Florida Homeowners Association Insurance Requirements to Know About | HOA, Condo Association Insurance (2024)

As a Florida homeowners association, it’s important for you to have the right insurance. There are several requirements that need to be met. In order to meet the requirements, you need to read the Florida statute and be very familiar with the governing documents of your HOA.

Property vs. Liability

One of the first things that you need to know about is the difference between property and liability. Both are important forms of coverage for your HOA. You need to have coverage for all of the property that is encompassed by the HOA. You also need to have liability protection in the event someone gets injured and decides to sue.

Whether there’s a fire in a public building, an accident at the pool, or some other problem, you want to have the needed coverage. Property and liability are very different, though both are requirements.

Coverage for What the HOA Owns

All of what the HOA owns needs to be covered. This is required within the governing documents of your HOA and should be treated as the minimum standard. You have to take a good look at all that is owned by the HOA. This includes landscaping, public buildings, and land. The more you list within your policy, the more coverage you will have.

It’s important to consider each and every item that is owned by the HOA. The best thing to do is consider the worst case scenario. By doing this, you not only meet the basic requirements but also gain greater peace of mind.

Different Forms of Coverage

There are all sorts of different coverage options that you can obtain. The Florida homeowner’s association insurance requirements include property and liability coverage. Beyond that, there are other forms of coverage that you can choose as optional. This includes directors and officers insurance as well as demolition cost coverage.

Your goal is to protect your homeowner's association against loss, damage, and lawsuits. Once you meet the basic requirements for coverage, you can then determine how else to protect your HOA.

Consult with an Insurance Agent

An insurance agency can help you determine what the requirements are for your HOA insurance in Florida. It gives you the chance to meet the requirements and go above and beyond for a higher level of protection. A simple consultation can be an eye-opening experience so you know more about the insurance options available to you.

An insurance agent can help you to plan for the various situations that you could encounter. For example, you might want to look at building code upgrade coverage options. You might also want to look at diminution in value coverage. The latter will ensure that an insurance company pays the full value of a building even if only a percentage of the building is damaged.

Insurance for homeowners associations can be complicated. The requirements are not always cut and dry because of having to turn to various documents. By working with an experienced insurance agent, you can learn about the requirements and add plenty of protection for your HOA in Florida.

Florida Homeowners Association Insurance Requirements to Know About | HOA, Condo Association Insurance (2024)

FAQs

Florida Homeowners Association Insurance Requirements to Know About | HOA, Condo Association Insurance? ›

You need to have coverage for all of the property that is encompassed by the HOA. You also need to have liability protection in the event someone gets injured and decides to sue. Whether there's a fire in a public building, an accident at the pool, or some other problem, you want to have the needed coverage.

Is it mandatory for condo associations to maintain an insurance policy in Florida? ›

Minimum Coverage Requirements: Condo associations must carry insurance coverage for the condominium property, including property and casualty insurance covering all portions of the condominium property as originally installed or replaced with like-kind and quality materials per the original plans and specifications.

What kind of insurance does an HOA need in Florida? ›

Property & General Liability Insurance

Homeowners Associations may need property insurance for any commonly-owned property. One type of insurance that every homeowners association needs is general liability insurance. This coverage can protect against accidents such as injuries to the public.

What is the difference between a condo association and a homeowners association in Florida? ›

In essence, the main difference between most HOAs and condo associations is the type of property they represent. Condominiums represent condos - apartments, while HOAs represent houses. Regardless of the association, they are both democratic institutions and therefore need to conduct elections.

Can condo associations in Florida self-insure? ›

Section 718.111(11)(a)(1) and (2), Florida Statutes, provides the following: 1. An association or group of associations may provide adequate property insurance through a self-insurance fund that complies with the requirements of ss. 624.460-624.488.

What homeowners policy is necessary if the insured owns a condo unit? ›

If you own a condo or co-op unit, the common areas like the hallways, land and other shared areas typically are covered by a collective homeowners association insurance policy. But your unit is not always covered by this policy. That's why you need condo (also known as HO6) insurance.

What is the 718 condo law in Florida? ›

—The purpose of this chapter is: (1) To give statutory recognition to the condominium form of ownership of real property. (2) To establish procedures for the creation, sale, and operation of condominiums. Every condominium created and existing in this state shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.

Who insures a condo in Florida? ›

Condo insurance isn't required by law in Florida, but your mortgage company likely requires it. Condo insurance is a home insurance policy that covers everything inside your condo, while the homeowners association's insurance covers the outside of your building and common areas.

Can a Florida HOA require homeowners insurance? ›

Yes, an HOA can require homeowners to carry homeowners insurance, provided this requirement is stated in the governing documents of the association.

What is HOA responsible for in Florida? ›

Florida homeowner associations have the authority to regulate common areas, collect charges to maintain these areas, enforce community covenants, and impose fines or liens against non-compliant homeowners, all within the limits of Florida law and their own governing documents.

Who regulates condo associations in Florida? ›

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes Laws. The Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes (division) has authority to enforce the following laws: Chapter 718, Florida Statutes The Condominium Act.

How many board members are required for a condo association in Florida? ›

In the State of Florida, three is the magic number. No matter the size of your association, your board must have at least three members, with the number stated in your articles of incorporation or bylaws. Your bylaws should also have provisions regarding the manner in which the board can expand.

What is the difference between Florida statute 718 and 720? ›

Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes empowers and controls the ability of HOAs to enforce their rules, whereas Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes empowers and controls the ability of COAs to enforce their rules.

Are condo associations required to have flood insurance in Florida? ›

In Florida, condo associations must purchase flood insurance if the property is in a high-risk flood area.

Is condo association responsible for plumbing in Florida? ›

Associations must maintain exterior walls, roofs, foundations and common plumbing and electrical systems to ensure the safety and integrity of these structures.

Is condo insurance cheaper than home insurance in Florida? ›

The bulk of the cost on a home insurance policy is usually the dwelling coverage. Because condo owners usually only have to insure their home from the studs in, condo policies often have less dwelling coverage and therefore cost less than home policies. However, rates vary by many factors.

What are the responsibilities of the condo association in Florida? ›

—The association has the power to make and collect assessments and to lease, maintain, repair, and replace the common elements or association property; however, the association may not charge a use fee against a unit owner for the use of common elements or association property unless otherwise provided for in the ...

What is the condo association responsible for in Florida? ›

Generally speaking, the condominium association is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all of the general common elements, and the repair and replacement of the limited common elements. General common elements are available for use by every unit owner.

What is 718.113-5 of the Florida condominium Act? ›

718.113(5) constitutes a common expense and shall be collected as provided in this section if the association is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of the hurricane shutters, impact glass, code-compliant windows or doors, or other types of code-compliant hurricane protection pursuant to the ...

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