FAQ

BELOW ARE SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GRAND OAKS

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Assessments
  • chevron_rightWhen are assessments due?
    Assessments are due on January 1st and July 1st of each year
  • chevron_rightHow do I pay my assessments?
    ONLINE:
    You may pay your assessment online at:  Truist Bank Online Payment Service
    Enter your Bill pay number, Serial Account Number and Unit Number which is found on your coupon book.
    (See sample at:  Truist Bank Online Payment Sample
     
    PAY BY CHECK:   Please Allow enough time for your check to be received by the due date!
    Make Check payable to:  Grand Oaks Community Association, Inc.

    Mail payment to:  Truist Association Services     (Mailing labels are in your coupon book)
                                  P. O. Box 628207
                                  Orlando, FL  32862-8207
    Be sure to include your coupon with your check!
     
    USE YOUR BANKS BILL PAY SERVICE:
    Register with your banks bill pay service to have an ACH payment made to Truist Bank.
    The payment should be made to:  Grand Oaks Community Association, Inc.
    The address is listed above.  
    Be sure to include the information for your account from your Coupon.
  • chevron_rightWhat is the late fee policy?
    GRAND OAKS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
    ASSESSMENTS DELINQUENCY COLLECTION POLICY Dated: May 16, 2017
     
    A 15-day grace period will be given on receipt of the assessment payment due date. On the 16th
    day following the initial due date, the first reminder letter (PAST DUE NOTICE) will be sent to the owner(s). The amount due will include a late charge of the greater of the amount permitted in the Florida Statutes, $25 or 5% of the amount of the assessment payment passed due plus the processing fee charged by the Property Management Company, acting as agent for the Association, if such exists. The letter will be sent by mail and email to the owner of record at the mail address and email on record with the Association.
     
    On the 15th day following the date of the reminder letter, the second letter will be sent noticing the owner(s) of the balance due and the intent to take legal action if the amount due is not paid within 15 days of the date of the letter. The amount due will be the unpaid balance provided in the first letter plus a processing fee charged by the Property Management Company, acting as agent for the Association, if such exists. The letter will also note that, if the balance due is not paid and legal action is taken, an interest charge of 18% per annum from the date the original assessment was due (January 01 or July 01) will be charged. The letter will also note that legal
    fees and other processing costs of the legal action taken will be charged to the owner. The letter will be sent by registered or certified mail and email to the owner of record at the mail address and email on record with the Association.
     
    The action of going to Lien or the Foreclosure of liens will be brought to the Board for a vote at a duly called Board Meeting.

    Any special Assessment that may be imposed and collected during the year will have the same collection policy noted above, with the exception of the due date.
     
     
Clubhouse, Pool and Spa
General Questions about living in Grand Oaks
  • chevron_rightAre there any restrictions on yard or window signs?
    Yes,  Our Community Standards Document states the following in  Section 31. Signs:
    All signs are prohibited including outside the home, in a window, on a vehicle or in the lanai, except for the following:  
    ·         In accordance with Florida Statue 720-304  (6) “Any parcel Owner may display a sign of reasonable size provided by a contractor for security services within 10 feet of any entrance to the home”  (Maximum of 1 yard sign two (2) yard signs (one at front entrance and one at side OR back entrance placed within the mulch bed adjacent to the home) and 1 Sarasota County Sheriff window sticker)  
    ·         “Open House” and corresponding directional signs are permitted on the day of an open house.   The Owner must contact the Board prior to the open house to arrange gate access.
    ·         Owners may display one “resale” sign which must be of a consistent look throughout Grand Oaks. (See Exhibit D: “For Sale Signs”). The sign must show the lettering “FOR SALE” and the name of the real estate brokerage, the listing agent and a contact phone number and/or email address.  If a home is for sale “By Owner”, they may state “By Owner” and their phone number and/or email address.  Signs must be a consistent size of 12” high by 18” wide.  The color will be the Grand Oaks “beige” background with brown lettering with a 3/8” dark brown band around the perimeter of the sign.  All signs must be located within the “Lamppost” mulch bed.  
    Promotional signs from contractors are prohibited unless the contractor is actively working on site.  Owners must remove signs if contractors install them at any other time.
     
