Q: We want to put a lawn sign out in front of our home for our favorite candidate. Our homeowners association is saying no way. What about my First Amendment rights? Can they restrict this? Read the article………………………….
Woman’s car booted after parking in her own driveway (FL)
Cristina Trabada said she and her family were on vacation when neighbors started bombarding them with calls and messages. “Sending us pictures that my car has been booted in the driveway,” Trabada said. Wait. What? Read the article…………………………
City of Marco Island reaches agreements with Madeira, contractors and realtor on probation (FL)
City of Marco Island reached an agreement with Madeira’s condominium association and a contractor following a beach code violation late last year. On Oct. 21, code compliance officer Andy Lindenmuth observed workers from Greenscapes of Southwest Florida trimming sea grapes on a dune area by 350 S. Collier Blvd. Read the article…………………………
Federal law protects satellite dishes, but not HAM radio antennas, in deed-restricted communities (FL)
Q: I live in an association in San Antonio. I am a licensed HAM radio operator. Our HOA management company keeps sending me notices and assessing fines for a temporary antenna that fits on a PVC mast. Our HOA rules do not specifically ban antennas, but they mention that dish receivers must be attached to […]
Keeping drones from being a nuisance in your community (FL)
Q: We keep hearing that delivery companies will soon be delivering packages to our doorsteps by drones. Developers and realtors are using drone footage as marketing tools. Hobbyist and kids are flying them around in their spare time. How should your Condominium or Homeowners’ Association handle the growing number of drone use from becoming a […]
$400K reportedly embezzled from PCB Condominium (FL)
A Panama City Beach woman is facing multiple charges after deputies say she embezzled more than $400,000 dollars from a Horizon South Condominiums Homeowners Association. Cynthia Hayes, 55, reportedly stole the money while working as a bookkeeper for the resort. Read the article……………………….
Ask a real estate pro: Community’s been waiting years for new mailboxes. Can I just install my own?
Q: We need to install a new mailbox in front of our house because ours is falling apart. Our homeowners association approved a budget item to install new mailboxes three years ago, but the work was never done. Can we install a new mailbox without being penalized? Read the Q&A………………………..
Dumpsters at Arlington condo complex not emptied for weeks (FL)
Read the article………………………Trash at Les Chateau Condominiums continued to pile up Wednesday and residents of the complex say their calls and questions about why the dumpsters are not being emptied go unanswered. Several dumpsters of the property along the Arlington Expressway east of Arlington Road are overflowing with piles of trash.
Condos: Is it legal for one board member to act on a major project without bringing it to the full board? (FL)
Q: I am a resident of an association that is governed under Florida Statutes 718 and we are about to have our annual election. We were given a limited proxy with only the board secretary with the rights as the proxy holder. If I read it correctly, the home owner has the right to designate […]
Sinkhole buy-out deal “stinks,” say Hudson residents (FL)
The barricades are 103 paces apart. The area inside contains more than 70 sinkholes and ground anomalies, six houses and immeasurable stress. This is Willow Brook Court in the Lakeside Woodlands neighborhood in Hudson. It gained notoriety in August when large holes opened within the drainage retention area on the street’s south side. Almost six […]
Restaurant Minimums Not Unusual (FL)
Q: I live in a community that includes a mandatory golf club membership. The restaurant/lounge has been underperforming. The board recently imposed a minimum food and beverage purchase requirement for all members. Is this legal? Read the Q&A………………………..
Condominium amendments limiting leasing may not apply to owners who do not consent (FL)
Q: Read the Q&A…………………………..Our condominium association is proposing to change rental rules that will alter our entire reason for moving here. We’re snowbirds, and we bought here understanding we could rent the unit while we weren’t using it during the offseason. The current rule basically allows for a minimum six-month lease after one year of […]
Misleading Destin logo on beach property sign painted over (FL)
Last Friday, a Destin Code Compliance Department officer posted a notice of violation on the condo property for having the misleading logo on a sign. Read the article………………………….
Without government action, people in North Port are banning plastics on their own (FL)
…..Sleet got the homeowner’s association on-board, and they installed bottle refilling stations, and he said they quickly saw another benefit in addition to protecting the environment. Read the article………………………….
