An association's “governing documents” are defined as “the declaration and any other documents, such as bylaws, operating rules, articles of incorporation, or articles of association, which govern the operation of the common interest development or association.” (Civ.
HOA Information and Documents Florida Recorded Document Search - Visit the county recorder's office where the property is located to find an association's Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), Amendments to CC&Rs, Bylaws, Lien Notices, HOA Notices, Plats, Maps, and other community documents.
The Hierarchy of HOA Governing Documents Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) ... Articles of Incorporation. Bylaws. Operating Rules & Regulations.
Once you buy a home that's part of an HOA, you automatically become a member of the HOA. HOA rules are legally binding, and you must adhere to all rules and regulations in the governing document. Yes, there are bylaws that you may not like, but there are no HOA loopholes.
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.
HOAs must be registered with the state as a corporation and must file all governing documents in the official 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.