Serving on your Florida condominium association’s board of directors is a rewarding way to give back to your community, but it also comes with specific qualifications and legal responsibilities. 

Before you decide to throw your hat in the ring and run for a seat on your condo board (which you absolutely should consider!), it’s essential to familiarize yourself with several documents, including your association’s CC&Rs and bylaws, the Florida Condominium Act, and new legislative updates, including HB 1021, which introduces several accountability measures for directors. 

Below, we’ll discuss core requirements for serving a Florida condo board as well as how to comply with new education requirements.

Requirements for Serving on a Florida Condo Board

Per HB 1031, board members in Florida must complete a board certification course within 90 days of taking office. Additionally, all board members must complete at least one hour of continuing education annually related to changes in condominium law.

While there is no specific educational degree required to serve on a board, here are some common prerequisites and qualifications you may need if you plan to serve on your HOA’s board.

• Unit ownership – Typically, there are ownership and residency requirements for serving on a Florida condo board, but it’s up to each association to specify in their bylaws what the board composition and residency requirements are for their association. Generally, a husband and wife cannot simultaneously serve on their board unless the couple owns more than one unit in the association or there are not enough eligible candidates to fill the vacancies on the board.

• Good standing with the association – Prospective board members are required to be in good standing with the association. This includes being current on association dues and complying with community rules and regulations.

• Not having financial conflicts of interest – To avoid conflicts of interest and ensure their ability to maintain their fiduciary responsibilities as board members, many associations require board members to disclose any potential financial conflicts of interest.

• Be legally qualified to participate – Board members must have the legal capacity to serve. This means they are not disqualified due to legal issues such as a criminal record or felony convictions that may impede their ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

• Willingness to attend meetings – Board members are expected to actively participate in board meetings, discussions and decision-making.

• Ability to work collaboratively – Serving on a condo board involves collaboration and decision-making as a team. Board members should demonstrate an ability to work well with others and contribute constructively to discussions. For more about the team that makes up an effective condo association, read about the “Fantastic Five.”

How to Comply with Updated Education Requirements

House Bill 1021 includes provisions that hold directors more accountable, such as strengthening qualifications for board service, expanding enforcement tools for misconduct and requiring more transparency in board operations and financial dealings. These reforms aim to increase trust, fairness and effectiveness in Florida condominium governance.

In terms of education requirements specifically, newly elected and existing board members must complete and submit both a written certification affirming their commitment to association documents and a state-approved educational certificate. The educational program must be at least four hours and cover essential topics such as milestone inspections, structural integrity and financial transparency. 

Certificates are valid for seven years as long as there’s no interruption in service. Additionally, directors must complete at least one hour of annual continuing education on relevant legislative changes. This requirement aims to enhance directors’ knowledge and competence in managing COA affairs.

Ready to Serve?

If you’re considering joining your condo association’s board, take time to review your community’s governing documents and stay informed about changes in Florida law. At Dania Fernandez & Associates, P.A., we’re here to help with board training, legal guidance and ongoing support for Florida community associations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your COA thrive.