What may a Florida association charge for an estoppel?

Condominium certificates are governed by Florida Statutes §718.116(8); HOA certificates are governed by §720.30851. Both require the authority to charge a preparation fee to be established in a board resolution or specified management, bookkeeping, or maintenance contract.

DBPR adjusts authorized figures every five years. Its current bulletin says the next estoppel-fee update will be released by July 1, 2027. Always recheck that bulletin before relying on a ceiling.

The statutory ceilings in §718.116(8) are $250 for preparation and delivery, an additional $100 when expedited service is requested and delivery occurs within three business days, and an additional amount no greater than $150 when the unit or parcel is delinquent. The statute provides for inflation adjustment by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, so confirm the amount in force on the date of the request.

For simultaneous requests involving multiple units or parcels owned by the same owner with no past-due monetary obligations, DBPR publishes aggregate ceilings: $896 for 25 or fewer, $1,194 for 26–50, $1,791 for 51–100, and $2,985 for more than 100.

The statutes require delivery within 10 business days; if the association misses that deadline, it may not charge the preparation-and-delivery fee. Electronic or hand-delivered certificates are effective for 30 days, and mailed certificates for 35 days. An amendment restarts the applicable period and carries no amendment fee.

If the closing does not occur and the fee was paid, the statutes provide a written refund request process within the stated statutory timeframes. The title or legal professional should apply those rules to the request and payment record.

The preparation fee pays for the certificate. Assessments, delinquent sums, transfer or application charges, and capital contributions are separate entries disclosed by the certificate or governing records. Use the current request and invoice to identify each one.

See the delinquent-dues guide, assessment allocation guide, and association distress guide, then place the verified certificate in the closing-cost file.