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Condo Association vs HOA: Which Are You?

Different statutes, different governing documents, different rules. A quick decision tree for boards who aren't sure which framework applies.

Edison Editorial·January 2026·2 min read
Condo Association vs HOA: Which Are You?

The decision tree

The simplest way to tell: read the recorded governing document. If it's a Declaration of Condominium, you're a condo (Ch. 718). If it's a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), you're an HOA (Ch. 720). Townhomes are almost always HOAs even though the buildings are attached. Cooperative associations follow a third statute (Ch. 719).

Key statutory differences

  • Reserve studies, Ch. 718 mandates SIRS for 3+ story buildings; Ch. 720 doesn't
  • Milestone inspections, Ch. 718 requires them after age 30 (25 coastal); Ch. 720 doesn't
  • Common element structure, Different in condos (shared building); HOAs share land + amenities
  • Master insurance, Ch. 718 has prescriptive coverage requirements; Ch. 720 is flexible
  • Voting weight, Often weighted in condos; usually equal in HOAs

Operational differences boards feel

Condo boards spend more time on building maintenance, insurance, and statutory compliance, the building itself is association property. HOA boards spend more time on amenities, common-area landscaping, and homeowner-property enforcement. Edison runs both as distinct practices because the operating profile genuinely differs.

Which Edison page applies to you?

Single-family and townhome HOAs, see HOA management, or HOA management in Orlando if your community is in the metro. Condominium associations, see condo management, along with Structural Integrity Reserve Study coordination and milestone inspections if your building is three stories or more. Brevard County coastal communities are predominantly condo, with SB-4D compliance as the defining workload.

Need help applying this to your community?

Edison's team works with Florida boards every day. If you've got questions, we'll talk you through it.