     
  • chevron_rightCan I hold a yard, garage or estate sale?
    No, our governing documents prohibit these types of sales.
  • chevron_rightCan I leave my garage door open all day?
    No, according to our Declaration of Covenants, ARTICLE IV, BUILDING AND USE RESTRICTIONS,
    Paragraph 5:  All garages must have doors that are to be maintained in a useful, working condition. Except when in actual use, garage doors must be kept closed. No garage shall be converted to other usage.
  • chevron_rightHow do I use the gate entry system to allow access for my visitors? (Updated)
    Our gate entry system from Tap2Open was successfully installed on June 3, 2024.  

    Every home is registered with Tap2Open and each resident in your home is a user on your account. All owners should download the Tap2Open Dashboard and Access apps from your app store to your computer and smartphone.
     
    To learn more about the system and to view the tutorials, please go to "Gate Entry System Info" section in the "Living Here" tab.
     
     
     
  • chevron_rightIs Grand Oaks professionally managed?
    Yes!  Grand Oaks is professionally managed by Pinnacle Community Association Management,
    PO Box 21058,
    Sarasota, FL  34276. 
    Our Property Manager is: 
    Patti Pressano.   Phone:  (941) 444-7090. 
    You may contact Patti using the "Contact Us" page.
  • chevron_rightWhat about trash and recycling?
    FCC Environmental Services of Florida, LLC was selected as the new service provider for the Solid Waste South Service Area.
    The new contracts take effect on March 30, 2025, and the new collection services begin on March 31, 2025.
     
    Beginning March 31, Our new Trash, recycling and yard waste collection day will be on Tuesday
    Our first Tuesday automated collection by FCC Environments Services will be April 1, 2025
    ONLY Trash in the new containers will be collected!
    Garbage bags and bulk items at the curb will not be collected!
     
    Below are a few important changes to our solid waste collection services:
    Transition Date: March 28 is the last collection day with the current service provider.
    New Garbage Carts: Sarasota County has provide one garbage cart to each residence in unincorporated Sarasota County.
    Automated Collection: All garbage must fit inside the new cart for collection. Items left outside the cart will no longer be collected after March 29. 
    Bulk Pickups: Each residential property is eligible for four free bulk pick-ups (up to 10 cubic yards) per calendar year with the option to request additional bulk collection services (supplemental collection fees apply). Requests for bulk pickups must be scheduled in advance with the service provider.  (FCC Environmetal Services)
    Additional Carts: Additional carts (both garbage and recycling) may be requested through your service provider. Supplemental fees will apply.
    Cart Size Exchange: Cart size exchanges will be available after July 1. More information will be posted in June.
     
    For the few Owners who are currently not placing their trash in receptacles, please do not leave trash bags at the curb. 
    Our Community's Declaration states in Article IV, Section 7;   Exterior Use Restrictions:
    No rubbish, trash, garbage or other waste material shall be kept or permitted on the Subdivision except in containers...
     
    For complete information about the new trash and recycling services, visit:
     
    You may also visit FCC Environments Services website at:
     
     
     
  • chevron_rightWhat is the policy for leasing my home?
    According to our Declaration of Covenants, Article IV, BUILDING AND USE RESTRICTIONS ,Paragraph 20: Sale, Transfer, Lease or Occupation of a Homesite: 
    In the event of a sale, lease, transfer or occupation of a dwelling, the Owner shall notify the Board with the name of the new Owner or tenant, along with the closing date of sale or term of lease.  A dwelling shall not be leased for less than a three (3) month term, or more often than twice per year and must be leased in its entirety.  A copy of the lease must be provided to the Association within five (5) days of the execution of the lease.  The Owner of a leased Homesite shall be jointly and severally liable with his or her tenant to the Association to pay any claim for injury or damage to property caused by the negligence of the tenant.  Every lease shall be subordinated to any lien filed by the Association whether before or after such lease was entered into. 
  • chevron_rightWhen is the garbage and recycling collected?
    Our normal collection day is Thursday.  If the week has a holiday, the collection may be delayed one day.

