Palm Beach County, FL HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Must be in declaration FL §720.3035
- Decision Deadline
- 45 days written
- Solar
- Protected FL §163.04
- Florida-Friendly
- Protected FL §373.185
- Flag/Religious
- Protected FL §720.304
Summary
HOA architectural review committees (ARCs) in Palm Beach County must follow procedures in the recorded declaration of covenants. FL §720.3035 limits ARC authority to standards specifically described in the declaration. ARC decisions must be in writing within 45 days of complete application.
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.
Full Breakdown
FL §720.3035(1) provides that an HOA may only enforce architectural standards if they are specifically stated in the recorded declaration. Vague aesthetic discretion is unenforceable. Members may install Florida-Friendly Landscaping under FL §373.185 regardless of HOA rules (limited preemption). Solar collectors protected under FL §163.04. HOAs cannot prohibit but may regulate placement. Hurricane shutters protected under FL §718.113 (condos) and similar HOA provisions. Flag display protected under FL §720.304(2). HB 437 (2023) protects right to display religious items on doorframes.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized denial of approval: member may sue under FL §720.305, including attorney fees. Improper restriction of solar/Florida-Friendly: member entitled to declaratory and injunctive relief.
Sources & Official References
- [1]FL §720.3035
Other rules in Palm Beach County
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