• Residents FAQ

  • Click on a question to reveal the answer. If you're thinking about joining our community, please visit our Prospective Buyers FAQ page.

    • Who is Condominium Associates (CA)?

      CA is the association management company employed by the Tara Master Association (TMA) to handle day-to-day affairs and assist in management of the TMA. CA is responsible for:

      • Maintaining records
      • Invoicing and collecting annual dues
      • Ensuring compliance with Florida State Statutes
      • Enforcement of covenants and deed restrictions
      • Overall communications to the 2,070 homes in the community
    • How do I create my online account with CA?

      Online access to your account is available through a TMA members-only website portal managed by CA. To initially register for this members-only web portal, visit the Members page and follow the instructions. For each residence, each spouse/partner must separately register with his/her own email address and password. CA will make sure that both are registered to the same account for that residence.

      Once you have completed the registration form, a CA representative will be alerted that you have registered and provide access. Once your account is created, you will begin to receive Tara communications periodically emailed by CA on behalf of the TMA Board of Directors.
    • When are my TMA dues billed?

      The TMA dues are billed annually in early December and are due by January 1.
    • How do I access my TMA account and see my statement?

      Visit the Members page and then click on the  TMA members-only website link. Once logged in, your homeowner’s account information can then be accessed on the Owner Info tab, Account Information link.
    • How do I pay my dues?

      Condominium Associates offers several ways to make your annual payment:

      • By Check or e-Check payable to the association
      • By online payment
      • By Automatic Clearing House (ACH)

      These methods of payment are described in the CA Welcome Packet, available as a selection under the About navigation item
    • What are the dues for next year?

      The annual budget is available on the Documents page of this website. Annual maintenance fees are due January 1 each year.
    • What do the TMA dues include?

      The TMA dues primarily pay for:

      • Landscape maintenance and street lighting along Tara Blvd from State Road 70 to Tara Preserve Lane
      • Landscape maintenance on several other common areas
      • Xfinity cable TV and Internet services
      • Other utilities
      • Management expenses and fees for services provided to TMA members
    • How do I sign up for email from CA?

      To enroll, fill in and submit the form on the Email Sign-up page. 
    • How do I contact CA?

      Contact CA directly at:

      CA’s office is located at:
      570 Carillon Parkway, Suite 210
      St. Petersburg, FL 33716
    • How do I contact the Tara CDD?

      See the CDD website or call its Field Operations Manager at the Preserve Community Center at 941-756-2416.
    • How do I contact the TGCC?

      See its website at www.taragcc.com/contact or call its office at 941-756-7775.
    • Are there sub-associations that I belong to?

      Of those who live in the Tara Golf and Country Club, nearly all are members of the TGCC. All who live in The Preserve are members of the Tara CDD1. Those who own homes in a condo community also belong to a condominium association. In addition, some other Preserve homes have associations that provide some maintenance services and/or landscape maintenance for their member homeowners.
    • What is the schedule for garbage and waste collection?

      At the Manatee County Utilities Department webpage, Look up your collection days with the Resident Information Tool.
    • Who provides utilities, TV and Internet services?

      For electrical power, Tara is served by Florida Power and Light (FPL) and is provided natural gas service through TECO. Water is provided by the Manatee County Utilities Department. Xfinity provides TV and internet services to each residence via a contract with the TMA.
    • What is included in Xfinity’s services?

      Xfinity provides both cable TV and internet services to the community through a bulk service contract with the TMA. Visit the Xfinity page for details and a link to the TV channel lineup. On that same page, there is also a link to an Xfinity User’s Guide describing the features of the TMA’s bulk contract.
    • What are the Community TV channels?

      The TMA contract with Xfinity provides for two channels (C195 and C196) to disseminate community information. Channel 195 televises information appropriate to Tara Golf and Country Club residents, while Channel 196 delivers information appropriate to the residents of The Preserve at Tara.
    • Why do we have a cable TV contract?

      The Declaration of Covenants for the Tara development made the TMA responsible for providing the ECT (Electronic Communications & Transmissions) services – which include TV communications and internet service – all provided through a bulk contract negotiated by the TMA.
    • How do I opt out of Xfinity?

      You may opt out of the Xfinity services by calling Xfinity and canceling your service. However, your TMA dues, which include a fee for your Xfinity services, will not be reduced, even though you choose not to have the services.
    • Does Xfinity provide phone service?

      Members of TMA pay for their basic contract Xfinity services through TMA’s annual dues. Members who choose to purchase optional services (directly from Xfinity) such as phone service or additional programming, (e.g., optional sports or movie packages), will be billed by Xfinity individually for the services. Phone service for Tara residents may be available at a special rate negotiated under the bulk contract.

      Xfinity has established a dedicated customer service line for bulk contract customers. That phone number is 855-510-1609. When contacting Customer Service, owners should tell the Xfinity representative that they are part of the Tara Master Association Bulk Contract to ensure getting the right pricing and options. For additional information on Xfinity, access its website at this link: www.xfinity.com.
    • Who maintains the ponds in Tara?

      Depending on the pond, it is owned or maintained by either the Tara CDD, TGCC, the Preserve Golf Club, individual private property owners, or one of the condominium HOAs. The Tara CDD is responsible for the water quality and maintenance of the 50+ ponds in The Preserve.
    • Is fishing permitted in the ponds?

      As described above, the ponds are private property. Generally, you must have permission of the property owner to fish in the ponds. Fishing is prohibited in some of the ponds.
    • Is a fishing license required by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?

      The short answer is everyone between the ages of 16 and 65 needs a license to fish. Most residents and visitors to Florida need to purchase a fishing license before they cast a line. Even if you are merely helping someone by baiting a hook or setting up their gear, you also need a fishing license. There are exceptions, so check with FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for details. A fishing license may be purchased locally or online at www.myfwc.com/license.

    • Are you allowed to ride bicycles on the sidewalks?

      In Florida, the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle and must obey the same traffic laws as the drivers of other vehicles. When riding on sidewalks, a bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian. A bicyclist riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and must give an audible signal when passing a pedestrian or other cyclist.
    • Who maintains the landscape along Tara Boulevard?

      Through its Landscape Committee, the TMA is responsible for the right-of-way landscaping from State Road (SR) 70 to Tara Preserve Lane. The CDD is responsible for the landscape from Tara Preserve Lane to Linger Lodge Road.
    • Who maintains the streetlights along Tara Boulevard?

      The TMA is responsible for the streetlights from SR 70 to Tara Preserve Lane.
    • What is the role of the TMA’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC)?

      The ARC is responsible for enforcing architectural standards consistent with the original architectural, structural, aesthetic, and environmental design of the development. A link to the Tara Preserve ARC Procedures and Standards Manual is found on the Documents page.
    • How often does the ARC inspect our property?

      The ARC does an annual visual inspection to ensure all properties are being maintained in accordance with the ARC Standards. Violation notices are sent after the inspection, which must be corrected in the allotted time window or fines may be imposed.
    • What are the deed restrictions for my property?

      Both developments in Tara – the TGCC and The Preserve – are deed-restricted communities. See the Tara Declaration, ARC Standards, and TMA By-laws for details on the restrictions, all accessible from the Documents page.
    • What colors may I paint my house?

      In Tara Preserve, exterior colors must be very similar to the original color palette. Any change must be approved by the TMA ARC Committee. See the approved Tara Preserve exterior paint colors palette on the Documents page.
    • Can I put up a fence?

      Fences may be permitted with ARC approval. See the ARC Standards document for details.
    • What is that black stuff on my driveway and roof?

      The black stuff is probably mold, which is common in Florida. Homeowners are expected to maintain the roof, driveway and mailboxes by periodic cleaning and power washing where mold has accumulated.
    • Who maintains the mailboxes?

      Mailboxes are solely the responsibility of the property owner. They are to be maintained with the colors and style of the original mailbox.
    • Are garage sales permitted?

      Yes. Approval of the ARC is required in advance. Condominium associations may have additional restrictions for their members. The TMA has, in the past, approved and coordinated a once-yearly winter TMA-wide garage sale. Check with the TMA to see if a similar annual event will again be sponsored.
    • What is the policy on tree removal or trimming?

      Effective 7/1/2019, Florida Bill # CS/HB 1159 was passed, prohibiting local governments from requiring approval to prune, trim or remove a tree on residential property if the property owner obtains documentation from an arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree presents a danger to persons or property. Manatee County has chosen to indefinitely suspend the residential tree removal notification requirement while the County Attorney's Office reviews CS/HB 1159 and until the County updates its code to reflect any policy changes.

      Home Owner Associations (HOAs) are still required to obtain a commercial tree removal permit for trees that are on HOA common ground. The new law does not affect the authority of HOAs (or the TMA’s ARC) regarding homes within the community – homeowners are still required to check their HOA policies and procedures. As per our current TMA-ARC Standards (3.4.4), tree removal still requires approval from the ARC. This would also include recent policy changes to reflect that "no trees shall be topped or "hat-racked," and property owners may be responsible to replace or remove a damaged tree.
    • When and where does the TMA Board meet?

      The Board meets monthly, alternately at the Preserve Community Center or the TGCC Clubhouse. See the News & Events tab on this website’s homepage for date, time, and location. The meetings are open to members only.
    • When and where is the TMA Annual Members Meeting?

      The annual members meeting of the TMA is held in March each year at a date, time, and place determined by the Board. Elections for board seats are held in conjunction with the annual meeting. See the Events page for future meetings.
    • Where do I go for my Preserve pool and tennis court keys?

      Visit the Preserve Community Center on Tara Preserve Lane near Wingspan Way during hours when the Preserve Field Operations Manager is on-site to obtain key fobs for the pool and courts (at a nominal cost – cash only).
    • Where do I find my HOA documents?

      For links to the various TMA documents, visit the Documents page. Other HOA’s – notably condominium associations – have additional HOA documents pertaining to their particular sub-associations.
    • How do I obtain estoppel information and other documents related to selling my home?

      Estoppel letters can be ordered through Homewise Docs at www.homewisedocs.com. If you have an estoppel-related question that Homewise Docs can’t answer, you may contact Linda Keane:

      Condominium Associates
      Attn: Linda Keane
      3001 Executive Drive
      Suite 260
      Clearwater, FL 33762
      Phone: 727-573-9300
      info@condominiumassociates.com
    • Is there a sale or rental application for Tara?

      No sale or rental applications for homes in Tara are required by the TMA. Buyers and future renters are encouraged to contact any other sub-association governing the home to obtain and follow their requirements.
    • What are the pet restrictions?

      Pets in our community are subject to all provisions of the Manatee County Animal Ordinance. Other sub-associations governing a home may also have restrictions.
    • How do I voice a complaint regarding another home within Tara?

      Please email your concerns to CA using the Contact page. Your complaint will be directed to the appropriate TMA Committee for review and response.