Florida Statute 718 – “The Condominium Act”
Understanding Florida Statute 718: Your Rights & Responsibilities in a Condominium
Florida Statute 718 governs condominium ownership in the state, establishing clear guidelines for how condos are created, how associations operate, and what rights unit-owners hold. Whether you own or plan to own a unit, or you’re dealing with a condo board that isn’t fulfilling its obligations, understanding this statute can be critical to protecting your investment and enforcing your rights.
Key Features You Should Know:
Creation & Declaration: The statute sets out exactly how a condominium must be legally formed, recorded and maintained in Florida.
Association Duties: Boards and associations have defined responsibilities under the law, such as keeping and disclosing official records, managing finances, and maintaining the common elements.
Unit Owner Rights: Statute 718 gives unit-owners specific entitlements, such as accessing association records, participating in meetings, and voting, and protections against improper practices.
Repair & Liability: When a condo association fails to maintain shared infrastructure (like plumbing, roofs, structural components), statute 718 can serve as the legal basis to hold them accountable and recover your losses.
Why It Matters for You:
If you’re facing water damage, structural failure, or board neglect in a condominium, statute 718 offers a statutory framework you can leverage. Having a statutory basis means you’re not relying solely on contract or bylaws, you have the full weight of Florida’s law on your side. Use it to demand repairs, review budgets, inspect records, or even file a legal claim if the board fails to act.
Final Note / Call-to-Action:
Understanding your rights under Florida Statute 718 is the first step. If you believe your condo association is neglecting its duty, delay in repairs or not keeping required records, you may have grounds to act. Let us help you explore your options.
Understanding Florida Statute 718
Florida Statute 718, known as the Condominium Act, establishes how condominiums in Florida are created, governed, and maintained. It defines both the duties of condo associations and the rights of individual owners, from maintaining common elements to resolving disputes over repairs and damage.
What the Law Covers
Formation & Declaration: How a condo must be legally created and recorded in Florida.
Association Responsibilities: Maintenance of roofs, walls, plumbing, and other common elements.
Financial Transparency: Rules for budgets, reserves, and owner access to association records.
Owner Rights: Ability to inspect records, vote in meetings, and demand accountability.
Enforcement: Legal mechanisms for owners to recover damages caused by board negligence.
Why It Matters
When your condo association fails to repair leaks or maintain shared property, Florida Statute 718 gives you the legal leverage to act. It allows you to hold boards accountable and, when necessary, recover compensation for property damage or losses.
FAQ – Florida Statute 718
Q1: What types of properties does Statute 718 apply to?
A: Condominiums only, shared ownership communities where each owner holds title to an individual unit and shares responsibility for common elements.
Q2: Who pays for repairs to common areas?
A: Typically, the association is responsible. If they delay or refuse, owners may pursue legal action under this statute.
Q3: Can I inspect my association’s records?
A: Yes. Florida Statute 718 gives owners the right to view official financial and maintenance records upon written request.