FAQ
Community
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chevron_rightCan I choose any color to paint my house?
No. Residents must select one of the approved color schemes found in the books in the clubhouse lobby.
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chevron_rightDo I need to submit an ARC application to repaint my house the same color?
No. If you are repainting the outside of your house and not changing the color, you do not need to submit an ARC application.
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chevron_rightDoes the HOA recommend any service providers for residents?
Please note that the Vista Lakes Board of Directors does not recommend or endorse any contractors providing services directly to residents. If you receive any communication from any service providers stating that the Board has approved, contracted with, or endorsed their services for Vista Lakes homeowners, please contact the Community Manager.
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chevron_rightHow can I find out the status of my account?
Please contact Castle Group Management Company at 954-792-6000 with your name, address and account number (if you have it) to find out if your account is current. If your account is carrying a balance, you may be denied entry into Vista Lakes' amenities and events.
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chevron_rightHow can I make an estoppel request?
Estoppel requests for Vista Lakes can be ordered through the Castle Group Management Company. For more information contact estoppels@castlegroup.com. Or, call them at 954-792-6000.
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chevron_rightHow can I pay my HOA dues?
Quarterly VLCA assessments are due on the 1st of January, April, July and October.
- You can mail assessment payments to:
Vista Lakes Community Association, Inc.PO BOX 628207
Orlando, Fl. 32862-8207- You can pay at any branch of Truist
- You can pay online through your own bank's online bill paying service.
- You can pay online through Truist by clicking HERE
- You can pay online through Castle Group at https://gmcp.gridsystems.net/
If you are paying online, you will need your Bill Pay Account Number, Serial Number and Unit Number. You can get this information on the coupon book or by calling Castle Group at 954-792-6000.Please see your coupon book for instructions on how to set up “Online Bill Pay” and “Association Pay” payments. Online Bill Pay costs $9.95 and is suitable for single, one-time payments; Association Pay payments are set up to be recurring, automatic payments. All payments must be made in U.S. funds, in accordance with the instructions. -
chevron_rightHow do I join a committee
All of our committee members are resident volunteers. If you would like to join one of these, please email vlstaff@vistalakesfl.com who can get you in contact with the committee chairs.
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chevron_rightWhat are the resident and guest parking guidelines within Vista Lakes?
2.14.1. Vehicle ParkingOvernight parking or storage of commercial vehicles is prohibited. No unregistered or inoperable motor vehicle or trailer of any kind may be disassembled, serviced or repaired on the Properties in such a manner as to be visible from any point on adjacent property or the street.
No vehicle shall be parked on any lawn, landscaped portion of the Common Properties or Common Areas, roadways or other portions of the Properties which are not specifically designed and intended for the parking of vehicles.No disassembly or repair of motor vehicles shall be made in any roadway, driveway, or parking area, except in the case of emergency breakdown. This rule does not include the changing of flat tires, checking or changing of oil or other maintenance checks. This rule will only apply to vehicles that are dismantled.
The intent of the Association is to restrict on-street parking for a more aesthetic streetscape and safer vehicle access. Vehicles of residents and their guests are to be parked in garages and driveways. The blocking of sidewalks with parked vehicles is prohibited. Short-term visitor parking on roadways is limited to six hours. No vehicles with commercial lettering are allowed to be parked in any areas other than garages except for short-term delivery. Exceptions to the provisions of this Section may be granted by the Board in its sole discretion.
2.14.2 Prohibited VehiclesNo "Prohibited Vehicle" shall be parked or stored on any of the Common Properties or Common Areas or on any portion of a lot which is visible from any of the Common Properties or Common Areas or from any road or other lot within the Property except while performing services for or on behalf of owners or residents of Vista Lakes. For purposes of this section, a "Prohibited Vehicle" is:
a. Any vehicle longer than 21 feet or higher than 8 feet.
b. Any commercial vehicle, i.e., one not designed and used for normal personal/family transportation.
c. Any vehicle bearing commercial lettering, graphics, or other Commercial insignia, except if such lettering is completely covered with magnetic material (or other type coverings intended for outdoor use). The material shall be the same color as the vehicle. Exceptions: factory-applied logos depicting the name of the vehicle or, dealership, logos of non-profit car clubs, and college and University names and logos. The Board may make other
exceptions from time-to-time.
d. Recreational vehicles (RV), including campers, mobile and motor homes, all-terrain vehicles and dune buggies.
e. Trailer of any type.
