I think the "rules" you make reference to are actually the deed covenants and restrictions. As The Villages grew, and new sections were added, revised restrictions and covenants were implemented that, of course, only apply to that section of TV. The oldest areas (the "historic" district east of Hwy 441/27) seems to have the least restrictive covenants and as you move west and south, they grow more restrictive. The new covenants were not "retroactive" to previous existing covenants thus you ended up with a mixture of deed restrictions across TV.
Lawn ornaments is one example. They are not mentioned at all in deeds in the "historic" district. As development moved south and west, lawn ornaments were addressed and sometimes allowed under certain conditions (i.e. fountains had to have flowing water) and then even later in development they were prohibited totally.
At closing, you will get a copy of the covenants and restrictions that apply to your property. Not the most interesting read you will ever have but it is important. They are also posted online but you need your lot information in detail to get to the correct covenants that apply to your lot. You probably don't have that right now.
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