• 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 Resource Property Management (RPM)?

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

      • Maintaining records
      • Invoicing and collecting dues
      • Ensuring compliance with Florida State Statutes
      • Enforcement of covenants and deed restrictions
      • Over-all communications to the 2,070 homes in the community

      RPM also maintains a TMA members-only website for Tara residents through its SenEarthCo-associated HOA management software. At that website, members may manage their TMA account, including paying their annual TMA assessment (dues).

    • How do I create my online account with RPM?

      New users must first contact RPM to obtain a Security Key. This secure and private information for each residence is necessary to create the online account. Once the account is created, members may then sign in at the TMA members-only website. At the login page, enter your:

      • Username (which is your email address)
      • Password (created by you at account set-up)

      Once your account is created, you will begin to receive Tara communications periodically emailed by RPM on behalf of the TMA Board of Directors.

    • 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 DepartmentComcast provides TV and internet services to each residence via a contract with the TMA.

    • What is included in Comcast’s services?

      Comcast provides both cable TV and internet services to the community through a bulk-service contract with the TMA. Click on the Comcast tab on this website’s home page for details and a link to the TV channel lineup.

    • What are the Community TV channels?

      The TMA contract with Comcast provides for two channels (C195 and C196) to disseminate community information. Information appropriate to Tara Golf and Country Club residents is televised on Channel 195, 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 Comcast?

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

    • Does Comcast provide phone service?

      Members of TMA pay for their basic contract Comcast services through annual dues. Members who purchase optional services (directly from Comcast) such as phone service or additional programming from Comcast, e.g., optional sports or movie packages, will be billed by Comcast individually for the services. Phone service for Tara residents is available at the special rate of $25 per month negotiated under the bulk contract.


      Comcast has established a dedicated customer service line for bulk contract customers. That phone number is 866-405-9365. When contacting Customer Service, owners should tell the representative that they are part of the Tara Master Association Bulk Contract to ensure getting the right pricing and options. For additional information on Comcast, access its website at this link: www.xfinity.com.

    • When are my TMA dues billed?

      The TMA dues are billed annually in early December and are due by January 1.

    • How do I pay my dues?

      There are three options for making dues payments:

      1. Mail your payment to: PO Box 25237, Tampa, FL 33622-5237
      2. Online Banking. If you make online payments through your bank, please be sure to include either your TMA account number or a reference to your TMA address to ensure proper credit of your association payment. Payments must be made in the name of Tara Master Association, PO Box 25237, Tampa, FL 33622-5237.
      3. Credit Card Or E-Check Payments. Effective 1/1/2020, credit card and E-check payment options will be available online through the RPM web site. Click on Resident Services, then select Maintenance Fee Payment Options. Credit card payments will incur a 3.5% service fee, and E-check payments will include a fee of $1.99 per payment. The information required will be located at the bottom of your annual invoice.
    • 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
      • Comcast services
      • Other utilities
      • Management expenses and fees for services provided to TMA members
    • Who maintains the ponds in Tara?

      Depending on the pond, they are owned or maintained by the Tara CDD, TGCC, The Preserve Golf Club, individual private property owners, or by 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 on-line 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 ARC Procedures and Standards Manual is found on the Documents tab of this website’s homepage.

    • 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, TMA ARC Standards, and TMA By-laws for details on the restrictions, all accessible at the Documents tab of this website’s homepage.

    • 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. Approved palettes can be seen here on the TMA members-only website.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Are garage sales permitted?

      Yes. Approval of the ARC is required in advance. Condominium associations may have additional restrictions for their members.

    • 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 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 Meeting?

      The annual 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 tab for future meetings.

    • How do I sign up for email from RPM?

      To enroll, fill in and submit the form on the Members page under this website’s Navigation tab, or contact RPM’s Association Manager directly.

    • How do I contact RPM?
    • 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.

    • 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).

    • How do I access my TMA account and see my statement?

      Individual homeowners’ account information can be accessed on the TMA members-only website, My Account tab.

    • 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 which provide some maintenance services and/or landscape maintenance for their member homeowners.

    • Where do I find my HOA documents?

      For links to the various TMA documents, go to the Documents tab on this website’s homepage. Other HOA’s – notably condominium associations – have additional HOA documents available from each particular sub-association.

    • 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. You may also request estoppel letters through Resource Property Management:

      Resource Property Management, Inc.
      Attn: Alaine Giroux
      7300 Park Street
      Seminole, FL 33777
      Phone: 727-581-2662
      Email: agiroux@resourcepropertymgmt.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 the other associations that service 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.

    • How do I voice a complaint regarding another home within Tara?

      Please email your concerns to RPM at lakewoodfrontdesk@resourcepropertymgmt.com. Your complaint will be directed to the appropriate TMA Committee for review and response.