    Place trash and recyclables out after 5PM, the day before pickup. Return garbage cans and recycle
    bins to garage the same day as picked up.
    • All garbage and cans must be stored in the garage.
    • Recycling must be in a county provided blue can and placed separately from the trash and yard waste.
    • Yard waste is normally collected the same day as trash and recycling.
    For more information, visit:
     
     
     
     
  • chevron_rightWho do I call for utility services?
    Please see the "Useful Web Links" page under "Services and Utilities" for more information.
General Questions about selling my home
  • chevron_rightCan I have an open house and how are the gates opened? (Updated)
    This page is currently under construction.
  • chevron_rightCan I put a "For Sale" sign in my yard?
    Yes, but it must comply with the conditions in the Community Standards in Section 31. Signs:
    All signs are prohibited including outside the home, in a window, on a vehicle or in the lanai, except for the following:  
    ·         In accordance with Florida Statue 720-304  (6) “Any parcel Owner may display a sign of reasonable size provided by a contractor for security services within 10 feet of any entrance to the home”  (Maximum two (2) yard signs (one at front entrance and one at side OR back entrance placed within the mulch bed adjacent to the home) and 1 Sarasota County Sheriff window sticker)  
    ·         “Open House” and corresponding directional signs are permitted on the day of an open house.   The Owner must contact the Board prior to the open house to arrange gate access.
    ·         Owners may display one “resale” sign which must be of a consistent look throughout Grand Oaks. (See Exhibit D: “For Sale Signs”). The sign must show the lettering “FOR SALE” and the name of the real estate brokerage, the listing agent and a contact phone number and/or email address.  If a home is for sale “By Owner”, they may state “By Owner” and their phone number and/or email address.  Signs must be a consistent size of 12” high by 18” wide.  The color will be the Grand Oaks “beige” background with brown lettering with a 3/8” dark brown band around the perimeter of the sign.  All signs must be located within the “Lamppost” mulch bed.  
    Promotional signs from contractors are prohibited unless the contractor is actively working on site.  Owners must remove signs if contractors install them at any other time.
     
     
  • chevron_rightWhen I sell my home, what do I need to give to the buyer?
    In addition to the keys to your home, you are required to provide the new owners with (2) keys to the Grand Oaks clubhouse and (2) "key fobs" for opening the vehicle entry gates on E. Venice Avenue.
    The clubhouse keys also open the pool Mens and Womens restrooms and the pedestrian walk-in gates at the entrance on E. Venice Avenue and at the "exit only" gate on S. Clermont Road.
     
    If sellers do not have these items, they are required to pay the cost to have them replaced.
Home Maintenance
  • chevron_rightCan I paint the exterior of my home any color I choose?
    NO!  We are a deed restricted community and all changes to the exterior of homes must comply with the Grand Oaks Community Standards.  A link to the approved paint color chart from the Standards is below:
     
  • chevron_rightWho is responsible for the exterior maintenance of my home?
    Homeowners are responsibile for all exterior maintenance on the home including:
     
    • Keep lamppost bulb, GFI circuit & sensor working. (Use white LED, 5000 Kelvin 60 watt equivalent bulb)
    • Keeping paver driveway and paver walkway clean.
    • Roof and gutter cleaning and maintenance.
    • All maintenance of the home exterior including pressure washing and painting.
    • Any shrubs or flowers planted by the homeowner.
  • chevron_rightWho takes care of my lamppost?
    RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE
    Responsibility for maintaining lamp post lights can be found in the Declaration Article V, Section 2 (Maintenance of Homesites) and in the 2017 Community Standards Section 6 (Exterior Lighting) on page 6.
     
    In 2018, the Board adopted the following policy:
     
     
    "The HOA is responsible for maintaining the lamp post itself and wiring of the lamp post to the dwelling, i.e., from the light socket to the photo cell sensor. 
    Owners are responsible for maintaining GFI’s (ground fault interrupter), photo cell sensors and lightbulbs." 
     
    The lightbulb is an LED Type A19 shape bulb with 8.5 watt (60 what equivilant), 120 Volts, 60 Hz 800 Lumens, 5000 K.
     
