RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Any one who wants to run for office has to live in the park for 8 months out of the year. 70% of
the people in our park are snowbirds. Most come down the end of October and leave the end of March, beginning of april. A few year round residents control the park with this requirement.

I thought a residency requiremento hold office in Florida was illegal?

oops I hit the submit button prior to completing the posting:

There are several FL statutes and not all of them would apply. This is why I asked you which one your Association falls under:

CHAPTER 718
CONDOMINIUMS

CHAPTER 719
COOPERATIVES

CHAPTER 720
HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS

CHAPTER 721
VACATION AND TIMESHARE PLANS

CHAPTER 723
MOBILE HOME PARK LOT TENANCIES

I may have missed it butI didn't see anything in that statute that prohibited a residency requirement.

After a careful reading of section 723.078 I see no place that restricts the members of the Board to a percentage of time in residence.
In fact, the law states that "A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. Decisions shall be made by a majority of members represented at a meeting at which a quorum is present."

It would seem that the definition of "member" is any owner.
There may be a provision in your bylaws that restricts Board membership.
Such a provision; however, cannot violate the 723 law.
I would ask an attorney to give a legal opinion on such a restriction in the by laws.
You may be able to force the removal of the by law because it doe not conform to the 723 law of Florida.