Palm Beach County, FL HOA Rules: Dispute Resolution (2026)
Key Facts
- HOA Pre-Suit
- Mandatory mediation FL §720.311
- Condo
- DBPR arbitration FL §718.1255
- Mediation Cost
- Split equally
- Ombudsman
- DBPR HB 1203
- Attorney Fees
- Prevailing party FL §720.305
Summary
HOA disputes in Palm Beach County must follow pre-suit mediation under FL §720.311 before litigation. Condominium disputes use mandatory non-binding arbitration through DBPR under FL §718.1255. Recall and election disputes have specific arbitration tracks.
720.311  Dispute resolution. — (1)  The Legislature finds that alternative dispute resolution has made progress in reducing court dockets and trials and in offering a more efficient, cost-effective option to litigation. The filing of any petition for arbitration or the serving of a demand for presuit mediation as provided for in this section shall toll the applicable statute of limitations. Any recall dispute filed with the department under s. 720.303 (10) shall be conducted by the department in accordance with the provisions of ss. 718.112 (2)(l) and 718.1255 and the rules adopted by the division. In addition, the department shall conduct binding arbitration of election disputes between a member and an association in accordance with s. 718.1255 and rules adopted by the division. Election disputes and recall disputes are not eligible for presuit mediation; these disputes must be arbitrated by the department or filed in a court of competent jurisdiction. (2)(a)  Disputes between an association and a parcel owner regarding use of or changes to the parcel or the common areas and other covenant enforcement disputes, disputes regarding amendments to the association documents, disputes regarding meetings of the board and committees appointed by the board, membership meetings not including election meetings, and access to the official records of the association shall be the subject of a demand for presuit mediation served by an aggrieved party before the dispute is filed in court.
Full Breakdown
FL §720.311(2) requires HOA disputes regarding amendments, covenants enforcement, meetings, elections, and access to records to undergo pre-suit mediation. Either party serves a statutory demand for mediation, and parties must select mediator within 20 days. Mediation costs split equally. If mediation fails, civil court litigation follows. Condo recall and election disputes go to DBPR arbitration under FL §718.1255. HB 1203 (2024) created an HOA ombudsman within DBPR for complaints. Civil court remedies include declaratory relief, injunction, and prevailing-party attorney fees under FL §720.305.
Violations & Fines
Filing suit without required mediation: case dismissed. Failure to participate in mediation in good faith: court may shift attorney fees. Frivolous claims: sanctions under FL §57.105.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida hoa rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.