Seeking an Active Adult or 55+ community? Get answers to your questions here.
Active Adult and 55+ Frequently Asked Questions
How are 55+ communities in Port St Lucie structured under the Federal HOPA law?
The Federal Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) establishes guidelines that allow residential communities to promote themselves as "55+" or "age-restricted." This designation allows these communities to specifically cater to older adults, provided they adhere to the requirement that at least 80 percent of the occupied units must be home to at least one resident aged 55 years or older.
Notably, the communities have the flexibility to set their own age criteria; they may choose to raise the minimum age requirement or, conversely, lower the age limit, depending on their specific policies and the demographic they aim to attract. This provision is designed to create inclusive environments tailored to the needs and preferences of older adults while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
If one spouse is over 55 and the other is not, can they still purchase in a 55+ community?
Yes, they can, as long as there is room within the 20% community's population that is not required to be 55 or older. Most communities stipulate that if anyone under the age of 55 resides in their Community, they must live in a household where at least one occupant is 55 or older. (To maintain their 55+ or age-restricted status, communities cannot fall below the 80% being over 55 years old.*
If I live in a 55+ Active Adult community, can our children and grandchildren visit us?
Yes, of course, they can. Each Community, in their HOA rules and regs, will address the length of time, consecutive days guests can visit.' It varies from Community to Community, and with board approval, exceptions can be made upon written request and consideration of the circumstances involved.
Are there tax advantages to choosing Florida as our state of residence for retirement?
Absolutely!! First, once Florida becomes your permanent state of residence, you will no longer have to pay state income tax. Second, once you declare Florida as your permanent state of residence*, you can take advantage of the Homestead Tax Exemption. If you are already a Florida homeowner, you can apply your Portability formula to the Homestead exemption for a possibly larger discount.
There are also several other tax exemptions you MAY qualify for, including, but not limited to, disabled veterans, disabled over 65 years old, widows, etc. The total of no State Income Tax PLUS Homestead and possibly other exemptions can mean hundreds – even THOUSANDS of $$$ of savings to you when it matters most in your life!
What amenities and services will I receive when choosing a 55+ Active Adult community?
The features and fees of 55+ Active Adult communities can vary. HOA fees depend on what services and amenities each Community offers. Many of these communities have gates, community pools, and provide maintenance for homes and shared areas. They usually include clubhouse facilities, clubs, and sports activities. You may find options for sports like golf, tennis, pickleball, bocce, and shuffleboard. Clubs can include card games, entertainment, crafts, and activities related to special interests. When choosing a community, consider the quality of the facilities and the HOA fees, as these factors will help you make an informed decision.
What if I don't want to participate in the activities? Is joining mandatory?
In most 55+ communities in Port St. Lucie, activities are available for your enjoyment, if you choose, but are not mandatory in any way. The exception MIGHT be in a golf community where a golf membership MIGHT be required, but that is very unusual for 55+ communities. However, there might be an additional fee to use the golf facilities, which again varies from Community to Community and might weigh into your decision on which 55+ Community you choose.
Many of Port St Lucie's 55+ Active Adult Communities are New Construction. Won't I get a better deal if I go directly to the developer rather than working through a REALTOR?
This is a Common Misconception! The Developers of these communities market to & incentivize realtors to bring in customers, and their on-site salespeople receive the same compensation whether you come in with a Realtor or not. Additionally, the incentives offered to customers remain unchanged if a Realtor accompanies you.
Why should I choose a REALTOR rather than go directly to the Community?
Not all Realtors have the same experience level, so it's essential to choose a real estate team that provides you with the most accurate information on ALL that's available to you, all in one place, while applying 20+ years of real estate sales experience that includes new home construction and local expertise on the area's top 55+ communities. Our team understands the needs of consumers aged 55 and above because we are part of that demographic. When it comes to Treasure Coast real estate, the clear choice is The Slifkin Team.
What fun activities are there to enjoy if we live in Port St Lucie and the Treasure Coast?
In addition to the activities already listed in our ongoing article, 'Discover the Treasure Coast,' the Florida Sunshine and beautiful weather provide year-round accessibility to wonderful day trips or Florida staycations. Within a 2-3 hour drive, you can enjoy places such as Universal Studios FL, Walt Disney World'Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, SeaWorld Orlando, Islands of Adventure, Busch Gardens Tampa, Silvers Springs Nature Park, Miami Seaquarium, Flamingo Botanical Gardens, Parrot Jungle & Gardens, Daytona Speedway, Key Largo Undersea Park, Kennedy Space Center, Everglades National Park, Several Professional Sports Teams, A plethora of Museums, and so much more!
Note: The accuracy of the information provided in this post is not guaranteed.
