[kyle19125]

I'm a single 50 yo looking to move to Florida and buy a condo. A vast majority of what I can afford seems to fall into the 55+ category which is maddening. I don't have children and lead a pretty quiet existence, so I'm not exactly going to
be a nuisance. Do I really have to wait 5 years?

[Lilybeans]

Yes. That's why it says 55 and over.

[007.5]

The Florida Panhandle is very affordable , especially with forecolsures and short sales. If you dont mind living in the woods where its quiet and lots of nature with a dirt or sand road, you can get a mobile home on an acre of land for approx. $50-60 k. without any fixup. I presently know of a 4 bedroom 2005 mobile home on 2 acres of land in the woods in Holt,Fl. that was appraised at $116k and going for $50 k. Its a foreclosure but in superb condition inside and out. I walked thru it . The Bank wants to just be rid of it. Lots of great deals up this way. Start here : www.trulia.com and www.realtor.com and put in your price range .

[skylinet]

Some 55+ communities allow for people to be under 55 if the majority of the community is over 55. You (or your realtor) would have to speak to the association to find out.

[FLPL75]

We have friends who were building in Sweetwater a 55+ community here in Jacksonville. When they took us over to show us around I was really impressed and ask the woman in the office "Do you ever allow under 55" Her response was that they did make exceptions if you were 50.

[annerk]

It depends on how the legal documents that govern the HOA/Condo association and deed covenents are written. There is no single answer.

[lyriclocks]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I'm a single 50 yo looking to move to Florida and buy a condo. A vast majority of what I can afford seems to fall into the 55+ category which is maddening. I don't have children and lead a pretty quiet existence, so I'm not exactly going to
be a nuisance. Do I really have to wait 5 years?

As mentioned it just depends. Perhaps with the economy some places are willing to bend the rules. For instance I was recently approved to purchase a mobile home in a 55+ community and turned down for another.

Pray, check on Craig's List and be positive. You'll find something.

LL

[Strel]

It's a Fair Housing issue, folks.

The 55+ rule is a matter of statute. Fair Housing laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of familial status, but make no provisions for age discrimination.

To permit the existence of "elder" communities (and amenties that cater to their needs), an exception is created in the state and Federal Fair Housing laws so that a property owner who wants to tailor his development to older people can do so without running afoul of the law by discriminating against people with children - usually younger couples.

There are two ways to do this. The entire development can be 65+, and no one underage is allowed. 100% of the units have be to occupied by persons 65 or older. This is the option taken when you want a real, 100% retirement community, no live-in kids, etc.

or

80% at 55 or older, the more flexible option. 80% of the units have to be occupied by at least ONE person who is older than 55, but younger people can live there too. The other 20% have no age restrictions.

Here is a link to the Florida law - it is more or less identical to its Federal counterpart:

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine


There are a variety of exceptions in the law - and just because it may also appear in HOA bylaws doesn't mean it's also not the law of the land. By the way, limitations that do not comport with this statute MAY be Fair Housing violations and should be reported to the appropriate authorities.

The reason some people may be getting inconsistent results is that some developments may need a 55+ renter to fulfill the 80% quota to avoid getting into trouble. Other developments may have unrestricted units within the 20% available.

No one should be "bending the rules" - the penalties for violating Fair Housing laws can be very harsh and expensive.