In Florida, many homeowners complain about the difficulty of getting their favorite exterior color schemes approved by HOAs. We do understand that the back-and-forth communication along with weeks of waiting for a response can be extremely frustrating for a homeowner. However, once a Florida HOA approves a color palette, the homeowner can rest assured knowing that his color selection complies not only with the HOA standards but also with the local rules and regulations. Considering these aspects, getting approval for your painting project will help you avoid a series of issues, such as fines, disputes and even a lengthy and costly lawsuit.
How to Gain Florida HOA Approval
Before we go into details about how to get Florida HOA approval for your plans, one important thing you should know is that painting your exterior the exact same color, which was previously approved by your Florida HOA, is not a change but a maintenance action that usually doesn’t require approval. However, some associations require the approval of all exterior work, including repainting the same color.
As a homeowner, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming that the exterior color schemes used by your neighbors comply with HOA bylaws. Over the years, we’ve come across many situations where homeowners decided to paint their homes the same colors as their neighbors. However, after just a few weeks or months, their HOAs required them to repaint their exteriors using pre-approved paint colors. To avoid such situations, here are two steps you should take to get your color selection approved.
- Review your Florida HOA rules and follow them. The first thing you should do is to read the latest version of your community code and regulations regarding the proper protocol for approval. Contact your Florida HOA and ask them exactly what forms you need to submit to get their approval for your painting project. Document the date and time of the call, the name of the person with whom you have talked and the responses you received. In addition, check past HOA meeting minutes for topics relating to color standards and any complaints that have been raised.
- Submit your color scheme for approval. Once you figure out the pre-approved exterior paint colors and the forms you need to submit, narrow down your choices to several alternatives. Then, provide all the information required along with any details you think your HOA needs to approve your application. For instance, you should include your building permit number, if applicable, blueprints, pictures, project drawings, dimensions and color samples for walls, roof, fascia, columns, awnings, railings, doors, windows and patio. Also, make sure you provide full contact information, including your telephone number and email address.
If the association approves your request, the only thing left for you to do is to hire a reputable painting contractor and get your project completed. If your color selection is denied, you may have a right to appeal the decision. In this case, a great idea would be to enlist the support of your neighbors.
If you don’t want to deal with your Florida HOA, Performance Painting is here to help. As part of our services, we provide free color consultation and also check HOA-authorized paint color options to ensure the color scheme you have in mind fits their requirements. Since 2001, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners go through the intricate HOA approval process and enjoy their favorite exterior color palettes for many years. If you’re ready to get started with your home painting project, contact us today at (904)-641-4800 or request a free painting estimate.
