Who files the Articles of Incorporation for a community association?

The correct answer is that the Articles of Incorporation for a community association are filed with the Department of State Division of Corporations. This is crucial because the Department of State is responsible for overseeing not-for-profit and for-profit corporations within Florida, and filing these articles is a fundamental step in legally establishing a community association as a corporate entity.

By filing the Articles of Incorporation, the community association gains legal recognition, which provides a framework for governance, allows it to enter into contracts, and affords certain legal protections to its board members and owners. This process is not handled by healthcare regulatory bodies like the Department of Health, nor is it managed at a more localized level, such as the county office. The community's management company may assist with paperwork and guidance during this process, but they do not have the authority to file the documents on behalf of the association.