Florida law guarantees rights your HOA cannot take away, even if its documents say otherwise: parking personal vehicles in your driveway, keeping items not visible from the street (vegetable gardens, clotheslines, artificial turf), using your own contractor, and being free from fines for curbside trash cans within 24 hours of pickup or for holiday decorations (unless left up more than a week after written notice). When the governing documents conflict with Florida law, the law wins.
What rights does Florida law guarantee homeowners?
These are protections Florida law guarantees you. Your HOA cannot take them away, even if its governing documents say otherwise.
Can my HOA control parking on my property?
Your HOA cannot stop you or your guests from parking personal vehicles — including pickup trucks — in your driveway or any area where you have a legal right to park. (HB 1203)
This includes work vehicles not classified as commercial motor vehicles. (HB 1203)
First responders may park assigned vehicles on public roads within the community. (HB 1203)
Can my HOA regulate my property's appearance?
Your HOA cannot regulate the inside of your home, or any improvement, that is not visible from the street frontage, an adjacent parcel, a common area, or a community golf course. (HB 1203)
It cannot prohibit vegetable gardens, clotheslines, artificial turf, or similar items when they are not visible from the frontage, adjacent parcels, or common areas. (HB 1203)
It cannot require special review of HVAC, refrigeration, or ventilation systems that aren't visible from the frontage or common areas, if a similar system was previously approved. (HB 1203)
Can my HOA pick my contractor?
Your HOA cannot ban a contractor from your property simply because the contractor isn't on the association's preferred-vendor list. (HB 1203)
Can my HOA fine me for trash cans or holiday decorations?
Your HOA cannot fine you for leaving garbage receptacles at the curb within 24 hours before or after your scheduled collection time. (§720.305(7))
It cannot fine you for holiday decorations or lights unless they stay up more than one week after the association gives you written notice. (§720.305(7))
What about flags and yard signs?
Florida law protects a homeowner's right to display the U.S. flag and certain other flags, and limits how far an HOA can restrict yard signs. (Ch. 720)
What if my HOA violates these rights?
A fine or rule that conflicts with these protections is unenforceable. You have the right to challenge it — and Florida has some of the strongest homeowner protections in the country, with specific statute citations you can use in a dispute letter.
Florida statutes cited
HB 1203, §720.305(7), Ch. 720
Frequently asked questions
Can my HOA tell me what I do inside my home?
No — it cannot regulate improvements that are not visible from the street frontage, an adjacent parcel, a common area, or a golf course. (HB 1203)
Can my HOA ban a vegetable garden or clothesline?
Not when they are not visible from the frontage, adjacent parcels, or common areas. (HB 1203)
Can my HOA fine me for my trash cans?
Not for leaving receptacles at the curb within 24 hours before or after your scheduled pickup. (§720.305(7))
Can my HOA force me to use its preferred contractor?
No — it cannot ban your contractor simply for not being on the preferred-vendor list. (HB 1203)