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;
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.
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.
While they must file with the county government, homeowners' associations in Florida are not governed by a government agency. Community associations must operate within the guidelines of Chapter 720 and if they are out of compliance, it is up to the community members to litigate against the HOA.
To file a complaint against a Homeowners Association (HOA) in Florida, you need to fill out a inium/Cooperative Complaint Form and file it directly with the Division of Florida iniums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes.
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.
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.
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.
You can contact your local government office for assistance. For example, you can visit the California Attorney General's HOA Consumer Information page for more details. Online Databases: There are online databases and resources that compile HOA documents.
Many HOAs maintain a website where governing documents are posted. To find HOA rules and regulations online: Navigate to the HOA's official website. Look for sections labeled “Documents,” “Governing Documents,” or “Rules and Regulations.”