The association documents you have to ask for
The folder that separates a calm closing from a five-figure surprise.
Condo · 14 points
Who it’s for
You’re buying in a condominium, or in a community with a homeowners’ association.
What’s on the list
- 1
Declaration of condominium, or the covenants and restrictions (CC&Rs). This one outranks everything else.
- 2
Bylaws and the association’s articles of incorporation.
- 3
The rules and regulations in force today — not the version in the sales brochure.
- 4
This year’s budget and last year’s, side by side, so you can see what went up.
- 5
The most recent audited financials.
- 6
Reserve study and structural integrity reserve study, whenever Florida law requires them of the building.
Fla. Stat. §718.112(2)(g) — Structural integrity reserve study - 7
Board meeting minutes from the last twelve months. That’s where you see what’s coming before it’s official.
- 8
Estoppel letter showing the current fee, anything owed on the unit, and approved assessments.
- 9
The full master insurance policy — coverages and deductibles, not the one-page certificate.
- 10
Any special assessment approved or projected, with the payment schedule and the balance per unit.
- 11
A list of every lawsuit the association is part of, whether they’re suing or being sued.
- 12
The specific rules on renting, pets, moving, renovations and amenity use.
- 13
Owners have a right of access to the association’s official records under Florida law — §718.111(12) for condominiums, Chapter 720 for homeowners’ associations. Always ask in writing.
Fla. Stat. §718.111(12) — Association official records - 14
In a Chapter 720 community, read the disclosure summary the association has to hand you before the purchase.
Fla. Stat. Chapter 720 — Homeowners’ associations
For the bigger picture
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