55+ communities

• Fair housing law normally bans discrimination based on familial status. Housing for older persons is exempt from that one rule (Fla. Stat. 760.29(4)).
• There are three kinds: housing in certain government programs for older persons, housing intended for and solely occupied by people 62 or older, and housing intended and operated for people 55 or older.
• A 55+ community must have at least one resident age 55 or older in at least 80% of its occupied homes, and it must publish and follow policies that show that intent.
• The community must verify residents' ages under federal rules (24 CFR 100.305 and 100.307).
• Other details, such as the minimum age of other residents, guests and rentals, come from each community's own documents and differ from one community to the next.

Sources: Florida Statutes 760.29 · eCFR, 24 CFR part 100, subpart E

• Ask for the community's written age and occupancy policies, and how it verifies ages.
• "Active adult" in an ad is not the same as age-restricted. Check the recorded documents, not the brochure.
• Rules on guests, rentals and residents under 55 differ by community.
• HOA disclosure summary before you sign (Fla. Stat. 720.401).
• Flood zone (FEMA) and an insurance quote.

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