Can we buy in a 55+ community if we are not yet 55, but will be when we move there?

We want to retire to Florida, but we want to buy our place now and then move there in a few years, perhaps renting out the home or condo until then. Neither of us is 55 yet, but we keep seeing these great deals in retirement communities. I'm wondering what the rules about that are?

Depends on the HOA docs. However in most no one cares about the age of the owners -- only the age of the residents. You'll probably find some of the units are actually owned or partly owned by the children of the residents.

Every 55 and older community have there own rules. Where I live(California), we bought in June and I turned 55 in July. But here we are not allowed to rent out our home at all. So all said you would have to check with the particular community to see what the rules are. P.S. We love living in a 55 and older community. Someone else takes care of the pool, hot tub, clubhouse, lawn, etc. It's great.

All 55 and over communities must have at least one person over 55 in 80% of the homes or condos in the development. The other 20% must be voted on before anyone under 55 can buy and no one under 18 as a resident. Also, renting rules vary as to the community. In mine, no one can rent to anyone unless it is for at least one year and no snowbirds, transients, etc. So, if you are interested, the first thing you must do before you buy is get a copy of the homeowners or condo rules and find out what you're allowed to do and what your chances are of buying there if you're not 55. Good luck, the homeowners insurance is out of sight because of the hurricanes and property taxes will make you sick.