Key Elements of Active Adult Communities

Homeowners’ Association (HOA)
Many active adult communities have Homeowners’ Associations to help protect, maintain and oversee common areas in the community. These legal entities also enforce deed restrictions and make sure communities adhere to the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) issued to each homeowner in the community. Their overall purpose is to maintain the high quality standards and values of properties in the community.

Homeowner’s Associations may also:

• Require mandatory membership of all property owners in the community.
• Require members to pay mandatory fees to the HOA.
• Serve as corporations with governing boards and by laws.
• Maintain and enforce design and maintenance standards and city ordinances.
• Publish and distribute newsletters or other communications.

Community Development District (CDD)
Some active adult communities are governed by Community Development Districts (CDDs), which serve specific long-term needs for their communities. Pursuant to Florida Statutes, chapter 190, the purpose of a CDD is to plan, finance, construct, operate and maintain community-wide infrastructure and services for the benefit of residents. A Board of Supervisors–elected by the landowners and, after six years, by the residents–governs the CDD.

A CDD’s responsibilities may include:

• Providing residents with beneficial public facilities and services, such as stormwater and wastewater management, water supplies, landscaping and street lighting.
• Overseeing or managing these public facilities and services.
• Determining fees or assessments, which are part of the residents’ annual property tax bills.
• Providing savings to residents by financing the community’s public facilities at lower, tax-exempt interest rates.
• Protecting long-term property values by managing these facilities and services.

In many cases, CDDs, which manage public services within a community, work in conjunction with HOAs, which manage private properties within a community.

Golf Course Communities
Active adult communities with golf courses vary by type of course and membership opportunity.
Golf Course Categories:

• Private Golf Courses are open to members only.
• Semi-Private Golf Courses are open to members and outside guests.
• Public Golf Courses are open to the public.

When visiting communities be sure to inquire about categories, privileges and fees associated with golf memberships.

Developers and Builders
Developers plan the infrastructure of the community, including roads, sewers, lights and more.
Builders construct homes within the community, which may feature many builders with varying home styles. In some cases the developer and builder are the same.

Amenity Centers
A community’s amenity centers may range in size, style and complexity. Some feature full amenities, including elaborate grounds and state-of-the-art clubhouses bustling with activities and services, often including restaurants and spas. Others offer moderate amenities, with nice clubhouses that are more private and less service-oriented. They may include workout centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, and entertainment areas that are open to self-service. Still others offer a basic selection of amenities more fitting to an independent neighborhood. There may simply be a pool and small pool house with an open entertaining area and kitchenette.

Security in Gated Communities
Electronically gated communities offer secure entrances and exits with code or card access.
Manned gated communities feature a guardhouse with security guards on staff 24 hours a day.

Information provided by ReDiscover Realty, Inc.