Michael Soroka, president of the Hunters Run Property Owners Association, said the board unanimously decided to seek the loan on Thursday. The loan, which can eventually be forgiven, is designed to keep 350 employees working. “We have not laid off anyone and our goal is to keep them all on the payroll.” Read the article………………………
Living together, apart — new reality for condo residents (FL)
South Florida residents are being told to stay at home, only leave when necessary, and remain six feet apart when they do leave home base. No touching, no dining out, no spa visits allowed. Folks who live in their own homes, complete with backyards, gardens, outdoor kitchens and swimming pools have it somewhat easier than […]
In coronavirus’ social squeeze, walls keep closing in on high-rise condo dwellers (FL)
It feels like the walls keep closing in on the residents of Two City Plaza, a 21-story condominium in downtown West Palm Beach, where the deadly coronavirus pandemic keeps tightening its stranglehold on perks and personal liberties once taken for granted. Read the article…………………………….
HOA responds to Clay County nurse’s ‘quarantine RV’ debate (FL)
The president of the board for a homeowners association under criticism for a policy not allowing a nurse to keep a recreational vehicle in her home has responded, a day after News4Jax published the report. The article, about a Clay County nurse who wanted to keep her motor home in her driveway in case she […]
Some pool closures cause frustration in Manatee County (FL)
Tara Preserve resident Debbie Tyo uses the community pool in Tara Preserve every day to help ease the pain in her back. The more active she stays, the less pain she feels. However, the pain is building. On March 16, the Tara Community Development District closed Tara Preserve’s pool, amenity center and racket courts. Read […]
HOA demands elderly woman clean driveway during coronavirus pandemic (FL)
An Osceola County woman felt her homeowners association crossed the line when it demanded she clean a dirty driveway during a pandemic. She thought it had to be a mistake, but then she heard it had to be done by Friday despite stay-at-home orders. Read the article……………………………
Social Distancing Extended & Clarification of Short Term Rentals Order (FL)
Social Distancing Extended Through End of April & Short Term Rental Clarification Read the article…………………………….
Coronavirus: Polo Club in Boca alerts residents to 10 cases (FL)
The Polo Club of Boca Raton has been hit hard by the coronavirus. The golf course community of 1,700 homes is struggling to cope with 10 confirmed cases. Two of the 10 residents are hospitalized, according to emails obtained by The Palm Beach Post. Read the article…………………………..
Second coronavirus case connected to South Pasadena condos (FL)
A resident of Bay Island Condominiums in South Pasadena has tested positive for the coronavirus. He lives in the Ambassador building and the other occupants in his unit are in self-isolation until April 5, stated a March 25 notice from the Board of Directors and management of the condo’s Sun Island homeowners’ association. Read the […]
South Walton neighborhood enjoys social distancing party (FL)
A group of homeowners threw an elaborate party Thursday but here’s the catch: Everyone stayed home. Rick Olszewski, who organized the social distancing get-together, said most of the neighbors sat on their front porches and used the FaceTime app or sent photos as a form of communication. Read the article………………………….
Retiree bops away the coronavirus blues by blasting musical oldies for condo neighbors
Since hunker-down-at-home has become the new normal, “Boston Jimmy” Burns has been deejaying for his neighbors at the North Hampton Court condominiums in Pompano Beach. Not too long ago, he may have gotten some serious side-eye for cranking the volume, but since Thursday, it’s turned into a daily hour of communal good vibes starting at […]
Does HOA have power to restrict access in response to coronavirus emergency? (FL)
This week I wanted to give everyone some information regarding steps that each association can take in order to protect residents in the face of the coronavirus crisis. As we all know, the federal government has now recommended strict social distancing policies, and most people are encouraged to stay home if at all possible. Read […]
New condo initiative could help Palm Beach buildings handle crisis (FL)
A South End condo group has spearheaded new town-sanctioned recommendations to help residents and managers of multifamily buildings reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the illness caused by the coronavirus. Read the article………………………….
Residents concerned about Coronavirus (FL)
Q: Our residents are very concerned about the Coronavirus. Some owners want the gym open and others are insisting that the board close the gym. Some owners want the association to deny entry to anyone with a fever. We also have our annual meeting next week and want to avoid hundreds of people but also […]
St. Petersburg condo resident tests positive for coronavirus (FL)
Managers at ONE St. Petersburg alerted other residents to the positive case in an email Wednesday night. The case is one of 14 positive tests in Pinellas County. Read the article………………………….
Coronavirus impacts HOAs and condominium boards (FL)
Q: Our residents are very concerned about the coronavirus. Some owners want the gym open and others are insisting that the board close the gym. Some owners want the association to deny entry to anyone with a fever. We also have our annual meeting next week and want to avoid hundreds of people but also […]
CORONAVIRUS: Expect HOA Community Pools To Close (FL)
The latest recommendation from the White House means that pools at area clubhouses in HOA’s and country clubs will almost assuredly close. The new guideline, which call for no more than ten people in any place at any time, is already generating reaction from HOA leaders contacting BocaNewsNow.com. Read the article………………………..
