Florida Association Law Overview
Community associations in Florida operate under a legal framework defined by several statutes that govern how associations are formed, managed, and regulated. These laws establish the responsibilities of association boards, the rights of owners, and the procedures that must be followed when addressing governance, records, elections, and disputes.
Florida separates community association law into different statutory chapters depending on the type of community involved.
Condominium associations are governed by Chapter 718, homeowners associations are governed by Chapter 720, and cooperative associations operate under Chapter 719.
Understanding which statutory framework applies to an association is often the first step in addressing governance questions or compliance issues.
Overview of Florida Community Association Laws
Florida community associations operate under statutes that outline the legal structure of condominium associations, homeowners associations, and cooperative communities. These laws define how associations manage property, collect assessments, maintain records, and conduct board governance.

While each type of association has its own governing chapter, the statutes share similar themes. They establish requirements for board meetings, owner notices, recordkeeping, elections, and enforcement of governing documents.
Associations often review the relevant statute when addressing governance issues or determining how to proceed with a specific legal matter.
Chapter 718 — Florida Condominium Act
Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes governs condominium associations. This chapter addresses how condominium communities are structured, how boards operate, and how disputes between associations and owners may be handled.
The statute includes provisions addressing matters such as condominium governance, association records, board meetings, elections, financial reporting, and enforcement of condominium declarations and rules.

Condominium disputes may also involve procedures administered through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which has authority over certain types of condominium-related disputes.
Chapter 720 — Florida Homeowners Association Act
Chapter 720 governs homeowners associations (HOAs) in Florida. This statute establishes the legal framework for communities where owners hold title to individual parcels or homes while the association manages common property and community rules.

The statute addresses issues such as association governance, record access, board elections, rule enforcement, and the collection of assessments. Boards often reference Chapter 720 when reviewing procedural requirements for notices, meetings, and enforcement actions.
Because homeowners associations may vary widely in structure, boards frequently review both the statute and their governing documents when addressing compliance questions.
Chapter 719 — Florida Cooperative Associations
Chapter 719 governs cooperative associations. In cooperative communities, residents typically own shares in the cooperative corporation rather than holding individual title to their units.

This statutory chapter addresses the governance structure of cooperative associations, including board responsibilities, records, meetings, and enforcement of cooperative documents.
While cooperative communities share similarities with condominium associations, the legal framework governing ownership and association operations differs in important ways.
DBPR Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Certain condominium disputes in Florida may be handled through arbitration or other dispute-resolution processes administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
These procedures may apply to disputes involving matters such as election challenges, records access, or other condominium governance issues covered under the Florida Condominium Act.

Because some disputes may require pre-suit steps before litigation, associations often review the statutory requirements carefully before pursuing formal legal action.
Why Understanding the Correct Statute Matters
Associations sometimes encounter confusion when applying the wrong statutory framework to a governance issue. Because Florida law separates condominiums, homeowners associations, and cooperatives into different statutory chapters, the applicable rules can vary depending on the type of community involved.
Understanding the correct statute can help association boards interpret governing documents, follow proper procedures, and avoid compliance issues.
Many boards review the relevant statute when addressing issues involving meetings, elections, records access, collections procedures, or dispute resolution.
Speak With a Florida Community Association Attorney
Boards and property managers sometimes seek legal guidance when questions arise about Florida association statutes, governance requirements, or disputes affecting community operations.

Valancy Holodak & Reed represents condominium associations, homeowners associations, and cooperative communities addressing governance, collections procedures, governing documents, and disputes under Florida law.