Florida Condominium & HOA News
- Candidates May Vote For Themselves (FL) March 18, 2024Q: My condominium association has a five-member board of directors. At our upcoming annual meeting, there will not need to be an election as there are three open seats and three candidates. However, the question has arisen as to how to conduct the organizational meeting to be held following the annual meeting where the board will elect its officers. Read the Q&A………………………………..
- Allstate’s Florida Company Defends 54% Condo Rate Hike. Blames Reinsurance, Hurricane, Rapid Growth March 18, 2024When Allstate’s Florida unit, Castle Key Indemnity Co., entered the surging condominium insurance market in 2020, it looked like it had made a smart bet: Within two years, the carrier had added no fewer than 123,000 policies. Then came reinsurance price increases and $56 million in hurricane losses. Read the article…………………………….
- Lawmakers criminalize kickbacks and concealing records at condo, homeowners associations (FL) March 18, 2024Florida lawmakers boosted repercussions against community association board members and managers who go rogue, including criminalizing kickbacks and hiding records. This session, the House and Senate passed two condo and homeowners associations bills. They require Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature to become final. Read the article…………………………….
- Post-tension cable snaps at Emerald Bay – Village says no safety concern (FL) March 18, 2024Village officials said Friday night they are monitoring a failure of at least one post-tension cable that snapped at the Emerald Bay condominium Friday that sent chunks of concrete flying in the luxury condominium’s garage. More than a dozen parking spaces were closed off with yellow caution tape and holes could be seen in the garage ceiling. Read the article…………………………….
- Owner wonders why Condominium Act limits board member terms while HOA Act does not (FL) March 17, 2024Question: The Florida Condominium Act, Section 718.112, limits condominium board member terms. Why are HOA boards not included in this statute? Read the Q&A………………………………..
- Lauderhill leaders address public safety concerns at HOA event (FL) March 15, 2024City leaders gathered with department and homeowners association representatives Thursday to discuss a lengthy agenda of issues impacting Lauderhill, including public safety, taxes, code enforcement and storm water management. “We do this community leaders breakfast about once every three to four months,” Commissioner S. “Ray” Martin said. “The idea is to make sure that we have a good exchange of information, and that you all can go back to your communities and share what’s going on with all of us.” ...
- Boynton’s Valencia Reserve is renovating clubhouse for $9.3M. Here is what homeowners will pay. (FL) March 13, 2024Homeowners in the Valencia Reserve development west of Boynton Beach have overwhelmingly approved a referendum calling for the expenditure of $9.3 million to rebuild their 13-year-old, 42,000-square-foot clubhouse. Each of the 1,043 homeowners will need to pay about $8,000 for what will be one of the most expensive renovation projects undertaken in Palm Beach County at a non-golf course community. Read the article…………………………….
- House toppeled the estoppel, preventing $100M in new HOA fees (FL) March 12, 2024The House in the waning hours of the 2024 Legislative Session stood its ground on the “Home Tax” bill dealing with estoppel certificates and who can pay for them. Its unwillingness to budge left the measure (HB 979) dead for the Session. Read the article…………………………….
- HOA ‘3 Minute Rule’ Questioned (FL) March 11, 2024Q: Our homeowners’ association board only lets residents speak at board meetings after taking a vote. They can only speak for 3 minutes in total. My understanding is that the residents should be able to speak before the vote, and they can speak for 3 minutes per item on the agenda. What is the rule on this? Read the Q&A………………………………..
- A Generator Bill That is Long Overdue (FL) March 11, 2024Until now there was no law in our Florida HOAs that would allow a home owner to install their own electrical generator with above ground or below ground gas tanks. Here we are, living in Florida with sometimes unbearable heat and humidity, we have a large elderly population, hurricanes generally hit in the hottest parts of the year, and yet there is no right to install an electric generator in your home. Read the article…………………………….
- Florida condo owners are stuck in a ‘train wreck’ as prices drop and mounting insurance rates scare away buyers March 10, 2024Owners are trying to unload units in the face of the skyrocketing costs of maintaining an apartment in Florida. At the same time, prospective buyers are driven away by those same fees. “It’s definitely been a slow-motion train wreck,” said Joe Humphfner, who owns a condo in Jupiter, near West Palm Beach. Read the article…………………………….
