Florida Homeowners’ Association (HOA) Board Member Requirements
Governing law: Florida Statutes Chapter 720
✅ 1. You Must Be a Member of the HOA
To serve on the board, you must be an official member of the homeowners’ association, typically by owning a lot or home in the community.
Tip: Your name must appear on the deed or public records as an owner.
✅ 2. You Must Be 18 Years or Older
All HOA board members in Florida must be at least 18 years of age.
✅ 3. No Felony Convictions (Unless Rights Are Restored)
You cannot serve if you have been convicted of a felony in Florida (or another jurisdiction) unless:
Your civil rights have been restored for at least 5 years before the election.
✅ 4. No Delinquent Fees
You must not be more than 90 days delinquent in the payment of any monetary obligations to the HOA at the time of the election or appointment.
Certification Requirement for HOA Board Members
Within 90 days of being elected or appointed, you must:
Option 1: Sign a Written Certification
You must certify that you:
Have read the association’s governing documents
Will faithfully discharge your fiduciary duties
OR
Option 2: Complete a Board Member Certification Course
Take a state-approved educational course covering:
HOA operations
Legal and ethical board service
👉 This certification is valid as long as you serve continuously.
Florida Condominium Association Board Member Requirements
Governing law: Florida Statutes Chapter 718
Many of the requirements are similar to those for HOAs, but there are a few key differences:
✅ 1. You Must Be a Unit Owner
To serve, you must be a recorded owner of a condo unit within the association.
✅ 2. You Must Be 18 Years or Older
Just like HOA boards, you must be at least 18 to qualify.
✅ 3. No Felony Convictions (Unless Rights Restored)
Same rule as HOA board members:
Felons may not serve unless their civil rights have been restored for 5 years.
✅ 4. No Co-Owners on the Same Board
If you co-own a unit (e.g., with a spouse), only one owner from that unit may serve on the board at a time—unless there are fewer eligible candidates than board seats available.
✅ 5. No Delinquent Fees
You cannot be more than 90 days delinquent in any financial obligations to the condominium association.
Certification Requirement for Condo Board Members
Within 90 days of election or appointment, condo board members must:
Option 1: Sign a Written Certification
Confirming you:
Have read and understand the governing documents
Will uphold your fiduciary duty
OR
Option 2: Complete a Board Member Educational Course
Must be approved by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and cover:
Condo laws under Florida Statute 718
Responsibilities of board service
Proper governance practices
👉 Certification is good for as long as you serve without interruption.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Requirements?
Board members who fail to certify within 90 days must be removed from the board until they comply. Members who become delinquent or are discovered to have ineligible felony status are also disqualified.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Do board members get paid?
No. HOA and condo board members in Florida typically serve as volunteers unless the governing documents explicitly allow for compensation.
❓ Can renters serve on the board?
No. Only owners can serve as board members in Florida community associations.
❓ Do I have to take the course every year?
No. You only need to certify once per continuous term of service.
Final Thoughts
Serving on a board is an excellent way to shape your community—but it's important to follow the law. By understanding the Florida HOA and condo board member requirements, you’ll be ready to lead with confidence and avoid legal or procedural missteps.
If you're managing or supporting a Florida community association, keeping your board compliant is key to protecting the community—and its members.
Need Help Managing Your HOA or Condo Association?
At Gulf Coast Association Management, we help Florida communities thrive through expert association management, board training, and compliance support.
Contact us today to simplify your board service and ensure your association runs smoothly.
