Electronic voting is quickly becoming the future of community association elections—and for good reason. It’s faster, cheaper, and easier for both boards and homeowners. Yet many associations are still hesitant to make the change.
If your community is considering online voting, here’s what you need to know about how it works, what Florida law requires, and why it’s worth adopting.
Why Electronic Voting Makes Sense
Switching from paper ballots to electronic voting brings major benefits:
- Convenience: Owners can vote securely from anywhere with internet access.
- Quorum made easy: Each electronic vote counts as attendance at the meeting.
- Accuracy: Automated vote collection reduces counting errors.
- Savings: Lower costs for printing and mailing materials.
In short, it’s a modern solution that improves participation while saving time and money.
How Associations Can Adopt Electronic Voting
Adoption is simpler than most boards think. Florida law (Chapters 718, 719, and 720) allows condominiums, cooperatives, and homeowners’ associations to use electronic voting—but only after the board formally approves it.
To do so, the board must:
- Hold a properly noticed meeting to pass a resolution allowing electronic voting.
- Give members the option to opt in or out of online voting.
- Set clear procedures and deadlines for participation.
It’s best to have the association’s attorney draft or review the resolution to ensure all statutory requirements are met.
What the Voting System Must Include
Florida law requires that online voting platforms meet several safeguards, including:
- Verifying each voter’s identity.
- Ensuring votes can’t be altered during transmission.
- Sending each voter a confirmation receipt.
- Keeping votes secure and accessible for review.
- Maintaining ballot anonymity (for secret ballot elections).
Note that many voting service providers already meet these standards.
Key Differences Between Condo, HOA, and Co-Op Rules
While the overall process is similar, there are a few distinctions:
- Condominiums:
- If 25% of unit owners petition for online voting, the board must meet within 21 days to consider it.
- Starting July 1, 2025, all condos must designate an email address for receiving electronic ballots—even if they haven’t adopted full online voting.
- HOAs and Co-Ops:
- No petition process is required or mandated.
- They must give 14 days’ notice before the meeting to approve electronic voting.
- No requirement to set up an email address for ballots if they don’t use electronic voting.
The Bottom Line
Electronic voting helps Florida communities modernize their elections, improve accuracy, and increase homeowner participation. With proper setup and legal guidance, transitioning is straightforward and beneficial for everyone involved.
If your association is ready to take the next step—or has questions about compliance—contact Strang Tryson PLLC. Our community association attorneys can guide you through adopting electronic voting and ensure your board resolution meets all statutory requirements.
