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Community Update

March 2020

In this Issue

With a growing number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases throughout Florida and Governor DeSantis having issued a state of emergency, many are wondering what can be done. This month’s edition is focused on providing community association boards and managers with strategies that they can employ to help combat the spread of the virus.

Know that your Becker attorney is here to support you during this unprecedented time. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we will get through this.

As COVID-19 introduces new challenges to the way we meet and work together, we must find ways to reduce risk in our communities. Our first article, “ COVID-19: Technology and Social Distancing,” discusses ways to promote social distancing in activities such as voting or satisfying document inspection requests.

Multifamily buildings and particularly high-rises are similar in some ways to stationary cruise ships: many have shared ductwork, common enclosed areas, and even food stations. Learn more in our second article, “Condos, Cruise Ships and COVID-19: Surprising Commonalities.”

Our third article, “COVID-19: Considerations for Community Associations with Employees,” provides tips that associations with employees can follow.

Lastly, “COVID-19 Presents Unique Questions for Associations,” explores what associations can do as the novel coronavirus prompts states of emergency on the federal, state and local levels.

If you have new members on your board or a new manager for your community and want them to be part of our Community Update, have them subscribe here:

We are thinking of you and wish you and your family safety in the days ahead.

Marilyn J. Perez-Martinez, Editor

  • COVID-19: Technology and Social Distancing

    COVID-19 has introduced new challenges to the way we meet and work together in our communities. Many of our daily community association activities include in-person interaction, from regular meetings to conduct association business to elections and other membership votes. Social …

    Continue Reading →

COVID-19: FAQs for Community Association

We’ve received a number of questions from boards, residents, and managers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. From prohibiting guests in your community to cancelling meetings, preventing contractors from entering the property, and what it means now that there is a state of emergency in effect, we break down the answers.

Click here to read the FAQ.

Stay up to date with Becker’s dedicated resource page on COVID-19. We are updating the information on this site on a daily basis. All information is posted to educate and inform our clients but does not constitute specific legal advice for your community. Please consult your Becker attorney for questions specific to your own community.

https://beckerlawyers.com/covid-19/

“6 Ways the Coronavirus Outbreak Will Affect Construction,” Construction Dive

When it comes to how U.S. contractors should react to the negative effects of the global coronavirus pandemic, Steve Lesser, chair of Becker’s construction law practice recommends a “wait and see” approach. Instead of rushing, Lesser suggests slowing down since the fallout from the effects of COVID-19 may be unpredictable.

“The smart money rests on the principle that full speed ahead with a planned construction project does not make business sense,” he said. “Take a breath, slow down and know that every day may bring more information, and the more information we have the better we can predict what to do.”

Click here to read the full article by Construction Dive.

Question of the Month

Q: As president of my condominium association, I believe it is time to fire our in-house manager and hire a new one. I obviously need the approval of the board to fire the manager.  At the upcoming board meeting can the board go into “executive session” to authorize firing the manager?

Shareholder David Muller discusses the answer to this and more.

Click here to read more!

We did the math.

With 51 Florida Bar Board Certified attorneys, we pride ourselves on having more certified attorneys in Business Litigation, Construction, Real Estate, and Condominium & Planned Development Law combined than any other law firm in the state. Board certification demands rigorous testing and is in recognition of having the highest standards of skill, specialty knowledge, proficiency, professionalism, and ethics in law.

Learn more about why this matters.

Statewide Suspension of Community Association Classes

Becker has been closely monitoring the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) developments.  In the interest of the health and safety of our clients and colleagues, we have made a decision to suspend all Community Association classes from now through April 30.

As always, we will keep you informed of any changes and updates.

www.floridacondohoalawblog.com/classes

Can They Do That?

Levying Special Assessments for Renovations – “Can They Do That?” – Episode 14 is Live!

My association wants to levy a special assessment to pay for remodeling the lobby. The board claims it’s a common expense so all unit owners are equally responsible for the cost. Can they do that? Find out the answer in this month’s episode!

When it comes to association rules and bylaws, there seem to be more questions than answers. Becker’s video series, “Can They Do That?” tackles some of the unique problems that homeowners and renters face today. We answer questions, no matter how far-fetched they may seem. From service animals to nudists in your community, we get to the bottom of it and let you know – “Can They Do That?”

Don’t miss out on new episodes of “Can They Do That?”
 Subscribe to Becker’s YouTube channel!

Did You Know?

With the federal government issuing a state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the World Health Organization characterizing the situation as a global pandemic, I’d like to share our promise to you during this unprecedented time:

Becker’s Business Continuity Plan

Our top priority is always the health, safety, and well-being of our colleagues, clients, and their families. We are actively monitoring the evolving situation and following guidelines issued by federal, state, and local health officials.

Please know that Becker has a business continuity plan in place that enables us to continue to provide our clients with uninterrupted service should any of our office locations close. All Becker team members have the ability to work remotely to deliver the same high-level service that our clients have come to know and respect.

We Are Here for You

First and foremost, we are thinking about you. We greatly appreciate the healthcare workers, local communities, and governments around the world who are on the front line working to contain COVID-19. The continuously evolving developments have created an environment of complexity and uncertainty that no doubt has impacted your business in some way. Now more than ever, Becker is here to serve as your trusted partner as you navigate this challenge.

We will continue to communicate with our clients over the coming days and encourage you to reach out to any member of our Becker team should you have any questions or concerns.

For over 47 years, Becker has been and remains committed to serving our clients, our team members, and our communities. Together, we will succeed.

Sincerely,

Gary C. Rosen

Managing Shareholder