Florida Community Association Manager Practice Exam

Which document is NOT included in the governing documents of a homeowners association?

1. Bylaws

2. Articles of Incorporation

3. Declaration

4. Community Manual

The correct answer is: Community Manual

The governing documents of a homeowners association typically include the Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and the Declaration, all of which serve legal and operational purposes for the association. Bylaws provide the rules for the internal management of the association, including the structure of the board of directors, the process for meetings, and voting procedures. Articles of Incorporation are the foundational documents that legally establish the association as a corporation, outlining its purpose and governance structure. The Declaration, often referred to as the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), sets forth the rights and obligations of the homeowners with respect to the property and community standards. In contrast, a Community Manual is not typically considered a governing document. While it may provide useful information about the community, such as rules, procedures, and guidelines for residents, it does not have the same legal standing or enforceability as the Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, or Declaration. Thus, it is understandable why the Community Manual is identified as the correct answer to this question, as it does not play a role in the formal governance of the homeowners association.