There is a case where an investor who intended to operate a condo as a short-term rental discovered a clause in the HOA regulations prohibiting short-term rentals only after closing. This situation could have been avoided if they had carefully reviewed the CC and Rs before signing the contract. In areas with high tourist demand like Orlando, rental restriction regulations are often tightly enforced, so there are several things to check in order before signing a contract.

First, looking at the management fee levels, as of early 2026, the typical HOA fee for Florida condos and townhomes ranges from $400 to $600 per month. In the Orlando area, low-cost condos in small buildings range from $150 to $300 per month, mid-range condos with pools and gyms range from $300 to $500, and luxury condos can go from $500 to over $1,500 per month. Areas like Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale have seen management fees increase by 15 to 17 percent over the past year, likely due to rising insurance and reserve fund burdens.

There are five main things to check in order before signing a contract.

• Rental restriction regulations: whether short-term rentals are prohibited, minimum rental periods, and limits on the number of units that can be rented annually
• Pet regulations: number of pets, weight limits, breed restrictions
• HOA financial statements and recent history of fee increases
• Whether a Structural Integrity Reserve Study has been conducted (for buildings over three stories)
• Rate of delinquent units and any ongoing lawsuits

Among these, the Structural Integrity Reserve Study is a special regulation unique to Florida. Following the SB 4-D law introduced after the Surfside condo collapse in 2021, condos over three stories are required to conduct this study, and starting from the end of 2024, it will be prohibited to decide not to collect reserves. The deadline for completing the study is December 31, 2025. Depending on the results of this study, buildings that need to replenish reserves may face increased management fees or special assessments in the future.

If you are preparing for a mortgage loan, this financial status is also linked to loan approval. Lenders will review the HOA's reserve fund ratio, delinquency rate, and any lawsuits, and if they fall short of the criteria, the condo may be classified as non-warrantable, leading to loan denial or stricter conditions.

If you are looking for a condo in a school district preferred by the Korean community, it is advisable to check these regulations alongside the school district ratings. For investors aiming for rental income, checking the rental restriction regulations first is particularly important. If you are relocating to Orlando from another state, keep in mind that Florida's property tax and insurance structures may differ from your previous residence.

Orlando has distinct communities ranging from short-term rental-only communities near Disney to those focused on long-term residents. In communities where short-term rentals are allowed, management fees often include cleaning and management costs, making them higher than in general communities. Conversely, attempting short-term rentals in communities primarily for residents may result in fines for violating regulations or forced contract termination, so it is safer to check if the community aligns with your purpose in order.

If you are looking for a condo for residential purposes in a school district preferred by the Korean community, it is also advisable to check the community's characteristics alongside the school district ratings. Buildings with many short-term rental units may have frequent traffic and inconsistent management, so if you desire a quiet living environment, it seems reasonable to prioritize communities with a high ratio of long-term residents. School district boundaries change frequently, so it is also a good idea to verify the assigned school for the address before purchasing. By following the order from checking rental regulations to reviewing financial statements, you can significantly reduce the burdens you may face after signing the contract.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before finalizing any contracts.