Federal & Florida law
Public law addresses matters such as fair housing, condominium governance, and safety. Florida’s Condominium Act is Chapter 718. Enforcement depends on the issue and the agency’s or court’s legal authority.
Living & community · An owner’s guide
Understanding our rules
Century Village has several overlapping systems of rules, but no single organization with authority to enforce all of them. Knowing who is responsible can make a confusing situation easier to resolve.
Different rules, different responsibilities
Palm Beach County
County codes address local matters including building permits, zoning, and property conditions. Century Village is outside West Palm Beach city limits, so the county is our principal local governmental authority. A city rule may still matter when visiting city property or using a city program.
Your condominium association
Your declaration, articles, bylaws, and valid rules govern your condominium within applicable law. They may address alterations, common property, parking, rentals, and conduct. Start with your board or manager.
309 associations does not mean 309 rulebooks govern your unit. Ordinarily, your own association’s documents apply. Another association’s property may have its own use restrictions.
UCO
UCO handles community-wide responsibilities and services within its authorized role. Its bylaws and applicable agreements matter. UCO is not the county government, and it should not be assumed to have unlimited authority over every association matter.
WPRF
Recreation documents and facility rules address matters such as credentials, guests, theater attendance, and recreational activities. Ask WPRF about the current rule and the authority for a particular decision.
Private recreation rules are distinct from your association’s rules and government laws.
When requirements overlap
Window replacement, for example, can involve a county permit and association approval concerning the exterior or common elements. One approval does not replace the other.
“The stricter rule always wins” is not a reliable shortcut. The rule must also be lawful, properly adopted, and within the organization’s authority. A genuine conflict may need legal review.
Why enforcement can take time
- Establish the rule and the facts. A complaint starts an inquiry; it does not prove a violation. The responsible organization needs the actual provision and reliable evidence.
- Identify the right authority. A county officer does not ordinarily enforce a private condo restriction. A board cannot issue a government permit. DBPR’s complaint authority is defined by statute.
- Follow required procedures. Notices, an opportunity to respond, hearings, and other steps can be essential. The correct process depends on the remedy.
- Choose an effective remedy. A fine does not necessarily stop the conduct. Some disputes may require mediation, arbitration, or a court order.
- Enforce fairly. Similar-looking situations can have different facts. Required disability accommodations and other legal protections can affect a decision; confidential information may explain why owners are treated differently.
DBPR: complaint jurisdiction · DBPR: dispute resolution · HUD/DOJ: reasonable accommodations (PDF)
A fine is not an instant solution
For condominium rule-violation fines under §718.303, the association generally must provide at least 14 days’ written notice and an opportunity for a hearing before an eligible committee of at least three members. The proposed fine cannot be imposed if the committee rejects it.
The statute generally limits fines to $100 per violation and $1,000 in the aggregate for a continuing violation. A fine cannot become a lien against the unit. This summary concerns condominium association fines—not government code penalties or every type of charge.
Why a small problem can become expensive
The expense may lie in establishing and enforcing the remedy: reviewing documents, giving notices, collecting evidence, seeking professional advice, and pursuing dispute resolution. Association expenses ultimately affect owners.
Certain condominium enforcement actions provide for prevailing-party attorney’s fees. A possible fee award does not remove the upfront cost or the risk of losing. A board should pursue compliance proportionately, preserve the association’s rights, and seek advice when needed. Urgent safety concerns can require immediate action.
A practical path for an owner
- Identify the issue. Is it an emergency, public-code concern, association matter, community-wide service issue, or recreation question?
- Find the written provision. Ask for the current rule and its source rather than relying on “everyone knows.”
- Document what you observed. Include dates, location, firsthand facts, and relevant photographs or correspondence obtained lawfully.
- Ask the responsible organization for a specific next step. Request correction, an inspection, clarification, or a written response.
- Keep records and follow up through the proper channel. Deadlines and dispute-resolution requirements vary. Seek legal advice for a threatened penalty or significant unresolved dispute.
On these dates, I observed this condition at this location. I believe it may violate this provision. Here is the supporting information. Please confirm whether your organization has responsibility and what the next step is.
For an emergency, call 911. For county code complaints, the county generally requires the complainant’s name and address; correspondence can become a public record. The county explains the limited imminent-threat exception.
Find the right starting point
Who manages what? · Where to go · Your association directory · DBPR condominium resources · Board Synergy education
Clear rules, understandable explanations, fair procedures, and early communication help protect both owners and the community.
Reviewed October 29, 2026. General owner education, not a determination of anyone’s rights or legal advice about a particular dispute. Current law, governing documents, agreements, and the facts control.