Commonly Asked Questions 

A bulk service agreement is a contract between your HOA and a telecommunications provider to supply services like internet, cable TV, or phone to all residents at a discounted rate. By negotiating as a community, HOAs can often secure lower prices—sometimes up to 70% less than individual rates—along with consistent service quality, simplified billing, and potential perks like signing bonuses or revenue-sharing opportunities. It's a cost-effective way to enhance connectivity and add value to your community.

Yes, you may choose to stay with your current provider. However, if the new contract exceeds 5% of the total annual budget (including reserves) for condominiums Florida Statutes § 718.3026(1), or 10% for HOAs, Florida Statutes § 720.3055 (1), requires the association to obtain competitive bids, even if they ultimately choose to remain with the current provider.

In Florida, condominium and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) do not need to amend their governing documents to enter into bulk communication service agreements. Here's the legal basis:

• Condos – Florida Statutes § 718.115 (1)(d).

  • This statute explicitly allows condo associations to enter into bulk contracts for communication services (e.g., cable, internet) without requiring prior authorization in the declaration or bylaws. The cost is considered a common expense.

• HOAs – Chapter 720 Section 309 - 2024 Florida Statutes (2)(a)

  • Similar language applies to HOAs. The statute permits associations to enter into bulk communication contracts, and the costs are deemed an operating expense—again, no amendment to the governing documents is required.​​

Yes. Both condominium and HOA boards in Florida are permitted to enter into bulk communication service agreements—even if the governing documents are silent—without a prior membership vote (per Florida Statutes 718.115 for condos and 720.309 for HOAs).

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If the cost of bulk service results in an increase above the usual annual assessment cap, that increase is typically allowed, since it reflects the addition of a new, board-approved service that benefits the entire community. We always recommend providing transparent communication to residents and consulting with legal counsel to ensure compliance with notice and budgeting requirements.

Under Florida law, condominium and homeowners' association (HOA) boards are authorized to enter into bulk communication service contracts.

• Board Authority: Both condominium and HOA boards can enter into bulk communication service contracts without a prior membership vote, even if the governing documents are silent on the matter.

  • Condos – Florida Statutes § 718.115 (1)(d).​

  • HOAs – Chapter 720 Section 309 - 2024 Florida Statutes (2)(a)

• Member Oversight: Members have the right to cancel such contracts by majority vote at the next regular or special meeting following the contract's execution.

  • If no motion to cancel is made or if such motion fails to obtain the required majority, the contract is deemed ratified for its term.​

• Cost Allocation: The costs of these services are treated as common expenses (for condominiums) or operating expenses (for HOAs) and are typically allocated equally among units or parcels.

Opting out of a bulk service agreement is entirely acceptable-Communities don't have to take Bulk service. Your HOA can still explore alternative arrangements, such as marketing or access agreements. These options allow residents to choose their own providers while potentially offering benefits to the association, like improving your community's infrastructure to Fiber, signing bonuses or revenue-sharing opportunities.

Engaging a telecommunications consultant can help identify and negotiate these alternatives to best suit your community's needs.

Even if residents individually choose and pay for their services, a marketing agreement can still benefit your HOA. These agreements allow providers to market their services within the community, and in return, the HOA may receive incentives such as signing bonuses or revenue-sharing opportunities. This can generate additional income for the association without mandating any service changes for residents.

Engaging a telecommunications consultant can help your HOA navigate these options, ensuring that any agreements align with current regulations and serve the best interests of your community.

Bulk internet-only agreements are increasingly popular among single-family HOAs and gaining more traction all the time! As more residents "cut the cord" and opt for streaming services over traditional cable TV, communities are choosing to provide high-speed internet as a core amenity while allowing residents to select their own video providers. These agreements often lead to cost savings, improved fiber infrastructure, enhanced property values, and a modernized community appeal. Not to mention, the additional perks of signing bonuses.

A signing bonus is a one-time payment that a telecommunications provider offers to an HOA as an incentive for entering into a service agreement, such as a bulk or marketing contract. This payment can be used by the HOA for community improvements, offsetting costs, or other association needs.

Revenue sharing is a financial arrangement typically offered with marketing agreements where a telecommunications provider pays an HOA a portion of the revenue generated from residents who subscribe to that provider. This can provide the HOA with additional funds for community projects or to offset costs.

As a Community Development District (CDD) in Florida, you can enter into Bulk and Marketing telecom agreements—but the structure, purpose, and process must align with your statutory authority (Chapter 190, Florida Statutes) and serve a clear public purpose.

• Legal Review Is Essential: Your district counsel must confirm any agreement aligns with statutory authority and fiduciary responsibility.

• Public Purpose: All agreements must clearly benefit the district and its residents, not private companies.

• Sunshine Law & Procurement: Agreements must be approved in public meetings and may be subject to procurement rules.

YES, While CDDs must act within legal limits, there are positive, defensible talking points a CDD can use to justify entering into a bulk service agreement with a telecommunications provider—if the arrangement clearly benefits the district and its residents.

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1. Enhances District Infrastructure

“A bulk agreement enables us to bring fiber or advanced broadband infrastructure to the entire district, improving long-term value and connectivity.”

