Question 1

How is a Florida master association governed?

Accepted Answer

Governance: the master association is governed by: the master declaration (the recorded document creating the community and establishing the master association’s authority), the articles of incorporation (filed with the Florida Division of Corporations), the bylaws (governing the internal operations of the association: board meetings, elections, voting procedures), and the rules and regulations (detailed rules adopted by the board for community operations). The board of directors: is elected by the members (typically, each sub-association or each lot/unit owner has one vote), manages the association’s day-to-day operations, hires and supervises the community manager, approves the annual budget and assessments, and enforces the governing documents.

Question 2

What are the rights of owners in a Florida master association?

Accepted Answer

Owner rights: under Chapter 720: right to inspect records (Section 720.303(5): owners have the right to inspect and copy the association’s official records), right to attend and speak at board meetings (Section 720.303(2): board meetings must be open to members, and members have the right to speak on agenda items), right to vote in elections and on amendments (the governing documents specify voting rights), right to receive financial statements and budgets (the association must provide annual financial reports), right to challenge fines and violations (owners have the right to a hearing before fines are imposed, Section 720.305), and right to run for the board (any member in good standing can serve on the board). The master declaration may grant additional rights or impose additional obligations.

Question 3

What are common governance disputes in Florida master associations?

Accepted Answer

Common disputes: assessment disputes (owners or sub-associations disagree with the amount or allocation of assessments), maintenance responsibility disputes (disagreement about whether the master association or the sub-association is responsible for specific maintenance), rule enforcement disputes (selective enforcement, unreasonable rules, or overreach by the board), election disputes (challenges to board election procedures or results), architectural control disputes (the master association’s architectural review board denies or conditions a modification request), and reserve funding disputes (disagreement about whether the association is adequately funding reserves for future repairs). Florida law provides remedies through: mandatory pre-suit mediation (Section 720.311), arbitration through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and litigation in the circuit court.

Master Association Governance

Florida Master Association Governance

Governing Documents

Owner Rights (Chapter 720)

Common Disputes

Related Terms

Barnes Walker HOA Law

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