Complete the requirements, document receipt, and keep learning throughout your service.
See the requirementsFind DBPR education →For Florida residential condominium directors, the term commonly refers to the required education and written certification process. It is a starting point for responsible service, rather than a guarantee of expertise or effective performance.
This guide covers condominium directors under Chapter 718. Homeowners’ associations have different education requirements; do not use an HOA checklist for a condominium board.
Certify to the secretary that you have read the declaration, articles, bylaws, and current written policies; will uphold them to the best of your ability; and will faithfully discharge fiduciary responsibilities. [1]
Submit a certificate from DBPR or a division-approved condominium education provider. The initial curriculum is at least four hours. [2]
A signed statement alone is insufficient. Both documents must be submitted to the secretary within the statutory timing window: one year before election or appointment, or within 90 days afterward. [1]
DBPR lists milestone inspections, structural integrity reserve studies, elections, recordkeeping, financial literacy and transparency, fines, and notice and meeting requirements. [2]
Bring your association’s documents and questions into your learning process. After the course, identify which procedures your board should review and which questions need a professional answer.
The written certification and educational certificate are valid for seven years from issuance, without resubmission during uninterrupted board service. DBPR says the course must be retaken when that period expires if service continues. [2]
One year after submitting the initial documents, and annually thereafter, submit a certificate for at least one hour of approved education on recent Chapter 718 and related rule changes. [1]
If you leave the board, return later, or serve another association, confirm how the timing and validity provisions apply before relying on an old certificate.
Official guidance reviewed October 16, 2026. Check the official sources when planning training; older checklists may reflect earlier requirements.
A manager may help organize the file; identify the secretary and the association’s storage location so records remain available when officers or management change.
| Record | Fields to retain |
|---|---|
| Service | Director, election/appointment date, service interruptions and submission deadline with its basis. |
| Initial documents | Written certification date, education provider/course, issuance/completion dates, secretary’s receipt and file location. |
| Continuing education | Applicable review year, qualifying course, completion and submission dates, next due date and supporting certificate. |
| Renewal and follow-up | Initial-document expiration dates, reminders, missing items, person assigned and date resolved. |
Check the register after each election or appointment and during handover. A reminder date is an administrative tool; it does not extend a statutory deadline.
The secretary must retain the written certification and educational certificate for owner inspection for seven years after election or the uninterrupted tenure, whichever is longer. A director failing to timely file the initial documents is suspended until compliance; the board may temporarily fill the seat. Missing documents do not invalidate board actions. [1]
Address a missing record promptly. Ask counsel or DBPR how to handle uncertain dates, interruptions in service, or a disputed compliance status.
DBPR offers a free four-hour Board Member Certification Program and links to course registration and provider information. Reading the posted course materials alone does not satisfy the course requirement. [2]
DBPR courses and registration →Before enrolling, confirm the exact course, condominium credit type, attendance/completion requirements and certificate delivery. Provider approval alone does not establish that every course it offers meets every requirement.
DBPR continuing-education provider list (PDF) — check the condominium legislative-update column, the listed year and current approval with the provider.
Do not assume it does. Use the Academy for additional practical learning unless a particular course and provider are confirmed as approved for the required credit.
No. This page concerns individual directors’ statutory certification and education. A voluntary association accreditation program evaluates association practices under its own criteria.
Do not treat a professional license as a substitute for the director documentation described here. Verify whether a specific course qualifies and submit the required records.
Official-source review: October 16, 2026. General education for Florida residential condominium boards. Consult official guidance and association counsel for questions about a director’s particular circumstances.