What Are Condo Bylaws and How Do They Affect You in Florida?

by Barbara Ciaccio Morales

When you buy a condo in Florida, you are stepping into a shared ownership structure governed by state law and a complex set of community documents. One of the most critical of those documents is the condo bylaws.

Bylaws determine how the condominium association operates, how elections are held, how meetings are run, what rules unit owners must follow, and how disputes are handled. Whether you live in a high-rise in Brickell or a small association in Sunny Isles, understanding your Florida condo bylaws is key to protecting your rights and avoiding issues with your association.

In this guide, we break down what bylaws are, what they cover, how they impact you, and where Florida Statutes, especially Chapter 718, come into play.

Key Takeaways

Condo bylaws are required by Florida Statutes and govern how the association operates, including elections, meetings, and rule enforcement.
Bylaws define board powers, including financial decisions, rule enforcement, and maintenance responsibilities.
Unit owners have rights to vote, access records, attend meetings, and run for the board, all of which are defined in the bylaws.
Bylaws also include use restrictions such as pet policies, leasing limits, noise rules, and amenity use.
Amending bylaws requires unit owner approval and must follow procedures in Florida Statutes §718.112.
You can request bylaws from your association, and Allioo is creating a tool to help you preview them before buying.

What Are Condo Bylaws?

Condominium bylaws are the formal rules adopted by a condo association to govern the day-to-day operations of the community. Unlike the Declaration of Condominium, which defines ownership boundaries and property rights, the bylaws focus on governance and procedure

Florida law, specifically §718.112 of the Florida Condominium Act, requires all associations

What Do Condo Bylaws Typically Include?

Florida Statutes require specific topics to be addressed in your condo’s bylaws. These five areas have the most impact on everyday life in your Miami condo or any other Florida condo.

1. Board Elections and Terms

Bylaws specify how the board of directors is elected, how long each director serves, and what the election process involves. Typically, directors serve staggered terms of one or two years, although some associations allow for longer terms if approved by unit owners. The bylaws explain how nominations are submitted, whether candidates can be nominated from the floor during meetings, and the deadlines for candidate notices.

Understanding your bylaws ensures you are aware of your voting rights and helps you participate in the governance of your community. It also informs you of your eligibility if you ever want to run for a position on the board.

Bylaws lay out:

How many board members will the association have
How long do board members serve
How elections are conducted (notice, eligibility, voting process)
Procedures for filling vacancies
Requirements for removing a director

📘 Reference: §718.112(2)(d), Florida Statutes

2. Meeting Procedures

The bylaws establish how and when meetings are held for both the board and unit owners. They detail how far in advance notices must be posted, what constitutes a legal meeting, and how agendas are distributed. Florida law typically requires a 14-day notice for meetings that involve voting on assessments or rule changes.

Bylaws also define quorum requirements, which are the minimum number of members needed for a meeting to proceed. They explain how owners can speak at meetings, submit agenda items, or challenge procedures.

Bylaws will typically include:

Minimum notice periods for meetings
Rules for posting and distributing agendas
Quorum requirements for both board and member meetings
Owner participation rights and limits
How special meetings are called

3. Powers and Duties of the Board

Bylaws define the board’s authority to run the association and manage its finances, staff, vendors, insurance, and legal obligations. The board is responsible for day-to-day decisions and for acting in the best interest of all unit owners, which is a fiduciary duty required under Florida condo law.

The bylaws clarify which decisions the board can make independently and which require a vote from the unit owners. For example, while the board may approve repair contracts, owners may need to vote on major renovations or loans.

Common powers and responsibilities listed in the bylaws include:

Enforcing the declaration, rules, and regulations
Maintaining common areas and facilities
Managing association funds and budgets
Hiring vendors and professionals
Levying and collecting assessments
Initiating legal action when needed

4. Use Restrictions and House Rules

Use restrictions govern how owners and renters may use their units and the shared spaces. These restrictions help preserve community harmony and protect property values. Bylaws and associated house rules often address issues like leasing, noise, pets, and smoking, even if some of these also appear in the Declaration.

It is important to understand these restrictions before you move in, rent out your unit, or bring in guests. Violating them may result in fines, access limitations, or legal action.

Typical use restrictions include:

Pet limitations (number, breed, or size)
Quiet hours or noise regulations
Guest and visitor policies
Parking and vehicle rules
Pool, gym, and amenity usage guidelines
Smoking or vaping bans in common or private areas
Leasing restrictions (waiting periods, durations, and tenant approval)

5. Voting and Unit Owner Rights

Every unit typically comes with one vote, and the bylaws explain how and when owners may exercise that vote. This includes in-person meetings, proxy voting, and electronic voting, if permitted.

The bylaws also outline which issues require membership approval, such as changes to governing documents, special assessments, and large expenses. Owners who understand these provisions are better equipped to participate in decision-making and prevent unauthorized board actions.

Voting procedures typically outlined in bylaws include:

How votes are cast (in person, proxy, or electronic)
What constitutes a quorum of voting interests
Which actions require a vote (bylaws, budgets, amendments)
Proxy rules and limitations
Use of written consent instead of meetings

Can Bylaws Be Changed?

Yes, but the process is governed by Florida condo law. Under §718.112(2)(h), Florida Statutes, amendments to the bylaws must:

All unit owners must be notified
Be approved by the percentage of voting interests stated in the current bylaws, usually a majority or two-thirds
Be recorded in the public records of the county where the condominium is located

Unit owners should read both the existing bylaws and any proposed changes carefully before voting.

Where Can You Find Your Condo Bylaws?

You can request a copy of the bylaws from your condominium association. Florida law requires associations to provide access to official records, including bylaws, within 10 business days of a written request per §718.111(12).

You can also search the official records website of your county clerk’s office, where the bylaws may be recorded along with other governing documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between bylaws and the declaration of condominium?

The declaration defines the physical and legal boundaries of ownership. Bylaws define how the association functions, including elections, meetings, and rule enforcement.

Can the condo board change the bylaws without owner approval?

No. Bylaw changes must be approved by unit owners through the voting procedures outlined in the current bylaws and Florida law.

Do condo bylaws apply to renters?

Yes. While renters are not members of the association, they are bound by the use restrictions and rules outlined in the bylaws and house rules, as stipulated in their lease agreements.

How can I get a copy of the condo bylaws?

Submit a written request to the association or property manager. Under Florida law, they are required to respond within 10 business days.

What if the board violates the bylaws?

Owners can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or seek legal remedies. It is best to document the issue and attempt communication before escalating.

Conclusion

Understanding your condo bylaws is essential if you live in or are buying a Florida condo, especially in competitive markets like Miami condos. These documents are not just legal formalities; they directly affect your daily life, your rights as an owner, and how your association is run.

By learning what your condo bylaws say about elections, meetings, restrictions, and your role in the community, you empower yourself to make informed decisions, prevent disputes, and stay involved in how your building is managed.

Before buying, renting, or even running for the board, take the time to review your condo’s bylaws. Contact us for more information.