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New Requirements for Condominium Association on Inspections of Official Records

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The Florida Legislature adopted House Bill (HB) 1021, which was recently signed into law by the Governor which makes certain changes to Chapter 718, Florida Statutes, known as the Condominium Act. It will become law on July 1, 2024. A …

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Meetings and Records Request Rules

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Unfortunately, one of the more common calls I receive from community association clients concerns how to deal with unruly or disruptive members. These members disrupt association board meetings and committee meetings, often by speaking out of turn, refusing to sit …

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HB 1203, Effective July 1, 2024, Changes HOA Fining Requirements

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When Florida lawmakers concluded their 2024 Legislative Session, a number of bills passed that affect community associations. House Bill 1203, which was signed by Governor DeSantis and is effective July 1, 2024, changes the game when it comes to fining …

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Does a Condominium Have a 115% Cap on Increasing Assessments?

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The increase in costs, especially insurance premiums, have been difficult for condominium associations in the past couple of years. I have been asked on many occasions if there is a cap on increasing the budget by more than 115% from …

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Homeowner Association Architectural Review Standards

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Two of the bills signed into law this month by the Governor modify Florida Statute 720.3035 regulating architectural review. Because of these two pending changes to the law, homeowner’s associations should review their architectural review with their community association attorney. …

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Vacation Rentals and Community Associations

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Over the past few years, Airbnb and VRBO (collectively referred to as “Vacation Rentals”) have become a very popular form of short-term rental. Vacation Rentals include a range of rentals from houses, condos, or in some instances rooms for a …

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The Plan – Identifying the Potential Consequences of a Disaster

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The first step toward developing and implementing a disaster plan is identifying the potential consequences of a disaster. The second step is to develop and implement a plan to mitigate the impact of a disaster to the fullest extent possible. …

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What to Do if You Receive a Complaint or Subpoena

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If your community association is served with a complaint or subpoena, you must promptly forward it to the community association’s legal counsel. As explained in this article, receipt of a complaint or subpoena triggers time sensitive legal obligations that can …

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What Can Be Done About Solar Panels?

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If you are living in a Homeowners Association the Board or the Architectural Review Committee generally cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels (or “solar collectors”). A Florida law, F.S. 163.04, provides that any “deed restriction or declaration” or even …

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E-Bikes and Batteries

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Florida has not escaped the growing epidemic of fires started by lithium-ion batteries, like those used in e-bikes and other battery-operated personal transportation devices. A recent Miami bike shop caught fire after the shop owner left an e-bike battery charging …

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Can Emotional Support Animals Be Prohibited in the Pool Area?

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The issue of emotional support animals in pet-restricted communities is never-ending. Their presence seems to have multiplied by the influx of individuals relocating to Florida.

What was considered a “family pet” in the State of origin, suddenly became …

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Does a Condominium Have to Put Insurance in the Annual Budget?

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I have been asked on a few occasions whether an association has to put insurance in the annual budget or whether it can just wait to determine the amount of the insurance, and specially assess for the same (without a …

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