Emerald Forest is one of the premier living areas in Southwest Orange County. A great location, excellent Schools, and a friendly neighborhood should only enhance your quality of life. There are 259 homesites in Emerald Forest. We must all abide by the same Rules and Covenants that were signed at closing. If you are renting in this subdivision, then this booklet will acquaint you with the rules we are required to live by.

Emerald Forest homeowners have a Homeowners Association to address concerns common to us all. A Board of Directors, made up of homeowners in the neighborhood, has volunteered their time to manage the affairs of our community with the assistance of Committees and a Property Management Company.

There are responsibilities that you have as a homeowner or resident in Emerald Forest. You have the responsibility to respect your neighbors' rights by your adherence to the community rules and regulations. You also have the right and responsibility to become an active member of the community either by serving on the Board or one of the Committees. Your ideas and commitment are needed. Please volunteer.

Welcome to your neighborhood. We are glad you are here.

TELEPHONES, UTILITIES AND TRASH COLLECTION

You pay utilities such as water, electricity, telephone and trash collection. You must make your own arrangements for these services.

Florida Power (407-629-1010) provides the electricity and requires a deposit. Bell South (407-780-2355) provides your residential phone service and may require a deposit. Orange County Water and Sewer (407-836-5515) provides the water and sewer services. Orange County provides curbside garbage collection.

TRASH DISPOSAL AND REFUSE

Disposition of garbage and trash shall only be by the use of plastic bags or covered trash cans placed on the curb on the day of trash collection. We highly recommend you use covered trash containers to discourage animals. Trash cans should be placed no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day before pick-up and removed after pick-up as soon as possible. Present collection days are Monday and Thursday. Recyclables are picked up on Thursday. Yard trash is picked up on Wednesday. All yard cuttings must be bundled in lengths of no more than 3 feet. There is a limit of 10 yard trash bundles. If a holiday should fall upon any of these days, trash collection will take place on the next scheduled collection day. Two times each year, the County has pickups of large items. Notice is made in the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

CABLE TV

You may wish to order Cable TV service for your home. Time Warner Cable (407-578-2777) provides this service. They provide a wide selection of both local and remote commercial channels as well as several special purpose channels such as Home Box Office (HBO) and Cinemax. Contact them for a schedule of services and charges.

BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS

You may wish to order Broadband Internet access service for your home. BellSouth provides DSL access (www.fastaccess.com) through their service known as FastAccess. Time Warner Cable (www.rr.com) offers a cable modem connection with their Road Runner service. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. Review their respective websites. Talk to your neighbors, as you will find both utilized in our neighborhood.

FIRE PREVENTION

Fire safety is the responsibility of all residents. Fire extinguishers can be lifesavers, if you do not have one now, we strongly urge you to obtain one.

Test your smoke detectors monthly. Practice an evacuation route. Two-story homes may want to acquire rope ladders.

Orange County Fire Department will provide personal home inspections if you desire. Please phone the inspector to arrange an appointment.

The fire department can be contacted in an emergency by dialing 911.

PETS

Pets are welcome in Emerald Forest. However, as we all know, pets can be a source of irritation to your neighbors if you do not follow the community regulations regarding pets. Therefore, the Association absolutely requires that you adhere to these rules.

Pets are allowed outside of your property only on a leash and accompanied by a resident. The Orange County Sanitation and Health Department prohibits pets in or around the swimming pool areas. Pets are also NOT allowed on the tennis courts. Breeding or keeping pets for commercial purposes is forbidden.

If your pet defecates in an area outside your yard, you MUST clean it up immediately.

VEHICLES

All vehicles parked in driveways must be licensed and in operating condition. If they are not, they can be towed at the owner's expense.

Your neighbors and the Association ask that you park your vehicles according to the rules as written in the Covenants. You cannot park your vehicle on the street. In addition, parking on the grass is prohibited at all times. Please be considerate of your neighbors when entertaining visitors and guests by ensuring cars parked on the street do not present a hazard to through traffic.

Residents owning or utilizing commercial and signed vehicles may not park them in the driveway or on the street. All commercial or signed vehicles must be parked in a closed garage.

