Reasons to Serve on an HOA Board

Why owners volunteer, other ways to help, and how to prepare for a board seat

A community association is only as strong as the volunteers who lead it. Board service is unpaid in most associations, but the work is rewarding, and much of the value of every home in the community is protected by it.

This article is general information and is not legal advice. The association's attorney should be consulted.

Why Owners Choose to Serve

• The investment is protected. Property values and quality of life are shaped by the decisions made at the board table.
• Something new is learned. Budgets, contracts, insurance, and maintenance planning are seen from the inside.
• Skills are built. Leadership, finance, and negotiation experience gained on a board is valued in any career.
• Problems are solved. Owners who see something that needs fixing are given a way to fix it.
• Neighbors are met. Board and committee work brings people together who might not otherwise meet.
• Service is recognized. The time given by volunteers is appreciated by the people who benefit from it.

Other Ways to Get Involved

A board seat is not the only way to help. Many associations depend on volunteers in other roles:

1. Committees. Architectural review, finance, landscaping, safety, and social committees share the board's workload. If a committee does not exist, one can be suggested to the board.
2. Neighborhood watch. Programs are organized with local law enforcement to encourage residents to watch for and report suspicious activity.
3. Cleanup days. Volunteer cleanups keep common areas tidy, as long as association rules and vendor contracts are respected.
4. Projects. Extra help is often welcomed when larger projects are planned.
5. Events. Holiday gatherings, pool parties, and welcome events are planned by volunteers. Ideas can be found in our post on social committee ideas for HOA communities.
6. Communications. Newsletters, websites, and notices are often prepared with volunteer help.

How to Prepare for a Board Seat

The best candidates prepare before they run.

• The governing documents should be read. The declaration, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and rules set the limits of the board's authority.
• Board meetings should be attended. Current issues, meeting procedures, and the way decisions are made can be observed.
• The budget should be studied. Where the association's money goes, and whether reserves are being funded, should be understood before the current board is judged.
• The manager can be consulted. A community manager normally stays neutral in elections but can explain what the job involves.
• Promises should be avoided. Campaign promises are often made without the full information available to the sitting board.

Duties Set by Florida Law

Directors and officers of Florida homeowners associations and condominium associations have a fiduciary relationship to the owners they serve under sections 720.303(1) and 718.111(1)(a). Under section 617.0830, directors must act in good faith, in a manner they reasonably believe is in the best interests of the association, and with the care an ordinarily prudent person would use in a similar position. Directors are also entitled to rely on information and reports from officers, attorneys, accountants, and other professionals they reasonably believe to be competent.

Education is required as well:

• Homeowners associations. Under section 720.3033(1), a new director must complete a department-approved education course within 90 days after being elected or appointed. The certificate is valid for up to 4 years. Continuing education of at least 4 hours a year is required for directors of associations with fewer than 2,500 parcels, and at least 8 hours a year for larger associations.
• Condominiums. Under section 718.112(2)(d), a new director must certify in writing that the governing documents have been read and must complete an education course of at least 4 hours, within 1 year before or 90 days after being elected or appointed. At least 1 hour of continuing education is required each year after that.

A director who does not file the required certificate on time is suspended from the board until the requirement is met.

Questions to Ask Before Accepting

• How often does the board meet, and how much work is expected between meetings?
• How long is the term?
• Is the association financially healthy, and are reserves funded?
• Are there pending lawsuits or major disputes?
• Is directors and officers liability insurance in force?

Frank answers help a candidate decide whether the timing is right. More on the board's work can be found in the role of the board of directors.

Support for New Board Members

Agendas, board packages, budgets, and records are prepared for the boards of the communities managed by Condominium Associates, so that volunteer time is spent on decisions rather than paperwork. To learn how your board can be supported, contact us.