What should I know about golf communities in Florida?

The summary comes from section 720.401 of the Florida Statutes. It tells you that you will have to be a member of the association and pay its assessments, which can change, that there are restrictive covenants on how homes in the community are used and occupied, and that there may be rent or land use fees for recreational or other shared facilities. It also says that not paying the assessments could lead to a lien on your home, and that you should read the covenants and the association's governing documents before you buy.

If you were not given the summary before you signed, you may cancel the contract by written notice to the seller or the seller's agent, within 3 days after you receive the summary or before closing, whichever comes first. That right cannot be waived, and it ends at closing.

Ask in writing who owns the golf course and the clubhouse, whether golf membership or fees are required or optional, and how much they are.

Golf carts are a separate set of rules. Under section 316.2125, golf carts equipped and driven as section 316.212 requires may be used within a self-contained retirement community, unless the county, the city or the state bans them for safety on roads it controls. A local government may adopt stricter rules for unlicensed drivers and must post signs or otherwise tell residents. Driving a golf cart on other public roads falls under section 316.212, so ask the city or county which roads allow golf carts.

For a question about a contract or association documents, ask a Florida attorney.

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