Question: I am the president of my homeowners’ association and recently the board voted to proceed with a construction project within the community. Shortly after the vote, the association received a petition signed by a number of owners …
Condo Balcony Grills Still A Burning Issue in Florida
Question: In your February 10, 2016 blog post, you stated that electric grills are no longer permitted to be used or stored on condominium balconies. I consulted with our local fire marshal who issued a letter that says …
7 Year Rule Does Not Apply To All Condo Records
Question: I recently contacted my condominium association asking to review various records since I have some serious questions about how things are being done. I asked to see all the election documents and was told the management company …
HOA Documents Govern How Assessments are Allocated
Question: Our subdivision has 20 platted lots. At the time of initial development, one owner purchased two lots and built one home on the combined lots. Our homeowners’ association has only assessed this owner as if he only …
Grilling on the Balcony: What is Permissible in Florida Condominiums?
Question: My unit has a screened balcony (some people call it a “lanai”). I understand that I cannot use a gas grill out there, but I enjoy using my electric grill when the weather is nice. The association …
Are Skylights A Window or Part of the Roof?
Question: I live in condominium consisting of 46 free-standing single family homes; 22 of them were built with skylights. During the rainy season, my roof developed a leak originating from the skylight. When I reported the leak, …
Town Hall Meetings Can Trigger Sunshine Law
Question: Our community holds monthly “informational” meetings, held right before the board’s regular meeting. All members are encouraged to attend, and the manager is there as well. Board members do not “run” the meeting, but …
Construction Lien Law Can Result In Condominium Associations Paying Twice For the Same Work
Question: Our condominium association is going to re-roof all of the condominium buildings this winter. In my home state, there was a “mechanics lien law” which applied to repairs of this nature. Does Florida have a “mechanics …
HOA Reserves Generally Within Board’s Discretion
Question: The board of directors of my homeowners’ association has decided to “roll over” the surplus funds from our 2013 budget into a non-statutory pooled reserve account. Last year they overstated the amount necessary for …
Board Talking About Switching Over to “Pooled” Reserves
Question: Our board of directors has been talking about switching over to “pooled” reserves. Can you explain what this means?
L.A. (via e-mail) Answer: The concept of funding condominium reserves …