Boats, trailers and motor homes must be parked in a closed garage. They cannot be parked in the driveway or street or seen on the side of your home or your backyard.

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

Residents of Florida are exempt from paying taxes on the first $25,000 of the assessed value of their property, provided they file for the exemption between January 1st and March 1st. Contact the Tax Collectors Office for Orange County at 407-836-5045 for filing locations. Filing need be done only once so long as you continue to live on the property and claim it as your primary residence.

KEYS AND LOCKS

Each original owner received a key to the common area facilities upon the purchase of their home. This key will give you access to the pool and tennis courts. If you are not an original purchaser, you should obtain the key from your seller or landlord.

Homeowners should contact the Management Company for replacement of lost common area keys at the homeowner's expense.

It is recommended for you personal security that you have the locks changed when you move in to your home. It is also recommend that you install a deadbolt lock and sliding glass door security device where appropriate.

For the security of your home and others, as well as for aesthetic purposes, garage doors should be closed when not in use. Open doors invite intruders and can result in the theft of your personal property.

COMMUNITY OPERATIONS

Your community is managed and run by a group of homeowners, comprised of an elected Board of Directors and is assisted by a professional management company. A management company contracted by the Association provides the day-to-day operations.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors is composed of nine homeowners. Members serve three-year terms, with the term of 3 members expiring each year. Each year three members are elected at the annual Homeowner's meeting. The Board's primary function is to manage affairs of the community. Any person who owns a home in Emerald Forest is encouraged to run for a seat on the Board of Directors.

The members of the Board elect the Officers of the Board. Officers consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

The Board of Directors meets monthly. Meeting time is posted via a sign at the entrance at least 48 hours in advance of the meetings. Homeowners are welcome to attend Emerald Forest Board Meetings. It is recommended the Management Company be advised in advance of any new agenda items.

MASTER COMMUNITY

Emerald Forest is part of a planned development located within a Master Community named Buena Vista Woods. This community consists of Emerald Forest, Diamond Cove and possible future communities. Emerald Forest and Diamond Cove share the recreation area and split cost proportionately by size. Buena Vista Woods Boulevard is maintained by the Buena Vista Woods Master Association, and managed by a Management Company. Parts of your Association Fees are contributed to the upkeep of the Master Association.

COMMITTEES

From time to time the Board of Directors appoints certain committees to perform specific functions. If you have an interest that would serve the Community, you are urged to join one or more of the committees. Please check out the Committees Joining and Contacting link for more information.

SOCIAL - Plans community events during various times of the year to unite us as a community.

LANDSCAPE - Assists the management company in locating areas needing repair or service. Also makes recommendations regarding maintenance of the ponds, landscaping of the common grounds, and maintenance of the recreation area.

NEWSLETTER - Provides community information quarterly or as needed to members of Emerald Forest. Content is reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.

WELCOMING – Goes to the homes of our new neighbors to welcome them to our neighborhood.

MANAGEMENT COMPANY

The Homeowners Association retains a licensed Management Company to take care of the day-to-day operation of Emerald Forest Association business. They assist in the resolution of residents' problems, inspect the property regularly, and enforce all regulations. They develop bids and contracts for services, e.g. lawn maintenance, pool service, special cleaning, etc. The Management Company is the Board of Directors' agent to relate on a daily basis with contractors, attorneys, residents, owners, insurance agents, etc. They files liens, receive and pay all bills, and collect the maintenance fees and special assessments. They insure the work contracted is performed to the contract specifications before payment is made, generally reviewing and assisting in the development of Emerald Forest's Annual Budget and preparing the monthly financial statements for the Board.

ANNUAL BUDGET

The Emerald Forest annual budget is developed from past history of annual expenses, an inflation factor, and projected capital improvements. Homeowners may view and print a copy of the budget by going to the association website (www.emeraldforesthoa.com) and visiting the Board Information link.