Jupiter’s Jones Creek is a filthy quagmire and neighbors desperately want it cleaned up – but that’s not so simple (FL)
County records indicate the Maple Isle Homeowners Association and Maplewood Property Owners Association each own portions of the creek. Records from the 1990s say the Maple Isle HOA holds responsibility for maintaining part of the waterway. A Maple Isle property manager didn’t respond to request for comment and a Maplewood property manager couldn’t be immediately […]
Bonita Bay community board won’t share video of burglar entering home (FL)
Surveillance video caught a burglar breaking into a Bonita Bay home last month, where he stole hundreds in cash. But, the victim says the homeowners association will not release the video to his neighbors. Right now, the burglar is still on the loose. Homeowner Roger Brookes calls a surveillance video unnerving. A man crawls through […]
Downtown St. Petersburg’s Bliss condo owners sue developers over shoddy construction (FL)
Residents in a downtown St. Petersburg high-rise are suing its developers over building defects they say are causing expensive damage to their property. The Bliss Condominium Association is the homeowner’s association for the 18-story building completed in downtown St. Pete in 2017. The group is suing developers Taub Entities and Voeller Construction for damages they […]
Aggressive squirrels finally out of Tampa Bay family’s condo (FL)
8 On Your Side is getting results for a Tampa Bay area mother who has been terrorized by squirrels for the past several weeks. “Opening the door to my condo and knowing nothing is going to jump out at me is a miracle,” said Annie Peavey. “Thank you is all I can say.” Peavey says […]
Condo advice: What’s the best loan for condominium renovations? (FL)
Q: Our condominium board wants to renovate our lobby and amenities but the cost would require a loan. The owners are concerned about repayment options. Do you have any recommendations on how to borrow for this purpose? Read the Q&A………………………….
Relatives Can Serve on Board Together (FL)
Q: Where do I find in the statutes about relatives being on the board? I was told that if you are a relative, you cannot be on the board at the same time. Is that true? If so, what level of blood relation does it go to? Read the Q&A……………………….
Miami Condo Owners Wager on $40,000-a-Night Super Bowl Rentals (FL)
Jennifer Restrepo circled Super Bowl weekend on her calendar and decided to make a bet. Restrepo, who manages short-term rentals for Miami condo owners, kept her listings quiet as she gauged demand and watched competitors set prices. Now, she’s blasting out Facebook and Instagram ads that position her beachfront units as the perfect base to […]
‘It makes your heart bleed’: Protected mangroves slashed in Volusia County (FL)
Around 500 mangroves in Volusia County were cut well below the height mandated by state guidelines, forcing the state to get involved to figure out how and why it happened. State law says that trees can not be trimmed to under 6 feet, but some 500 trees in Wilbur-By-The-Sea were slashed far below that on […]
Prudent for condominium association to inspect units for damage when roof fails (FL)
If there is damage done to a condominium building roof due to a hurricane, and if the roof has been dried in pursuant to the condominium association’s responsibility, is it the unit owner’s responsibility to ensure that their unit is dried out and repaired, or is it the association’s responsibility, assuming that the owner is […]
Park & Rec Tampa (bar) is being sued by condo association (FL)
What happens when a quiet area begins to pop off? Well, according to past incidents involving Franklin Manor and the most recent issue with the Tampa Park & Rec location, lawsuits. Park & Rec—located at 290 S. Meridian Ave., in between Sparkman Wharf and Amalie Arena—has been served with a lawsuit by The Towers of […]
Are no pet restrictions enforceable? (FL)
Q: I live in a condominium that does not allow pets of any kind, and never has allowed them. One of the reasons I purchased a unit in this condominium is because I don’t like pets and I don’t want to be around them. Last year my condo board allowed a new owner, who is […]
Condo Column: Should the minutes from an executive session board meeting be public knowledge? (FL)
Q: Our Board of Directors meets frequently behind closed doors and the agenda simply includes “executive session.” The Board states that the minutes of these meetings are also closed to the membership. Shouldn’t these minutes be public knowledge? Read the Q&A………………………
Aggressive squirrels terrorizing Tampa Bay family in their condo (FL)
A Tampa Bay area mother says squirrels have moved into the condominium she’s renting near Kokomo and Marion Roads in Haines City. After being tormented for 25 days, Annie Peavey called 8 On Your Side Investigates for help. While she admits it sounds silly, Peavey says the squirrels have destroyed her furniture and peace of […]
Man Dies In Gym, GL Homes Allegedly Did Not Supply Cardiac Equipment. Advertised “Experience The Lifestyle.” (FL)
The family of a man who died in the new community of Dakota on Lyons Road in Delray Beach is suing GL Homes for wrongful death and several other claims. According to the suit, which you can read in its entirety below, Jarret Berman was working out in the Dakota clubhouse on June 12th when […]
Some Lake Suzy residents taking stench issue to commission (FL)
Some residents of Lake Suzy are planning to make their voices heard today at the DeSoto Board of County Commissioners meeting in Arcadia. Homeowners in the Heron Pointe, Egret Pointe and Crystal Bay neighborhoods have had issues with the county over a stench — likened to dead fish or rotten eggs — stemming from a […]
Boca Raton veteran told to muzzle service dog or move out (FL)
George Little has lived at Banyan Lakes at Boca Rio for five years but now, he says he’s being told to muzzle his service dog or move out. “It is close to my work, close to my friends, and it is a good neighborhood and it is one of the places that I feel comfortable, […]
Tree Root Damage, Who is Responsible? (FL)
Q: I live in a gated homeowners’ association. Roots from a tree planted on the common area has damaged my driveway. Who is responsible for the repair? Read the Q&A…………………………..
Residents evacuated for 2-alarm condo fire in Westshore District (FL)
Tampa Fire Rescue battled a 2-alarm fire at a condominium complex in the Westshore District Saturday morning. The fire occurred at the Villa Sonoma complex at International Plaza. All residents were evacuated and no one was injured, the fire department said. Read the article………………………..