f. Boats
g. Derelict vehicles, including unregistered or inoperable motor vehicles or trailers.For purposes of this Section, a "Prohibited Vehicle" will not be deemed to be (even if generally described above) any commercial vehicle or public service vehicle present in the Properties while performing services for or on behalf of owners or residents in Vista Lakes.All motorized vehicles, including ATV's, motorcycles, go carts, and similar vehicles are prohibited from entering onto any common areas including parks, bike paths and walkways.Temporary parking for the purpose of loading and unloading recreational vehicles, boats & trailers is permitted in unit owner's driveway, provided that the Owner has given prior notice to management. Parking is permitted for up to eighteen (18) hours for the purpose of loading or unloading.Commercial vehicles that are less than 8 feet high and shorter than 21 feet long may, at the Board’s sole discretion, be parked for certain short periods of time in the driveways of the resident driver. The commercial lettering does not have to be covered during these exempt times. -
chevron_rightWhat is being done to maintain abandoned properties in the community?
The staff monitor all homes within the community and take action as issues start to appear. This action includes violation notices from both the Association and the City of Orlando Code Enforcement. Although homes may be empty, the state requires notices be attempted as a first course of action. After the process of sending 3 notices from the management office, the property will be scheduled for mowing by either the Association or the City of Orlando. The cost of this maintenance is billed directly back to the property owner and a lien may be placed on the property so that these expenses can be recovered when the property is sold. This process is time consuming, but is required by our Governing Documents and the State of Florida.
Although it may be upsetting to receive a letter for weeds in your planter beds when the house down the street has grass a foot high, please remember that having residents address these issues promptly allows us to focus our time and effort on the abandoned properties and hopefully minimize their impact on the overall community. -
chevron_rightWhen does the VLCA publish its newsletter?
Newsletters have been mailed to every household in January, April, July and October and can also be viewed online. You can find all of the available E-newsletters here.
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chevron_rightWhere can I obtain a gate opener for my gated neighborhood?
Gate Openers are available from the Community Manager at the Residents' Club during office hours. They may also be purchased at the Pool Office during scheduled pool hours (payable by check only).
ID Cards
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chevron_rightHow do I get Vista Lakes ID cards for my family?
A Vista Lakes identification card is required in order to use the pools and parks. I.D.’s are issued by pool staff during the hours of operation of the pools. This ID will be checked to access the pool, to attend events, and could be asked for at any of our three parks or other HOA property. The ID's do expire every 5 years for homeowners and expire on lease expiration dates for tenants. Any resident over 18 that is not the homeowner will need to provide two valid and official current forms of verification of address such as a utility bill with your name and current Vista Lakes address along with a valid photo ID.To obtain your ID, please bring in...
- Deed and driver's license if you are the homeowner.
- If you are leasing, please bring a copy of the valid lease agreement signed by both parties and driver's license.
To obtain your mortgage deed...- Go here on the Orange County Property Appraisers website and search for your address.
- Click on the 'Sales' tab
- Click on the 'Instrument #' for your sale and then select 'Continue to Site'
- In the upper left hand corner you will see 'View Images'
- Click to view that image which is your warranty deed
- Print this out and bring it in with you
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chevron_rightHow do I get a guest pass?
- All guests must be escorted by a resident at least 18 years old, unless they have a valid Vista Lakes short-term or long-term guest pass Residents may be asked to show their driver’s license or other form of proof (pass port, government ID, etc) to show proof of age. Guest eighteen years and older must have picture ID.
- A maximum of five guests per household (not per resident) are permitted access to the pool area at a time.
- For guests staying at a resident’s house for two weeks or longer, residents may request a long-term guest pass at the pool office that is good for five or fewer guests. Long-term guests must be at least 18 years old to enter the Pool Area unescorted. Residents must pre-register long-term guests and obtain a guest pass at least 24 hours prior to the first pool visit by the guest(s).
- For guests staying at a resident’s house for less than two weeks, the resident may request the Pool Staff to issue a short-term guest pass, good for one guest. This pass will allow guests to enter the Pool Area unescorted provided they are at least 18 years old. Residents must pre-register their guests at the pool office at least 24 hours prior to the first pool visit by the guest.
Please see the Pool Rules. -
chevron_rightDo guests 18 years and older have to show a picture ID?
- No children under 13 are permitted in the Pool Area unless accompanied by a resident at least 18 years old. Residents escorting children may be required to display their driver’s license or other forms of proof to show proof of age.
