Florida HOA board member requirements: Everything you need to know

What are Florida HOA board members?

In Florida, a homeowner’s association’s board of directors is initially appointed by the developer and then elected by homeowners. Board members serve as decision-makers on budgets, maintenance, legal compliance, vendor contracts, and resident concerns.

While board positions are voluntary, they require dedication, strategic decision-making, and an understanding of Florida’s homeowners association (HOA) laws. The right approach to leadership can improve property values, enhance resident satisfaction, and streamline management efforts.

For boards seeking additional guidance, FirstService Residential provides professional property management solutions tailored to Florida HOAs. With industry expertise and local knowledge, we help board members optimize operations, improve cost efficiencies, and simplify complex decision-making.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

What are Florida HOA board member requirements?

There are a few basic legal requirements needed to serve on an HOA board of directors. According to Florida Statutes, board members must meet the following criteria:
 

Be 18 years or older.

Minors are not eligible for board membership in homeowners associations.
 

Be a member of the association.

In most homeowner’s associations  you have to own a home within the association to  serve on the board. There are limits on which members can serve, but they are broad. For example, anyone delinquent in payment of a fee or fine to the association cannot join the board.
 

Pass a background check.

Florida law does  not mandate a background check, but individuals convicted of a felony are not eligible to serve on an HOA board. until their civil rights have been restored for more than five years.
 

Complete a certification course within 90 days of being elected or appointed.

One of the most important Florida board member requirements is to obtain a certification. This is so all board members are up to speed on applicable regulations. As of July 1, 2024, newly elected or appointed HOA board members must complete an approved educational curriculum within 90 days of their election or appointment. This curriculum includes training related to financial literacy and transparency, recordkeeping, levying of fines, and notice and meeting requirements.

Previously, board members could opt to submit a letter stating they had read all community governing documents instead of completing a certification course, but this is no longer an option.

Additionally, certification is now valid for only four years. After this period, board members must retake the approved educational curriculum to maintain their certification. For associations with fewer than 2,500 parcels, board members must also complete at least four hours of continuing education annually. For associations with 2,500 or more parcels, board members are required to complete at least eight hours of continuing education each year.
 

What are Florida HOA board member duties?

Financial management

Managing the HOA’s financial health is one of the most important responsibilities of a board member. The board is tasked with developing an annual budget that accounts for operating costs, reserves, and long-term planning. This process includes reviewing financial reports, approving expenditures, and negotiating contracts with vendors.

An experienced property management firm, such as FirstService Residential, can provide full-service financial and accounting services to help board members optimize resources and control costs effectively.
 

Compliance

Florida HOAs operate under Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes, which outlines the legal framework for governance, financial management, and enforcement of community rules. Board members must stay informed about legislative updates so that their HOA remains compliant with state and local regulations.

Record-keeping is another essential part of compliance. Board meetings must be documented, financial records maintained, and community policies enforced fairly and consistently. Failing to follow proper procedures can lead to legal challenges and financial liabilities for the association.
 

Vendor and maintenance oversight

Board members oversee vendor contracts for landscaping, security, pool maintenance, and other essential services that contribute to the quality of life within the HOA. Selecting the right vendors requires careful evaluation of service agreements, pricing structures, and long-term reliability.
 

Community engagement

Strong leadership is built on effective communication. Board members are expected to maintain transparency with homeowners, provide regular updates on community initiatives, and facilitate open discussions about policies and financial decisions. Holding regular board meetings allows residents to voice concerns and stay informed about upcoming projects.

Beyond meetings, Florida board members are required to address homeowner inquiries and uphold the HOAs rules and regulations. Clear communication about the rules and regulations helps reduce misunderstandings and improves relationships between the board and the community. Many boards turn to property management partners like FirstService Residential to implement streamlined communication strategies, resident portals, and professional guidance on resolving HOA complaints.
 

Partner with FirstService Residential for expert HOA management

You don’t have to navigate Florida HOA board member requirements alone.

At FirstService Residential, we help Florida HOAs streamline operations, optimize financial planning, and manage compliance with state laws. With decades of experience and a dedicated team of professionals, we provide the expertise needed to keep your community running smoothly.

To learn how we can support your HOA, contact FirstService Residential today.