Buying a Condo in Florida Without a Buyer's Agent
HOA laws, FHA/VA approval, special assessments & transfer taxes
Florida Condo Facts at a Glance
HOA Financials in Florida
Florida law gives condo buyers 3 days to review HOA documents after receiving them from the seller. During this window, request the current operating budget, reserve fund balance, reserve study, and the last 2 years of meeting minutes. A healthy association keeps reserves at 70%+ funded; anything below 30% is a red flag for future special assessments.
Key documents to request: CC&Rs, bylaws, current budget, reserve fund balance, reserve study, last 2 years of board meeting minutes, and any pending litigation.
FHA & VA Approval in Florida
Florida has one of the largest FHA-approved condo markets in the US, especially in South Florida.
FHA and VA loans require the entire building to be approved, not just the unit. Approval can expire — always verify on the HUD condo lookup database before submitting your offer with FHA or VA financing.
Special Assessments in Florida
Post-Surfside, FL law now requires mandatory reserve funding for buildings 3+ stories. Ask for current milestone inspection report.
Ask the seller to sign a disclosure confirming no special assessments are currently approved, pending a vote, or under discussion. For high-rise buildings, request the most recent structural or building inspection report.
How to Buy a Condo in Florida Without an Agent
- 1
Search & Identify the Building
Use Zillow, Realtor.com, or contact listing agents directly. For FHA/VA financing, verify building approval before touring.
- 2
Request HOA Documents
Before making an offer, ask for the budget, reserve study, and recent meeting minutes. In Florida, you have 3 days to review after receipt.
- 3
Make an Offer
Submit your offer with contingencies for HOA document review, inspection, and financing. Include a request for seller disclosure of any known special assessments.
- 4
Get a Condo Inspection
A condo inspection covers the unit plus shared systems (HVAC, roof access, balconies). Use Angi to find a vetted local inspector familiar with condo buildings.
- 5
Close — Transfer Tax: 0.70%
Budget for 0.7% transfer tax. Recording fees range from $10–$100. Without a buyer's agent, you pocket the commission — typically 2–3% of the purchase price.
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