Keep in mind that anyone can see HOA records that have been filed with the Florida Secretary of State online, which include documents pertaining to the formation of an HOA, financial statements and annual reports, and the records of the dissolution of an HOA.
How do I find my HOA rules and regulations in Florida? Most of the time, you can find the bylaws, rules and regulations for your homeowner association on your county's clerk of courts website. The county your association is located in should have a record of your HOA's governing documents.
Copies of the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of the homeowners association can be obtained from the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. Copies of the governing documents may also be obtained directly from the homeowners association.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for breach of contract (such as violating your HOA covenants) is five years. The time period within which the HOA could enforce the covenant has expired, at least as it pertains to those patios that were built more than five years ago.
In general, homeowners can request HOA documents that cover the following: Governing documents, including the CC&Rs, bylaws, articles of incorporation, community plat, and operating rules; All board and membership meeting minutes and notices; Membership lists; All insurance policies of the association;
Typically, homeowners will need to submit a written request to the HOA board, the body responsible for maintaining these records. Though, some associations will accept a phone call or a simple email. Remember to write your request using a friendly yet professional tone instead of a demanding one.
The Florida Homeowners' Association Act, Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes, states that amendments to “governing documents” for homeowners' associations are not effective until they are recorded in the public records of the county in which the community is located.
“As of July 1, HOAs will be prohibited from banning common-sense parking, fining residents for leaving garbage cans out on trash day, creating rules for the inside of structures or backyards (like prohibitions against gardens or clotheslines) that can't be seen from the street, neighboring property or common area, and ...
An association has the duty to enforce the restrictions set forth in its CC&Rs. When it fails to do so, “a homeowner can sue the association for damages and an injunction to compel the association to enforce the provisions of the CC&Rs.” (Posey v.