Classes

As leaders in Community Association Law, we not only helped write the law – we also teach it.

Did you know Becker provides over 200 educational classes per year throughout the State of Florida on a variety of topics ranging from board member certification to compliance, and everything in between? Our most popular classes are now available online!

UPCOMING CLASS OFFERING:

  • HOA/Condo Board Certification
    03/26/24 – 10AM – Registration coming soon

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1 OPP
Provider #0000811
Course #9630378

Original Air Date:
11/9/2023

Participants will be given an overview of §720.3035, F.S. and related laws to provide an understanding of how to draft and adopt clear architectural guidelines, whether to utilize an Architectural Control Committee, how to process architectural requests and how to legally enforce architectural guidelines when owners violate same, all in accordance with state law and the association’s governing documents.

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Speaker:

2 LU
Provider #0000811
Course #9632300

Original Air Date:
10/19/2023

In this course, participants will receive a review of the laws passed during the 2023 Legislative Session impacting condominiums, cooperatives, homeowner associations and timeshares.

It is designed to provide board members and community association managers with a working knowledge of the changes to the law to assist them in ensuring compliance within their community associations.

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1 OPP
Provider #0000811
Course #9631904

Original Air Date:
8/24/2023

This course will address how aged infrastructure, insurance costs, maintenance costs, budgeting and reserve requirements, and real estate values have caused incremental changes in the Condominium Act and in attitudes towards making condominium termination more available. The course will include discussion aimed at setting practical expectations as to when and how a condominium termination might arise. The course will also cover how governing documents influence termination options and how amendments addressing condominium termination may be beneficial.

Participant Objectives:

  • Learn how the Florida condominium building boom of the 1960s through the 1980s has set the stage for a wave of redevelopment.
    Learn how routine and compulsory inspections, maintenance requirements, reserve and budgeting obligations, and insurance availability can tip the scales in favor of condominium termination and redevelopment.
  • Learn about the important changes to Fla. Stat. §718.117 from pre-2007 to the present and also how governing documents still remain very significant in condominium terminations.
  • Learn about why waiting or holding out too long before terminating an aged condominium can present problems.
  • Learn how new ideas are being circulated to try to make it possible for condominium associations to interface with the redevelopment market.
  • Learn about how attitudes in response to SB4D are influencing termination discussions.

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2 IFM Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9630127

Original Air Date:
10/19/2023

When creating a financial plan for your association there are many things to consider. Join Becker Shareholder Howard Perl as he discusses the steps it takes to create and maintain a successful budget and reserve plan.

Topics we will cover include:

  • Budget Planning
  • Components of a Budget
  • Calculation of Assessments
  • Adopting The Budget
  • Reserve Requirements & Use of Funds
  • Straight Line Reserve Calculations

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1 ELE Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9630759

Original Air Date:
06/15/2023

This course is designed to train Community Association Managers (CAMs) and volunteer board members/community leaders about the rights of owners and residents to reside in a smoke free community and how to implement becoming a smoke free community.

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1 OPP Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9631776

Original Air Date:
08/10/2023

If you live in Miami Dade or Broward County you are probably already familiar with the building recertification processes the County requires. However, the recent passage of the new state laws and requirements have confused many. The class will explain how the new STATE laws impact LOCAL requirements on building recertifications.

Among other important topics, we will discuss:

  • Have the timelines changed?
  • Are there different requirements?
  • Will it cost more?

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2LU Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9631713

Original Air Date:
09/20/2023

SB 4-D, which was amended by SB 154, includes significant obligations relating to building inspections and reserve funding and boards are required to comply with by the statutory deadlines. The new condominium and cooperative building safety laws are somewhat complicated, and need to be closely studied to ensure proper compliance.

 Topics Included:

  • We had an engineering report performed in the last two years. Will this count as our milestone inspection?
  • Can members still waive reserves for painting and paving?
  • Can we no longer have pooled reserves?
  • What if the reserve company we have doesn’t have an engineer or architect on staff?
  • We have a monetary cap in our governing documents on how much we can increase our budget. What now?
  • What if all these costs increase our assessments by more than 15% of the prior year’s assessments?
  • What if our members simply cannot pay to fund these new reserves or the repairs outlined in the Milestone Inspection?
  • What are the potential penalties under the law for being in breach of one’s fiduciary duties?