• Upgrades CDD-wide telecom infrastructure (fiber, Wi-Fi in amenities, etc.)

• Positions the district for future smart community applications

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2. Delivers Cost Savings for Residents

“Bulk pricing allows us to negotiate lower rates than what residents could get individually—delivering real monthly savings to the community.”

• Residents benefit from significantly reduced internet or cable rates

• Stabilizes pricing over time (often with 3–5-year fixed terms)

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3. Simplifies Billing and Services

“One contract for the community streamlines billing and support, reducing headaches for both residents and district management.”

• Residents deal with fewer providers and inconsistent bills

• Service upgrades and issues can be centrally managed or escalated

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4. Boosts Property Values and Market Appeal

“Fiber and strong broadband are now critical to homebuyers—communities with reliable, affordable internet are more attractive and competitive.”

• Enhanced internet services can increase home value

• Appeals to remote workers and tech-savvy families

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5. Provides Greater Control and Oversight

“A CDD-managed bulk agreement ensures provider accountability, with service standards, performance metrics, and escalation paths built in.”

• The CDD can negotiate service-level agreements (SLAs)

• Centralized contact point improves response times and reliability

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6. Ensures Equitable Access Across the District

“Every home in the district receives the same quality of service—promoting fairness and reducing service gaps.”

• Avoids service inconsistency or digital divide among neighborhoods

• Everyone benefits equally regardless of their location in the district

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7. Aligns with CDD’s Role in Providing Essential Services

“Just like water, lighting, and roads, broadband is now an essential service. It makes sense for the CDD to help deliver it efficiently.”

• Broadband is increasingly viewed as public infrastructure

• Matches the CDD’s purpose of improving resident quality of life

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While CDDs must act within legal limits, there are positive, defensible talking points a CDD can use to justify entering into a marketing agreement with a telecommunications provider—if the arrangement clearly benefits the district and its residents.

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1. Supports Community-Wide Access to High-Speed Internet

“This agreement helps promote broadband awareness and adoption among residents, which supports our long-term infrastructure and digital inclusion goals.”

• Encourages adoption of better telecom services

• Can be tied to public amenities, community centers, or CDD-wide fiber builds

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2. Creates Non-Tax Revenue for the District

“The marketing compensation received can help offset operational costs and reduce the financial burden on residents.”

• Revenue can support CDD amenities or services

• Helps avoid increases in assessments or fees

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3. Provides Transparency in Provider Options

“The agreement ensures consistent, district-wide information about telecom options, promoting fairness and informed decision-making for residents.”

• May include uniform messaging, service comparison, or consistent pricing materials

• Avoids piecemeal, confusing outreach by multiple vendors

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4. Encourages Infrastructure Investment in the District

“By showing a willingness to promote services that benefit our residents, we attract more telecom investment in fiber and advanced infrastructure.”

• Providers are more likely to upgrade networks where there's engagement and support

• Could lead to improved service reliability and speeds

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5. Communication Remains Resident-Focused and Controlled

“The CDD retains oversight of how and when provider messages are shared to avoid resident fatigue or confusion.”

• The CDD can approve materials and messaging

• Ensures outreach aligns with community standards

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6. Structured for Public Benefit, Not Private Gain

“This is not an exclusive deal—it’s structured to ensure the public interest is served first, with clear boundaries and transparency.”

• Can be structured as non-exclusive and limited in scope

• Reviewed by legal counsel and disclosed in public meetings

A telecommunications consultant is an expert who can handle things like negotiating better deals with providers, recommending upgrades for outdated systems, overseeing installations (like fiber-optic cables), and making sure everything follows the rules. Think of them as your HOA’s go-to person for all things tech!

Hiring a consultant can save your HOA money, time, and a lot of headaches. Here’s what they can do:

• Secure better prices and terms with service providers.

• Review your current services and suggest improvements.

• Keep your community up to speed with new technology like super-fast internet.

• Make sure the selected provider follows through on all deal points.

• Coordinate with selected service provider so you don’t have to.

Here’s what your HOA can gain:

• Lower costs from better-negotiated deals.

• Improved internet and cable services for residents.

• Access to cool new tech and future-proof solutions.

• Tailored advice to meet your community’s needs.

• Happier residents thanks to better connectivity and services.

Definitely! A good consultant can help you plan for the future by checking out your current systems, predicting what you’ll need, and suggesting upgrades. This keeps your community ahead of the tech curve.

It usually goes like this:

• They’ll start by checking out your community’s current setup.

• Then, they’ll suggest changes or improvements.

• They’ll help you pick vendors and negotiate contracts.

• Oversee installations or upgrades to make sure everything gets done right.

• Stick around for regular check-ups to keep things running smoothly.

Costs vary depending on your needs and the consultant you choose. Some charge a flat fee, while others may take a percentage of the signing bonus or a portion of the savings they negotiate on your behalf. It's important to request a clear breakdown of all fees upfront to ensure the arrangement fits your budget and expectations.

Begin by reaching out to Community Broadband Consulting Group (CBCG); Click the Contact Us link below, for an initial consultation.  We will assess your current services, understand your community's needs, and propose strategies to enhance your telecommunications infrastructure.