Thinking about a Boca Raton home but unsure whether an HOA or a condo association is the right fit? You are not alone. The differences affect what you own, what you maintain, how you insure it, and what you pay each month. This guide gives you a practical, Boca-specific comparison so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
HOA vs. condo in Florida: the basics
In Florida, condominiums are governed by Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes, often called the Condominium Act. Homeowners associations for planned communities are governed by Chapter 720. Both create the legal framework for how communities operate, hold meetings, budget, and enforce rules. Your community’s declaration, articles, bylaws, and rules fill in the details.
The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation provides consumer resources for associations. Associations are private, non-profit corporations, and much of the oversight happens through statutes, records access, and the courts.
What you own: structure and common areas
- Condominiums: You own your individual unit as defined in the declaration and an undivided share of the common elements such as lobbies, roofs, elevators, hallways, and shared amenities.
- HOAs: You typically own the lot and the home or townhome on it. The HOA owns and maintains shared spaces like private roads, landscaping, entry gates, and community amenities.
In Boca Raton, condos are common along the coast and Intracoastal, while planned single-family and townhome communities with HOAs are spread across the city. Your lifestyle preferences and the type of building often guide the choice.
Maintenance: who handles what
- Condominiums: The association usually maintains the building exterior and common elements. You typically handle interior finishes and fixtures as defined in the declaration.
- HOAs: You usually maintain your home’s exterior, roof, and yard unless the governing documents say otherwise. The HOA handles shared roads, landscaping, and amenities.
Tip: Always read the declaration and rules to see exactly where the maintenance line is drawn.
Insurance: master policy vs. individual coverage
- Condominiums: The association carries a master policy for the building structure and common elements. You carry an HO-6 policy for interior coverage and personal property. Confirm whether the master policy covers original interior finishes or only structural components.
- HOAs: The association insures shared property. You carry an HO-3 homeowners policy for your structure and personal property.
Insurance costs and coverage can shift in South Florida due to coastal exposure and hurricane risk. Lenders and insurers often ask for detailed documentation from the association, especially for older or taller buildings.
Fees, reserves, and special assessments
Both condos and HOAs charge regular assessments and can levy special assessments for major repairs. Condominiums often have higher monthly assessments because they fund building systems, exterior maintenance, elevators, and sometimes utilities.
What matters most is the financial health of the association. Pay attention to:
- Current and past budgets
- Reserve studies and account balances
- Special assessment history
- Insurance deductibles and premium trends
- Pending litigation that could affect finances
Solid reserves and proactive maintenance usually support better resale confidence.
Governance and rules: how communities run
Both HOAs and condo associations are led by elected boards. Chapters 718 and 720 set timelines for meetings, elections, record access, and notices. Boards can levy fines, suspend certain privileges, and place liens according to statute and governing documents. For condominiums, the state offers ombudsman and mediation resources for some disputes.
When comparing communities, look for transparent communication, timely financial reporting, and balanced enforcement. The tone of governance affects day-to-day living and long-term value.
Post‑Surfside context: inspections and reserves
After the Surfside condominium collapse in 2021, structural safety, reserve funding, and engineering inspections received greater scrutiny across South Florida. In Boca Raton, lenders, insurers, and buyers are more likely to request:
- Structural or engineering reports for mid and high-rise condos
- Detailed reserve studies and funding policies
- Documentation of past and planned repairs
For multi-story buildings, inspection history and city permitting records can be relevant. Strong documentation supports insurability, mortgage approval, and buyer confidence.
Mortgage and resale: what to expect
- Condominiums: Many lenders evaluate project eligibility, including reserve adequacy, percentage of rentals, ownership concentration, and litigation. Requirements can be stricter than for single-family homes.
- HOAs: Financing is often more straightforward, but lenders still review insurance and association stability.
For resale, buyers weigh monthly assessments, rule enforcement, and building condition. Communities with good reserves and regular maintenance tend to attract stronger offers.
Buyer due diligence: documents to review
Before you finalize a decision, request and review these items:
- Declaration, bylaws, and rules, including pet, parking, and rental policies
- Current budget and the last three years of financial statements
- Reserve study and reserve balances
- Meeting minutes from the last 12 to 24 months
- Master insurance policy and coverage details
- Special assessment history and any upcoming assessments
- Pending litigation disclosures
- Estoppel certificate showing amounts due and any violations
- Engineering or structural reports for condos, especially older mid/high-rise buildings
- Architectural control rules and any pending requests
These records reveal financial strength, upcoming costs, and the culture of enforcement and maintenance.
Seller checklist: set up a smooth sale
- Order an estoppel certificate early to identify amounts due
- Gather governing documents, financials, and rules for buyers
- Address clear violations or be ready to disclose them
- Confirm budgets and reserve contributions are current
Proactive documentation reduces surprises and helps buyers feel confident.
Lifestyle fit: HOA or condo in Boca Raton?
- Choose a condominium if you want minimal exterior maintenance, vertical living, proximity to coastal amenities, and shared systems handled by the association.
- Choose an HOA home if you prefer a yard, more control over your structure, and community amenities without full building systems costs.
There is no universal “better” option. The right choice depends on your ownership preferences, tolerance for monthly assessments, and the financial and maintenance record of the specific community.
How we help you move with confidence
You deserve clear answers and a smooth path to closing. A process-driven review of association documents, reserves, insurance, and inspection history can protect your bottom line. If you are comparing options across Boca Raton, a disciplined, step-by-step plan helps you secure the right property on the right terms.
Ready to evaluate your short list or prep your home for market? Connect with [Unknown Company] to get expert guidance, curated lender and inspector introductions, and a tailored plan that helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
FAQs
What is the main difference between HOAs and condo associations in Florida?
- Condos are governed by Chapter 718 and typically own and maintain building exteriors and common elements, while HOA owners maintain their own lot and structure under Chapter 720 rules.
How do condo and HOA maintenance responsibilities differ in Boca Raton?
- Condo associations often handle exteriors and common systems; HOA homeowners usually handle their own roof, exterior, and yard, with the HOA caring for shared areas.
What insurance do I need for a condo versus an HOA home?
- Condo owners generally carry an HO-6 policy for interiors and personal property, while HOA homeowners typically carry an HO-3 policy for the structure and contents.
Why are reserves and special assessments so important for buyers?
- Strong reserves reduce the risk of large special assessments. Budgets, minutes, and reserve studies help you gauge future costs and financial stability.
How did Surfside change condo due diligence in South Florida?
- There is more focus on structural reports, reserve funding, and documented maintenance, especially for mid and high-rise buildings, which can affect insurance and lending.
What documents should I request before buying into a Boca Raton community?
- Gather the declaration, bylaws, rules, budgets, financial statements, reserve studies, meeting minutes, insurance policies, assessment history, litigation disclosures, and the estoppel certificate.
