Let’s be honest—running a website probably wasn’t something you signed up for when you joined your HOA board, special district, or community organization. Maybe you just wanted to help your neighbors, keep things running smoothly, or handle the budget. Now, suddenly, you’re being told you need a website.
Why? Because in some places, like Florida, the law says so.
And even if the law doesn’t require it where you live, a website makes life easier for both you and your community. Let’s talk about why.
Do I Really Have to Have a Website?
If you’re in Florida and part of a Homeowners Association (HOA) with 100+ homes, the law says you must have a website by 2025.
That website has to:
✅ Be password-protected (so only homeowners and staff can see certain documents)
✅ Contain meeting minutes, budgets, and other required info
✅ Be accessible (so people with disabilities can use it)
Other states are making similar rules. Even if you don’t have to have a website yet, you might soon.
But Nobody in Our Town Uses Websites!
You might be thinking, “Nobody in my community cares about a website.”
Actually, they probably do—they just don’t know it.
Here’s why:
- People Google everything. If someone wants to know about dues, meeting times, or rules, they expect to find it online.
- You’ll get fewer complaints. If homeowners can easily find the answers they need, they won’t be calling or stopping by your office as often.
- It keeps you out of legal trouble. If someone sues your HOA for not providing required info, a website helps prove you did.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Website?
🔹 Legal Fines: In Florida, an HOA that ignores the website law could get in trouble with the state.
🔹 Angry Residents: If people can’t find information, they’ll assume the worst, get angry, and flood your email or demand meetings.
🔹 Lost Documents: Keeping all your HOA records on someone’s personal computer or in a filing cabinet isn’t safe. A website stores everything securely.
🔹 Scammers Could Trick Homeowners: Without an official website, fake Facebook groups or scam websites can spread bad info.
How Can You Get a Website Without the Hassle?
Good news—you don’t have to be a tech expert to get a working website. Here are your options:
1. Hire a Website Service (Best for HOAs & Special Districts)
- Companies set up and maintain the site for you.
- They handle updates, security, and backups, so you don’t have to.
- They ensure legal compliance (password protection, ADA accessibility).
2. Use a Website Builder (DIY Option)
- Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress let you create a basic site with templates.
- You’ll need to update it yourself and keep it secure.
3. Find a Local Freelancer or Volunteer
- If there’s a tech-savvy person in your community, they might help for free or for a small fee.
- Just make sure you own the website (so you don’t lose access if they move away).
The Bottom Line
We get it—you didn’t sign up to run a website. But whether it’s required by law or just makes life easier, having a website helps your community stay informed, run smoothly, and avoid legal trouble.
And the best part? You don’t have to maintain it yourself.
If you need help, look into managed website services that do all the work for you—so you can get back to focusing on your community.
As you might have guessed, fully managed hosting is what Midtown specializes in. We know communities like yours need a website, but often don’t have the resources to build and maintain one. We offer affordable, full service website management at a DIY price. Let’s chat today about how we can help.
