Tampa, FL HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- Standards
- ARC can only enforce written, adopted standards (Fla. Stat. 720.3035)
- Requirements
- Applications required before any exterior change
- Application
- Failure to respond within deadline may deem application approved
- Statutory Authority
- Solar panels and U.S. flagpoles protected by state law
- Unauthorized Changes
- Unauthorized changes may be ordered removed at owner expense
Summary
Tampa HOAs commonly operate architectural review committees (ARCs) under CC&Rs and Florida Statute 720.3035, which limits the ARC to acting on written standards, responding within stated deadlines, and applying rules consistently. Owners must submit plans for exterior changes before starting work.
720.3035 Architectural control covenants; parcel owner improvements; rights and privileges. — (1) 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. (2) If the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants provides options for the use of material, the size of the structure or improvement, the design of the structure or improvement, or the location of the structure or improvement on the parcel, neither the association nor any architectural, construction improvement, or other such similar committee of the association shall restrict the right of a parcel owner to select from the options provided in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants. (3) Unless otherwise specifically stated in the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants, each parcel shall be deemed to have only one front for purposes of determining the required front setback even if the parcel is bounded by a roadway or other easement on more than one side.
Full Breakdown
3035, a Tampa HOA's architectural review committee may only enforce design standards that are clearly set out in the declaration, bylaws, or written architectural guidelines adopted under authority granted by the declaration. An ARC cannot invent new standards on the fly or apply them inconsistently between homes. Typical review scope includes paint colors, roofing material, fences, sheds, pools, patios, landscaping, solar panels, satellite dishes, and exterior additions. Owners must submit an application with drawings, material samples, and contractor info before starting work. Many Tampa HOAs (Westchase, FishHawk Ranch, New Tampa communities) require decisions within 30 to 45 days; if the ARC fails to respond within the deadline set in the governing documents, the application may be deemed approved.
flag on a 20-foot pole. After HB 1203 (2024), associations must maintain a clear list of architectural review fees and publish them. Owners denied approval may appeal to the board, mediate under Chapter 720, or file for DBPR arbitration. Unauthorized improvements can be ordered removed at the owner's expense, and ongoing fines may be imposed subject to Chapter 720 due-process rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA deny solar panels?
What if the ARC never responds to my application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tampa
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Architectural Review in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hillsborough County handle architectural review.