I think everyone reading this knows how long and how hard I have fought for mandatory education for Board members.  I always thought it was disgraceful to allow someone to get certified by signing a dumb form that says I read my governing documents and promise to enforce them.  Finally, we have a change in the law.  Let’s start with HOAs.

Now, within 90 days of getting elected or appointed to the Board, you must sign the form that says you have read the governing documents, and you must take an educational class approved by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  I am so proud to say my class has certified over 25,000 people across the state,

 The certificate of completion is valid for up to 4 years.

A director must complete the education specific to newly elected or appointed directors at least every 4 years.

The department-approved educational curriculum specific to newly elected or appointed directors must include training relating to financial literacy and transparency, recordkeeping, levying of fines, and notice and meeting requirements.

In addition to the educational curriculum specific to newly elected or appointed directors: A director of an association that has fewer than 2,500 parcels must complete at least 4 hours of continuing education annually. A director of an association that has 2,500 parcels or more must complete at least 8 hours of continuing education annually.  A director who does not timely file the educational certificate is suspended from the board until he or she complies with the requirement. The board may temporarily fill the vacancy during the period of suspension.

The association shall retain each director’s educational certificate for inspection by the members for 5 years after the director’s election. However, the failure to have the written certification or educational certificate on file does not affect the validity of any board action.

The department shall adopt rules to implement and administer the educational curriculum and continuing education requirements under this subsection.

By Eric Glazer, Esq.