Session Ends and Long Awaited ESA Bill Passes! (FL)
We will be addressing the major bills impacting our CALL members in a series of separate alerts since there is a lot to discuss on each bill. In the first of the series, we are delighted to announce that SB 1084, the bill which takes the first step to rein in emotional support animal abuse, […]
Forcing removal of security light comes down to waiver and selective enforcement
I had a security spotlight installed 20 years ago on my garage to light my driveway. It was installed for safety reasons. There is nothing in our documents disallowing it and several other homeowners have spotlights also. Can I now be forced to remove it after passing inspections for 20 years? Read the Q&A……………………………..
When are closed board meetings allowed? (FL)
Q: As president of my condominium association, I believe it is time to fire our in-house manager and hire a new one. I obviously need the approval of the board to fire the manager. At the upcoming board meeting can the board go into “executive session” to authorize firing the manager? Read the Q&A………………………………….
Office at 55 and over community in Pinellas Park ‘exposed’ to coronavirus (FL)
When the sign saying “Office exposed to coronavirus, enter at your own risk,” showed up on the Mainlands homeowners association office, some residents were scratching their heads. Maggie Herring was one of them. She believes residents should have been notified. “I don’t fault them for it. But that would cover them, you know and that […]
Does HOA board have to provide detailed financial records at monthly meeting? (FL)
Q: The board of directors in my homeowners association meets every month and provides a cursory financial report with little detail. We have requested the treasurer and board provide more information but the board responds that we can get the detail at the property management office. Does Florida law provide any redress? Read the […]
HOA Can Penalize Speeding (FL)
Q: Can a homeowners’ association set speed limits that are below county limits? If so, how can they enforce these regulations? Read the Q&A……………………………
Collier asks judge to dismiss suit brought by East Naples golf course owner (FL)
Collier County is asking a judge to toss a lawsuit brought against the county over the potential use of an East Naples golf course for more homes. The owners of the 94-acre Riviera Golf Course sued the county in December over the requirements that have to be met before a golf course can apply for […]
Is that Alligator an Emotional Support Animal? (FL)
Well, the reason why we asked you here today is because recently, HUD came out with some new guidelines for emotional support animals and service animals. And that is a very hot topic in not only condominium in HOAs, but also in multifamily and residential properties with landlords. And, it’s been, kind of like the […]
If membership disagrees with board business decisions, recall is the solution (FL)
I live in a 48-home HOA community. Our current HOA board is made up of five members. The current “president” of the board has become an issue resulting in the decay of our community. He is insisting that all decisions must be made by him or must go through him to the various vendors aiding […]
Legality of 50/50 raffles (FL)
Q: Our association frequently holds social events where there is a 50/50 raffle. The winner gets 50 percent of the money collected and the social committee retains the rest. Is this legal? Read the Q&A…………………………
HB 623 OMNIBUS BILL (FL)
We are now in the final weeks of the 2020 Legislative Session with the last day of Regular Session, March 13, quickly approaching. There will be a lot of activity in the closing weeks for many of the bills CALL has been tracking. Below is a summary of the major community association omnibus bill, filed […]
Laws differ under homeowners association and condominium statutes (FL)
Q: Our condominium recently painted our buildings and the cost was much more than the board anticipated. The owners voted to allow the board to use other reserves to fund the shortfall but the board is not adjusting the budget to catch these depleted reserve accounts up. Can the board underfund the reserves now indefinitely? […]
Are St. Pete’s permitting policies causing a spate of defective condos? (FL)
With another 40-something unit condo on the way in downtown St. Petersburg, there are storm clouds gathering for the industry in St Petersburg. According to informed sources, it was the cloud of an oncoming potential hurricane last summer that first tipped off the potential impact of the city’s system of permitting and inspecting these ever […]
Housing for older persons may allow residents below age 55 (FL)
Q: I live in a 55 and over community. I am told by the board president that people under 55 can be in residence because they inherited the condo. Is that true? I am concerned that, before long, our 55 and over community will no longer be 55 and over. Read the Q&A…………………………….
Windermere subdivision using goats to destroy invasive plants (FL)
People who live in a Windermere subdivision said invasive plants is destroying the neighborhood’s beautiful landscape, but they’ve got an interesting way of dealing with it. Channel 9?s Q McCray found out the problem is so bad, the neighborhood decided a run-of-the-mill landscaper wouldn’t do, so it hired goats to do the job instead. Read […]
Most associations should have 5 directors (FL)
We see a few Condominium or Homeowners’ Associations with only three directors serving a one year term and some larger Associations with seven or nine directors. There is a benefit to larger Master Homeowners’ Associations, with many neighborhoods and condominiums, to have many directors so that each of the various sub-communities have a representative on […]
Silver Woods HOA turns to goatscaping (FL)
The south entrance to the Silver Woods community was looking unkempt, with about eight different invasive species threatening to take over the area’s ground cover and the trees. The neighborhood is located west of Apopka-Vineland Road and near the chain of lakes, so the homeowners’ association was against spraying chemicals to kill the weeds. Bringing […]
Ask the attorney: Are proxy votes limited to only certain things? (FL)
Q: I live in a condominium building and our board of directors tells us that proxies can only be used to vote on certain things but they won’t tell me what those things are. Can you please educate me? Read the Q&A………………………….
