Q: We have a condominium unit owner who has not paid dues in over a year. We would like to suspend their legal rights until they are paid up. May we do this? (M.L., via e-mail)
A: Section 718.303(4)of …
What Are Limited Common Elements and Who’s Responsible?
Karyan San Martano
Posted on 
The Florida Condominium Act defines limited common elements as those common elements that are reserved for the use of a certain unit or group of units, as specified in the declaration of the condominium. This definition indicates that the limited …
The New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Lender Questionnaire: To Answer, or Not to Answer, That Is the Question!
David Dockery
Posted on 
The Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) recently issued new temporary requirements as an attempt to mitigate risk in community association loan underwriting. Many other industries within the community association world, …
Getting “Flag Ready” for the Fourth of July
Kathleen O. Berkey, AICP
Posted on 
Flags serve as a powerful symbol of a nation, its ideals, and its people, and their display in community associations is addressed under State law.
The Florida Condominium Act permits a unit owner to display, in a respectful …
Webinar: Legislative Update 2023
Jane L. Cornett
Steven H. Mezer
In this informative webinar, we cover what to expect in the event your community is damaged by a casualty event, such as a hurricane. Hear from Community Association Shareholder Jay Roberts, Construction Law & Litigation Shareholder Aaron Pruss, an…
Reserve and Inspection Laws Changed
Joseph Adams
Posted on 
Consisting of what I would categorize as relatively minor changes to the sweeping building inspection and reserve laws enacted in 2022, here is a look at Senate Bill 154, which will become law upon signature by the Governor:
Inspection Deadlines: …
Update: Condo/Co-Op/HOA Meeting Agendas & Notice Requirements
Kathleen O. Berkey, AICP
Posted on 
Florida laws governing community associations require notice of meetings to encourage owner participation. Here is a helpful guide summarizing the notice requirements under statute; however, this guide is not intended to be all inclusive and is only for general reference. …
Update: Opportunity To Extend Certain Permits Due to Hurricane Ian Continues
Kathleen O. Berkey, AICP
Posted on 
Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2022), provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a state of emergency is issued by the Governor for the length of time the state of emergency is in effect, plus …
Minutes Must Be Kept Permanently
Joseph Adams
Posted on 
Q: How long must a 50-year-old condominium retain the minutes of the board of directors’ meetings? (K.B., via e-mail)
A: Section 718.111(12)(a) and (b) of the Florida Condominium Act requires that the minutes of all meetings of the condominium …
Update: Additional Opportunity to Extend Certain Permits Due to Hurricane Nicole
Kathleen O. Berkey, AICP
Posted on 
Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2022), provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a state of emergency is issued by the Governor for the length of time the state of emergency is in effect, plus …
