Free Resources

HOA Research Guides

Everything you need to know about Florida HOA communities — for home buyers, current residents, and anyone navigating Florida HOA law.

Browse All Guides

Free research resources written for Florida home buyers and HOA residents.

For: Home buyers

Buying Into a Florida HOA

The due diligence checklist every Florida home buyer needs before closing on a property in an HOA community — documents, finances, red flags, and your legal rights.

  • What documents to request before closing
  • How to read a reserve study
  • Special assessment red flags
  • Governing documents explained
  • Verifying the management company
Read Guide →

For: Buyers & residents

HOA Finances Explained

Understand HOA dues, reserve funds, special assessments, and what makes a community financially healthy — before you buy or as a current resident.

  • What monthly dues actually cover
  • Reserve fund vs. operating fund
  • How special assessments happen
  • Signs of a financially healthy HOA
  • Fee increase limits under Florida law
Read Guide →

For: Everyone

Florida HOA Laws

A plain-language overview of Florida Statutes 718 and 720 — homeowner rights, enforcement procedures, financial requirements, and dispute resolution in Florida HOA communities.

  • Florida Statute 718 (Condos) vs. 720 (HOAs)
  • Homeowner rights under Florida law
  • How violation fines actually work
  • Special assessment approval requirements
  • Free dispute resolution options
Read Guide →

For: Current residents

Living in a Florida HOA

Your rights as a Florida HOA resident — how to attend board meetings, run for the board, challenge violations, request records, and resolve disputes.

  • Attending and speaking at board meetings
  • Running for the board
  • How to challenge a fine or violation
  • Requesting HOA records in writing
  • Florida's free dispute resolution program
Read Guide →

For: Everyone

New Florida HOA Laws

A plain-language summary of recent Florida HOA reforms under HB 1203 — homeowner rights, fines and enforcement, board member education, and online records requirements.

  • What HB 1203 changed for HOAs
  • New homeowner protections and notice rules
  • Board member education requirement
  • Online records for larger communities
  • Stronger penalties for board misconduct
Read Guide →

For: Buyers & Sellers

Florida HOA Estoppel Certificates

What a Florida estoppel certificate is, what it costs, and how long an HOA or condo association has to deliver one — essential reading before you buy or sell.

  • What an estoppel certificate shows
  • Statutory fee caps and free re-requests
  • The 10-business-day delivery deadline
  • Why it matters at closing
Read Guide →

For: Condo Owners & Buyers

Florida Condo Milestone Inspections & Reserves

Florida's post-Surfside condo safety laws explained — milestone structural inspections, Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS), and why reserves can no longer be waived.

  • Which buildings need a milestone inspection
  • 30-year (25 near the coast) inspection timeline
  • What a SIRS reserve study covers
  • Why reserves can no longer be waived
  • What buyers should ask before closing
Read Guide →

For: Residents

How to Request HOA Records in Florida

Your right to inspect HOA records under Florida Statute 720.303 — what's accessible, the 10-business-day deadline, what's off-limits, and what to do if the board refuses.

  • What records you're entitled to see
  • The 10-business-day response rule
  • Records the association may withhold
  • Penalties for a board that refuses
  • How to write an effective request
Read Guide →

For: Board Members

Serving on Your Florida HOA Board

How to run for and serve on a Florida HOA board — eligibility, elections, the new director education requirement, term limits, and your fiduciary duties.

  • Who can run for the board
  • How HOA elections work
  • The new board member education requirement
  • Your fiduciary duties as a director
  • Common mistakes that create liability
Read Guide →

For: Residents

Resolving HOA Disputes in Florida

How to resolve a dispute with your Florida HOA — internal appeals, mandatory pre-suit mediation and arbitration, the DBPR, and when to go to court.

  • Start with the internal process
  • Mandatory pre-suit mediation for many disputes
  • Condo arbitration through the DBPR
  • Recall and election disputes
  • When court or small claims makes sense
Read Guide →

Quick Research Tips for Florida Homeowners

Records Request

Florida HOAs must produce financial records and meeting minutes within 5 business days of a written request. Use this right before you close on a purchase or anytime you have questions about how the community is run.

DBPR License Check

All Florida community association managers must hold a CAM license. Verify the management company at myfloridalicense.com before buying into any community.

Free Dispute Resolution

Florida offers mandatory non-binding arbitration through the Division of Florida Condominiums before either party can sue. It's faster and cheaper than court — and resolves most HOA disputes.

Ready to Browse Communities?

Use the directory to compare Florida HOA communities city by city alongside these guides.