Commonly-Asked Questions

Below are questions most often asked at Covered Bridge Estates. If your question is not addressed below, please contact our Property Manager at 941-479-4903 or email manager@cbecai.com.

Q: When does the Board of Directors meet? Committees?
A: The Board of Directors meeting is on the fourth Wednesday of each month. It is held at 7:00pm at the Clubhouse. The Modifications Committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00am. The Covenants Enforcement Fining Review Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm. The Communications Committee meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm.

Q: Where can I obtain a copy of the documents for Covered Bridge Estates?
A: You can go to the Residents and Owners page of our website cbecai.com or you can have copies made (copying charges may apply, depending on the number of pages requested) by our management office. You can bring a flash drive to the office during normal business hours to have them copied electronically. Documents most commonly requested by real estate agents are here:

TitleRecording Information
Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Covered Bridge Estates with AmendmentsRecorded in the Public Records of Manatee County, Florida on January 7, 1999 in O.R. Book 1580, beginning at Page 5799
Amendment addressing numerous issues
Recorded in the Public Records of Manatee County, Florida on April 12, 2000 in O.R. Book 1631, beginning at Page 664
Supplemental Declaration Number 2 addressing numerous issues
Recorded in the Public Records of Manatee County, Florida on April 12, 2000 in O.R. Book 1631, beginning at Page 670
Amendment addressing the builder’s limited responsibility for assessments
Recorded in the Public Records of Manatee County, Florida on May 30, 2002 in O.R. Book 1749, beginning at Page 4069
Amendment addressing tree removal and installation, easement areas and exterior lighting
Recorded in the Public Records of Manatee County, Florida on January 26, 2004 in O.R. Book 1897, beginning at Page 1898
Amendment addressing the contributions to working capital
Recorded in the Public Records of Manatee County, Florida on March 13, 2006 in O.R. Book 2108, beginning at Page 5372
Amendment to Supplemental Declaration addressing numerous topics
Recorded in the Public Records of Manatee County, Florida on September 20, 2011 in O.R. Book 2392, beginning at Page 4370
Amendment addressing the restrictions to transfer and rental of units
Recorded in the Public Records of Manatee County, Florida on May 8, 2013 in O.R. Book 2473, beginning at Page 3538
Amendment restricting leasing until home has been owned for 24 months for new purchasers
Recorded in the Public Records of Manatee County, Florida on March 22, 2018 in O.R. Book 2719, beginning at Page 4220
By-Laws of Covered Bridge Estates Community Association, Inc.Recorded in the Public Records of Manatee County, Florida on January 7, 1999 in O.R. Book 1580, beginning at Page 5880
Articles of Incorporation of Covered Bridge Estates Community Association, Inc.Filed with the Secretary of State on June 5, 1998
Covered Bridge Estates Community Association Policies, Procedures and Guidelines for the New Construction and Modifications CommitteesUpdated December 16, 2015
Fining Structure Article V Maintenance of UnitsAdopted 2012
Use Restrictions
n/a
Parking Regulationsn/a
Resolution 11-04-2018Maintenance of Trees and Landscaping Along Sidewalks and Roadways
Resolution 11-05-2018Revisions to Reporting of Violations and Violation Notification Process
Resolution 11-06-2018Guidelines for Resident-Facilitated Community Activities on the Common Areas
Resolution 02-01-2019Modification to Accept White Front Door and White Garage Doors
Resolution 02-02-2019Restrictions Regarding Garbage and Trash

Q: When are assessments due?
A: Assessments are due quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.

Q: Where should I mail payments?
A: Payments are mailed to Covered Bridge Estates, PO Box 22762, Tampa, FL 33622-2762. You may also make payments online by using our homeowner web portal and choosing online payment. To access our homeowner portal please click here to login or to create your account. Once your account has been verified, you will be able to pay online. NOTE: Payments made prior to 1/31/2019 will not be visible in the web portal until January 2020.

Q: Can I make payments at the office?
A: Yes, you can stop by the office with your payment during our regular office hours.

Q: Do you charge late fees and interest?
A: Yes. A late fee of $25.00 and 18% annual interest is assessed for any amount not paid within 14 days of the due date.

