Homeowner Association Annual Meetings - 6 Tips to Stay Involved & Informed

As summer winds down, Homeowner Associations (HOAs) are entering meeting season. Community associations from Destin to Rosemary Beach are notifying their residents of their annual homeowners association meeting date. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the neighborhood, this is your chance to shape the future of your community. Here are six simple but powerful ways to stay engaged and make your voice count.

Vote by Proxy - Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Heard

Life gets busy—so if you can’t attend a scheduled meeting in person, voting by proxy ensures your opinion still matters.

• Most associations offer proxy forms via email or their resident portal.

• Be sure to designate someone you trust to vote on your behalf.

• Review the ballot items ahead of time so your proxy reflects your preferences.

It’s a small step that can make a big impact, especially when decisions affect budgets, amenities, or neighborhood policies.

Review Agendas Ahead of Time - Be Prepared & Proactive

Meeting agendas are more than just a list—they’re your road map to what’s being discussed and decided.

• Reviewing the agenda before the meeting helps you prioritize what matters most to you.

• If you have questions or concerns, jot them down so you’re ready to speak up or follow up.

• Agendas are typically posted a few days in advance—check your community’s website or bulletin board.

Being informed means you can contribute meaningfully and avoid surprises when decisions are made.

Attend Community Events - Build Connections That Matter

Community Association Meetings and ancillary events are a great time to get to know your neighbors.

• Attend block parties, pool gatherings, or local volunteer events.

• These informal settings are perfect for learning about and discussing shared concerns, upcoming votes, and community goals.

• Stronger relationships lead to better collaboration and a more unified neighborhood voice.

Plus, it’s just more fun to live in a place where you know the people around you and can call upon them if you need assistance.

Ask Questions Before the Meeting

If something on the agenda isn’t clear, don’t wait until the meeting to get answers.

• Reach out to board members or your property manager ahead of time.

• Clarifying details early helps you feel more confident and prepared.

• It also helps meetings run more smoothly when fewer clarifications are needed on the spot.

Review Past Meeting Minutes

Want to understand the context behind current decisions? Take a few minutes to read past meeting minutes.

• They often include updates on ongoing projects, budget discussions, and resident feedback.

• Knowing what’s already been discussed helps you contribute more effectively and avoid rehashing old ground.

Stay Connected Digitally

Even if you can’t attend every event or meeting, staying digitally connected keeps you in the loop.

• Sign up for email newsletters, follow your HOA’s social media, or join community group chats.

• Many associations now offer virtual attendance options or post recordings of meetings.

• Staying engaged online ensures you never miss important updates or opportunities to participate.

Stay Involved, Informed & Prepared

Your community thrives when residents are informed, involved, and connected. Whether you’re casting a proxy vote, reviewing agendas, or chatting with neighbors at a cookout, your participation helps shape a better future for the community and increases the value of your neighborhood and your home. Want to learn more about best practices, contact our Homeowners Association division at 850-837-1071.

See you @ the beach!

Published by Ella Galey
Tuesday, August 19, 2025