West Palm Beach, FL HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- FL §720.3085
- Lien
- Automatic statutory
- Late Fee
- $25 or 5% max
- Interest
- 18% max FL §687.02
- Estoppel
- $299 cap, 10 business days
Summary
HOA assessments in West Palm Beach are governed by FL §720.3085, which establishes assessment liens, payment priority, and collection procedures. Special assessments require notice and may need member approval depending on covenants. Estoppel certificates required at sale.
(1) When authorized by the governing documents, the association has a lien on each parcel to secure the payment of assessments and other amounts provided for by this section. Except as otherwise set forth in this section, the lien is effective from and shall relate back to the date on which the original declaration of the community was recorded. However, as to first mortgages of record, the lien is effective from and after recording of a claim of lien in the public records of the county in which the parcel is located. (a) To be valid, a claim of lien must state the description of the parcel, the name of the record owner, the name and address of the association, the assessment amount due, and the due date. The claim of lien secures all unpaid assessments that are due and that may accrue subsequent to the recording of the claim of lien and before entry of a certificate of title, as well as interest, late charges, and reasonable costs and attorney fees incurred by the association incident to the collection process. (3) Assessments and installments on assessments that are not paid when due bear interest from the due date until paid at the rate provided in the declaration of covenants or the bylaws of the association, which rate may not exceed the rate allowed by law. If no rate is provided in the declaration or bylaws, simple interest accrues at the rate of 18 percent per year. Notwithstanding the declaration or bylaws, compound interest may not accrue on assessments and installments on assessments that are not paid when due.
Full Breakdown
FL §720.3085 grants HOAs an automatic statutory lien for unpaid assessments. Liens take priority over subsequent mortgages but typically subordinate to first mortgages recorded before the assessment lien. HOAs may collect interest (max 18% per FL §687.02), late fees up to $25 or 5% of the assessment, plus attorney fees. Special assessments must comply with covenant procedures, often requiring board vote with member notice or member approval depending on amount. Estoppel certificates required within 10 business days of request, fees capped at $299 (FL §720.30851). Foreclosure available for unpaid assessments after notice.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Palm Beach
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Assessment & Dues in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Palm Beach County handle assessment & dues.