ASSOCIATION FEES

Your regular annual fees are used to pay for such things as common area lawn maintenance, pond maintenance, insurance and other budget items. The fees provide the only income for the payment of our regular bills, so it is important for you to pay your fees on time. They are due January 1^st. Owners will receive a coupon for each property. Late charges are assessed after January 11^th. If fees are not paid in a timely fashion, the association can file a lien and ultimately foreclose to collect the debt.

In addition to the normal annual maintenance assessment, you may be obligated to a special assessment for a purpose as approved by your Homeowners Association. The Board has the right, with the approval of the homeowners, to levy a special assessment of financial requirements not included in the budget.

ANNUAL HOMEOWNER'S MEETING

The Annual Homeowner's Meeting is held in January of each year. Business includes the election of members to the Board of Directors. If a quorum is represented, often there will be additional items that will be discussed and voted upon. We cannot stress how important it is that you attend this meeting. If you cannot attend, please return a signed proxy statement to the management company designating someone to represent your interests. This is a very important obligation to your proxy, as important information can be transacted during the Annual Meeting. If you must proxy, be sure to choose someone who has opinions and wants similar to yours.

COMMUNITY POOL

The swimming pool is for your recreation and enjoyment. It is shared with the residents of Diamond Cove. Your enjoyment of the pool area will be greatly increased by observance of the pool rules. Please be considerate of other residents when inviting guests to swim in the pool. The resident must accompany guests.

In general, common element facilities are available for use from dawn to dusk. Pool furniture must remain in the pool area. Pool rules are listed further in this book. Please observe all rules.

TENNIS, BASKETBALL, & PLAYGROUND

These are located adjacent to the pool. Please be considerate of others waiting to use these areas and observe all rules listed further in this book.

Remember, it is our facility and any damage to the area will come out of your Association Fees. If you see anyone breaking the rules, any activity after posted hours, or unauthorized visitors, please call the Orange County Sheriff's Department immediately. The non-emergency number is 407-737-2400.

MODIFYING YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY

Should you wish to construct on your property or to alter the exterior of your home in any way you are required to submit plans to the Architectural Revue Board (ARB) who must approve the modifications in writing to assure harmony with external design and location. PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE ARB IS REQUIRED BEFORE ANY MODIFICATIONS TO YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY. The procedures are as follows:

1. Apply for approval by contacting the Management Company.

2. Complete the ARB application form sent to you by the Management Company. Include a copy of your survey and return to the Management Company.

3. The ARB will review your request and the Management Company will send you written approval or denial of your request. You MAY NOT begin construction until you have written approval.

All construction must also comply with the zoning code of Orange County, Florida. The owner is responsible for obtaining all permits and inspections required by law.

The ARB must also approve all signs in the community as well as pools, fences, solar collectors, flagpoles, playground equipment, antennas, etc. Consult your Rules and Covenants for complete information. The above information only briefly summarizes some of the rules and regulations.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND APPEARANCE

A great deal of effort and expense ensures that Emerald Forest residents have well maintained grounds. Residents are required to keep their landscaping clean, neat, and attractive. Major additions or modifications to your landscaping must be approved by the ARB. A grounds maintenance firm is contracted annually to keep the grass cut, the beds mulched and trimmed in common areas.

LAKES AND PONDS

Lake Crowell is a natural Lake. Fishing is permitted under the laws of the State of Florida. NON-MOTORIZED boats are permitted as well. Access to Lake Crowell is made from the Recreation Area via the path. Please do not cut through people's yards to get to the lake. Swimming is discouraged because the condition of the water is unknown.

The Association maintains the other ponds. Residents cannot utilize the ponds for watering their yards.

Please be aware that alligators have been seen in several of these ponds and Lake Crowell. DO NOT FEED THEM OR TRY TO TEASE THEM. Do not leave children or pets unattended.

SOLVING PROBLEMS

If you are experiencing a problem and it appears to be one in which the Association should be involved, contact the Management Company. They will assist you from that point. If you are uncertain whose problem it should be, still call the Management Company. They can help you determine responsibility. Sometimes discussing things with your neighbors can help. Many problems between neighbors that are not covered within the covenants must be worked out through peaceful and legal means.

