Q: Our condominium has several recreational/common areas – swimming pools, saunas, tennis courts, a small gym/workout room, a billiard room, etc. Our board limits usage to some of the areas to owners only. I was under the impression that tenants have the right to use all common/recreational areas that owners enjoy. Read the Q&A……………………………….
When do Condominium Associations need to get competitive bids? (FL)
The Snow Birds are returning North so now begins the time, when less residents are around, for many Condominium and Homeowners’ Associations to perform needed building repairs and/or do that exciting lobby, social room or clubhouse renovation. Read the entire article……………………………….
Scammers allegedly pilfered $500,000 from The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club (FL)
A residential development in Fort Myers, Florida, lost half a million dollars in the second alleged fraud scheme to surface among Southwest Florida community associations this year. A scammer gained access to The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club’s money through its payroll services company Paychex, according to the community’s attorney, documents from its board […]
9-story Highland Beach condo evacuated after electrical room fire (FL)
Residents evacuated a Highland Beach condo Thursday morning after a fire occurred in an electrical room. The fire occurred at the nine-story Villa Costa condominiums, located at 3210 S. Ocean Blvd., at about 10:15 a.m. Read the entire article……………………………….
Real estate Q&A: Do I need individual condo insurance to get a home equity loan? (FL)
Q: Is it necessary to have a homeowners’ insurance policy for a condo if applying for a home equity loan? Unlike an individual house policy, don’t these policies only cover the owner’s personal property — what is “between the walls”? The general policy held by the HOA covers the building itself. Shouldn’t that be enough […]
Another big HOA fraud case in SW Florida: Scammers allegedly pilfer $500,000 from The Landings (FL)
Fraudsters gained access to the Fort Myers HOA’s money through its payroll services company Paychex, according to a sheriff deputy’s report. (Link is to a subscription only news item) Subscribers to the News Press only)………………………….
Thief in stolen U-Haul robs multiple cars inside parking garage of Sunny Isles Beach condo (FL)
Local 10 News has covered several stories of what is becoming a disturbing trend of late in which stolen rental vehicles are being used in burglaries across South Florida. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo Insurers Flee Florida
Condo insurers are exiting Florida or hiking prices in the wake of the Surfside collapse, while state lawmakers have yet to address the issue. However, Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to call a May special legislative session to address problems in the property insurance system. Read the entire article……………………………….
Federal judge dismisses suit by Omni Amelia Island against property owners (FL)
A fight between Omni Amelia Island and the property owners in Amelia Island Plantation (AIP) ended on one front Monday when a federal judge ruled Omni didn’t go through proper procedures in its effort to defend and consolidate its power over the large south Amelia Island development. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo insurers exit market and hike rates after lawmakers fail to pass safety reform (FL)
Insurers have become increasingly averse to issuing policies for aging condominiums in Florida following the state legislature’s failure to pass safety reforms, despite the deadly Surfside collapse last year. Read the entire article……………………………….
Beachgoers frequent a regional beach access in Walton County. An HOA wants to make it private (FL)
The Watercolor Community Association has filed a lawsuit that could result in a stranglehold being placed on the public’s ability to get to the beach via Walton County’s popular Van Ness Butler Regional Beach Access. Read the entire article……………………………….
Turkey Creek resident hopes for decisive action after attack by aggressive dogs (FL)
Bj Wiesen is frustrated at the slow pace of the responses from her neighborhood homeowners’ association and Alachua County Animal Resources & Care following a vicious attack on her neighbor’s dog in the White Oaks section of the Turkey Creek neighborhood in the City of Alachua last December. Read the entire article……………………………….
Declaration can be revised to take advantage of new laws (FL)
Q: Our HOA wants to rewrite our declaration of restrictions. They want to do some minor things, like change the word “developer” to “association” throughout the document. They also want to change the fee schedule. They want to add restrictions for short-and-long term rental properties, and also restrictions on architectural/lawn elements. Read the Q&A……………………………….
Community Law Q&A (FL)
Q: I participated in the “How to Run a Board Meeting Effectively” seminar several weeks ago, that you put on and I had a quick question. A statement was made that any time there is a quorum of the board, that the formalities of a board meeting must be adhered too. Read the Q&A……………………………….
Condo questions: Can the board shut off elevators during emergency situations? (FL)
Q: My condominium’s Board of Directors recently started discussing hurricane preparations and steps the Association would take if a hurricane were to hit our area. The Board said they would shut down both the elevators and air conditioning 24 hours before the hurricane hits. Does the Board have the right to shut off the elevators […]
First responders stuck at gate as West Palm Beach pregnant wife goes into cardiac arrest (FL)
Many in South Florida enjoy living in a gated community for safety and security. However, a West Palm Beach couple whose desperate call to paramedics took a frightening turn when rescue crews were unable to open the neighborhood gate. Read the entire article……………………………….
