Buyers / Condo & 55+
Buying a condo or 55+ home in today's Florida
Florida's condo rules have changed a lot in the last few years. The building and its association matter as much as the unit, so we look at both before you commit.
What we check before you buy
These details are where condo buyers get surprised. We review them during your inspection and document-review period.
- Reserves and budget. Is the association funding its reserves, or are increases coming?
- Milestone inspections and structural reserve studies. Florida now requires these for many older condo buildings. We ask for the results.
- Special assessments. Current, approved or under discussion.
- Insurance. What the master policy covers and what your own HO-6 policy must cover.
- Financing. Some buildings don't qualify for certain loans, and some associations require a larger down payment.
- Rules. Rental limits, pet policies, parking, and how long the association's approval process takes.
55+ communities
Understanding age-restricted communities
How 55+ communities work
Under federal housing law, a community qualifies as "55 and older" when at least 80% of occupied units have at least one resident aged 55 or older. Each community sets its own rules about other residents and guests, so we read them together.
Questions to ask
- What's included in the monthly fee?
- Are there clubhouse or recreation fees on top?
- What are the rental and guest rules?
- How long does association approval take?
Compare communities with someone who knows them
Let's narrow the list before you tour.