Florida Community Association Manager Practice Exam

Which of the following powers is granted to a homeowner's association (HOA)?

1. Setting local tax rates

2. Assuming legal authority over property management

3. Power to enforce community rules and regulations

4. Regulating public access to neighborhoods

The correct answer is: Power to enforce community rules and regulations

A homeowner's association (HOA) is empowered to enforce community rules and regulations established within its governing documents, such as the declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). This authority is essential for maintaining the aesthetic, structural, and social standards of the community, thereby enhancing property values and ensuring a harmonious living environment. The enforcement of these rules encompasses a wide range of areas, from architectural guidelines to restrictions on noise and behavior, allowing the HOA to take action against violations through fines or other measures. The other options pertain to powers that fall outside the typical scope of an HOA's authority. Setting local tax rates is a responsibility assigned to local government entities rather than an HOA. Assuming legal authority over property management can be misleading, as while HOAs manage common areas and enforce rules, they do not take ownership of individual properties. Regulating public access to neighborhoods is also primarily a function of local government rather than an HOA's jurisdiction, as HOAs generally focus on private community spaces and shared amenities rather than public access. Thus, the power to enforce community rules and regulations is a fundamental and defining characteristic of an HOA.