What Is a Community Association Manager (CAM)?
Running a massive condominium association (COA) or homeowners' association (HOA) is functionally equivalent to running a multi-million-dollar corporation. Because the elected board of directors is made up of unpaid volunteers who often have full-time jobs, they usually hire a Community Association Manager (CAM) to execute the daily operations.
In Florida, managing an association is a highly regulated profession. Under Chapter 468, Florida Statutes, anyone who receives compensation for managing an association with more than 10 units or an annual budget exceeding $100,000 must possess an active CAM license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Duties of a Licensed CAM
A licensed CAM acts as the executive director of the community. Their duties typically include:
- Financial Management — Collecting monthly assessments, paying the community's bills, and preparing the annual budget for the board's approval.
- Vendor Oversight — Hiring, scheduling, and paying landscaping, pool, and roofing contractors to maintain the common areas.
- Rule Enforcement — Patrolling the neighborhood, issuing violation notices to owners who break the rules, and coordinating with the board to levy fines or place liens on delinquent properties.
- Statutory Compliance — Ensuring board meetings are properly noticed according to the Sunshine Laws and that official records are maintained and accessible to owners.
The Limits of CAM Authority
A common misconception among homeowners is that the CAM is the "boss" of the neighborhood. This is legally incorrect. The CAM has no independent authority to make rules, grant architectural approvals, or waive fines. The CAM works entirely at the direction of the elected Board of Directors. The board makes the policy decisions, and the CAM simply executes them.
Related Terms
- Condominium Association — The corporate entity that hires the CAM
- Assessments — The dues collected and managed by the CAM
- Common Area — The shared property the CAM is hired to maintain
Barnes Walker Association Law
Barnes Walker's attorneys act as legal counsel for hundreds of Florida associations, working closely with Licensed CAMs to ensure their administrative actions and violation notices are legally sound and strictly comply with Florida statutes. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC