Navigate bulk agreements, restrictions, and get the best internet in your condo
Many Florida condos and HOA communities have bulk internet agreements that significantly impact your options and costs. Here's what you need to know:
Bulk agreements are contracts between your HOA/condo association and an internet provider where:
| Type | What You Pay | Your Options | Typical Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Bulk | Included in HOA ($30-60/month) | Cannot opt out | 100-300 Mbps |
| Opt-In Bulk | Discounted rate if you choose | Can use other providers | 200-500 Mbps |
| Exclusive Access | Standard rates | Only one provider allowed | Varies widely |
"Our building has a mandatory Comcast bulk agreement. We pay $45/month in our HOA fees for 200 Mbps. I wanted AT&T Fiber's gigabit service, but the HOA board said it would violate our exclusive agreement." - Maria S., South Beach
Florida HOAs often impose restrictions that affect your internet options:
Federal law (OTARD - Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule) protects your right to:
Always review HOA documents before purchasing or renting. Look for:"Master Services Agreement," "Bulk Services," or "Exclusive Provider" clauses that may lock you into specific internet arrangements.
Recent Florida legislation has strengthened resident rights regarding internet access:
If your HOA claims you can't get a different provider, they may be violating Florida law. Document their refusal and consider contacting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
"Our HOA tried to force us to use their bulk Spectrum agreement. I showed them the new Florida statute, and they had to allow AT&T Fiber installation. Now I have gigabit for less than the mandatory bulk rate!" - Tom R., Naples
Not all providers handle condo installations equally. Here's how they stack up:
| Provider | Condo Experience | Typical Speed | Monthly Cost | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 300 Mbps - 5 Gbps | $55-180 | May use existing wiring |
| Xfinity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 200 Mbps - 1.2 Gbps | $50-120 | Often pre-wired |
| Spectrum | ⭐⭐⭐ | 300 Mbps - 1 Gbps | $50-90 | Common in bulk deals |
| T-Mobile Home | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 35-350 Mbps | $50-70 | No wiring needed! |
| Verizon 5G | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 85-1000 Mbps | $50-70 | No wiring needed! |
"Our 22nd-floor condo gets amazing Verizon 5G signal. We ditched the building's mandatory Comcast and now get 800 Mbps for $50/month with no contracts!" - David L., Fort Lauderdale Beach
Solution: Request provider to use existing telephone or cable wiring. AT&T Fiber often can use old phone lines.
Solution: Submit installation requests 30-60 days before your move-in. Include provider's insurance documentation.
Solution: Use wireless solutions or request installation through existing conduit paths.
Solution: Book first available morning slots. Providers often have condo-specialized teams.
Beachfront condos face unique challenges that inland properties don't:
| Provider | Seasonal Pause Option | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Seasonal Convenience | $0-10/month | Pause up to 6 months |
| Spectrum | Seasonal Suspend | $4.99/month | Keep equipment active |
| AT&T | Vacation Hold | $10/month | Up to 9 months |
"We're in our Clearwater Beach condo 4 months a year. T-Mobile Home Internet is perfect - no contract, we just unplug it when we leave. No pause fees!" - Betty & John M., Ontario/Clearwater
If your HOA is blocking better internet options, here's how to advocate for change:
Dear [HOA Board],
I am writing to request consideration for alternative internet service providers in our building. Under Florida Statute 718.115, associations cannot prevent owners from obtaining communication services from providers of their choice.
Current issues with our bulk agreement include:
I request the board consider allowing competitive access, which would benefit all residents through improved service and pricing options.
Respectfully,
[Your name]
"Our HOA charges $65/month for 200 Mbps Comcast in our fees. I got T-Mobile 5G Home for $50/month and consistently get 400+ Mbps. The HOA couldn't stop me since it's wireless!" - Rachel K., Boca Raton
"After showing our condo board the new Florida laws, they allowed AT&T to wire our building. Now half the building has switched from the bulk Spectrum deal to fiber. Competition made Spectrum improve their service too!" - Carlos M., Brickell
"The building's bulk internet was killing my Zoom calls. I convinced the HOA to let me install Verizon 5G as a 'supplemental service.' Now I have reliable backup for $50/month." - Jennifer P., Sarasota
| Scenario | HOA Fee Portion | Actual Speed | True Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Bulk (Mandatory) | $45 | 100-200 Mbps | $45 (no choice) |
| Bulk + Speed Upgrade | $45 | 500 Mbps | $45 + $30 = $75 |
| Bulk + Individual Plan | $45 (wasted) | 1 Gbps | $45 + $80 = $125 |
| Solution | Monthly Cost | Speed | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Home Internet | $50-70 | 100-1000 Mbps | No installation needed |
| Fiber (if allowed) | $55-80 | 500-1000 Mbps | Most reliable |
| Mobile Hotspot | $40-80 | 25-150 Mbps | Fully portable |
Remember: If you're paying for bulk internet in your HOA fees but using another provider, you're essentially paying twice. Factor this into your decision.
Don't let HOA restrictions limit your internet. Compare all available options for your building.