Community Update

With so many other subjects related to condominium and homeowners’ associations consuming so much bandwidth these days, it was not surprising to learn that a community association client of mine was not aware that the Florida Statutes address in detail …

Social media has transformed the way people communicate. In restaurants you can look around and see people “dining together” while on their cell phone. I was at a movie theater this weekend and even noticed the white glow of cell …

We all know how condominiums begin—with renderings, design and finishing selections, friendly sales agents, and, of course, so many documents.  However, once a condominium becomes an aging project, particularly one rife with escalating maintenance needs and expenses, it is worth …

In 1988, Congress added “familial status” – defined to include those family groups with children under 18 – to the list of protected groups under the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”). Since that time, condominiums and homeowner’s associations have been discovering …

It wasn’t so long ago that Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (the “DBPR”) had little jurisdiction over the operation of condominium associations after their developer turnover meetings, and, what little jurisdiction the DBPR had over associations after turn …

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has proposed a new heat protection rule aimed at safeguarding employees who are exposed to excessive heat in their work environments. This rule is particularly relevant to condominium associations and homeowner associations, which …

The unauthorized practice of law poses significant legal and financial risks to both community association managers (CAMs), board members, and the communities they serve. The Florida Supreme Court has consistently ruled on the boundaries of lawful conduct for non-lawyers, particularly …

Prior to July 1, 2024, only associations operating condominiums with 150 or more units were required to have a website. However, Florida lawmakers expanded this mandate through House Bill 1021, which was signed by Governor DeSantis and became effective July …

Newly created Florida Statute 215.5587 establishes the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program- a grant program to help condominiums within 15 miles inward from the coastline offset the cost of certain building improvement projects to strengthen their buildings against hurricanes. …

Clients frequently ask how to amend their governing documents, and how to make the amendment process easier. There is one preliminary step I recommend, to help an association successfully amend their governing documents. First, I recommend a board look to …

It is mid-July and we have already experienced two (2) named storms this year. Where are you in your hurricane preparedness? In addition to general hurricane preparedness, local municipalities and programs throughout the state have been warning against the potential …

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, many condominiums in the Southwest Florida area were substantially damaged. While many Associations are in the process of rebuilding, some have not been able due to the high costs involved. As result, some of …