Frequently asked questions
DISCLAIMER: We do not represent the HomeOwners Board of Directors, their representatives or any one else affiliated with their functions. We are providing answers, contacts and documents to the best of our abilities as an additional source of information to facilitate your understanding of the operation of the board of directors and the management company in place. Any questions or concerns related to their operations must be directed to them.
Board of Directors: bod@mylakesofthemeadow.com
Management Office: 305-554-6141
Recreation Office: 305-559-4899
Security Patrol 1: 305-813-5211
Security Patrol 2: 305-570-7158
www.lakesofthemeadow.com
If you have concerns about the quality of services you are receiving, you may contact us at info@lakesofthemeadowresidents.org to voice your opinion or share your concern. We are trying our best to bring attention to some of the deficiencies we see in place and to promote corrective action.
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- What are the rules and regulations of the HOA?
- Where can I find the documents that govern the Lakes of the Meadows Master Homeowers Association?
- Is Lakes of the Meadow a Deed restricted community and what does that mean?
- How are HOA decisions made, and can homeowners participate in the decision-making process?
- How do I report a concern or issue to the HOA?
- How are common areas maintained, and what services are provided by the HOA?
- How are the HOA finances managed and audited?
- How are HOA board members elected, and how often are elections held?
- How do I access information on minutes or past board meetings?
- Can homeowners attend HOA meetings, and if so, how often are they held?
- What are the parking rules?
- What happens if a homeowner or renter violates the HOA rules?
- How do I stay informed?
What are the rules and regulations of the HOA?
- Bylaws are the rules that outline the internal management of the HOA. They cover topics such as how meetings are called, the responsibilities of the HOA board, election procedures for directors, and how bylaws can be amended. These bylaws ensure proper governance within the HOA and define the roles and obligations of its members.
- Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are recorded with the county and contain the rules homeowners must follow in the community. They specify regulations regarding the use of property, architectural guidelines, and the maintenance responsibilities of property owners. Florida Statutes place these governing documents at the top of the legal hierarchy within the community association, making them crucial for consistent and orderly community management.
- Lakes of the Meadows have bylaws and can be found on your homeowner's account.
Where can I find the documents that govern the Lakes of the Meadows Master Homeowers Association?
Most of the documents can be found in your homeowners's account
Is Lakes of the Meadow a "Deed Restricted" community? and what does that mean?
Yes, Lakes of the Meadow is a deed restricted community.
It is a legal condition written into the property deed that limits what can be done on the property. In other words, it’s a rule that stays with the property, regardless of who the owner is. These restrictions are binding agreements attached to the property title. They’re usually designed to maintain a certain aesthetic, ensure uniformity, and preserve property values in a community. Think of them as a way to protect neighborhood integrity.
Since Lakes of the Meadow is formed by several smaller communities, each one has his own set of rules. Before you do any changes to the exterior of your property, check the governing documents for your community and get a copy of the Architectural Guidelines to verify your changes are conforming to the rules established by the HOA.
Before you proceed with your changes or renovations you must apply for approval from the Architectural Control Committee. The forms and guidelines can be found at the HOA’s website www.LakesoftheMeadow.com
How are HOA decisions made, and can homeowners participate in the decision-making process?
Homeowners can speak to the Board of Directors regarding concerns, general comments and can present requests and applications during monthly Board meetings. If you have an issue, concern or request, you can reach out to the board or property management or speak up at the open forum part of the monthly meeting.
How do I report a concern or issue to the HOA?
Issues and concerns can be reported to the management and to the board by email or at the monthly board meeting. If you notice items in the common areas in need of prompt maintenance/repair call the management company at 305-554-6141. You can also email the management company.
How are common areas maintained, and what services are provided by the HOA?
Common green areas, lakes and entrances are maintained via landscaping and caretaking of the grounds through our HOA dues.
Additionally, the Lakes of the Meadows Health and Racquet club, also known as Lake Park Center, is a common area that has several amenities for homeowners of the community. This area is also maintained by the property management through our HOA dues.
