are the dues, and what do they include? Ask how much they have gone up in recent years.
- Are there any special assessments now, or planned? Have there been any recently?
- How healthy are the reserves? Ask for the budget and the latest reserve study, if there is one.
- Is the HOA in any lawsuits?
- What are the rules on rentals, pets, vehicles, boats, fences and exterior changes?
- Is there also a CDD? That is a separate charge on your property tax bill.
- Who manages it, a volunteer board or a management company? How quickly do they answer owners?
Community reviews: HOAs and builders
Real experiences from homeowners. We publish positive and negative reviews alike. Reviewers' names and contact details are kept confidential; only their initials are shown.
No reviews for that one yet. If you live there, be the first to review it. Thinking of buying there? We can find out the HOA fees, rules and any special assessments for you.
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Common questions
What is an HOA?
A homeowners association (HOA) is a non-profit organization run by an elected board of owners in a community. It maintains shared areas, enforces the community's rules, and collects dues from every owner to pay for it.
Can an HOA foreclose on my home in Florida?
Yes. Under Florida law an HOA can place a lien for unpaid dues and assessments and, in some cases, foreclose. That is why it is important to know the fees and keep them paid.
What documents should I get before buying in an HOA community?
In Florida the seller must give you an HOA disclosure summary before you sign. Also ask for the covenants and rules, the current budget, reserve information, recent board minutes and any planned special assessments.
What is the difference between an HOA fee and a CDD fee?
HOA fees pay for the association's upkeep and amenities and are paid to the HOA. A CDD (Community Development District) is a local government district that funds roads, water and other infrastructure, and its charge appears on your property tax bill.
General information about Florida HOAs; it isn't legal advice. Florida HOAs are governed by Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes (condominiums by Chapter 718). Laws change; check the current rules or ask a Florida real estate attorney about a specific community.
Buying in an HOA community?
We review HOA documents, fees and rules with our buyers before they commit, and build the HOA fee into the true monthly cost.
Bill McElhill
- Realtor®, RE/MAX Titanium
- Loan Originator, NEXA Lending · NMLS #2176490
- Call or text 352-988-4900
- WhatsApp Bill
- Mortgages: BillMc@NEXAMortgage.com
- Real estate & general: Bill@HomesCalculator.com
Educational information only. This page gives general information to help you learn and plan. It is not legal, tax, financial or other professional advice, or an offer to lend. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed professional. Terms of use