Many times people want to purchase in our HOA community but don’t understand what that means to them. What does living in a HOA mean? HOA stands for Homeowners Association. In Florida, if you buy into a HOA you must become a Member and follow the rules.
What rules must a HOA follow?
What does living in a HOA mean?
When you buy into a HOA, you have a restricted deed of your property. You become a Member of a community. A Board is voted in, by all Members, and represents the Association. It maintains the common land and the finances among many other items. The Board at Garden Patio Villas must follow the legal requirements as well as follow all the rules. All HOA Members have rights as does the Board. Check your documents to know the law and the rules of a Homeowners Association.
All Florida Homeowner Associations must register with the state as a Corporation. Garden Patio Villas did this back in 1977. All Governing Documents must be filed with the County and after, with all official HOA rules. You can check Broward County’s website for all of these records or you can see our documents on our website for anyone to view. The Board of Directors must operate within these guidelines and be in compliance with the State, the City, and the Association’s legal documents.
What type of home is right for you?
Florida Statutes 720 and HOA Governing Documents are very detailed on what can or can not be done on your own property. Many people do not like this style of living. Do not buy into one or you will be frustrated. You will need to buy a single family house.
Some seniors appreciate this lifestyle of a HOA or condo where they can be a snowbird and leave their homes for several months without worry. Many people like this style of living because they do not want to maintain the grounds any longer. Whatever the reason you are buying or moving, please look into what type of home you buy. Buying a home is usually a long term investment and you want to be happy with the outcome!
Here at Garden Patio Villas, a senior community in South Florida, many of our Members stay here for life! We are a small knit HOA community of 83 villas. Members really care for each other and have close friendships!