Additionally, the Lakes of the Meadows Health and Racquet club, also known as Lake Park Center, is a common area that has several amenities for homeowners of the community. This area is also maintained by the property management through our HOA dues.
How are the HOA finances managed and audited?
Currently the property management has a bookkeeper/accountant that compiles the financial information on a monthly basis and reports are generated and discussed during the monthly Board of Directors meetings. Payments of invoices for most vendors like utilities companies, all insurance policies, etc. are deducted from the HOA bank account. Other smaller invoices are submitted to the Board President and Treasurer for approval. Assessments, and other deposits for violations are paid by the homeowners via their online account or with a check to the office. Galleria rental deposits and payments are paid directly to the Recreation Department and deposited into the HOA bank account.
The annual audit has been conducted by the CPA firm of Sokol & Sokol for the last 10 years. (2015-2024). When the Audit Report is issued, their findings should be discussed with the Board of Directors.
The annual audit has been conducted by the CPA firm of Sokol & Sokol for the last 10 years. (2015-2024). When the Audit Report is issued, their findings should be discussed with the Board of Directors.
How are HOA board members elected, and how often are elections held?
Board members should be elected at the Annual Meeting when quorum is reached. Unfortunately, quorum has not been reached in over 30 years. Board members are supposed to appoint new board members when there is a vacancy. There is currently a vacant seventh seat.
How do I check the status of my HOA account?
You can create your own on-line account with the property management at Castlegroup.com. Once you are logged in you will have access to your dashboard where you can find information about your account.
How do I access information on minutes or past board meetings?
Most of the HOA documents including past HOA board minutes can be found within your account as provided by the management company.
Can homeowners attend HOA meetings, and if so, how often are they held?
By Florida Statues 720.303 (2) (b) all HOA meetings, except for a few exceptions, are open to the homeowners and must be announced in a conspicuous place with at least 48 hours advance notice. The Master HOA meetings are held on a monthly basis on the third Wednesday of the month. All homeowners are able to attend in person or via zoom. The link to the meeting is provided to each homeowner in an email to the email address registered with the property management.
What are the parking rules?
Cars cannot be parked on the grass or on the street. If you have company, and need to park on the grass on a temporary basis notify Security at one of the following numbers:
Security Patrol 1: 305-813-5211Security Patrol 2: 305-570-7158
You might be provided with a "green pass" in writing, but not always. Therefore, we recommend you text your request as evidence of your notification. Or, you might want to write down the name of the person who received your request with the time and date of the call.
Unfortunately, since parking on the grass is prohibited at all times, cars found in violation might get a notice placed on their window and a violation notice sent to the homeowner.
What happens if a homeowner or renter violates the HOA rules?
It depends on the type of violation. The most common one is related to the upkeep of the property, mainly the outside appearance. Typical items include driveways, fences, mailboxes, roofs, etc. Periodically personnel of the management company will drive by the different areas of LOTM and will note any deficiencies and their addresses. A notice of violation will be sent to the homeowner and also posted in their online account.
There are stages for correction. First, a friendly notice is sent with a photo of the item to be corrected and about 30 days to comply. There are also instructions to notify the management company when the item has been corrected so they can do a re-inspection and clear the item.
If after 30 days the item is not corrected, a second notice is sent and fine of $100.00 is imposed. If not corrected, a third notice will be sent and a $500.00 fine will be added. If still not corrected, a fourth notice will be sent and an additional $1,000.00 fine will be imposed. If the homeowner is still not complying, then it will be sent to the lawyer for potential legal action, mainly to put a lien on the house. The homeowner will also be responsible for the legal fees.
How do I stay informed?
The management company sends notifications via email and/or text. Make sure they have your contact information up to date.
If you have not set up your account and need assistance, please contact the management company at 305-554-6141
We are providing some answers to the best of our abilities to the most asked questions. For the most accurate information please contact the property management offfice at 305-554-6141 or visit www.lakesofthemeadow.com