- All guests must be escorted by a resident at least 18 years old, unless they have a valid Vista Lakes short-term or long-term guest pass Residents may be asked to show their driver’s license or other form of proof (pass port, government ID, etc) to show proof of age. Guest eighteen years and older must have picture ID.
- For guests staying at a resident’s house for two weeks or longer, residents may request a long-term guest pass at the pool office that is good for five or fewer guests. Long-term guests must be at least 18 years old to enter the Pool Area unescorted. Residents must pre-register long-term guests and obtain a guest pass at least 24 hours prior to the first pool visit by the guest(s).
Please see the Pool Rules.
Municipal Services
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chevron_rightOn what days can I irrigate my landscaping?
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chevron_rightWhere is the local Post Office?
7360 Curry Ford Road, at the junction of Curry Ford Road and Goldenrod Road. The phone number is (407) 277-3501.
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chevron_rightHow do I obtain recycling bins?
Please see the City of Orlando - Solid Waste Management, Residential Recycling Bin Request.
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chevron_rightWhat items can be placed in recycling bins?
Please see the City of Orlando - Solid Waste Management, Residential Recycling Regulations.
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chevron_rightWhat days are garbage, recycling, and yard waste picked up?
Recycling: FridaysGarbage and Yard Waste: Tuesdays. If you have items too large to fit in your trash bin, schedule a large item pick-up.
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chevron_rightHow do I report street lights that are damaged or not working?
Call Duke Energy at 800-228-8485 and provide the adjacent address and/or pole number, or complete the Streetlight Repair Form.
Police/Law & Order
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chevron_rightWho do I contact about barking dogs?
Contact Animal Control at (407) 836-3111.
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chevron_rightHow do we get more police patrols in our neighborhood?
Call 911 whenever you see any illegal or suspicious activity (Patrol levels depend on the number of "calls to action").
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chevron_rightHow should I report minor infractions such as lost property, vandalism or harassing phone calls?
Minor infractions that do not require a police response may be reported online at www.cityoforlando.net/police, via telephone at (407) 246-2470, or in person at 100 S. Hughey Avenue.
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chevron_rightWhere do I complain about congested traffic or careless drivers in my neighborhood?
Dial the Traffic Hotline at (407) 246-2906 and leave a recorded message including the location, time, and the nature of the problem you are encountering. If you would like to meet with one of our Traffic Enforcement Officers, please leave your name, telephone number and the best time to call you, and we will schedule an appointment.
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chevron_rightHow do I find out about criminal activity in my neighborhood?
Go to the Crime & Law Enforcement page of this web site.
Pools
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chevron_rightAre swim diapers required for small children?
Florida Statute Chapter 471 64E-9: “to help prevent disease, sanitary nuisances, and accidents by which the health or safety of an individual may be threatened or impaired”.
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chevron_rightWhy are swimmies/floaties not allowed in the pool?
Inflatable arm-bands are allowed in the pool area. All other floatation devices must be “Coast Guard Approved”, similar to other public pools in Florida.
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chevron_rightAre balloons not allowed at the pool pavilion?
Balloons can be very hazardous to the pool equipment and filtering system, and can result in unscheduled pool closures and/or costly equipment repairs.
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chevron_rightWhy am I only allowed 5 guests at the pool? Can I pay to bring more in?
The facilities are provided for the residents’ benefit, and are subject to maximum occupancy restrictions, therefore guest access is restricted so as to minimize the chance of having to turn away residents.
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chevron_rightCan I drop off my guest at the pool and leave them?
No. Please refer to the Pool Rules.
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chevron_rightWhy doesn’t Central Park or Horizons have pool privileges at the Amenities Center?
Central Park and Horizons have their own pools, and so the pools at the Amenities Center were not built to accommodate those residents, who therefore pay lower HOA fees.
Recreational
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chevron_rightWhat amenities are available for residents?
A variety of facilities are available to Vista Lakes’ residents. Please see the Amenities page for more details.
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chevron_rightWhy are there so many rules at Vista Lakes?
The rules (which residents agree to when signing at closing on their home purchase) are designed to keep Vista Lakes as desirable as it was when it attracted us all to live in this community. Pool rules are subject to change at the discretion of the Amenities Committee as they deem necessary to insure the safe and pleasant operation of the amenities at Vista Lakes.
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chevron_rightWho do I contact when I want to plan a block party in my neighborhood?
If you live in a non-gated neighborhood, the City’s Neighborhood Services Office will provide you with the needed forms and explain the do’s and don’ts of having a block party. You may contact them at (407) 246-2169. For gated neighborhoods, please contact the Community Manager.