Q: I recently asked to inspect the financial records of my homeowners’ association. As part of that inspection I discovered that the association has not had an audit for at least the last seven years. When questioned, the treasurer …
“Apathy is Everywhere,” Florida Community Association Journal
Apathetic members of associations are a troubling reality. The apathy manifests itself by the lack of participation in running for the board of directors, in voting, and in adhering to the restrictions of the governing documents. The problem with the a…
“Pay Attention to Rising Sea Levels,” Florida Community Association Journal
The erosion of civility in our society has begun to manifest itself in private residential communities. This lack of civility comes in many forms, from rudeness to other residents, staff, and contractors on the property and disruptive behavior at meeti…
Review Your Insurance Policy to Ensure That Your Claim Won’t Be Decided in—New York?
Florida was battered by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Michael in 2018. Many individuals, businesses, and associations are still trying to recover from those devastating storms. It is common for insurance litigation to linger for years, even decades, after …
Lee County Wants To Speed Up Hurricane Cleanup
Q: Lee County has information for homeowners’ association leaders. Professional property managers and residential community associations can now take steps to protect their communities in the event of a hurricane or other declared major disaster in Lee …
Directors Voting – Dispelling Myths
Every director who sits on the board of a homeowners association gets a voice in the operations of the association. The questions I receive are more about how that voice is exercised through a vote. For instance, some directors travel …
Special Assessments in Condo
Special assessments happen. The unfortunate reality is that during the life of a condominium building some unexpected expenses are going to arise and the association must take steps to fulfill its obligations to the membership. If the operating budget cannot …
La agencia revisa pregunta sobre límites de término
En el año 2017, el cuerpo legislativo del Estado de la Florida aprobó una ley que afirma que los directores de condominios no pueden servir más de 4 términos consecutivos de 2 años, esencialmente creando un límite de término de …
PSA: Condominiums and Websites
I have previously written a few articles for our Community Update about the website requirement for condominiums operating at least 150 units. Just recently, I represented a condominium that was being investigated by the Division of Business and Professional Regulation …
HOA Board Meetings Must Be Open
Q: My homeowners’ association is currently under developer control. Does a developer-controlled homeowners’ association have to hold open and noticed board meetings? (B.P., via e-mail)
A: Yes. Section 720.303(2) of the Florida Homeowners’ Association …