     
Hurricane Information
  • chevron_rightWhat Evacuation Zone is Grand Oaks in?
    Grand Oaks is in Evacuation Zone "C". 
    For more information, see the Florida Disaster website "Know your Zone":
  • chevron_rightWhat is the hurricane shutter policy?
    From Grand Oaks Community Standards document: Section 13. Hurricane Protection:
          
    With the exception of painting the builder supplied panels, Owners must file an Application for Architectural OR Landscape Change to the MC for review and approval of plans to change hurricane shutters from what was initially installed by the Developer. All hurricane shutters must meet the applicable specifications as cited in the Miami-Dade County Building Code. They must be installed by a licensed contractor to meet these standards, inspected by the appropriate county authorities, and received a Notice of Approval (NOA).   All permanent exterior mounting pins, channels, brackets, etc. must be painted to match the house or trim color. Graffiti is not permitted on any shutter. 
     
    All homes in Grand Oaks were originally constructed with “Impact Resistant” front windows, doors and garage doors. 
    No additional Hurricane shutters may be installed on any front windows, doors or garage doors at any time.  Depending on the shutter material, Owners may choose either:  (A) Active storm protection or (B) Long term storm protection. 
     
    a)      ACTIVE STORM PROTECTION:  The following types of shutters may be put on side or rear windows, doors and lanai openings of the dwelling ONLY when there has been an announcement by the state government that a state of emergency exists including the Venice area; the Venice area has been included in the National Weather Service (NWS) five day “cone of uncertainty” for a tropical storm; or a hurricane watch or warning has been issued by the NWS for the Venice area. These devices must be removed no later than one week after either the NWS hurricane watch or warning is withdrawn or when Venice is no longer with the NWS “cone of uncertainty” for any future storm.
    ·         Galvanized steel panels 
    ·         Bare aluminum panels 
    ·         Mesh fabric storm covers installed on openings outside lanai screen enclosures.  
    ·         Clear polycarbonate (i.e. Lexan) panels 
     
    b)      LONG TERM STORM PROTECTION:  The following types of shutters may be installed and used AT ANY TIME during hurricane season (June 1 – Nov. 30) on side or rear windows, doors and lanai openings of the dwelling.  Approval must be obtained from the Board for any additional time periods. 
    ·         Roll down shutters that are white, beige, or complement the house in color 
    ·         Accordion shutters that are white, beige, or complement the house in color 
    ·         Aluminum panels that are white, beige, or complement the house in color 
    ·         Mesh fabric storm covers installed on openings inside lanai screen enclosures 
  • chevron_rightWhat should I know if a hurricane is approaching?
    The ABC7 First Alert Weather 2024 Hurricane Guide has important information to know before, during and after a storm.   Here is a link to the guide:
Landscape
  • chevron_rightCan I add or remove plants?
    All changes to the exterior of your home must be approved by the Modifications Committee. 
    This includes adding or replacing plants within your mulch bed(s) or adding decorative objects.  
    NO plants are permitted to be added to any common areas surrounding your property.
     
    For complete details, read the Community Standards document that can be found on the Documents page.
  • chevron_rightWho is responsible for the Landscape?
    We are a landscape "Maintenance-Free" community.
    All originally planted landscaping within the Grand Oaks Community is the responsibility of the Association to maintain.
    After proper application and approval, Owners may add or replace “Florida Friendly” plants as outlined in the Community Standards.  Any plants added by Owners are no longer the responsibility of the Association to maintain.
     
    Complete information may be found on page 17 of our Community Standards document, EXHIBIT B: Landscape Responsibility and Maintenance Policy.
     
