Savannas HOA seeks board OK to allow sale of community golf course with 15‑year operating covenant

The Savannahs at Sykes Creek Homeowners Association asked Brevard County’s board July 22 to amend a 2018 agreement so the HOA can convey the Savannas Golf Course to a private buyer under terms that require the purchaser to operate the site as a public golf course for 15 years from closing.

County staff summarized the background: the county previously ceased operating the golf course and in 2018 transferred title to the HOA with a covenant obliging the HOA to keep the course open to the public for a minimum 10‑year period that expires May 22, 2028. The HOA says it does not have the capital to make repairs, the community voted to allow a sale and a proposed buyer has agreed to operate the course for 15 years and to make capital investments.

An HOA representative told commissioners the HOA received 185 votes in favor out of 286 homeowners (about 55% of homeowners and a large majority of ballots cast). The HOA provided the board with an agreement that includes a requirement that the buyer operate the course as a golf facility for 15 years and a contractual right of first refusal for the HOA if the property is later sold.

Commissioners asked whether development could occur after any operating covenant expires; staff said the HOA’s current obligation ends in May 2028 unless amended, and that redevelopment after the private owner’s 15‑year operating term would be governed by existing land‑use rules and would likely require new approvals. Board members also asked whether the proposed sale included protections for homeowners; the HOA said the purchaser intends to invest in course infrastructure and that the agreement includes a right of first refusal for the HOA.

The item before the board was an amendment to the county‑HOA agreement to permit the HOA to transfer the property consistent with its proposed agreement with the buyer. Commissioners approved the amendment, which allows the HOA to proceed with the sale, by roll call; staff noted if the board had not approved the amendment the HOA still would be bound to operate the property as a golf course until May 22, 2028.

Why it matters: The decision allows a private buyer to assume the golf course with a contractual commitment to operate it as a public course for a substantial additional period, addressing HOA concerns about maintenance costs while preserving public access for the near term. Future uses beyond the private owner’s operating covenant would be subject to land‑use approvals at the time.