Understanding the roles and responsibilities of effective condominium and HOA board members is critical. Community association directors should always be scrupulous and dedicated volunteers who wish to do their part for the effective administration and oversight of their enclave. They are contributing their time to benefit their own property values as well as those of their fellow owners, and they should each focus on fulfilling the designated duties of corporate officers. In fact, in the absence of provisions to the contrary in a condominium association’s governing documents, Florida law stip ..read more

The firm’s latest Miami Herald “Real Estate Counselor” column was authored by shareholder Nicole R. Kurtz. The article, which is titled “Condo Association Websites Can Help with Concerns Over Growing Budgets,” focuses on how the state-mandated websites for large condominium associations can become a very effective tool for allaying owners’ concerns over growing budgets and dues. Her article reads: . . . By now, all Florida condominium associations with 150 units or more (excluding timeshares) should have launched a website that includes a password-protected subpage or portal for unit owners a ..read more

The Florida legislature’s confusing rollout of board member term limits for condominium association directors created many initial questions about how and when the term limits applied. Some directors still have lingering questions and uncertainties, so hopefully, this article will help to resolve those. Board member term limits were first added to the Florida laws governing condominium associations in 2017 when they were imposed for a maximum of four consecutive two-year terms. However, the legislature gave a reprieve for “termed out” directors who received votes from more than 2/3 of the voti ..read more

As we welcome the new year, we’re greeted with a slate of proposed legislation that, if passed, can significantly impact the community association industry. The House and Senate have filed over 20 bills, including companion bills, that will be discussed during the 2024 regular legislative session beginning on January 9, 2024. The session is scheduled to end on March 8, 2024. Among the issues for lawmakers to decide on are structural safety and insurance reforms, transparency requirements, pilot programs, etc. Here are some of the major bills to track, paired with their companion bill, if appli ..read more

Miami-Dade County is known for its stunning beaches and coveted coastal condominium communities. However, with the charm of these residences comes the responsibility of maintaining their structural integrity. After legislators passed rigid condominium safety reforms, many Floridians have been left wondering how they’ll be able to afford the special assessments coming their way. For Miami-Dade County residents, a lifeline has been extended to owners facing the financial burden of essential repairs and rehabilitation through The Condominium Special Assessment Program. The Condominium Special Ass ..read more

The firm’s latest Miami Herald column was authored by partner L. Chere Trigg and appears in today’s edition of the newspaper.  The article, which is titled “Real Estate Counselor: Fannie Mae’s List of Excluded Condos Demands Changes, Disclosure,” focuses on how many condominium associations in Florida and across the country have been surprised to learn in recent months that their buildings have been blacklisted by the government-sponsored Fannie Mae mortgage buyer and backer. Ironically, the so-called “unavailable list” of properties that do not qualify for Fannie Mae is unavailable for p ..read more

The firm’s latest Miami Herald “Real Estate Counselor” column was authored by shareholder Laura Manning-Hudson and appears in today’s edition of the newspaper.  The article, which is titled “After Surfside Condo Collapse, Group Recommends Key Condo-Safety Measures, Financial Reforms,” focuses on some recent major changes to the Community Associations Institute’s recommended condo-safety policies and reforms.  Her article reads: . . . CAI, which is the leading organization representing the interests of community associations, revealed that it now recommends statutorily mandating ..read more

Firm shareholder Roberto C. Blanch provides vital input and insight into the issue of bulk buyer investors taking control of the condominium boards for aging local enclaves in a Miami Herald article on the topic in today’s edition of the newspaper.  The article reads: . . .The situation at the two-story building at 2033 Calais Drive is, in some ways, a reflection of forces resulting in steep costs for many South Florida condo owners. Those costs include inflation, ballooning insurance prices and a condo safety law that was enacted after the deadly Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfs ..read more

The firm’s latest Miami Herald real estate column was authored by Michael L. Hyman and appears in today’s edition of the newspaper.  The article, which is titled “Real Estate Counselor: Condo Owners Concerned by Rising Association Budgets Make for Ideal Committee Members,” focuses on the issues that are arising at Florida condominium associations due to the new milestone inspections and reserves requirements that lie in store as a result of last year’s condo-safety reforms. Budgetary and assessments increases are becoming necessary for most communities, and naturally this is triggeri ..read more

Florida condominium associations and those who provide them with expert guidance have experienced some confusion and questions over aspects of last year’s condo-safety reforms, and the state Senate has responded with the passage of key amendments to address some of these concerns. While a companion bill remains before the House, Senate Bill 154, which was passed unanimously, deals with the new requirements for inspections and financial reserves. Under last year’s reforms, milestone inspections are required for buildings that have been occupied for 30 years (25 years if within three miles of a ..read more