HOA Management Guide · Updated January 2026
FirstService Residential manages 9,000+ communities. They must follow state law before fining you. Most don't.
How to Fight a FirstService Residential HOA Fine
FirstService Residential is a major HOA management company headquartered in Dania Beach, FL. If they've issued you a violation notice or fine, state law gives you specific procedural rights — and procedural defects void fines.
FirstService Residential fined you?
Check if they followed the law
Common FirstService Residential Fines
These are violations FirstService Residential frequently fines for. Most are contestable when proper procedure isn't followed.
Trash can visible from street
Typical: $25-100ContestableMust follow state notice procedures before fine attaches
Landscaping / lawn condition
Typical: $50-250ContestableVerify rule was properly adopted and recorded
Unapproved exterior paint color
Typical: $100-500ContestableARC approval process must follow governing documents
Parking violation
Typical: $25-150ContestableRules must be clear, recorded, and uniformly enforced
Holiday decoration left up
Typical: $50-200ContestableFirst Amendment / state display protections may apply
Pet violation (breed, weight, leash)
Typical: $50-300ContestableService and assistance animals have federal FHA protections
Procedural Defects That Void FirstService Residential Fines
- •Insufficient notice period (state minimums not met)
- •No opportunity for hearing before fine imposed
- •Board vote not properly recorded in meeting minutes
- •Violation rule not in recorded governing documents
- •Fine exceeds state statutory cap
- •Selective enforcement against one homeowner
FirstService Residential is hired by your HOA board, but they still must follow state law. Upload your violation notice and we'll audit every procedural requirement to find the defects that void your fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FirstService Residential fine me without a hearing?
In most states, no. Most states require notice and an opportunity for hearing before fines can be imposed. FirstService is the management agent — the fine must originate from a properly noticed board action.
What if the FirstService notice is late or incomplete?
Many states have minimum notice periods (typically 10-14 days) and required content (rule cited, cure period, hearing rights). Missing any of these can void the fine.
Does FirstService follow state law or HOA bylaws?
Both. State law sets the floor; HOA bylaws can provide additional protections but cannot override state minimums for due process or fine caps.
Can I sue FirstService Residential directly?
Usually no — your dispute is with the HOA board, not the management company. FirstService acts as an agent for the association and is generally not the proper defendant.
Don't pay an unlawful FirstService Residential fine
Get Your FirstService Residential Defense Letter Now
Upload your violation notice. Our tool audits the procedural requirements under your state's HOA law and generates a defense letter citing the exact statutes they violated.
Based on state HOA law · 94% of notices have procedural defects