Property Management Blog

By Ocean Blue Community Management - Sunday, July 20, 2025

Florida’s Reserve Fund Laws Explained

Reserve funds ensure that your community can afford major repairs without imposing special assessments. 1. What Are Reserve Funds? Designated savings for future expenses like roof replacements, paving, and painting. 2. Florida Reserve Require...

By Ocean Blue Community Management - Saturday, July 19, 2025

How to Create a Transparent Budget for Your Community

A transparent budget builds trust and ensures financial stability in your community. 1. Forecast Expenses Accurately Estimate all operating and reserve expenses for the year ahead. 2. Engage the Finance Committee Encourage board members...

By Ocean Blue Community Management - Friday, July 18, 2025

Avoiding Common Legal Pitfalls for Florida HOAs

Missteps in association management can lead to costly legal troubles. Here’s how to stay compliant. 1. Ignoring Governing Documents Always operate within your governing documents and Florida law. 2. Poor Record-Keeping Maintain de...

By Ocean Blue Community Management - Thursday, July 17, 2025

HOA vs. Condo Association: What’s the Difference?

While both HOAs and condo associations manage communities, their structures and legal responsibilities differ. 1. Ownership Differences - HOA: Owners typically own their lot and the home on it. - Condo: Owners own their unit's interior, with com...

By Ocean Blue Community Management - Wednesday, July 16, 2025

How to Create and Enforce Fair HOA Rules

HOA rules protect property values and maintain harmony, but they must be fair and enforceable. 1. Drafting Reasonable Rules Ensure rules align with Florida law and your governing documents. Avoid arbitrary or overly restrictive regulations. 2...

By Ocean Blue Community Management - Tuesday, July 15, 2025

The Importance of Board Member Certification in Florida

Florida law requires board members to complete certification to ensure they understand their legal duties. 1. What is Board Member Certification? Newly elected board members must complete a certification course or sign a statement confirming they have rea...

By Ocean Blue Community Management - Monday, July 14, 2025

How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings: Tips and Best Practices

Effective board meetings keep your community on track. Here are proven ways to run them efficiently. 1. Prepare an Agenda Distribute the agenda in advance to keep meetings focused. 2. Follow Parliamentary Procedure Use Robert’s Ru...

By Ocean Blue Community Management - Thursday, July 10, 2025

Understanding the Fiduciary Duty of HOA and Condo Boards

Board members carry a fiduciary duty, meaning they must act in the best interest of their community. 1. Duty of Care Make informed decisions using sound judgment and due diligence. 2. Duty of Loyalty Avoid conflicts of interest and act ...

By Ocean Blue Community Management - Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Florida Condo Association Laws: What Every Board Member Should Know

Florida’s condo associations operate under strict legal frameworks. Board members should understand the Florida Condominium Act (Chapter 718, Florida Statutes) to govern fairly and effectively. 1. Florida Condominium Act Overview The law outlines ho...

By Ocean Blue Community Management - Tuesday, July 8, 2025

What Are the Key Responsibilities of an HOA Board in Florida?

"The Homeowners Association (HOA) board plays a vital role in the success and harmony of Florida communities. Understanding these key responsibilities helps ensure legal compliance, resident satisfaction, and property value retention. 1. Enforcing Governing Documents The bo...