Boy what a difference a few years makes. Remember the days where foreclosures were the talk of the town? Remember when a large percentage of the units or homes in your community were not paying their assessments and the association was struggling to pay its bills? Remember when banks began owning units in your community…
Year: 2016
AND NOW THE FLIP SIDE
Last week’s Labor Day blog was devoted to those officers and directors who truly give their heart and soul to the communities they serve. In my 25 years of practicing law I have been privileged to represent many such a devoted person. But then there’s the flip side…. What do I mean by the flip…
ANOTHER DIRECTOR CONVICTED. THIS TIME IN BROWARD
I really wish I didn’t have to write this particular blog this week. It’s about another HOA President who helped herself to the association’s funds when she thought she wouldn’t get caught. And if not for the hard work of a particular resident of the community, she might have been right. Three years after…
A LABOR DAY TRADITION.
Each year I love to write about how Labor Day should apply to everyone, especially to those people who voluntarily serve as officers and directors in our Florida community associations. If anyone deserves a day of recognition and a day to sit back, kick off their shoes and soak in the sun, it’s these underappreciated…
ASSOCIATIONS MUST ACT QUICK WHEN A SERVICE MEMBER WANTS TO MOVE IN
Lots of associations have the right to screen and reject proposed renters of homes and units in their communities. I previously blogged about a new Dade and Broward ordinance that forces associations to act quick when purchasers or renters file an application with the association. The association has 15 days to tell the applicant that…
TICK TOCK – TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO OPT-OUT OF THE FIRE SPRINKLER REQUIREMENT
Let’s narrow the issues right off the bat. You only need to keep reading if your building is 75 feet or more in height, measured from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to the floor level of the highest occupiable story. If your condominium does not fit into this category, if you already…
SERVICE ANIMALS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS–PART 2
Great response from our readers to Part 1 last week. Now let’s talk about the applicable laws and some do’s and don’ts. For most community associations in Florida, the primary laws that deals with this issue are the Federal and Florida Fair Housing Acts, not the Americans With Disabilities ACT, or A.D.A In regards to…
IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT'S DAY
It’s President’s Day today. Time to honor Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln and all the other Presidents. Let’s not forget Smith, Cohen, Jones, Martinez and Miller. I know the last few names on the list weren’t Presidents of The United States. I haven’t totally lost my mind….yet. But surely, these last names represent Presidents who…
AN ASSOCIATION GETS WHAT IT DESERVES
I won a pretty interesting arbitration case last week. It’s an example of how a Board’s unwillingness to listen to reason, wound up needlessly costing all of the members some money. It’s a perfect example of how it’s possible to both win and lose at the same time. Here are the facts: On September 22nd,…
Florida Community Association Law
Contracts Clause Application in an Ever Changing Legislative Landscape When representing a Florida condominium association, one interacts with many laws and other sources of authority. These include Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes (Florida’s Condominium Act) and Chapter 617 of the Florida Statutes (the Florida Not-For-Profit Corporation Act). Counsel must also consult the governing…