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Florida HOA & CDD
HOA fees, CDD bonds, and the Florida-specific monthly carry costs out-of-state buyers never see coming.
How Much House Can I Afford in Florida?
The 28/36 rule gives you a starting number, but Florida's insurance premiums ($3,000–$8,000/year), HOA dues ($150–$600/month), and state-specific taxes add costs that national mortgage calculators routinely miss. A Tampa household at $80K/year qualifies for less house than the same income in Ohio — here's the real math.
Florida HOA 101: What You're Really Paying For (and the CDD Trap)
HOA fees are Florida's biggest surprise for out-of-state buyers — but CDDs are the trap most never see coming. Here's exactly what you're paying for, what typical ranges look like in Tampa Bay and Central FL, and how to spot a CDD before you make an offer.
First-Time Home Buyer Guide to Florida Real Estate
Buying your first home in Florida is different from anywhere else — flood zones, wind insurance, CDDs, and Hometown Heroes grants are all part of the deal. Here's the plain-English breakdown, from credit score to closing day.
Florida Seller Closing Costs: A Fee-by-Fee Breakdown
Florida sellers typically keep 6–9% of the sale price after closing costs and commission — but the exact number depends on your county, your HOA, and how you handle buyer-agent comp post-NAR settlement. Here is exactly what you will pay, line by line.
Florida Condo Milestone Inspection Law: What SB-4D Means for Every Buyer
Florida Statute 553.899 — the milestone inspection law enacted after the 2021 Surfside collapse — applies statewide to every condo and co-op three stories or taller. Here is what the law requires, when inspections trigger, and the questions you must ask before buying any condo 25 years or older in Florida.
Miami-Dade 40-Year and Broward 50-Year Condo Recertification: What Buyers Need to Know
Miami-Dade has required 40-year building recertification since 1975. Broward adds a 50-year follow-up. Here is what those inspections cover, how much repairs cost, and the five questions every condo buyer should ask before making an offer.