- Does condo owner have recourse for common work that disrupts her peace and quiet? (FL) March 10, 2024Question: My 90-year-old mother comes down to Florida from Canada for health reasons and, of course, for the weather during the winter. Last year we were informed her condominium would be lining the pipes. We informed them that she’s away for eight months a year and asked if they could please do the work during that time. We were assured that would be the case. Read the Q&A………………………………..
Florida Condominium & Homeowner Association News Archives
Florida Condominium & Homeowner Association Articles
- Navigating Financial Challenges: Structural Integrity Reserve StudiesEnsuring the structural integrity of buildings is a primary concern for community associations in Florida, where climate and weather events can pose a significant threat to buildings and their residents. Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) address this by offering crucial insights into a building’s condition and future maintenance needs, safeguarding buildings against potential damage and regular wear. Read the article…………………………….
- Dos and Don’ts of Election Challenges in Community Associations (FL)Pursuant to their relevant statutory provisions, election disputes that take place in condominium, homeowners’, and cooperative associations are subject to mandatory nonbinding arbitration before the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes (the “Division,” for short). It is referred to as “nonbinding” because the arbitrator’s order is not final until 30 days after its issuance, which provides time for either party in the dispute to challenge the decision to their local circuit court, which hears the case de novo ...
- Lawmakers criminalize kickbacks and concealing records at condo, homeowners associations (FL)Florida lawmakers boosted repercussions against community association board members and managers who go rogue, including criminalizing kickbacks and hiding records. This session, the House and Senate passed two condo and homeowners associations bills. They require Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature to become final. Read the article…………………………….
- Homeowner challenges HOA over solar panels (FL)Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into usable electricity. They have been gaining popularity in recent years as homeowners seek ways to reduce their utility bills, as well as their carbon footprints. A Florida homeowner is reportedly feeling frustrated, however, regarding solar panel installation on a roof. The Homeowners Association where the individual lives says installing solar panels will eliminate the roof’s warranty. Read the article…………………………….
- Lawmakers set sights on broadband, TV ‘advisers’ (FL)Lawmakers passed several bills related to homeowner and condo owner associations this year, but one 11th-hour change that didn’t make the cut is expected to make a return next year. At issue are companies or individuals who contract with homeowner associations to advise on services such as broadband and cable TV, and then broker contracts with service providers. Read the article…………………………….
- The SB4D Bill and How it Impacts Tampa Condominiums (FL)The Senate Bill 4D Bill is a legislative measure enacted by the Florida State Legislature aimed at addressing various issues related to property insurance. Created to combat rising insurance costs and insurance market instability, this bill includes several provisions that can affect property owners, including condominium associations. Read the article…………………………….
- Wellness Amenities and Their Impact on Resident Satisfaction (FL)Wellness amenities can not only improve the health and happiness of your community members but can also drastically improve the property values and attraction to your neighborhood. As the leading HOA management company, Wise Property Management can provide the highest quality homeowners association management Read the article…………………………….
- Florida Condominium Terminations: Five ConsiderationsA condo termination, also known as a condominium deconversion, refers to the process where a condominium association legally dissolves. Condo terminations occur for several reasons including economic factors, aging infrastructure, or the desire of unit owners to capitalize on real estate market conditions. Read the article…………………………….
- Dos and Don’ts of Election Challenges in Community Associations (FL)Pursuant to their relevant statutory provisions, election disputes that take place in condominium, homeowners’, and cooperative associations are subject to mandatory nonbinding arbitration before the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes (the “Division,” for short). It is referred to as “nonbinding” because the arbitrator’s order is not final until 30 days after its issuance, which provides time for either party in the dispute to challenge the decision to their local circuit court, which hears the case de novo ...
- EV charging in FL condos – can an Association prohibit owners from installing EV charging outlets in their assigned parking spaces?EV charging in Florida condo buildings and communities is much more involved than having a charging outlet installed in the garage of your Single-Family Home. Today we are doing an overview of Florida Condominium Owners Associations (COAs) allowing unit owners to install a dedicated charging outlet at their individual parking spaces, and/or the Association installing a shared charging station on the property for all owners to use. 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
- 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.
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 – 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
Florida Condominium & Homeowner Association Blogs
Florida Condominium & Homeowner Association Legal Blog
Community Association Law Group – For the Association
Community Association Resource Group