FAQ's

What is the difference between an HOA and a POA?

The Section 23 Deep Creek Community is a Property Owners Association (POA). Here are some key differences from an HOA:
✔ More Owner Influence
POA members actively participate in decision-making, including electing board members—giving you a stronger voice in community matters.

✔ Lower Fees
Because POAs typically don’t maintain amenities like pools or gyms, our annual fees are often lower than those in HOAs.

✔ More Flexibility
POA restrictions tend to be more adaptable, giving property owners greater freedom while still preserving community standards

How much is the annual assessment and when it is due?

The annual assessment of $205 per lot is billed annually and due October 1st of each year.

What does the assessment cover?

The assessment supports the POA-owned building (including the property taxes, insurances, utilities, upkeep and maintenance); the paid office staff; office operations; and maintenance of common areas such as signage, greenbelts, lakes and drainage within Section 23.

How do I pay my annual assessment?

You can pay your annual assessment by mail, drop off a check at the POA office, or online through the Section 23 POA website (deepcreek23.com).

Where do I find the Deed Restrictions?

Deed restrictions can be found on the POA website, under the Governing Documents section, or you may stop by the office to pick up a copy.

What do I need a permit for and how do I get the form?

Permits are required for new construction, additions or changes to the structure of your home, pool, fence, driveway modifications, enclosures and exterior paint changes. Permit applications are available for download on the POA website or you can stop by the office to pick them up.

Can I park on my lawn or the swale?

Vehicles must be parked in your garage or driveway. Daytime street parking for short-term visits by contractors, home maintenance vendors and guests are permitted as long as it's not overnight.

How often are greenbelts mowed?

Greenbelts are currently mowed 12 times per year. Typically greenbelts are mowed more frequently during the rainy season (June-September), weather permitting, and less frequently during the dry season.

When I report a deed restriction violation what happens next?

Our Deed Restriction Inspector confirms the violation and an initial Friendly Reminder Notice will be mailed to the owner requesting compliance within a set number of days. If not corrected within that time, a Final Notice will be sent advising that failure to comply will result in the matter being referred to our POA Attorney. If not corrected, the POA Attorney will issue a demand letter, and the property owner will be charged the legal expense for this process. After all communications have been exhausted, with no resolution, the Board of Directors will proceed with the approval for next legal steps.

My front swale isn't draining; water is sitting in the end of my driveway.

Normal dissipation of front swale water can sometimes take 72 hours when heavy rains occur during rainy season. When there are issues related to the drainage of swales in the front of your property, it is the responsibility of Charlotte County Public Works. They can be reached at (941) 575-3600 or you can submit request online at https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-works/maintenance-operations

When is trash pick up and who is the service provider?

Waste Management is the refuse company that services Deep Creek. Trash pick up is a service provided by Charlotte County and is funded through your tax dollars. Trash pick up day is Thursday, unless it falls on a holiday or preceded in the week by a holiday. If so, pickup shifts to Friday. The four holidays recognized by Waste Management are Independence, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Trash containers should be set out at the street the day before the pickup day and returned to storage area by the day after pickup day. Yard waste can be placed in a separate container, yard waste bag or tied in bundles and placed at your curb. If you need a bulk pick up for household items or large piles of yard waste, please call 941.629.1106. For more information or validation of holiday schedules, visit: https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-works/solid-waste/residential-curbside-service/

What is the proper storage of trash bins?

In between trash pickup days, bins should be stored out of sight in the garage or behind an enclosure or shrub(s) from view of the road or adjacent properties. See rules for proper dimensions of enclosures in the fence section of the Deed Restrictions.

Is there a pet leash requirement in Section 23 or a breed specific ban?

Both Section 23 and Charlotte County require that pets are leashed at all times unless within a property owners fenced yard. While there is no specific breed banned from our community, our deed restriction does not permit animals that constitute a nuisance or are dangerous:

Article XVIII Animals and Pets states “Pets are not permitted to roam free and shall be under the control of the owner at all times either in a fenced yard or leashed.” In addition, “Pets reported to roam free, or that in the sole judgment of the Board of Directors could endanger the health, safety or welfare of other property owners or their guests, or pets that persistently make objectionable noise or otherwise disturb the residents of the community shall be reported to the appropriate government agency."

Be a good neighbor and follow the Charlotte County Leash Law and keep your dog on a leash at all times. When walking your pet, carry a bag and pick up after them. Vacant land is not a dropping ground for dog waste.

I own a home in Deep Creek Section 23 and would like to rent it out. What are the Deed Restrictions for renting my property in Section 23?

A property owner may rent or lease their dwelling for residential use to a single family for a period of not less than one (1) month. Owners who rent or lease units are responsible for all deed restriction violations and will be held liable for any damages to the properties caused by the occupants or lessees. Daily or weekly rentals are not permitted.

What is the POA policy on cutting/trimming trees in the greenbelt?

The POA does not cut down healthy trees. If a safety issue exists, contact the POA office for proper handling.

What is the POA policy for landscaping and lawn maintenance?

The lawn and landscaped areas must be well maintained(cut) and kept uniformly green per our restrictions; therefore, if areas are not maintained and visible from the road, a violation may be sent.

Who do I call when I need help and/or information from public services?

Charlotte County maintains a robust 211 Information and Referral Service. By dialing 211, the center’s referral specialists can access databases of resources available from private and public health and human service agencies, matching the callers’ needs to available resources. These include Basic Human Needs Resources, Physical and Mental Health Resources, Work Support, Access to Services in Non-English Languages, Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities, Children, Youth and Family Support, Suicide Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.