Q: A group of owners in my condominium association are considering recalling certain members of our board of directors. However, a question has arisen as to how long a recalled person is barred from serving on the Board. (B.K., via e-mail)
“Flags Governed By Statute,” News-Press
By Caroline Sparks
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Q: An issue has arisen in my homeowners’ association concerning what flags are permitted to be flown by homeowners. Certain owners have begun flying historic versions of the American flag stating that they are allowed to do so under the law. Can you gi…
Hiring Your Own Public Adjuster – A Survey and Chance to WIN $100
By Donna DiMaggio Berger
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Insurance claims are inevitable in the lifespan of every Florida community. Fully understanding the claims process and navigating the potential land mines is crucial..
This survey addressing your past experience with insurance claims and adjusters is the ultimate survey in our summer series for community association owners, board members, and management professionals. Your participation is fundamental …
“Transfer Approval Fees Restricted By Law,” News-Press
By Joseph Adams
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Q: My condominium association states that under Florida Statute 718.112 they can charge a fee when someone is buying a condominium of $100.00 per applicant. They call it a transfer fee, yet in reading the statute one cannot charge husband/wife and par…
“Weathering The Storm: A Top 10 List For Condo and HOA Boards,” Miami Herald
By Donna DiMaggio Berger
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As all Floridians know, storm season can be a very hectic time. Preparation for – as well as the aftermath of – storms is stressful. Board members of community associations are hit particularly hard by the nerve-wracking days of hurricane season because not only do they have to worry about themselves, they also have to worry …
Former Felon Board Member Eligibility
By Marielle Westerman
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Fla. Stat. §§ 718.112, 719.106 and 720.306 each contain a limitation on an individual’s ability to serve on a community association board of directors if the person is a convicted felon. Specifically, a convicted felon is not eligible to serve on a community association board “unless such felon’s civil rights have been restored for at least …
Leftover Funds Must Be Returned or Credited
By Joseph Adams
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Q: Our association levied a special assessment after Hurricane Irma for cleaning up our property and repairing some minor damage to the buildings. The damages were not bad enough to reach our insurance deductible. The board ended up spending quite a bit less than they assessed for, and decided to put the left …
PART III – NO PET COMMUNITY – ¿Recibiste una petición legítima?
By Marty Platts
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Continuamos con el tema de animales para apoyo emocional. Aquí hablamos de peticiones legítimas y las excepciones.
¿Qué sucede en una situación donde la persona que hace la petición le proporciona a la asociación una carta de un psiquiatra declarando que hace tres años él o ella diagnosticó a la persona que …
Sea Level Rise: Forewarned is Forearmed
By Rosa M. de la Camara
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We have all heard the environmentalists’ cry about the Dead Sea shrinking. Water levels are falling at an average rate of three feet per year due to evaporation and human diversion of tributaries. The opposite conundrum – sea level rise – is not occurring quite as rapidly but is equally as concerning.
…
How to Find an Effective Community Association Lawyer
By Astrid Guardado, Esq.
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Community association law is an area of practice that has experienced considerable growth in the past few years. As a result, many unqualified lawyers are jumping on the community association bandwagon. Therefore, your board should do its homework before hiring an attorney.
An effective lawyer can be a huge asset to most …