     
Questions About Buying a Home in Grand Oaks
Vehicle Parking
  • chevron_rightWhat is the vehicle parking policy?
     According to our Declaration of Covenants, Article IV, BUILDING AND USE RESTRICTIONS, Paragraph
    15:  Vehicles:  Only automobiles, vans constructed as private passenger vehicles with permanent rear seats and side windows, and other vehicles manufactured and used as private passenger vehicles, may be parked within the Subdivision overnight without the prior written consent of Declarant, unless kept within an enclosed garage.  In particular and without limitation, without the prior written consent, no vehicle containing commercial lettering, signs or equipment, and no truck, recreational vehicle, camper, trailer, or vehicle other than a private passenger vehicle as specified above, and no boat, may be placed, parked or stored outside of a Homesite overnight.  No overnight parking is permitted on any streets, lawns or other areas other than driveways and garages, without written consent being first obtained. Notwithstanding the foregoing, automobiles owned by governmental law enforcement agencies are expressly permitted.  The foregoing shall not be deemed to prohibit temporary parking of commercial vehicles during the time of delivery service or during the time that services are being provided to the Homesite by the occupant of such vehicle or of construction vehicles during construction activities relative to a Homesite.  All vehicles parked within the Subdivision or any Homesite must be in good condition and repair, and no vehicle which does not contain a current license plate or which cannot operate on its own power shall be parked within the Subdivision outside of an enclosed garage for more than 24 hours, and no major repair of any vehicle shall be made on any Homesite or the Subdivision and any minor repairs shall be accomplished only in an enclosed garage.  All-terrain vehicles and the like are not permitted to be operated within the Subdivision or parked outside of an enclosed garage except with written consent, which such consent may be withdrawn at any time, and any permitted motorized vehicle must be licensed for street use and equipped with an appropriate noise muffling device so that the operation of the same does not create unreasonable annoyance or disturbance to the Members.  The Association is authorized to tow vehicles in accordance with Florida Statute Section 715.07.
Wildlife Info
  • chevron_rightHow to tell the difference between a Florida Panther and a Bobcat
    Below is a link to an article from the Sarasota Herald Tribune about Florida panthers and bobcats:
     
  • chevron_rightIs it Okay to feed the wildlife in Grand Oaks?
    Please DO NOT feed the wildlife.  This includes our rabbits, ducks and birds.
    Feeding wildlife is generally considered bad for them as it can lead to a number of negative consequences, including: causing them to lose their natural fear of humans, leading to potential aggression or dangerous encounters, disrupting their natural foraging behaviors, increasing the risk of disease transmission due to overcrowding, and causing malnutrition by consuming inappropriate human food; therefore, most experts advise against feeding wild animals unless in very specific situations and with proper guidance.  
     
    Key reasons why feeding wildlife is harmful:
    Unnatural diet:
    Human food is often not nutritionally balanced for wildlife and can lead to digestive issues or deficiencies.  
    Habituation:
    When animals become accustomed to receiving food from humans, they may lose their natural fear and approach people too closely, posing a safety risk.  
    Overpopulation: 
    An artificially abundant food source can lead to an overpopulation of animals in a given area, which can strain local ecosystems and increase competition for resources.  
    Disease spread:
    Concentrating animals at feeding sites can facilitate the rapid transmission of diseases among them.  
    Altered behaviors:
    Reliance on human food can disrupt natural foraging behaviors and migration patterns. 
     
    Feeding wildlife is illegal in some cases in Florida. This includes intentionally or unintentionally feeding wildlife. 
     
    Why is feeding wildlife illegal? 
    • It can reduce wildlife's fear of humans, which can lead to aggression
    • It can create a public nuisance
    • It can increase the spread of disease
    • It can lead to wildlife becoming a nuisance to property owners
    What wildlife is it illegal to feed in Florida? 
    bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, pelicans, alligators, crocodiles, sandhill cranes, wild monkeys, and gopher tortoises.
     
    What are the penalties for feeding wildlife in Florida? 
    ·         First violation: A civil penalty of $100
    ·         Second and subsequent violations: A misdemeanor of the second degree
    ·         Third violation: A misdemeanor of the first degree
    ·         Fourth or subsequent violations: A felony of the third degree
    What can you do instead of feeding wildlife? 
    ·         Give wildlife space
    ·         View wild animals from a distance or through binoculars
    ·         Secure food and food waste in wildlife resistant containers
    ·         Let professionals care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife
  • chevron_rightLiving with Bobcats
    Below is an article from Florida Fish and Wildlife about living with Bobcats:
     
  • chevron_rightWhat should I do if I see a Bobcat?
    What to do if you see a bobcat:

    Do not approach the bobcat.
    Do not turn your back on it. Instead, slowly back away from the bobcat.
    No matter how tempting it may be, do not run as this can provoke the bobcat.
    Throw any water you have at the bobcat. Like other cats, they do not like water.
    Call animal control if you see a bobcat in a developed area.
    Bang anything you have together or make as much noise as possible.
  • chevron_rightWhat should I know about Bobcats?
    Below is a link about Florida Bobcats from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission:
     
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