Why is there a 14-day consent deadline in Florida?
To vote online in Florida, you must sign up at least 14 days before the deadline. This is a state law designed to make sure your computer or phone works with the voting system before the real vote happens.
The 14-Day Statutory Requirement
Florida law requires associations to provide a specific technical safeguard for every owner voting online.
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System Communication: The association must provide a method for you to confirm—at least 14 days before the voting deadline—that your smartphone, tablet, or computer can successfully communicate with the online voting system.
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Why the Deadline Exists: Because the system needs to verify who is testing the connection, you must have your consent (permission) on file before this 14-day window begins. This ensures you have access to the system in time to perform this required check.
Rules for Consent
Consent is not a general "yes" for the person; it is tied to very specific data:
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One for Every Unit: If you own multiple units, you must sign a separate consent form for each property.
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Tied to Your Email: Consent is linked to a specific email address. If you change your email, you must provide a new consent form.
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Optional Participation: You are never required to vote online. If you miss the 14-day deadline, you can still participate using a traditional paper ballot or proxy.
Legal References
You can review the official requirements in the Florida Statutes here:
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For Condos (Chapter 718): Florida Statute 718.128 (1)(c)
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For HOAs (Chapter 720): Florida Statute 720.317 (1)(a)
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
What happens if I miss the 14-day deadline? You will be unable to vote online for that specific meeting because the legal window for verifying your device has passed. However, you can still vote via mail-in paper ballot or by appointing a proxy.
Do I have to sign up for every meeting? No. Once you provide consent, it remains valid for all future meetings and elections until you choose to opt out in writing.
Does my association have to abide by this? Your governing documents may have already outlined a consent deadline date different to the Florida Statute. Refer to your governance documents and/or corporation legal counsel to determine if this applies.