What Bluegreen Vacations is and how the ownership model works

Bluegreen Vacations is a timeshare company that sells vacation ownership interests in resort properties across the United States. When you buy into Bluegreen, you purchase the right to use accommodations at their resorts for a set period each year, typically one or two weeks. The company operates under a points-based system called the Bluegreen Vacation Club, where owners receive annual points they can use to book stays at Bluegreen properties or partner resorts.

Bluegreen properties are located in destinations including Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and other leisure locations. The company also operates under brands including Bluegreen Vacations, Bluegreen Vacations Plus, and Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited, each with different ownership structures and point allocations. Ownership is typically perpetual — meaning it does not expire — though you remain responsible for annual maintenance fees for as long as you own the interest.

The points you receive each year determine how many nights you can book and at which properties. Higher-tier ownership levels grant more points annually. You can also borrow points from future years, bank unused points into the next year, or trade your points through Bluegreen's internal exchange system to stay at different resorts or different times.

Key Takeaways

  • Bluegreen sells perpetual vacation ownership through a points-based system, meaning you own the interest indefinitely but pay annual maintenance fees every year.
  • Your annual points determine how many nights you can book at Bluegreen resorts; higher ownership tiers grant more points per year.
  • You can bank unused points, borrow from future years, or trade points through Bluegreen's exchange system to book different properties or dates.
  • Maintenance fees cover property upkeep and resort operations and increase over time; these are separate from the initial purchase price.
  • Bluegreen ownership can be difficult to sell on the secondary market, and resale values are typically much lower than the original purchase price.

Initial purchase price and annual maintenance fees

Bluegreen timeshare prices vary widely depending on the resort location, ownership tier, and number of points included. Prices at Bluegreen sales presentations typically range from several thousand dollars to over $20,000 for entry-level to mid-tier ownership, though exact figures depend on the specific property and current promotions. The company frequently offers discounts or incentives during sales presentations, so the advertised price is not always the final price.

Annual maintenance fees are separate from the purchase price and cover property taxes, insurance, utilities, and resort operations. These fees vary by resort and ownership level and typically range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 per year for standard ownership. Maintenance fees are not fixed — they increase over time as property costs rise, and you will receive notice of increases each year. If you own multiple interests or higher-tier memberships, your total annual fees will be higher.

Some Bluegreen ownership levels include additional perks such as discounted booking rates, priority reservation windows, or access to premium resorts, and these tiers carry higher purchase prices and maintenance fees. Before purchasing, review the specific fee schedule for the ownership level and resort you are considering, as these costs accumulate significantly over the years you own the interest.

How the points system and booking process work

Bluegreen's points system assigns you a set number of annual points based on your ownership tier. You use these points to reserve nights at Bluegreen resorts. The number of points required per night varies by resort, season, and room type — a beachfront property in peak season costs more points than an inland property in off-season. Bluegreen publishes a points chart showing the point cost for each property and time period so you can plan your bookings.

You can book stays up to a certain number of months in advance, depending on your membership tier. Higher-tier owners typically get earlier booking windows, allowing them to reserve popular dates before lower-tier owners. If you do not use all your points in a given year, you can bank them into the following year, though there are usually limits on how many points you can carry forward. You can also borrow points from your next year's allocation, though this reduces the points available the following year.

Bluegreen also operates an internal exchange system that allows you to trade your points or your reserved stay with other Bluegreen owners. This gives you flexibility if your plans change or if you want to visit a different property than you originally booked. Some ownership levels include access to external exchange networks, allowing you to trade Bluegreen stays for stays at non-Bluegreen resorts, though this typically involves additional fees.

Resale value and the secondary market

Bluegreen timeshare interests are difficult to sell on the secondary market, and resale prices are typically a fraction of what you paid originally. Many resales list for 50 to 70 percent below the original purchase price, and some sell for even less. The secondary market for timeshares is competitive, with many sellers and few buyers, which drives prices down. Selling can take months or longer, and you may not find a buyer at any price.

If you decide to sell, you can list your interest on timeshare resale websites, work with a resale broker, or attempt to sell privately. Resale brokers typically charge a commission of 10 to 50 percent of the sale price, which further reduces what you receive. Some owners choose to give away their timeshare interest rather than attempt to sell it, though even this can be complicated because the new owner assumes responsibility for future maintenance fees.

