What is a scope of work for an HOA or condo project?

A scope of work (SOW) defines exactly what a vendor is expected to do: the materials, methods, quantities, timeline, and acceptance criteria. It protects the association by ensuring all bidding vendors are pricing the same work, making apples-to-apples comparison possible.

Does Florida law require competitive bids for HOA projects?

Florida's competitive-bid sections name a percentage of the total annual budget, including reserves: 5 percent for condominiums (F.S. § 718.3026) and cooperatives (§ 719.3026), and 10 percent for HOAs (§ 720.3055), with exceptions such as named professional services and emergencies. Our competitive-bid decision aid quotes the statute text. None of the sections sets a minimum number of bids; many boards solicit at least three for any significant project. Confirm with your manager or association counsel.

What should a scope of work for an HOA project include?

A complete scope of work should include: a description of the work, materials and specifications, project timeline, insurance and licensing requirements, warranty provisions, payment schedule, and acceptance criteria. For Florida associations, contractor licensing requirements (F.S. § 489) and insurance minimums should always be specified.

What is the difference between a scope of work and a request for proposals?

A scope of work (SOW) describes what work needs to be done. A request for proposals (RFP) is the complete bid package: it includes the SOW plus pricing format, evaluation criteria, vendor qualifications, and submission instructions. All RFPs contain a SOW, but a SOW alone isn't an RFP.

Do Florida contractors need to be licensed for HOA work?

Yes, in most cases. Florida requires contractor licensing for any construction work, including roofing (F.S. § 489.113), plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Pool contractors, elevator technicians, and other specialty trades each have specific licensing requirements. Associations should always verify a contractor's license via the FL DBPR online lookup before awarding a contract.

What insurance should a Florida HOA require from its vendors?

At minimum: Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence, Workers' Compensation coverage as required by Florida law, and if applicable, professional liability or excess/umbrella coverage. The association should be named as an additional insured on the vendor's CGL policy. Some projects (roofing, structural work) warrant higher limits.

Tool · Florida §718.3026: Competitive Bids

Scope of work generator

Build a professional HOA scope of work document for any HOA or condo project in Florida. Fill in the form below, then download your completed SOW to send to bidding vendors, or post it directly as an RFP on Common Elements to receive competing bids from verified vendors.

Statute citations and Florida-specific requirements reviewed by the Common Elements editorial team. This is general information, not legal advice; confirm with association counsel.

Project Information

Trade Category*

Association Type*

Project Title*

Association Name*

Association Address

Number of Units / Buildings

Scope of Work

Describe what work is needed*

Special requirements or restrictions (optional)

Vendor Requirements

Liability insurance minimum

References required

Florida contractor license required(F.S. § 489)Workers' Compensation required(Florida law)Bonding required

Timeline

Bid submission deadline

Project start window

Get new tools by email

We'll email you when we add tools or refresh this state's toolkit.

Submit this as a live RFP on Common Elements

Post your scope of work as a formal RFP and receive competing bids from verified Florida vendors, side-by-side comparison included. Free to post.

Get started

HOA scope of work FAQ

What is a scope of work for an HOA or condo project?: A scope of work (SOW) defines exactly what a vendor is expected to do: the materials, methods, quantities, timeline, and acceptance criteria. It protects the association by ensuring all bidding vendors are pricing the same work, making apples-to-apples comparison possible.
Does Florida law require competitive bids for HOA projects?: Florida's competitive-bid sections name a percentage of the total annual budget, including reserves: 5 percent for condominiums (F.S. § 718.3026) and cooperatives (§ 719.3026), and 10 percent for HOAs (§ 720.3055), with exceptions such as named professional services and emergencies. Our competitive-bid decision aid quotes the statute text. None of the sections sets a minimum number of bids; many boards solicit at least three for any significant project. Confirm with your manager or association counsel.
What should a scope of work for an HOA project include?: A complete scope of work should include: a description of the work, materials and specifications, project timeline, insurance and licensing requirements, warranty provisions, payment schedule, and acceptance criteria. For Florida associations, contractor licensing requirements (F.S. § 489) and insurance minimums should always be specified.
What is the difference between a scope of work and a request for proposals?: A scope of work (SOW) describes what work needs to be done. A request for proposals (RFP) is the complete bid package: it includes the SOW plus pricing format, evaluation criteria, vendor qualifications, and submission instructions. All RFPs contain a SOW, but a SOW alone isn't an RFP.
Do Florida contractors need to be licensed for HOA work?: Yes, in most cases. Florida requires contractor licensing for any construction work, including roofing (F.S. § 489.113), plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Pool contractors, elevator technicians, and other specialty trades each have specific licensing requirements. Associations should always verify a contractor's license via the FL DBPR online lookup before awarding a contract.
What insurance should a Florida HOA require from its vendors?: At minimum: Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence, Workers' Compensation coverage as required by Florida law, and if applicable, professional liability or excess/umbrella coverage. The association should be named as an additional insured on the vendor's CGL policy. Some projects (roofing, structural work) warrant higher limits.