Florida

Florida Condominium & HOA News

HOA residents who couldn’t get mail after box fell over (FL) April 26, 2024
Rachel Sykes says she could see it coming. Her HOA neighborhood mailbox was rusty and then it fell over in early March. She reported the issue to the post office, but getting a new mailbox has not been easy. After a month of complaining, they did take away the old box but left no box at all. Read the article…………………………….
4,800 Claims Handled by Unlicensed Adjusters in Florida After Irma, Lawsuit Says April 26, 2024
In one of the suits, brought by a Miami condominium association, the plaintiffs produced records they said showed that after Hurricane Irma, almost 4,800 claims for Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Co. were handled by unlicensed adjusters. Of almost 35,000 Heritage claims after Irma and Hurricane Michael, in 2017 and 2018, some 14% were handled by unlicensed adjusters, potentially in violation of state laws and regulations, according to the lawsuit filings. Read the article…………………………….
‘Everyone is selling’: Florida condo owners feel crush of rising insurance costs April 25, 2024
The rising cost of home insurance for one Palm Beach County condo is a story that seems to playing out at condos all across Florida. “It’s shocking to watch in a few years to go from under $100,000 to pushing a half a million,” Christina Auer said. “It’s out of line.” Insurance experts tell WPTV that the days of cheaper policies are not coming back. Read the article…………………………….
Florida’s Home Insurance Industry May Be Worse Than Anyone Realizes April 24, 2024
Seven property insurers in Florida went bankrupt in 2021 and 2022. The bankruptcies left thousands of homeowners scrambling to get new coverage, which often came with a big increase in cost. Worse, many had outstanding claims for hurricane damage that had not been addressed. Read the article…………………………….
Months after partial ceiling collapse, Tamarac condo residents desperate for repairs (FL) April 24, 2024
Some residents are living in a construction zone, months after rain and a beehive caused a partial ceiling collapse at the Bermuda Club Condominiums in Tamarac. The 55+ older condo community shows signs of little to no work done in a couple of units impacted by February’s rain when a drain blocked by a beehive caused part of a ceiling to come crashing down. Read the article…………………………….
2 Articles on Florida’s Insurance Problems April 23, 2024
Move, cut back or go bare: Florida seniors juggle skyrocketing costs, impossible choices Florida homeowners insurance is skyrocketing: Here’s what to know
More retired Floridians are returning to the workforce April 22, 2024
Tampa Bay Times reporter Lauren Peace, who wrote about this issue, said some challenges facing Florida are an influx of newer residents and natural disasters. These have caused housing prices, insurance rates and home maintenance costs to rise. “And then the last piece of it is, following the Surfside collapse, legislators passed a bill to make sure that condos and homeowners associations had a reserve pile of funds to do building maintenance and repairs. And so in a really short ...
Neighbor Cries ‘Fowl’ Over Chicken Ban (FL) April 22, 2024
Q: My homeowners association inconsistently enforces its rules. Rules often overlooked include bans regarding permissible animals and owning chickens on the property – none of which have been properly enforced. The association issued a new owner a violation notice, even though other homeowners have been keeping chickens. Does this set a precedent for how these rules will be enforced in the future? How can the association ensure that it equally applies its rules to everyone? Read the Q&A………………………………..
Owner furious that condo’s no smoking at home policy ignored. Can neighbor be stopped? (FL) April 21, 2024
Question: I live in a 55+ condo association. In 2015, we passed a strict “no smoking” bylaw. Smoking is not allowed on our property, including inside of units. When I was president, I had to get our attorney involved to get one renter who smoked in her rental condo to stop, even though she rented with the no smoking policy. This renter was deeded a unit nearer to my own by her deceased parents. Read the Q&A………………………………..
HOA Q&A: Must a property manager have a Community Association Management license? (FL) April 20, 2024
Q: If the HOA hires a property management company, what tasks require the manager to have a CAM license and is it illegal to hire someone without a license? We have been told the manager of our community is covered under the management company’s license. Read the Q&A………………………………..
Elderly man dies in condo fire on Jacksonville’s Southside (FL) April 19, 2024
An elderly man died Friday morning in a fire at a condo complex on Jacksonville’s Southside, firefighters said. The fire broke out shortly before 4 a.m. at the Lakecrest Condominiums on Belle Rive Boulevard, just east of Southside Boulevard. Read the article…………………………….
State law passed after Hurricane Ian negates Sarasota’s move to control taller buildings (FL) April 19, 2024
Aloophole in Sarasota’s development rules city officials closed last year has been reopened by a state law passed after Hurricane Ian, setting the stage for potential construction of the tallest building downtown and the opportunity for developers to build even more in coming months. Read the article…………………………….