COMMUNITY RULES AND REGULATIONS

At Emerald Forest we try to have the least number of rules, but still have a community that is an enjoyable place to live. These rules are for your protection and the protection of your neighbors. If you feel a rule or regulation should be enforced and is not, please contact the Management Company.

Though a summary of rules and regulations is found at this location, the Declaration of Rule, Covenants, and Restrictions for Emerald Forest is the absolute authority governing Emerald Forest homeowners, their tenants and guests. These Covenants should be consulted whenever there is a question about rules. When you bought your home, you signed a legal document stating that you would follow and obey these Rules & Covenants.

MOVING OUT

When you leave Emerald Forest, you should notify the Management Company that you are doing so. This insures that all maintenance fees and/or special assessments have been paid prior to the title transfer.

If you are living under a lease agreement and are moving, you should notify the homeowner and the Management Company.

EMERALD FOREST RULES & REGULATIONS

Rules and restrictions providing for the manner in which our common property is used are basic to the Association concept. The covenants specifically authorize such restrictions, and the courts have commented on their necessity, "...inherent in the concept is the principal of the home owners, since they are living in such close proximity and using facilities in common, each homeowner must give up a certain degree of freedom of choice which he might otherwise enjoy in separate, privately owned property."

SOME, BUT NOT ALL, of the rules and regulations listed in the declaration, articles of incorporation, and by-laws are restated here because of their importance.

Each owner, lessee, invitee, relative, guest or otherwise, hereinafter referred to as "occupant" of the home, shall be governed by the following house rules and regulations and all those that are listed in your declaration of covenants, articles of incorporation and by-laws. The papers signed by each homeowner who has purchased a home in Emerald Forest include an agreement to abide by all provisions of the covenants and restrictions. If you do not have a copy of the covenants, contact the Management Company.

It is the responsibility of each homeowner to inform their occupants of all rules and regulations. The homeowner as well as the occupant may be held accountable for any violation incurred by an occupant or guest.

EMERALD FOREST HOUSE RULES

A. ANNUAL ASSESSMENT (from Homeowners) must be received by the 31^st of January. The assessment shall bear interest from the due date at the maximum rate of interest permitted by law per annum.

B. DISTURBING NOISE In order to ensure health, happiness and peace of mind, no occupant shall cause any noise at any time in his or her home, or in the limited common area, or common areas, that shall, in any manner disturb another occupant of the Association. This rule is directed, but not limited to, the following areas: stereos, people noises, mechanical noises, and animals.

C. PETS

1. All pets must be walked only on a leash.

2. The occupant is responsible for insuring that his pet does not disturb any other occupants by noise, running loose or waste materials. The occupant is responsible for the immediate pick up and disposal of pet waste.

3. The occupant is responsible for any damage or injury the pet may cause.

D. PARKING VEHICLES

1. Please be sure you are not blocking driveways, sidewalks or right of way.

2. Parking is NOT permitted on non-paved areas. Parking on the grass does damage to the turf and irrigation and is strictly forbidden.

3. Commercial vehicles must be enclosed in a garage if kept on the property for more than 4 hours.

4. No street parking is permitted for the safety of the residents.

5. Boats, trailers, recreational vehicles, etc. are to be parked in a closed garage. Regulations are strictly enforced for your safety and the appearance of the Community. Violators may be towed away at the vehicle owner's expense. Please inform your guests of the parking rules.

E. STORAGE OF VEHICLES Non-operational vehicles or vessels shall not be stored on the property outside the owner's garage. Unauthorized vehicles or vessels may be towed away.

F. MULTIPLE VEHICLES All vehicles must be parked within the confines of the owner's garage or driveway.

G. GUESTS USING THE COMMON FACILITIES Guests, thirteen years old or over, may use the common recreational facilities in the absence of the owner or lessee. Residents are permitted to politely inquire as to their identity and the identity of their host. If a satisfactory answer is not forthcoming, the resident should report the incident to the Management Company or Sheriff's Department at the non-emergency number (407-737-2400).

