Resource Guide

55+ Community
Rules & Regulations

From occupancy requirements and pet policies to parking rules and architectural controls, a comprehensive look at what to expect when living in a South Florida 55+ community.

On This Page
Occupancy & Age Requirements Leasing Restrictions Pet Policies Parking & Vehicles Architectural Controls
Age Requirements

Occupancy &
Age Verification

Under HOPA, 80% of units must have one resident 55+. Communities require age verification forms from all residents. The remaining 20% may be occupied by younger residents at the Board's discretion. Children 19 or younger are typically prohibited from residing in the community, though visits are usually allowed (often capped at 60 days per year). In GL Homes communities like Valencia Del Mar in Boynton Beach, the minimum occupant age is 20, not 18. Owner must have at least one intended occupant who is 55+ to purchase or lease.

Rule Typical Requirement
Minimum age for primary resident 55 years old (at least one per household)
Spouse/partner age No minimum (can be under 55)
Other occupant minimum age 18–20 years old (varies by community)
GL Homes communities (e.g., Valencia Del Mar) Minimum occupant age is 20
Child visitation limits Up to 60 days per calendar year
Age verification Required for all residents upon move-in
Leasing to tenants At least one tenant must be 55+

Real-World Example: In Valencia Del Mar (Boynton Beach), the community operates under the Fair Housing Act's 55+ exemption. All occupants, including adult children listed on the unit, must be at least 20 years old. Grandchildren under 20 can visit but cannot reside there, even temporarily beyond the 60-day annual limit.

Rental Rules

Leasing
Restrictions

55+ communities typically have strict leasing rules to maintain community character and stability. Most require you to own the home for 1–2 years and live in it before you can lease it to a tenant.

Must own and occupy the home for 1–2 years before leasing is permitted
Only the entire home may be leased. No partial rentals or room-by-room arrangements
Lease terms are usually 6–12 month minimums. No short-term or vacation rentals
Maximum of 1 lease per 12-month period in most communities
All tenants must be approved by the association before moving in
A copy of the signed lease must be provided to the association within 5 days
No subleasing is permitted under any circumstances
At least one tenant must meet the 55+ age requirement
The owner remains responsible for the tenant's compliance with all community rules

Important for Investors: If you're purchasing a home in a 55+ community as an investment property, understand that short-term and vacation rentals are almost always prohibited. The 1–2 year ownership and occupancy requirement, combined with 6–12 month minimum lease terms and one-lease-per-year restrictions, means rental income opportunities are limited compared to non-age-restricted communities. I review these restrictions carefully with every client to set realistic expectations.

Pet Policies

Pet Rules &
Breed Restrictions

Most 55+ communities welcome pets but with significant restrictions.

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What's Allowed
Common domesticated household pets (dogs, cats, birds, and small caged animals) are generally permitted. Pets must be leashed at all times in common areas. No tying pets outside unattended. Breeding animals for commercial purposes is prohibited. Pet owners are responsible for immediate cleanup.
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What's Restricted
Livestock, horses, reptiles, poultry, and exotic animals are prohibited. Many communities ban specific breeds considered dangerous: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Presa Canarios are commonly restricted. Dogs classified as 'Dangerous Dogs' under Florida law are also prohibited. Some communities impose size or weight limits.

Breed Bans Are Common: Many 55+ communities maintain breed restriction lists. The most commonly banned breeds in South Florida communities include Pit Bulls (and related breeds), Rottweilers, and Presa Canarios. Before purchasing, verify your pet's breed is welcome. These restrictions are strictly enforced and non-negotiable.

Vehicle Rules

Parking &
Vehicle Restrictions

Parking rules are among the most commonly enforced and most commonly violated regulations in 55+ communities.

Vehicles must be parked in driveways or garages only. No overnight street parking
Commercial vehicles are prohibited from parking in the community
RVs, boats, trailers, and watercraft cannot be parked overnight unless stored inside a garage
No trucks larger than a full-size pickup truck
Vehicle repairs lasting more than 24 hours must be performed inside a garage
Golf carts must meet community-specific rules. Many 55+ communities are golf cart friendly
Guest parking is typically allowed for short periods in designated areas
Modifications

Architectural
Controls

All exterior modifications require Architectural Control Committee (ACC) approval before any work begins.

Submit Your Plans. Provide detailed plans, specifications, and materials to the Architectural Control Committee. Include drawings, color samples, and contractor information.
Committee Review. The committee has up to 45 days to review your proposal. They evaluate the modification's impact on community aesthetics and neighboring properties.
Security Deposit. A security deposit (up to $5,000 in some communities) may be required before construction begins. This is refunded upon satisfactory completion.
Construction. Work must be completed according to approved plans. Any changes require re-approval. Construction hours and noise restrictions apply.
Final Inspection. The committee inspects the completed work to ensure compliance with approved plans before releasing your security deposit.

What Needs Approval: Virtually any exterior change requires ACC approval. This includes paint colors, landscaping modifications, screen enclosures, fencing (typically only aluminum rail picket fences are allowed), driveway extensions, lighting changes, and satellite dishes. Plan ahead and submit requests well before your intended start date.