<P> A Declaration of Restrictions has been created for each individual neighborhood, which regulates design and operational aspects, such as landscaping, repairs and maintenance, placement of satellite dishes, hedges, etc . An Architectural Review Committee controls the composition and consistency of the exterior of the residential properties within The Villages . The committee, which consists of Villages residents, reviews and approves alterations and modifications to the properties and homes built by the developer . Committee members serve for three years and are selected by the sitting committee . </P> <P> To qualify for an exception to the Housing for Older Persons Act prohibitions against discrimination, at least 80% of the homes within The Villages must have at least one person 55 years of age or older residing in the home . Persons under the age of 19 years are not permitted to reside within The Villages unless an exemption is granted . Three subdivisions have been designated as "family units" and are not subject to this restriction . Otherwise, persons under age 19 (such as grandchildren) are permitted to visit for no more than 30 days within a calendar year . </P> <P> According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP (Sumter County only) has a total area of 5.6 sq mi (15 km), of which 5.2 sq mi (13 km) is land and 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km) (6.99%) is water . The Villages is located approximately 45 miles northwest of Orlando and 75 miles northeast of Tampa . </P> <P> As of the census of 2000, there were 8,333 people, 4,392 households, and 3,583 families residing in the CDP (Sumter County). The population density was 1,605.5 people per square mile (619.9 / km2). There were 5,065 housing units at an average density of 975.9 / mi (376.8 / km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.4% White, 0.5% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.5% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.06% from other races, and 0.4% from two or more races . Hispanics or Latinos of any race made up 1.3% of the population . </P>

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