Q: Is the clubhouse available for rent?
A: Yes. The clubhouse rental fee of $100.00 plus a $300.00 deposit is due at the time of reservation. Clubhouse rentals are first come, first served.

Q: Can I reserve space at the pool?
A: No. The pool is for the enjoyment of the community. Spaces may not be reserved for parties or events.

Q: Can my children come to the pool alone? What about the clubhouse?
A: Any child 14 years of age or below must be accompanied by an adult for access to the pool area. The clubhouse is restricted to adults 18 years of age or older unless accompanied by an adult. The fitness room is strictly for those 18 years or older.

Q: What are the office hours? What are the clubhouse hours?
A: Office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday through Friday. The clubhouse is open from 5am to 8:45pm.

Q: How do I contact the manager?
A: Pat Naldrett-Bilodeau is our Community Manager. The office phone number is 941-479-4903. Her email address is manager@cbecai.com. If contacting by mail or in person, the address is 6350 Shenandoah Circle, Ellenton, FL 34222.

Q: Can I rent my home?
A: If you purchased your home after March 21, 2018, there is a 24 month waiting period before you can rent your home. If you purchased your home prior to March 21, 2018, you may rent your home only with an annual lease. Short term rentals are not allowed. Association approval must be obtained before the move in date. A copy of the lease must be on file with the Association office. The prospective tenant must fill out our lease application and agree to a background check. The fee for background checks is $100.00 per individual occupant 18 or older and $100.00 if a married couple.

Q: What are the parking restrictions?
A: Parking is restricted to the home’s garage or driveway. Boats, trailers, commercial vehicles or any other vessel not considered a personal passenger car or light truck is prohibited unless it is parked in the garage. Parking on the grass is prohibited. Overnight street parking is prohibited.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Wildlife, livestock, reptiles and poultry are not permitted. Dogs, cats or other usual and common household pets are permitted. Please see the community documents for a more thorough review.

Q: How do I register a complaint?
A: Please fill out a concern form for any issues that require the attention of management. Concern forms may be found on the Residents and Owners section of our website at cbecai.com or in the clubhouse.

Q: Do I need permission to modify the exterior of my home?
A: Yes. Modification forms may be found on the Residents and Owners section of our website at cbecai.com or in the clubhouse. You can also create an electronic Modification request via the homeowner portal. To access our homeowner portal please click here to login or to create your account.

Q: Can I cut down trees on my property?
A: A modification form is to be used for permission to cut down trees. Additionally, Manatee County approval is required. Modification forms may be found on the Residents and Owners section of our website at cbecai.com or in the clubhouse. You can also create an electronic Modification request via the homeowner portal. To access our homeowner portal please click here to login or to create your account.

Q: When do I put out my trash?
A: Regular trash pickup is on Tuesday and Friday. Recycling pickup is on Tuesday. Yard Waste pickup is on Wednesday. Be sure to take in all refuse cans on the day of pickup, as trash cans in view of the street are not permitted.

Q: Can I park my boat and trailer in the driveway?
A: No. Personal passenger cars & trucks are the only vessels allowed on your property unless stored in the garage.

Q: Who should I contact about animal complaints such as pet waste?
A: Manatee County Animal Control – 941-742-5933 or mymanatee.org.

Q: There is an alligator in the pond. What should I do?
A: Leave it alone. Alligators are native to Florida and are an important part of the ecosystem. They keep the rat and snake populations in check. Do not feed, approach or otherwise harass an alligator. If an alligator is acting aggressively, you may call the Nuisance Wildlife Removal line at 941-729-2103.

Q: What should I do about other wildlife?
A: Again, there are many species of wildlife native to Florida. The best course of action is to leave them alone. Bobcats, panthers and deer are common sights in our area but remember we moved into their back yard, they did not move into ours.

Q: What are the rules for cutting down trees on our property as relates to oak trees and associated permits?
A: The Association has rules as relate to tree removal in the community (See Article XIII, Section 15 of the Declaration of Covenants) and Manatee County also has rules related to what can and cannot be cut down (even on your own property). Please review the Manatee County regulations as described here.