Class is in Session: The ABCs of Florida’ s Board Member Education Requirements
legal matters
Class is in Session: The ABCs of Florida’ s Board Member Education Requirements
By: Bryony G. Swift, Esq. and Allison L. Hertz, Esq., Becker & Poliakoff
Bryony G. Swift, Esq. Phone: 941 / 366-8826 Email: bswift @ beckerlawyers. com
Benjamin Franklin famously said in 1789,“ In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Had he lived in a community association in Florida, his quote likely would have read“… except death and taxes and changes in Florida community association law.” There were a voluminous number of bills filed during the 2025 legislative session that dealt with community associations. While the vast majority of these bills will never become law, those that do become law often have major impacts on the daily operations of a community association, ranging from meeting requirements, to official records, to reserve funding, investment of association funds, community association managers, hurricane protection, and so on. The legislature expects every board member in this State to understand and follow all these laws that change almost every year, in addition to the governing documents of the specific association.
Fortunately for board members, Florida is leading the way in ensuring board members have access to educational materials to meet their obligations. Florida is the only state that has adopted laws mandating the education of board members. So, what level of education is required of board members in Florida? That answer depends on whether the community is a condominium, cooperative, or homeowner association. Different education requirements apply to each type of community.
Condominium Associations
Condominiums are the most highly regulated by Florida. Board members in a residential condominium are required to sign an acknowledgement that they have read the governing documents and will uphold the policies of their association. In addition, these board members are required to complete both a certification course and continuing education courses throughout their tenure. The requirements for board member education are found in s. 718.112( 2)( d)( 5) b, Florida Statutes.
The board member certification course is a four-hour course. Condominium directors that were elected before July 1, 2024, had until June 30, 2025, to complete this four-hour course. Condominium directors elected on or after July 1, 2024, must take the four-hour course within 90 days after being elected or appointed or one year prior to being elected or appointed. The written certification and educational certificate are valid for seven years after the date of issuance and do not have to be resubmitted as long as the director serves on the board without interruption during the seven-year period. Upon completing the initial condominium director certification course, the obligation for directors to remain educated continues. They must also complete a one-hour legal update course relating to changes to Florida’ s Condominium Act and any amendments to rules
8 community • March 2026 WWW. CAIWeSTFlorIDA. org