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1 IFM Credit or 1 ELE Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9630466

Original Air Date:
11/06/2023

Nothing is as daunting as embarking on a construction project. The issues and pitfalls surrounding a major project can overwhelm both managers and board members. This program will cover what you need to know to successfully navigate the process and avoid costly mistakes.

In this course, managers will learn:

  • Obtaining the required approvals for different types of projects
  • Developing proper specifications and obtaining competitive bids
  • The importance of your engineer or consultant
  • Contractual issues to protect the association
  • Fiscal planning for the project
  • Insurance and warranties

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3 HR Credits
Provider #0000811
Course #9630584

Original Air Date:
7/25/2023

If you are planning to serve on your association board, you probably know that you will need to comply with Florida’s certification requirements within 90 days of being elected.

Our Board Member course is tailored specifically to certify HOA, Condo and Co-op board members. Your participation will satisfy the statutory requirement so that you are eligible to serve on your condominium association board. More importantly, it will provide the tools and information you need to perform your job well and to avoid any potential liability associated with your new role.

Topics Covered:

  • Defining your fiduciary duty
  • Analyzing association operations
  • How to properly maintain the association’s books and records
  • The pros and cons of alternative dispute resolution
  • Avoiding common election pitfalls
  • Preparing budgets & funding reserves
  • Understanding financial reporting requirements
  • Assessing insurance needs for common areas

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1 OPP or 1 ELE
Provider #0000811
Course #9630206

Original Air Date:
11/16/2023

Board Members and CAMs will learn what turnover from developer means. During this webinar, we will explore the turnover process, including the how to prepare for the turnover meeting. Additionally, we will also discuss Construction Defect Claims and when is the appropriate time to file a lawsuit.

Topics of discussion will include:

  • What is a Turnover?
  • What is the Turnover process?
  • Construction Defect Claims

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1 OPP or 1 ELE
Provider #0000811
Course #9631906

Original Air Date:
7/31/2023

The Course is specifically designed to educate community association managers on the law impacting association rule and policy making regarding criminal background checks, requests for accommodations for assistance animals, occupancy, retaliation prohibition, and advice on how to minimize risk of violating the FHA. This subject area is related to the management and administration of community associations and is intended to satisfy subsection 61E14-4.001(3)(e) of the Florida Administrative Code.

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Speaker:

2 IFM
Provider #0000811
Course #9630115

Original Air Date:
7/6/2023

If you are planning to serve on your condo association board, you probably know that you will need to comply with Florida’s certification requirements within 90 days of being elected.

Our Condominium Association Board Member course is tailored specifically to certify condo board members. Your participation will satisfy the statutory requirement so that you are eligible to serve on your condominium association board. More importantly, it will provide the tools and information you need to perform your job well and to avoid any potential liability associated with your new role.

Topics Covered:

  • Defining your fiduciary duty
  • Analyzing association operations
  • How to properly maintain the association’s books and records
  • The pros and cons of alternative dispute resolution
  • Avoiding common election pitfalls
  • Preparing budgets & funding reserves
  • Understanding financial reporting requirements
  • Assessing insurance needs for common areas

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1 HR Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9630251

Original Air Date:
1/30/2024

This class will prepare Community Association Managers for the litigation process. How many times have you found yourself searching for evidence years after a case has been initiated and are unable to come up with documents that should be easily found in the Association’s records? We will guide you through the record keeping process in preparation for the possibility of litigation. What about that time you were subpoenaed to testify in the Association’s lawsuit against the developer or against a unit owner for a rules violation? This class will prepare you for testifying in court, appearing at a deposition and for attending a mediation on behalf of the Board.

