Board Meetings, Collecting Management Fees & Suspending Cable Service

The Community Association Leadership Lobby (CALL) Announced Last Week it is Working on a 'Glich' Bill to Clarify Several Community Association Rights and Remedies.

The purpose of the CALL bill is to make proposed changes to Chapters 718, 719 and 720, Florida Statutes to address certain “glitches” resulting from SB 1196.  Co-Executive Directors Yeline Goin and David Muller explained that any large piece of legislation is likely to have unintended consequences and need further clarification.
 

So far, the CALL bill proposes many important legislative items, such as:

  • Allowing condo boards to meet in private to discuss personnel matters just like HOA boards;
  • Allowing condos and HOAs to collect management company collection charges from delinquent owners and clarify the parameters of action on the part of management;
  • Ensuring that rent collected from a tenant is applied to the oldest balance on the unit owner's account; and
  • Ending any argument that cable or television programming is a “utility service” - authorizing immediate suspension when a unit owner is more than 90 days delinquent. 

The CALL team always entertains comment from its members.  If you are a member or would like more information, please visit www.callbp.com or email call@becker-poliakoff.com.
 

 

Insider's Analysis of the 2009 Legislative Session Webinar

Close to 200 Community Leaders and Professional Property Managers participated in the first of a series of webinars presented by Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

On Wednesday, May 28, 2009, CALL presented a webinar explaining legislative activities during the 2009 legislative session.  Co-executive directors Yeline Goin and David Muller were active in Tallahassee and throughout the State of Florida during the latest legislative session, advocating for the interests of Florida Community Associations.

Attorney Yeline Goin started the session with an in-depth explanation of the impact of SB 714, which was sent to the Governor on May 18th.  Governor Crist has 15 days to sign or veto the bill before it becomes law.  Ms. Goin alerted the participants to lobbying efforts encouraging a Governor's veto.

SB 714 impacts insurance obligations of condominium associations and condominium owners, addresses eligibility for service on a board of directors of a condominium association, as well as fire and life safety issues.  Please click here for more information about the Bill.

Attorney David Muller explained changes resulting from SB 2080 which would prohibit Community Associations from enforcing deed restrictions that preclude xeriscaping.  Becker & Poliakoff previously provided its clientele with the University of Florida's recommendations for 'Florida-friendly' landscaping in its Community Update publication.

Mr. Muller alerted the participants to increased filing fees for foreclosure lawsuits, explained changes to Chapter 617, Florida Statutes that would result from SB 2330 and impacts from HB 1495.  He noted that despite reports from other sources, HB 1495 does not include a condominium mitigation loan program that was initially contemplated by the legislature.

Mr. Muller advised the participants of CALL's continuing effort for legislative changes necessary to improve Community Association financial problems, particularly with regard to the financial responsibilities of lenders and investor-owners.

To View Becker & Poliakoff’s Insider's Analysis of the 2009 Legislative Session - New Laws Affecting Community Associations go to:

http://events.vcall.com/VCall/ReplayLogin.aspx?room=2146003612