Tag: Condo Association

There are some key differences when it comes to the management of condominium versus homeowners associations in Florida. For example, this includes the ability to charge capital contribution fees, or the one-time charges associated with any transfer of title part of the association. For Florida homeowners’ associations, these fees typically range from $400 to $5,000, and are charged in order to ensure that there are finances in the association’s’ operating account (or capital reserves) once the developer leaves. These fees usually cover between one and three months of the association’s annual assessment amount.

In general, while condominium associations face certain restrictions when it comes to fees like these, homeowners’ associations, conversely, can charge these fees to new owners and/or to process lease applications.

The Condo and Homeowner’s Association Law in Florida

Under Florida law, the state legislature must first approve any fees charged to owners and tenants when it comes to condo associations. While developers can charge these fees to the original purchasers, they can no longer charge them once turnover has occurred. Thus, for example, fees associated with processing a lease or sales application, or transfer fees, cannot exceed $100 per applicant (other than a husband/wife or parent/child, both of which are considered to be one applicant).