Many individuals residing in Florida community associations are attracted to their homes by the favorable climate and natural beauty, such as what is found along its beaches. Such conditions have served as the catalyst for much of the development within the state’s coastal areas. However, while the proliferation of communities within Florida’s coastline has allowed many to enjoy the state’s environmental wonders, careful consideration should be taken to preserve much of the natural species affected by the construction and development of such communities. Birds Nesting on Condo Roofs According ..read more

The firm’s latest Miami Herald column titled “Do We Have Any Volunteers? Condo Associations Struggling to Find Directors,”  was authored by Gabriella M. Ruiz. The article focuses on how rising association budgets and special assessments can be a recipe for hostility and dissent that becomes too much to bear for even the most ardent and effective condominium association board members. Her article reads: . . . Unfortunately, many communities are exacerbating this problem by enabling a level of disharmony to become so pervasive that it drives away their most effective leaders. For associati ..read more

The 2024 legislative session in Florida witnessed deliberations on various issues impacting community associations. Several bills passed in both chambers and await the Governor’s action. On April 24, 2024, the Governor signed House Bill 1029 into law. Below is a summary: House Bill 1029: My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program This act intends to provide condominium associations with a program similar to the My Safe Florida Home Program by establishing what is known as the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot (MSFCP) Program. Eligible condominiums can now apply for mitigation grants to help har ..read more

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