What is an estoppel letter?
There is no standardized template for estoppel letters; HOAs are allowed to create their own estoppel letters or forms, but are obliged to follow any processes and procedure laid out in the association’s bylaws, if they exist. They may also create their own request forms or processes, depending on what their bylaws say. Since there is usually a tight deadline for estoppel letter submissions, it may help to use an online system that streamlines these sorts of requests so that they are not forgotten.
What’s included in the letter?
There is no standardized template for estoppel letters; HOAs are allowed to create their own estoppel letters or forms, but are obliged to follow any processes and procedure laid out in the association’s bylaws, if they exist. They may also create their own request forms or processes, depending on what their bylaws say. Since there is usually a tight deadline for estoppel letter submissions, it may help to use an online system that streamlines these sorts of requests so that they are not forgotten.
Generally, estoppel letters will list the following information:
Date of issuance
- HOA’s name and contact information
- Owner’s name and contact information
- Address and property description
- An itemized list of fees owed to the association
- The date for which the balance will remain unchanged, or if requested, what is owed through the date of closing
- Detailed payment instructions
- Authorized signature from a board member
How much does an estoppel letter cost?
The HOA may charge a fee for preparing and delivering an estoppel letter but do not have to. HOAs generally charge between $25 – $250 for the document. As of July 2022 Florida law increased estoppel maximum amount listed below.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) released the first five-year adjustment to Estoppel Certificate Fees permitted under Section 718.116(8)(f), Florida Statutes, of the Condominium Act and Section 720.30851(6), Florida Statutes, of the Homeowners’ Association Act for the maximum amount an association, or its authorized agent, may charge for preparation and delivery of an estoppel certificate.
The 2022 adjustment provides for a modest increase for preparation of the following:
Single Unit/Parcel Estoppel Certificate Request
Preparation and delivery of an estoppel certificate
Additional fee if requested on an expedited basis
(three business days)
Additional fee if a delinquency exists
Old Authorized Maximum Fee
$250
$100
$150
New Authorized Maximum Fee
$299
$119
$179
A copy of the 2022 estoppel certificate fees adjustments may be accessed from the DBPR website at the following link:
http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/lsc/documents/ESTOPPEL_CERTIFICATE_FEES.pdf
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