By Attorney Robb Klucik

Before reviewing the recent rule modifications, here is a brief sketch of rules governing homeownership in the town of Ave Maria. Like many other communities in Florida, homes in Ave Maria are subject to the provisions of private homeowners association (“HOA”) documents. These detailed and lengthy legal documents are recorded in the public records by the Collier County Clerk, and are disclosed to homebuyers before buying the home. Homeowners must abide by these documents, and so must renters and guests. In Ave Maria, there are several layers:

Layer 1.

Every home (meaning house, townhouse or condominium) falls under the Ave Maria Master Association.

Layer 2.

Homes in Emerson Park fall under the Emerson Park HOA.

Homes in Hampton Village fall under the Hampton Village HOA.

Homes in Maple Ridge will fall under the new Maple Ridge HOA.

Homes in Middlebrooke fall under the Middlebrooke HOA.

Homes in La Piazza fall under the Residences at La Piazza Condominium HOA.

Homes in Del Webb (including Bellera and Mayflower) fall under the Del Webb HOA.

Layer 3.

Homes at Mayflower Way also fall under the Mayflower Way Condominium HOA.

To summarize, every home is subject to two HOAs, and Mayflower Way condominiums are also subject to a third HOA. You can find more information about HOAs in Ave Maria at this link.

Recently the documents for several of these HOAs have been modified for a variety of reasons, as explained below.

The Emerson Park HOA documents were modified, apparently to make it easier to enforce rules designed to avoid attracting bears to the community. This is an image of the modified text:

The Hampton Village HOA documents were modified to allow the changes associated with the creation of Maple Ridge and also regarding new rules related to bears. This is an image of the modified text aimed at keeping bears away:

The Middlebrooke HOA documents were modified to reduce the number of lots that will fall under the restrictions in the current declaration. This is an image of the modified text:

The Del Webb HOA documents have seen several modifications. One lengthy modification is specific to Del Web Phase II (formerly known as Bellera Walk). There was also a modification related to bears. This is an image of the modified text aimed at keeping bears away:

Another Del Webb modification limits who can use the Oasis Club. Here is an image of the text:

The Mayflower Way HOA documents were modified, also to avoid attracting bears to the community. This is an image of the modified text:

Finally, the HOA documents for the new Maple Ridge community have been recorded. This is an image of the opening paragraph:

While not an HOA document, here are links to a plat of Phase I of Maple Ridge: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6.

Robb Klucik is a real estate attorney in Ave Maria, Florida.