Topics we will cover include:

  • Official Records: Location; Retention Requirements
  • Records that Should be Maintained but are not required by Statute
  • Covenant Violation
  • Fining and Suspension of Use Rights based upon a Violation
  • Mediation for Condominiums and Cooperatives
  • HOA Mandatory Pre-suit Mediation
  • HOA Violations and/or Fines
  • Third Party Disputes (HOA, Condominiums, Co-ops)

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1 HR Credits
Provider #0000811
Course #9630510

Original Air Date:
10/5/2023

What is the difference between a board meeting and a membership meeting? What is a membership meeting? When is a membership meeting required? How do I notice a membership meeting? Who runs a membership meeting?

Topics Included:

  • How to properly notice a membership meeting
  • How to properly conduct a membership meeting
  • Which documents must be maintained as official records for a membership meeting
  • Obtaining a quorum
  • Votes (the various methods-proxy, in-person, e-vote)
  • How those can affect the outcome of the meeting

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2 ELE Credits
Provider #0000811
Course #9630016

Original Air Date:
2/21/24

If you are planning to serve on your homeowner association board, you probably know that you will need to comply with Florida’s certification requirements within 90 days of being elected.

Our HOA/Condo Board Certification class is designed to satisfy the statutory requirement so that you are eligible to serve. More importantly, it will provide the tools and information you need to perform your job well and to avoid any potential liability associated with your new role.

Topics Covered:

  • Defining your fiduciary duty
  • Analyzing association operations
  • How to properly maintain the association’s books and records
  • The pros and cons of alternative dispute resolution
  • Avoiding common election pitfalls
  • Preparing budgets and funding reserves
  • Understanding financial reporting requirements
  • Assessing insurance needs for common areas
  • Defusing conflict within the community

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1 HR Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9630501

Original Air Date:
8/31/2023

The course is specifically designed to educate community association managers and board members on how to properly conduct a board of directors meeting.

The class will address the following regarding Board meetings: 

  • Statutes and Rules
  • Agenda and Procedure
  • Member Participation and Debate
  • Decorum

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2 ELE Credits
Provider #0000811
Course #9630153

Original Air Date:
8/17/2023

Participants will learn about the Fair Housing laws on the state, federal and local level that impact community operations and actions with respect to requests to maintain emotional support animals on the property despite pet or animal restrictions.

Some topics to be discussed:

  • Fair Housing Act and Disability Accommodations
  • Evolving Law of “Prescription Pets”
  • Establishing a Handicap
  • Competing Definition of Service Animal Under ADAAA and FHAA
  • What to do When the Disability is Not Obvious
  • What a Disabled Person Needs to Provide in Order to Own a Service Animal
  • Innate Qualities of Service Animal
  • Failing to Make Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
  • What to do when “Skeptical” Information is Provided
  • Damages and Penalties for Discrimination

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1 OPP
Provider #0000811
Course #9630137

Original Air Date:
7/20/2023

Water leaks are a major concern to association boards and unit owners alike. Come join our attorneys as they guide your association through the process of handling a water leak from detection through repair, insurance coverage and reconstruction responsibility, and potential liability claims.

Some topics to be discussed:

  • Practical Issues
  • What Was Damaged
  • Who Pays? – Maintenance Damage v. Casualty Damage

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1 OPP
Provider #0000811
Course #9630202

Original Air Date:
7/11/2023

Participants will learn the important differences between association documents, how to read them and how Florida Statutes affect them.

Some topics to be discussed:

  • Governing Documents (Declaration, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws)
  • Amendments
  • Restrictions & Responsibilities of Owners
  • Maintenance of Common Elements
  • Marketable Record Title Act (MRTA)

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2 IFM
Provider: #0000811
Course: #9630114

Original Air Date:
6/22/2023

If you agreed to serve on your board, you will want to be sure you have the tools and information necessary to understand your responsibilities, discharge your duties in accordance with the applicable law and your governing documents, and avoid any potential liability associated with your new role.

Topics of discussion include:

  • The fiduciary duty of a board member to the association
  • How to protect the association and themselves from liability while conducting association business
  • The most frequent mistakes made by board members

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2 IFM Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9630203

Original Air Date:
6/29/2023

Are collection issues still plaguing your association? Are bank foreclosures dragging on for years with no end in sight? Are you confused about the changes in laws affecting association collection rights and remedies?

