Florida is renowned for its vibrant real estate market, particularly in the realm of condominium properties. Whether you are seeking a luxury beachfront condo or a modern unit in a bustling urban area, Florida offers a diverse range of options to suit every lifestyle and budget.
Prime Locations:
Amenities:
Investment Potential:
Lifestyle:
Florida’s condo market offers something for everyone, from luxury high-rises with ocean views to affordable units in vibrant communities. Whether you are looking for a permanent residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, Florida’s diverse condo offerings and attractive lifestyle make it an excellent choice. Start your search today and find the perfect condo to call home in the Sunshine State.
What Is HOPA?
The Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (HOPA) amends the Fair Housing Act to permit certain communities to lawfully limit occupancy to older adults. Under HOPA, age-restricted (“55+”) or senior communities are exempt from the Fair Housing Act’s familial-status provisions—meaning they may exclude families with children—so long as they comply with specific federal requirements Wikipedia.
HOPA Compliance Requirements
To qualify for and maintain HOPA status, a community must meet three core criteria:
80% Occupancy Rule: At least 80% of occupied units must have at least one resident aged 55 or older.
Published Policies: The association must adopt and publicly adhere to written policies demonstrating its intent to operate as age-restricted housing.
Biennial Verification: Every two years, the community must verify residents’ ages—typically via surveys and sworn declarations—to ensure continued compliance Florida Condo & HOA Law Blog.
What “No HOPA” Means
When a property listing or community indicates “No HOPA,” it means the development does not hold a HOPA exemption and therefore cannot impose age-only occupancy restrictions. In practical terms:
The community must comply fully with the Fair Housing Act’s protections for families with children.
There is no legal basis to advertise the property as “55+,” nor to refuse occupancy to minors or households with children MediumReal-ativity.com.
Implications for Buyers and Sellers
Buyers: Families and individuals of any age may reside or visit without age-based limitations.
Sellers/Brokers: Marketing materials must not reference age restrictions, and the community must treat all applicants equally under familial-status protections (e.g., cannot limit children’s access to common amenities) Justice.gov.
Understanding whether a community is “HOPA” or “No HOPA” is crucial: it directly affects who can live there and what marketing claims are permissible under federal housing law.