Florida Condominium & Homeowner Association News Archives

Florida Condominium & Homeowner Association Articles

House Bill 1029: My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program
This act intends to provide condominium associations with a program similar to the My Safe Florida Home Program by establishing what is known as the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot (MSFCP) Program. Eligible condominiums can now apply for mitigation grants to help harden their buildings in an effort to mitigate hurricane damage. Read the article…………………………….
an a Homeowner’s Association that Allows the Violation of a Restrictive Covenant be Liable in Tort? (FL)
The issue of whether a homeowner’s association that permits a violation of its restrictive covenants is liable in damages in tort was addressed by the Fourth District Court of Appeals in the recent case of Seminole Lakes HOA, Inc. v. Esnard, Case No 4D18-15 (Florida 4th DCA Dec. 19, 2018). In this case, the Association was faced with a “severe parking problem” and therefore permitted on street parking, despite restrictive covenants prohibiting this activity. The relevant municipal code prohibited on ...
First-of-Its-Kind Injunction for Florida Condo Owners
This first-of-a-kind appellate ruling places significant limitations on the power and rights of developers to take control of condominium associations, amend the governing documents, and terminate condominiums so they may demolish the condominiums and redevelop the property while running roughshod over the individual property rights of innocent unit owners. Read the article…………………………….
Florida Legislature Approves $30M for Condominium Storm-Proofing Grants
The state’s lawmakers passed the bill enacting the new My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program with unanimous votes in both chambers, and it is now awaiting its expected approval by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The program, which is an extension of the My Safe Florida Home program that offers grants for improvements to single-family homes, will assist condominium associations with the costs of storm-proofing property improvements. Read the article…………………………….
Architectural Review Committees – Their Powers Get Slashed (FL)
HB 1203 made some major changes regarding architectural review committees. To sum it up, their powers were greatly slashed. Let’s take a look: An association or any architectural, construction improvement, or similar committee of an association must reasonably and equitably apply and enforce on all parcel owners the architectural and construction improvement standards authorized by the declaration of covenants or other published guidelines and standards authorized by the declaration of covenants. Read the article…………………………….
The Power of Infrared Thermography in Building Inspections
Infrared thermography, a cornerstone of modern infrared inspection, stands out as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, revolutionizing the approach toward preventative maintenance and safety inspection. Utilizing state-of-the-art infrared cameras, this technology makes the invisible visible by capturing the heat emitted from objects in vivid colors, revealing potential issues in electrical systems, insulation failures, and even hidden moisture problems that could lead to structural damage or safety hazards. Read the article…………………………….
4 things to look for in a Florida condo association
When looking for a condominium, it’s not enough to scout the property. You should also look closely into the Condominium Owners Association (COA) because it’s in charge of security, trash pickup and other property matters. The COA would also require condo owners to become members of the association. Read the article…………………………….
Understanding Community Association Security Measures and Liabilities
A recent article from the Community Associations Institute in the organization’s excellent Ungated blog focused on important security and liability issues for associations. It discussed how communities can be exposed to legal liabilities for negligent security and crimes occurring on association property. Read the article…………………………….
Beware of Claims Deadlines! Florida Condominiums Have Supplemental and Reopened Claims Statute Deadlines
Florida is the only state to address and provide a statutory definition for a “re-opened claim” or a “supplemental claim.” Florida’s law is not a consumer protection law. Instead, it is an insurance company protection law. The current edition of Florida’s Supplemental and Reopened claims law Read the article…………………………….
Boca Raton Building Recertification Ordinance: A Comprehensive Guide for Building Managers and Condominium Governing Boards (FL)
Fresh off our recent article highlighting Boynton Beach’s new building recertification requirements, we highlight Boca Raton’s updated Building Recertification program. This article covers everything you need to know about Boca Raton’s Building Recertification Program (Ordinance 5589) and the significant changes it makes to the way building recertification is conducted. It ultimately focuses on what it means for your commercial building or condominium and compliance process. Let’s jump right in. Read the article…………………………….

Florida Article Archives

Florida Laws

The Condominium Act, Chapter 718, F.S.

The Cooperative Act, Chapter 719, F.S.

The Florida Mobile Home Act, Chapter 723, F.S.

The Florida Vacation Plan and Timesharing Act, Chapter 721, F.S.