Fort Myers man found guilty of felony grand theft; stole funds from homeowners group (FL)
A Fort Myers man has been found guilty of stealing money from a homeowners association. Jonathan Mariotti, 42, was found guilty of first degree felony grand theft, following a trial in Lee County. Evidence showed the defendant stole more than $185,000 while he was the treasurer of a homeowners association. The jury deliberated for less […]
Legal bulletin informs neighborhood residents of their rights after HOA tries to trespass homeowners from facilities (FL)
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has now issued a legal bulletin to inform their deputies and people living in the Turnberry Reserve community in Kissimmee about their rights to access HOA common areas. It comes after HOA property management staff were caught on camera twice asking law enforcement to kick some residents out of the […]
Tenants Can Claim Support Animal Rights (FL)
Q: Our condominium documents do not permit renters to have pets. A new short-term renter in my building has a dog. When I asked the management company, I was shown a certificate for an “emotional support animal” that can be purchased online. It is my understanding that “emotional support animals” can only break a “no […]
Worker dies after fall from Destin condo (FL)
A man working on the roof of a sixteen story condominium in Destin died after falling off the top of the structure Saturday afternoon. The 38-year old victim was part of a roofing crew working on top of Silver Shells Condominiums at 15300 Emerald Coast Parkway. Read the article………………………
Landscaping purchase may be exempt from bidding (FL)
Q: Our board is purchasing landscaping materials each month and we feel the board could be getting a better deal elsewhere. When we ask for the bids, they ignore our question. Are they required to bid this and get the best deal? Read the Q&A……………………………
Condo or HOA board should approve settlement of lawsuit at open meeting (FL)
I am an LCAM (licensed community association manager), and one of my associations has a legal action that is coming to a conclusion. At last night’s regular meeting, the board indicated that, by the regular February board meeting, they would announce that this action has been settled amicably. Four of five board members and the […]
Gov. DeSantis signs bill that bans HOA restrictions on police vehicles (FL)
Law enforcement officers in Florida are now allowed to park their work vehicles in their driveways, despite what HOA has to say about it. On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed S.B. 476 — the law enforcement vehicles law — which protects law enforcement officers from being told by their HOA they can’t park their work […]
Sea wall collapses near Hallandale Beach condominium (FL)
A sea wall collapsed Thursday in Hallandale Beach and some vehicles were parked dangerously close to the edge. David Weeks told Local 10 News he was woken up after 11 p.m. Thursday and was told that his car was hanging over the edge of his condo’s sea wall that was washing away. Read the article………………………….
Home Heartbreak: Widow faces financial, emotional stress after fire at Sunny Isles Beach condo (FL)
An 89-year-old South Florida man says he is now facing extreme financial and emotional stress and blames it all on his condo association. For more than two years, he hasn’t lived in his condo and is losing hope he’ll ever move back. 7’s Kevin Ozebek has our special report: Home Heartbreak. Read the article……………………………
Condo column: Who’s responsible when neighbor’s tree falls in your yard? (FL)
Q: My neighbor’s tree fell on my yard during a bad storm. There was no damage to my home, but I want the tree off my yard. Who is responsible to remove the tree? Read the Q&A……………………………
Strong odor prompts evacuations at Clearwater condo complex (FL)
A suspicious smell prompted the evacuation of condo complex in Clearwater on Wednesday. The Clearwater Fire and Rescue was called to the On Top of the World condos in the 2300 block of Jamaican Street around 7 a.m. after residents complained of an odor. Officials said crews were working the roof of the building and […]
Association Attorney Doesn’t Represent Owners (FL)
Q: As a condominium unit owner, am I entitled to any representation from the condominium association’s hired lawyer? Read the Q&A…………………………
Didn’t that used to be a golf course? Pasco plan says you better keep it mowed (FL)
The birdies and eagles at a closed golf course in Hudson have given way to vermin, snakes, mosquitoes and coyotes. That is the unflattering picture John Cybart painted for Pasco County commissioners four months ago when he asked the county to help protect his neighborhood’s property values. Cybart, president of the homeowners association at the […]
HOA stopping speeders in the community by fining homeowners for their violations and their guests (FL)
A local community is combating speeders by impacting homeowner’s wallets. If a homeowner is caught speeding by one of the HOA community’s cameras, they’ll get fined. The Andros Isle Property Owner’s Association Board is discussing the new resolution at a meeting Tuesday night. Read the article………………………..
Complaint letters from neighbor to HOA board are inspectable records; ‘no pet’ rule in question (FL)
I have a neighbor who has been on a mission to harass my family and to make our lives miserable in our community, and we haven’t even moved in yet. She has been telling other neighbors how bad we are and spreading vicious rumors and lies… Read the Q&A………………………….