Buying a condo in West Palm Beach should feel exciting, not confusing. If you have questions about board approvals, transfer fees, and what to budget on moving day, you are not alone. The good news is most of it follows clear rules and predictable steps. In this guide, you will learn what condo boards can charge, how long approvals take, what city permits you might need, and a simple timeline so you can move in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What condo boards can charge
Florida law basics
Florida condominiums operate under the Florida Condominium Act. The law sets limits on what a condo association can charge during a sale or lease and lays out required disclosures. If you want the source, you can review the Florida Condominium Act.
Transfer fee cap in condos
If a condo requires board approval for a sale or lease, it may charge a transfer or approval fee. For condominiums, that fee is capped by statute. The cap is generally $150 per applicant, with certain adjustments over time. Spouses and parent plus dependent children count as one applicant. See the transfer fee rules in Section 718.112.
Estoppel certificates and costs
Your title or closing agent will request an estoppel certificate to confirm the seller’s account status and any amounts owed. Under Florida law, condos can charge up to $250 for a standard estoppel, plus up to $100 for expedited delivery, with additional amounts if the account is delinquent. Associations have a deadline to deliver it. Learn more in Section 718.116.
Condo vs HOA fees
Not every community is a condominium. Some are homeowners associations, and the rules differ. HOAs under Chapter 720 do not have the same statutory $150 transfer fee cap. Always confirm whether the community is a condo or an HOA by checking the governing documents. You can read the HOA framework in Chapter 720.
Your approval packet and timeline
What most associations ask for
Expect a completed application, government ID, your executed contract, background and credit checks, employment or income confirmation, vehicle and pet information, and sometimes an interview. Buildings often have detailed checklists and will not schedule move-ins until approval is issued.
How long approval usually takes
Many West Palm Beach associations require you to submit a complete packet 10 to 30 business days before closing or occupancy. Some management companies use a 15-business-day standard. If your contract has an approval contingency, track that deadline closely.
Move-in logistics and building fees
Common building charges
High-rises and mid-rises often require you to reserve the elevator. You may see a nonrefundable move-in or administrative fee and a refundable damage deposit to protect common areas. One-time fees for key fobs, access cards, or parking decals are typical.
What to ask the building office
- Required move days and hours
- Elevator reservation process and fees
- Insurance requirements for movers
- Damage deposit amounts and refund conditions
- Costs for keys, fobs, and parking decals
City parking and moving trucks in West Palm Beach
Who to contact for permits
If your move involves curb space or metered parking, contact the City of West Palm Beach Parking Administration to confirm rules, rates, and lead times. The city lists contacts and program details on its Parking Administration page.
Reserving curb space
In many cities, reserving metered spaces for a moving truck involves a temporary permit and posting signs ahead of time. Third-party services that operate in West Palm Beach commonly reference a per-meter or per-space daily charge for reservations. Lead times of about five business days are often quoted, but always confirm directly with the city. See a summary of typical municipal practice via this permit vendor overview, then verify with the city before you schedule movers.
Avoiding tickets on moving day
Park only where allowed, keep fire lanes clear, and follow posted signs. The city publishes its parking citations and fine schedule. When in doubt, call Parking Administration for guidance before your truck arrives.
What to budget for
- Application and screening fees per adult applicant. Condos often show $75 to $150. Remember the statutory cap applies to condo transfer or approval fees, not necessarily to background screening charges.
- Estoppel certificate. Typically up to $250, plus up to $100 for rush, and more if the account is delinquent. See the details in Section 718.116.
- Move-in elevator or administrative fee. Often $100 to $300, building specific. A refundable damage deposit may be required.
- Keys, fobs, or parking decals. Often $25 to $100 each.
- City curb-space reservation or meter charges. Fees and rules vary. Start with the city’s Parking Administration and confirm any charges and required lead time.
Simple timeline and checklist
Before you make an offer
- Ask for the declaration, bylaws, rules, recent budget, reserve study, and recent meeting minutes. These reveal project plans, assessments, and one-time fees. See the Florida Condominium Act for required disclosures.
- Confirm whether board approval is required and request the application packet early.
Two to four weeks before closing
- Submit your full application and pay any required fees.
- Reserve your move date and elevator. Ask for written confirmation of fees and deposit refund conditions.
- If you need curb space for a truck, confirm permit steps and timing with the city. A vendor may quote about five business days to set up signage, but always verify with the city using its Parking Administration contact.
Week of closing and move-in
- Pay move-in fees and leave any damage deposit. Get receipts.
- Confirm key and fob pickup, elevator padding, and mover insurance.
- Make sure parking signs or permits are posted per city rules.
After you move
- Photograph common areas you used and request the final inspection to release any deposits.
- Update the association with your contact details and vehicle information.
Key risks to check carefully
Large capital contributions
If you see a multi-thousand-dollar “capital contribution” listed, slow down and verify whether the property is a condo or an HOA. Condos are subject to transfer fee caps, while HOAs have different rules. A brief overview of this issue is summarized in this Florida law firm explainer. When in doubt, ask your attorney or title company to review the documents.
Reserves, inspections, and assessments
After the Surfside tragedy, state law increased inspection and reserve requirements for many buildings. Some older buildings face higher monthly dues or special assessments to fund safety and structural work. Read more context in this AP News report and review your building’s budget, reserves, and recent minutes.
Slow approvals or late estoppels
Delays in approvals or estoppels can jeopardize closing dates. Florida statute sets clear estoppel timelines and fee rules. If a deadline is missed, your closing or title professional can help you escalate under Section 718.116.
Local help and next steps
You do not have to figure this out alone. We guide you through board approvals, estoppels, and move-in logistics so your West Palm Beach condo purchase stays on track. If you want a personalized timeline and a clear estimate of fees for your specific building, reach out to Chris Latchmansingh. We are hands on, responsive, and ready to help.
FAQs
How long does West Palm Beach condo approval take?
- Many associations ask for 10 to 30 business days from a complete application to issue approval, but each building sets its own rules.
What is the maximum condo transfer fee in Florida?
- For condominiums, transfer or approval fees are generally capped by statute at $150 per applicant, with certain adjustments. See Section 718.112.
What does a Florida condo estoppel cost and include?
- A standard estoppel is typically up to $250, plus up to $100 for rush and more if delinquent. It discloses account status, assessments, and amounts due. See Section 718.116.
Do I need a permit to park a moving truck in West Palm Beach?
- If you need to reserve curb space or meters, contact the city’s Parking Administration to confirm requirements, fees, and lead times. Start with the Parking Administration page.
Can a condo charge a large capital contribution at closing?
- Condominiums are subject to statutory transfer fee limits, while HOAs have different rules. Always confirm the community type and check the governing documents or consult a real estate attorney.
What city fines should I watch for on moving day?
- Avoid blocking fire lanes or violating posted signs. Review the city’s citations and fines and confirm any temporary parking permissions in advance.