FGCU Water School promotes pond management through HOA project (FL)
When residents at Fairwinds, a small homeowner association (HOA) in Bonita Springs, noticed the only stormwater pond within the community starting to erode at the edges, there was concern for the safety of the houses built close to the water. Read the entire article……………………………….
Stonebridge County Club Sues Home Builder For More Than $100,000
The Stonebridge Golf and Country Club is suing a builder in the community for more than $100,000 because the builder is having a problem selling the house that it renovated. Read the entire article……………………………….
Developers Rush to Buy Out Owners in Aging Miami Buildings After Area Condo Collapse
Miami developers are scrambling to acquire aging waterfront condominium buildings, demolish them and build luxury residential towers in their place, a strategy that has been gaining attention since a 12-story building in Surfside partially collapsed last summer, killing 98 people. (Note: if you don’t have WSJ subscription you can listen to an audio version on […]
Condo deconversion offer for $96M shakes up Chicago Loop community (IL)
An unknown investor’s $95.8 million offer to purchase an entire condo building in Chicago’s Loop is rattling its residents, some of whom are resisting the attempt to turn their homes back into apartments. Read the entire article……………………………….
Beachgoers frequent a regional beach access in Walton County. An HOA wants to make it private. (FL)
The Watercolor Community Association has filed a lawsuit that could result in a stranglehold being placed on the public’s ability to get to the beach via Walton County’s popular Van Ness Butler Regional Beach Access. Read the entire article……………………………….
Who’s responsible for the swales and culverts in Sebastian? (FL)
Almost two decades ago, the City Council spoke about the maintenance for homeowners to keep up with the culverts and swales. I remember it very well, and now it’s becoming a bigger problem due to growth. The same topic was heard again during last Wednesday’s City Council meeting when Councilman Chris Nunn emphasized the same […]
Owners allowed to videotape board meetings (FL)
Q: Our new president, at his first monthly meeting, decided to videotape the meeting (without consulting the rest of the board). What bothers us is that he posted the video on YouTube for the world to see. Is this legal? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Right to see HOA records process questioned (FL)
Q: I understand that the Florida Homeowners’ Association Act states that if a request to inspect records is sent by certified mail and the association fails to make their records available within 10 business days, the statute imposes a rebuttable presumption that the association willfully failed to comply with the owner’s right to inspect. Read […]
Director Compensation: Do I Get Paid for This? (FL)
Q: I am considering running for the board of my condominium association. However, there is a lot of work involved in being on the Board. It can be a thankless position, which discourages many owners from volunteering. Can we compensate the members of the board as a way to encourage people to serve? Read the Q&A……………………………….
HOA plans to file damage claim against Florida Forest Service after Oyster Bay fire (FL)
It’s been a week since a prescribed burn got out of hand near Garcon Point in Milton, burning about 200 acres while narrowly avoiding homes. An email dated April 10 obtained by WKRG News 5 shows the Sea Pines neighborhood homeowners association plans to file damage claims against the Florida Forest Service’s insurance company. Read […]
Residents effected by Oyster Bay Wildfire seek accountability for damages (FL)
Homeowners are reacting to the state’s response to their concerns following the Oyster Bay Wildfire. The prescribed burn on Garcon Point last Friday grew out of control, threatening homes and burning almost 200 acres. Read the entire article……………………………….
Real estate Q&A: If an owner bought a condo at auction, can they rent it without the HOA’s approval?
Q: Our condominium has a foreclosed unit that was sold at auction. The new owner has ignored our condo’s requirement to have tenants apply with the association before leasing the unit. If an apartment is bought through a foreclosure, can the purchaser rent the unit without the association’s screening of the tenants? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Valencia Reserve Homeowners Association Sued (FL)
The Homeowners Association at Valencia Reserve is facing a lawsuit from a man who says the HOA was negligent in the care of its clubhouse. The man fell and claims critical injuries. Read the entire article……………………………….
Proposed Miami Condo Rules Wouldn’t Prevent Another Collapse, Engineers Say
A month after Florida lawmakers failed to require more frequent and more thorough inspections of aging condominium buildings, Miami-Dade County officials have drafted their own reforms. But a few engineers said the proposed changes, which are set to receive a public hearing today, April 13, wouldn’t be enough to prevent another tragedy like the collapse […]
Tequesta building evacuated after columns show ‘significant deterioration and cracking’ (FL)
People who live at a building in Tequesta are out of their homes and trying to make arrangements about where to live after their building was evacuated, Wednesday. The village deemed it “unsafe for occupancy” after columns showed “significant deterioration and cracking.” Read the entire article……………………………….
Fines may be applied for single intermittent violations
Q: In Florida, is it possible to levy a fine (assume all procedures followed per law) for a non-continuing violation? For example, assume that a car parked in the street is a violation as per HOA adopted policy, and that policy includes first providing the owner with a note that a fine may be imposed. Read […]
Condo Q&A (FL)
Q: I am a board member in my homeowner’s association (HOA), and I have a question regarding the fining committee. There are some board members that believe that the fining committee should only serve at one fining committee hearing, similar to a jury. Read the Q&A……………………………….
