Pickleball has become one of the most requested amenities in community associations. It is easy to learn, inexpensive to play, and suited to a wide range of ages, which makes it a natural fit for many Florida communities. The same popularity has also brought a common problem: the sharp, repeated sound made when the paddle strikes the ball.
Boards are often asked to add courts, convert tennis courts, or respond to complaints from owners who live nearby. Each of those decisions is easier when it is planned with care.
This article is general information and is not legal advice. The association's attorney should be consulted.
Why Noise Is the Main Concern
The sound of pickleball is different from tennis. It is higher in pitch, more frequent, and carries farther than many people expect, especially when several games are played at once. Owners whose homes or units face the courts are affected most.
Complaints are usually made about early morning play, evening play, and long periods of continuous use. When noise is not addressed, frustration builds, and the board may be drawn into disputes between neighbors. Guidance on those disputes can be found in
how HOAs can intervene to stop neighbor-to-neighbor harassment.
Planning New or Converted Courts
Before courts are built or tennis courts are converted, several questions should be answered.
Location. The distance between the courts and the nearest homes matters more than any other factor. A site farther from residences, or one screened by buildings or landscaping, will produce fewer complaints.
Sound control. Acoustic fence panels and other sound-dampening materials can be installed around courts. Their effect should be estimated by a qualified consultant before money is spent.
Safety. Lighting, fencing, a level surface, shade, and drinking water should be considered, particularly in the Florida heat.
Accessibility. Federal and state fair housing laws, and in some cases the Americans with Disabilities Act, may apply to community recreational facilities. Access to new courts should be reviewed with the association's attorney during design.
Cost. Bids should be obtained for construction, resurfacing, lighting, and sound control, and the courts should be added to the reserve schedule so that future resurfacing is funded.
Authority and Owner Approval
The governing documents should be reviewed before a new amenity is approved. In a condominium, section 718.113(2) provides that material alterations or substantial additions to the common elements must be approved as the declaration provides. If the declaration is silent, approval by 75 percent of the total voting interests is required before the work begins. Many homeowners association documents contain similar approval requirements for new amenities or major changes to common areas. The association's attorney should confirm what vote, if any, is needed.
Suggested Court Rules
Clear written rules help keep the courts available and the neighbors at peace. Common rules include:
- Set hours of play, with no play early in the morning or late at night
- A reservation system with time limits when others are waiting
- Limits on the number of guests and on access by nonresidents
- Use of quieter paddles and balls, where they are available
- Non-marking court shoes to protect the surface
- No excessive shouting or amplified music
- Prompt reporting of damage or maintenance needs
Rules should be adopted by the board at a properly noticed meeting and shared with all residents. They should be enforced the same way for everyone, and any fine or suspension must follow the notice and hearing process required by Florida law, including at least 14 days' written notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
Working Through Complaints
Players and nearby residents should both be heard. A short survey or an open meeting can bring out concerns before positions harden. Compromises often include adjusted hours, fewer courts in use at one time, sound panels, or moving play to a different location. A trial period with the new rules in place can show whether a solution is working.
Deciding What Is Right for Your Community
Pickleball can bring residents together and add value to a community. It can also create lasting friction if courts are placed or managed poorly. Boards should weigh the governing documents, location, safety, accessibility, cost, and rules before a decision is made.
Amenity planning, bid collection, and rule enforcement are handled for the communities managed by Condominium Associates. More ideas can be found in
HOA practices for common areas. To talk about adding or managing courts in your community,
contact us.
