This directory lists over 200 ROC communities, many that have a website. They represent only a partial listing of the total number of resident-owned parks. Most listed here are located in Florida; a few properties in other states are also shown.
I would like this directory to be as complete and accurate as possible. If you live in or know of a resident-owned community you would like included, email the name, address and the web url if there is one, and I will list it. Also, if you find any of the inevitable errors let me know and I will make the necessary corrections.(mgfreeman@residentownedcommunities.com) The term "resident-owned community" most commonly refers to a manufactured/mobile home or RV community that is incorporated and operated as a not-for-profit co-operative, with each resident shareholder owning an equal voting and equity share of the park. A board of directors is elected, and they in turn appoint the corporate officers. Day-to-day operations are usually the responsibility of a community manager or professional management company. Regular meetings are held in which issues affecting the community are discussed and decided, such as the budget and park rules and regulations.
There are many advantages to co-op parks. A great appeal to the resident shareholders is the security they have against the park being unwillingly "sold out from underneath them". In the event a majority of the co-op members were to vote to sell, any profits thus derived would belong to them. In Florida, state residents enjoy the tax benefits and protections of homestead exemption. As a non-profit, all the income of the park after expenses is re-invested in the community. Also, there is the likely appreciation in the value of the individual shares of the co-op, providing the benefit of equity growth.
In many cases, the purchase of a share may be financed by a bank or other financial institution. This extra monthly payment is offset by the fact that shareholders pay much less in lot fees than renters. This savings is often enough to make up for the extra expense of the share cost.
Most roc parks do not require every homeowner to purchase a share; those residents may rent lots like they would in any other park. Although they do not vote or participate in equity ownership, they often appreciate and prefer the benefits of living in a non-profit, resident-owned community.
Many parks are organized as condominiums, although these are at present a smaller percentage. Although they differ somewhat in organizational structure from co-ops, both forms offer the resident the advantages of land ownership and greater self-determination in the affairs of their community.
To begin exploring, click the name of a state on the navigation bar, the name of a county, then select the url link of a listed park. Thank you for visiting today. I hope you find this site interesting and useful.
Michael Freeman
St Petersburg, Fl