Defined term
Developer turnover
Developer turnover is the transition of association control from the developer to unit owners at a defined milestone, typically tied to percentage of units sold.
During development and initial sales, the developer controls the association. At a statutory or document-defined milestone — often 75% of units sold under Chapter 718; varying triggers under Chapter 720 and the AUCA — control passes to a board elected by unit owners.
Turnover is consequential. The post-turnover audit often reveals latent construction defects, undisclosed reserve shortfalls, deferred maintenance, and self-dealing in vendor contracts. The follow-on litigation can drive substantial recoveries — multi-unit construction defect cases routinely produce seven- and eight-figure outcomes when the defects are real and the turnover timeline allows enforcement under the applicable statute of repose.
Statutes
- Fla. Stat. § 718.301
- Ala. Code § 35-8A-303