H. GARBAGE CONTAINERS should NOT be placed in front of the home before 5:00 p.m. of the day prior to scheduled collection. Scheduled collection is Tuesday and Friday. Trashcans should be removed by dusk on the day of pickup and must be stored out of sight, such as in the garage.

I. SPEED LIMITS are posted and will be strongly enforced. 25 MPH is the speed limit throughout Emerald Forest. There are many pedestrians and small children in our neighborhood and limit enforcement ensures their safety.

J. WINDOWS Nothing must hang outside from the windows. All window coverings as seen from the outside must be in good taste.

K. ANTENNAS No radio, television antenna and/or satellite dish or any other wiring for any such purpose may be installed on the exterior of any building or upon the property without the prior written consent of the ARB. Please consult the Management Company and/or your covenants for further information.

L. COMMON AREA USAGE Common areas such as landscaped and grassed areas, recreational area, and others shall be used only for the purpose intended.

M. SIGNS No signs, advertising or notices of any kind shall be posted or displayed in such a manner as to be visible to any occupant anywhere on the common grounds, without first receiving written permission from the Board of Directors.

N. BREACH OR VIOLATION OF RULES Any breach or violation of the rules by an occupant, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, may be cause for legal action against the occupant through the proper judicial channels.

O. MISCELLANEOUS All outside equipment and garbage cans must be screened from view or behind an approved fence. No clotheslines are permitted outside.

TENNIS COURT/PLAYGROUND RULES

A. Tennis Shoes ONLY!

B. The court is for playing tennis only. No bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or other recreational equipment is allowed inside the fence.

C. Time Limit (if others are waiting):

§ SINGLES:ONE HOUR DOUBLES:TWO HOURS

D. Please place trash in receptacle.

E. No food, drinks or animals are allowed on courts.

F. No loud or abusive language on courts.

G. Court Hours: Dawn to Dusk

H. Please report to management any needed repairs.

I. Residents and their guests only permitted on courts.

J. Residents must accompany their guests at all times.

K. Please be sure the gate locks behind you when entering and leaving courts.

L. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by an adult 18 years of age or older.

RECREATION AREA

Exclusive use of Emerald Forest and Diamond Cove Residents and their invited guests. All others are trespassers.

POOL RULES

A. This is a family pool - an adult must accompany all children under the age of 13.

B. No food, glass containers of any kind, nor pets, bicycles, or other vehicles are allowed in pool area at any time.

C. No beverages are allowed IN or ON edges of pool at any time.

D. Shower before entering the pool.

E. Proper swimming attire must be worn.

F. Radios must be played at minimum volume, as to not disturb others.

G. No running, horseplay, unnecessary noise or excessive splashing allowed in pool area. NO DIVING.

H. Floaters must allow swimmer the right-of-way.

I. Warning - swim at your own risk. NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY. Bathing load - 50 people.

J. All trash, including cans and cigarettes, must be properly disposed of before leaving the pool area, and all furniture must be returned to its proper position.

K. No furniture is to be removed from the pool area.

L. Management and/or its agent reserve the right to deny the use of the pool to anyone at any time.

M. For the safety of all our children: NEVER leave the pool gates open after entering or leaving the pool area. Climbing over the fence is prohibited.

N. Always carry your key with you.

O. No diapered children allowed in the pool.

P. Pool hours: Dawn to Dusk.

Q. Keep restrooms clean at all times.

PHONE NUMBERS QUICK REFERENCE

Property Management Company Community Association Management

Orange County Sheriff

Emergency 911

Non-Emergency 657-2500

Orange County Fire Dept

Emergency 911

Non-Emergency 678-7600

Utilities

Electric - Florida Power Corp 629-1010

Water/Sewer - Orange County Utilities 836-5515

Garbage/Recycling 836-7001

Telephone - Bell South 780-2355

Newspaper - Orlando Sentinel 420-5353

Cable - Time Warner Cable 578-2777

Orange County Homestead Exemption 836-5045

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TABLE of CONTENTS

Introduction

Telephones, Utilities, and Trash Collection

Trash Disposal & Refuse

INTRODUCTION