The difficulty in reselling is an important consideration before purchasing. Timeshare ownership is a long-term commitment, and you should be prepared to keep the interest for many years or to absorb a significant loss if you need to exit early. The purchase should be based on your genuine intention to use the property regularly, not on the assumption that you can resell it later at a reasonable price.

Cancellation rights and exit options

Bluegreen offers a rescission period — a window of time after purchase during which you can cancel the contract and receive a refund. The length of this period varies by state but is typically 3 to 14 days from the date of purchase. To cancel within this window, you must follow the specific procedures outlined in your purchase agreement, which usually involves sending written notice to Bluegreen's cancellation address. If you cancel during the rescission period, you should receive a full refund of your purchase price and any deposits.

After the rescission period expires, exiting a Bluegreen ownership is much more difficult. You remain responsible for annual maintenance fees even if you stop using the property. Some owners attempt to return their interest to Bluegreen, but the company does not have an obligation to accept it, and doing so does not automatically release you from fee obligations. You would need to work with Bluegreen directly to explore options, which may include deed-back programs if the company offers them.

If you are considering purchasing Bluegreen, carefully review the rescission period rules in your state and the terms of the purchase agreement before signing. Understand that once the rescission period ends, you are legally committed to the ownership and the ongoing maintenance fees, regardless of whether you use the property.

Comparing Bluegreen to other timeshare companies

Bluegreen is one of several large timeshare operators in the United States. Other major companies include Wyndham Destinations, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Disney Vacation Club, and Hilton Grand Vacations. Each operates under a different ownership model — some use points systems like Bluegreen, while others use fixed weeks or floating weeks. Purchase prices, maintenance fees, property locations, and exchange options vary significantly between companies.

Bluegreen's points-based system offers flexibility in booking dates and properties compared to fixed-week ownership, where you own a specific week each year. However, the points system also means your annual allocation can change if the company adjusts its pricing structure, and the number of points required for a given property can increase over time. Other companies may offer different trade-off between flexibility and predictability.

If you are considering timeshare ownership, compare the specific properties, point allocations, fee structures, and exchange options across multiple companies. The lowest purchase price does not always mean the best value if maintenance fees are high or if the properties do not match your vacation preferences. Request detailed fee schedules and points charts from each company before making a decision.

What happens if you stop paying maintenance fees

If you stop paying Bluegreen maintenance fees, the company can pursue collection actions against you, including placing a lien on your property or pursuing a lawsuit for the unpaid amounts. Your credit report can be negatively affected by unpaid fees. Bluegreen may also foreclose on your timeshare interest, though this does not automatically release you from liability for past-due fees or future obligations.

Stopping payment is not a practical way to exit ownership. Even if Bluegreen forecloses, you may still be responsible for the unpaid fees, and your credit will be damaged. If you are struggling with maintenance fees or no longer want to own the timeshare, contact Bluegreen directly to discuss your options. Some owners have had success negotiating with the company or exploring deed-back arrangements, though these are not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Bluegreen points at resorts outside the Bluegreen system?

Some Bluegreen ownership levels include access to external exchange networks that allow you to trade your points or reserved stays for accommodations at non-Bluegreen resorts. However, this typically involves additional fees and may not be available with all ownership tiers. Check your specific membership agreement to see what exchange options are included with your ownership level.

What happens to my Bluegreen ownership if I move or can no longer travel?

You remain responsible for annual maintenance fees regardless of whether you use the property. If you cannot travel, you can bank or borrow points, trade your reservation with another owner, or attempt to sell your interest on the secondary market. You cannot straightforward stop paying fees without facing collection actions and credit damage.

Are there any Bluegreen ownership levels that do not require annual maintenance fees?

No. All Bluegreen ownership interests require annual maintenance fees. These fees are mandatory and cover property operations, taxes, and insurance. Fees vary by resort and ownership tier but are a permanent obligation for as long as you own the interest.

How long does it typically take to sell a Bluegreen timeshare on the secondary market?

Timeshare resales can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the property, price, and market conditions. Many listings never sell at any price. If you need to exit quickly, you may have to accept a significantly lower price or explore other options with Bluegreen directly.

Can I transfer my Bluegreen ownership to a family member?

Yes, you can typically transfer ownership to a family member, though Bluegreen may charge a transfer fee and require the new owner to assume responsibility for all future maintenance fees and obligations. The new owner becomes the legal owner and is bound by the same terms as the original purchaser. Discuss transfer options and any associated costs with Bluegreen before attempting a transfer.