The Condominium Act was amended on July 1, 2017 to specifically address and prohibit the use of debit cards. It states that an association and its officers, directors, employees, and agents may not use a debit card issued in the …
When Construction Occurs Next Door, Your Board Needs to Get Involved Early!
It’s likely that at some point during your community’s lifespan, new construction will occur nearby and the impact on your residents will vary both short and long-term depending on the steps your Board takes early in the process. Sometimes new …
Your HOA Amendments are Ready, Now What?
The “governing documents” of a homeowners association are the Declaration of Covenants, the Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations. Many times, HOAs make a decision to amend by looking to the provisions that needed changing. This …
2018 Legislative Session Final Report
The 2018 Legislative Session ended with only two community association bills passing and being approved by the Governor. The following is a summary of the two bills:
HB 617, Relating to Covenants and Restrictions, by …
Legislative Review Continues
Today’s column is the second installment of our annual review of legislation affecting community associations in Florida. Last week, we reviewed changes to the condominium laws involving official records, websites, financial reports, meeting notices and term limits. Today continues a …
Time for Annual Legislative Review
Today begins our annual review of new legislation affecting community associations in Florida. The main piece of legislation derives from House Bill 81, which will become law on July 1, 2018. HB 841 affects condominiums, cooperatives and homeowners’ associations. We …
Owners Cannot Use E-Mail to Vote
Q: My condominium is taking a vote to authorize renovations to our lobby. Could the board e-mail the owners for their votes instead of holding a meeting? Are owners allowed to vote using e-mail? (S.B. via e-mail) …
Owners Generally Do Not Have the Right to Approve the Annual Budget
Q: Do condominium owners have a say in approving the annual budget? (D.J. via e-mail)
A: Unit owners do not have the right to adopt or approve a proposed budget …
Website Law Likely to Change
Q: I have heard that there is a new law requiring condominium associations to have a website. Is that true? (J.L. via e-mail)
A: Yes, although the law has somewhat …
Owners Can Add Items to Board Agenda
Q: In a homeowners’ association, can residents request items be added to the agenda for board meetings, or can only directors do this? If so, is there a deadline by which items must be placed on the …