SEVEN BRIDGES DRAMA: Board Member Threatens Former Member On Hot Mic (FL)
In the Delray Beach community of Seven Bridges, where there is more drama than a night on Broadway, a board member Wednesday night made a verbal threat to a former board member — all on a hot microphone. Read the entire article……………………………….
Major work being done at The 101 Condominium in Sarasota, formerly known as Dolphin Tower (TN)
There are much brighter days ahead for The 101 Condominium complex on the Sarasota Bayfront, formerly known as Dolphin Tower. The parking garage will be completely redone, including structural improvements where crews will strengthen the connection between the columns and decks. Painting and waterproofing of the entire building are also part of this $3 million […]
Neighbors want Castaway Cove home condemned for code violations (FL)
A group of neighbors in the Wave VI neighborhood of Castaway Cove on South Beach are circulating a petition to have a house on Spanish Lace Lane condemned Read the entire article……………………………….
Florida property firm allegedly stole $8M from dozens of communities
Dozens of community associations are suing Naples-based American Property Management Services, saying the firm hijacked their bank accounts and took at least $8 million — some of which could have been saved if regulators had acted earlier (article subscription only)
4 family condos evacuated after fire in Tampa (FL)
Four family condos were evacuated early Wednesday morning after a fire broke out, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue explains. Read the entire article……………………………….
What is Palm Beach County doing to prevent condo collapses? (FL)
“We have a lot of tall condo buildings, particularly near the ocean, and thus salt water, so we knew we needed to have something like that in place, so we moved very, very quickly to make sure that we did,” Boca Raton council member Andy Thomson said. Read the entire article……………………………….
Election Day in Rock Springs Ridge (FL)
Nine candidates running for four positions on the HOA Board that will determine the direction of golf course, gopher tortoise lands Read the entire article……………………………….
East Naples residents unite in objection to plan to convert Riviera Golf Club into homes (FL)
Although the actual proposal to convert Riviera Golf Estates’ 18-hole golf course in East Naples into a housing development may not reach the Collier County Commission agenda for a year and a half, hundreds of residents amassed at nearly six hours of meetings this week to voice their opposition. Read the entire article……………………………….
Community First: It’s time for changes on the Rock Springs Ridge HOA Board
It’s a word filled with warmth and positive feelings. Who doesn’t want to belong to a tight-knit community? One where neighbors take pride in their living environment, respect and support one another regardless of age, gender, race, or creed. A good community is a safe, cohesive, confident, prosperous, and happy place to reside. It embodies […]
GNV resident and tree safety vs HOA (FL)
After a Gainesville resident wanted her Homeowners Association (HOA) to assess if a tree around her home is a safety risk, now she wants the HOA to be held accountable. Read the entire article……………………………….
Punta Gorda firefighters battle condominium fire (FL)
Punta Gorda firefighters battled a fire at Emerald Pointe Condominiums in the 25100 block of Marion Avenue on Wednesday. Officials say eight units were destroyed in the fire and two boats. Read the entire article……………………………….
Bonita Springs HOAs could merge into one city district (FL)
As the vote for a new district map in Bonita Springs will be made by city council on April 6, there is a battle for Bonita Bay and Pelican Landing, the city’s two major homeowners associations (HOAs), to stay in two different districts. Read the entire article……………………………….
Florida judge approves $83 million settlement for victims’ families and owners in Champlain Towers South collapse
A Florida judge approved an $83 million settlement Wednesday for former condo owners and heirs of those killed last year when the Champlain Towers South residential building in Surfside partially collapsed. Read the entire article……………………………….
Window-tinting regulations could be scaled back (FL)
The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council is reconsidering an ordinance passed last year to tighten tinting standards on windows for new construction or window replacements. Read the entire article……………………………….
Parking garage at former Dolphin Tower, once shut down and evacuated, to undergo major repairs (FL)
More than 10 years after the then-named Dolphin Tower condominium in downtown Sarasota shut down because of structural problems that forced residents to evacuate, the tower will once again have to undergo major repairs that could affect both the residents and retail tenants on the property. Read the entire article……………………………….
Mayor wants Florida town to remember condo collapse victims
The newly elected mayor of Surfside, Florida, is making the town’s response to the deaths of 98 people in the collapse of their oceanfront condominium a top priority in his new administration. Read the entire article……………………………….
People Back ‘Petty’ Homeowner Embroiled in Dispute With HOA Over Hinges
Aresident claims to be embroiled in a drama with their Homeowners Association (HOA) that started off as a query about decorative hinges. The homeowner, based in Fort Myers, Florida, has been sharing a series of clips to their TikTok account, @keyrealtors, documenting the saga with the HOA, Read the entire article……………………………….