Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Broward County, FL HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

ARC approval
Required before work
Response time
30-60 days typical
Solar protection
FL 163.04
Shutter protection
FL Building Code
Permit separate
County or city

Summary

Broward County HOAs routinely require architectural review committee approval before exterior changes including paint, roofing, fences, pools, and hurricane shutters.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Broward County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

F.S. 720.3035 Architectural control covenants; parcel owner improvements; rights and privileges. — (1)(a) The authority of an association or any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of an association to review and approve plans and specifications for the location, size, type, or appearance of any structure or other improvement on a parcel, or to enforce standards for the external appearance of any structure or improvement located on a parcel, shall be permitted only to the extent that the authority is specifically stated or reasonably inferred as to such location, size, type, or appearance in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants. An association or any architectural, construction improvement, or similar committee of an association must reasonably and equitably apply and enforce on all parcel owners the architectural and construction improvement standards authorized by the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants.

(b) An association or any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of an association may not enforce or adopt a covenant, rule, or guideline that: 1. Limits or places requirements on the interior of a structure that is not visible from the parcel's frontage or an adjacent parcel, an adjacent common area, or a community golf course.

2. Requires the review and approval of plans and specifications for a central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, or ventilating system by the association or any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of an association, if such system is not visible from the parcel's frontage, an adjacent parcel, an adjacent common area, or a community golf course and is substantially similar to a system that is approved or recommended by the association or a committee thereof. (6)(a) To protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the state and to ensure uniformity and consistency in the hurricane protection installed by parcel owners, this subsection applies to all homeowners' associations in the state, regardless of when the community was created. The board or any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of an association must adopt hurricane protection specifications for each structure or other improvement on a parcel governed by the association.

Source: Florida Statutes 720.3035View official code

Full Breakdown

Architectural review in Broward County HOAs is governed by the community declaration of covenants and Florida Statutes Chapter 720. Most communities in Weston, Parkland, Coral Springs, Plantation, and master-planned CDDs require written application to the architectural review committee (ARC) before any exterior modification including paint, roofing, fences, landscaping material, pools, patio enclosures, generators, and hurricane protection. Committees must act within the time frame set in the governing documents, commonly 30-60 days, and silence is often deemed approval or denial depending on the covenant language. Florida law overrides HOA restrictions on certain items: solar devices are protected under FL 163.04, clotheslines and Florida-friendly landscaping have statutory protection, and hurricane shutters, impact windows, and roof retrofits cannot be unreasonably denied when complying with Florida Building Code. Association approval is separate from the Broward County or municipal building permit and does not substitute for code compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the ARC deny hurricane shutters?
No. Florida law and Broward codes prevent HOAs from unreasonably denying hurricane protection that complies with the Florida Building Code, though style, color, and installation standards may be regulated.
What happens if the ARC does not respond in time?
The declaration controls. Some covenants treat no response as approval after a set period, others as denial. Review your community documents to confirm the default rule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Broward County

All Broward County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida hoa rules overview

Get notified when Architectural Review in Broward County, FL changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Architectural Review in Cities Across Broward County