According to Florida statutes, unit owners in condominium associations have the right to record meetings of the board or meetings of the members. This is stated in Section 718.112(2)©, Florida Statutes, and Section 720.306(10), Florida Statutes, which applies to homeowners’ associations (HOAs).
Reasonable Rules and Regulations
While associations cannot prevent unit owners from recording meetings, they can adopt reasonable rules and regulations regarding the filming. These rules must be limited to specific circumstances, such as:
Equipment cannot produce distracting sound or light emissions.
Equipment must be assembled and placed in position before the meeting starts.
Anyone videotaping cannot move around the room during the meeting.
Advance notice must be given to the board.
Florida Sunshine Law
Additionally, Florida’s Sunshine Law (FS 286.011) applies to residential Owners’ Associations, including condominium, cooperative, and HOA Boards of Directors. This law ensures that meetings are open to those affected by the outcome (the public) and that a written record (minutes) of the meeting’s business is available.
In Summary
In Florida, unit owners in condominium associations and homeowners’ associations have the right to record board meetings, subject to reasonable rules and regulations adopted by the association. The Florida Sunshine Law also applies to these meetings, ensuring transparency and disclosure.
Section 720.303(2)(a) of the Florida Statutes dictates that board meetings must be open to all members. The only exceptions to this are meetings between the board and its attorney when discussing pending litigation.