Homeowners’ Associations, Chapter 720, F.S. (jurisdiction limited to arbitration of election and recall disputes)

Community Association Management

Condominiums and Cooperatives – Building Reporting
718.501(3)(a), F.S./Senate Bill SB4D requires all condominium and cooperative associations with buildings 3 stories or higher to report the following information to the Division of Florida Condominium, Timeshares and Mobile Homes on or before January 1, 2023.

Florida Condominium & Homeowner Association Resources

Condominium Associations

The mission of the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes is to provide consumer protection for Florida residents living in the communities we regulate through education, complaint resolution, mediation and arbitration, and developer disclosure.

Homeowners’ Associations

The division has authority to arbitrate election and recall disputes under Chapter 720, Florida Statutes. However, the division does not have authority to investigate complaints under Chapter 720, Florida Statutes.

Arbitration

Arbitration Frequently Asked Questions All HOA election and recall disputes must be filed with the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes for mandatory binding arbitration instead of being filed in the courts.
Statutes and Rules
- 2018 Chapter 720
- Chapter 61B-80 thru 81, Florida Administrative Code
Forms
Guide to Recall Procedures

The Laws

Chapter 2013-188, Laws of Florida – effective July 1, 2013
Chapter 2013-218, Laws of Florida – effective July 1, 2013
Chapter 720, Florida Statutes
Chapters 61B-80 and 81, Florida Administrative Code
Chapter 61B-85, Florida Administrative Code

Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes The mission is to provide consumer protection for Florida residents living in the communities we regulate through education, complaint resolution, mediation and arbitration, and developer disclosure.

CAM License Search/Check

Condominium Ombudsman

City of Miami HOA Contacts: Certain applications (such a special events & temporary use permits) require you to send letters to Homeowner Association (HOA) Lists. Click here for the list. These are organized by district.

Community Association Networking Group

C.A.N. provides monthly educational seminars for association managers & board members, no membership required! Our mission is to offer the most current information available covering the topics that matter to you, delivered by top professionals in their field! What makes C.A.N. different is the delivery of our presentations. We provide several professionals to cover each topic, so that you receive interactive information, from every angle. In addition, we set aside time for your individual questions at every meeting. At Community Association Network, we made the conscience decision to limit the number of service providers who attend and sponsor our meetings, so that our audience can focus on receiving the information they need. Best of all, every event is held at a beautiful location, includes a full breakfast or lunch and PARTICIPATION IS ALWAYS FREE! Come and join us for our monthly breakfast or lunch meetings! RSVP on the Events page.

Community Association Institute Chapters

CAI – Gold Coast Chapter –

CAI – North Gulf Coast Chapter –

CAI –South Gulf Coast Chapter

CAI – Central Florida Chapter

CAI – Southeast Florida Chapter

CAI – Suncoast Chapter

CAI – West Florida Chapter

Community Advocacy Network – Florida The Community Advocacy Network (CAN) is the leading statewide advocacy network dedicated to promoting positive community association legislation while advising legislators to resist the urge to micromanage and over-regulate private residential communities. .

Broward Coalition of Condominiums, Homeowner Associations and Community Organizations, Inc. – For over thirty years, the Broward Coalition has successfully worked to bring Condominium and Homeowner Associations from Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties together for updated information and education. Our voices and concerns are well known in the three counties, and Governor’s office, throughout the State of Florida and up to the halls of Congress. Many of our members include leaders of the Communities, Elected Officials and Corporate Business Partners.

Treasure Coast Communities Association, Inc. – The Treasure Coast Communities Association, Inc. is an Organization of Condominium, Cooperative and Homeowner Associations honed to Protect, Preserve and Enhance Owner Rights and Equities.

Cyber Citizens for Justice was founded to unite Floridians in their quest to improve the daily lives of citizens in our State. We are seeking to present citizens’ interest in Florida through advocacy, education and legislative reform.

Tri-County Communities Association – Tri County Communities Association holds educational seminars monthly from January through April for community association and management company members.

Community Association Managers of Marco Island – The Community Association Managers of Marco Island is dedicated to furthering the profession of community association management through education and networking

Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations, Inc. – The purpose of the Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations, Inc. shall be to promote the general welfare of the Kendall Community by identifying and addressing quality of life issues and matters of concern through a Federation of Homeowner Associations. The Human Equation’s

Condo Craze & HOA’s radio show on WFTL AM850 Sunday’s at noon (also streamed live)

Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association

Key Biscayne Condominium President’s Council