Please join us as we explore the fundamentals of collections and discuss effective legal strategies as well as practical techniques to solve your collection issues.

Topics Covered:

  • Bankruptcy Basics for the Community Association Practitioner
  • Liability of Owner and Subsequent Purchaser
  • Mortgage Foreclosures
  • Extra-Judicial Remedies

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1 OPP or 1 ELE Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9630113

Original Air Date:
9/21/2023

Is your community prepared in the event that a hurricane strikes through your city? In this special course we will go over practical tips for developing and implementing a disaster recovery plan for your community.

Managers and board members will learn:

  • Steps to take to protect life and property
  • Recover and post event steps
  • The ins and outs of contracting before and after the hurricane
  • How to document a claim

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Speakers:

1 ELE or 1 OPP
Provider #0000811
Course #9632204

Original Air Date:
6/13/2023

Construction issues are a natural occurrence for every community association at some point. During this webinar, we’ll discuss everything managers and board members need to know about construction contracts, project management, bank loans, and the myriad of resources that are available to you.

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1 HR
Provider #0000811
Course #9630376

Original Air Date:
9/13/2023

Your role as a manager comes with a certain set of responsibilities to ensure the successful operation of your community. This course is designed to review basic management principles and provide you with a checklist of the top do’s and don’ts to be successful.

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1 OPP Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9630204

Original Air Date:
6/28/2023

Construction issues are a natural occurrence in the lifecycle of any community association. From issues found in new associations transitioning from developer control to those arising in mature communities, we’ll discuss everything managers and board members need to know to effectively navigate the construction dispute process, including what sources of recovery are available to you.

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1 HR Credit
Provider #0000811
Course #9630464

Original Air Date:
8/3/2023

Working with community associations involves interaction with members, association directors, attorneys, accountants, and other service and product providers. For managers. this requires the development of people skills to help them deal with personalities, stresses and demands which arise during the course of everyday operations.

In this course, managers will learn:

  • How to tailor problem-solving skills to different personalities and approaches to life
  • Constructive approaches to handling telephone conversations, emails and in-person confrontations
  • The dynamics of interactions having the potential to become adversarial and learn skills necessary to affect behavior and resolve issues in a way that creates satisfaction in the consumer
  • Specific tips for working with all kinds of challenging people and ways to bring out the best in themselves and others

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1 HR
Provider #0000811
Course #9630208

Original Air Date:
5/11/2023

Participants in this course will learn how a Community Association election is carried out with an overview of the election and voting procedures.

Topics Covered:

  • Elections, Voting and Online Voting Procedures
  • Notice Issues (Timing, Form, Substance)
  • Nomination/Intent to be a Candidate
  • How to Handle Errors on Notices on Roster, Ballots, Envelopes, etc.
  • Best Practices to Avoid Headaches at the Meeting

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2 Creditos ELE
Provider #0000811
Course #9630016

Original Air Date:
5/30/2023

Si planea servir en la junta de su asociación de propietarios, probablemente sepa que deberá cumplir con los requisitos de certificación de Florida dentro de los 90 días posteriores a su elección. Nuestra clase de Certificación de la Junta de HOA/Condo está diseñada para satisfacer el requisito legal para que usted sea elegible para servir. Más importante aún, le proporcionará las herramientas y la información que necesita para realizar bien su trabajo y evitar cualquier riesgo potencial asociada con su nuevo rol.

Asuntos cubiertos:

  • Definición de su deber fiduciario
  • Análisis de operaciones de asociación
  • Cómo mantener adecuadamente los libros y registros de la asociación
  • Los pros y los contras de la resolución alternativa de disputas
  • Evitar las dificultades electorales comunes
  • Preparación de presupuestos y financiación de reservas
  • Comprensión de los requisitos de reportes financieros
  • Evaluación de necesidades de seguros para áreas comunes
  • Calmar conflictos dentro de la comunidad