Time is running out to file insurance claims for Irma (FL)
Q: Our roofs are original construction. Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, we did not see any noticeable damage and so we did not file an insurance claim. We just spent a lot of money repairing water damage stemming from the roof and the contractor indicated that the roof may be compromised. Is it too late […]
Contractor defrauds Miami contractor of over $30K for roof replacement to South Beach condo (FL)
We have all heard the stories about a homeowner getting ripped off by a shady contractor, but here’s a twist: A Miami general contractor said she fell victim to another contractor, and a South Beach condo is stuck in the middle. The Nightteam’s Kevin Ozebek investigates. Read the article……………………….
Security guard shoots man dead at Galt Ocean condo complex, cops say (FL)
A security guard shot and killed a man who was assaulting another guard at a Fort Lauderdale condo high-rise, police said. The shooting happened just before 4 a.m. Wednesday at Playa Del Mar, 3900 Galt Ocean Drive, Detective Tracy Figone said. Read the article…………………….
Condo Column: Can a condo association make their own rules regardless of Florida Statutes?
Q: In our Association Board meeting minutes, the vote of each director has always been listed by name. Such as Director A – Yes, Director B – No etc. Recently the Board president told the secretary to stop recording the votes in this manner and just record the outcome such as 3-yes, 2-no, motion passes. […]
Condominium column: Electronic voting helps associations get enough participation for changes (FL)
Q: Hi, I live in an HOA that has more than 500 homes, and almost every year at our election, we don’t have enough people to show up to have a quorum so we can’t hold our meeting and we can’t have our election. Read the Q&A…………………………….
Illegal Rentals Might Mean Jail Time (FL)
Owners with illegal unit rentals can end up in jail. At least they can if they live in Miami Beach. The City of Miami Beach is on the forefront of municipalities cracking down on illegal Airbnb rentals. The city announced it will prosecute hosts who provide fake business license numbers in order to list their […]
Conservation and homeowners associations can go hand in hand (FL)
As a lifelong Florida resident, I have seen the population explode from roughly 4 million to over 20 million residents in my lifetime. And since I have been involved with many of the growth and building industries, I have had a court side seat to see how development has changed. Read the article…………………………..
Board members doing legal work for homeowner’s association may be unauthorized (FL)
Q: I live in a deed-restricted community governed by a homeowner’s association. The board has compiled a set of modifications to the deed restrictions and has emailed a new deed restriction document, with the new rules in red text, to all lot owners. This is the first time everyone has seen the proposed changes. Read […]
Condo column: Can board tell owner to remove ‘unattractive’ satellite dish? (FL)
Q: A unit owner in our building mounted a satellite dish to the side of the building and it is unattractive. I was told owners can’t do this. What is the law on this? Read the Q&A……………………….
Homeowners Sue Aventura Isles Developers Over Chemical Contamination (FL)
Built atop an old golf course, a polished new Miami community was marketed as a “rare gem” with “pristine lakes and natural preserves.” Taking advantage of low real-estate prices in the wake of the 2008 collapse of the U.S. housing market, buyers gobbled up units. Read the article…………………………
She occupied a Valrico house with a false deed. Now’s she trying to get this Tampa house, neighbors say (FL)
This week, the Gregorys went to a meeting of their homeowners association and suggested that its attorney send a letter to Citibank. Board member Ashley Gray said she is uncertain whether the association legally can do anything since the dues are being paid, although it is unclear by whom. “Anytime a situation is brought up […]
Condominium budget varies greatly depending on type of property and amenities (FL)
Q: Is there a “rule of thumb” for the total dollars in the operating budget based on the number of units? E.g., for a condo building with 100 units, is it a reasonable expectation that budget will not exceed $800,000? Read the Q&A…………………………
Records must be made available upon written request (FL)
Q: I have a question about financial records from my condo complex. I have been requesting financial records from the homeowners association (HOA) president since February and still have not seen or received any of the paperwork. Because of my requests, I believe I’m experiencing some sort of retaliation and am beginning to feel uncomfortable […]
Madeira, RR Restoration ordered to pay nearly $16K for destroying dunes in Marco Island (FL)
Madeira on Marco Island Condominium Association and contractor RR Restoration must pay $15,500 for damaging dunes and removing native vegetation, according to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection consent order filed Wednesday. Read the article……………………….
Celebration, Florida: How Disney’s ‘Community of Tomorrow’ Became a Total Nightmare (FL)
In 2004, Disney sold the downtown of utopian Celebration, Florida, to a private equity firm. Residents say it took their money and let the city rot around them. Read the article…………………………
6 Years Late, $13 Million in Debt, County Concedes Incompetence Running Utility as It Seeks Plantation Bay Bailout (FL)
Six years ago, the Flagler County Commission, behind then-Administrator Craig Coffey’s deal-making, agreed to buy the Plantation Bay utility from developer Mori Hosseini for $5.5 million in a late-night vote despite public qualms that the county was acquiring a clunker, an official government consortium’s analysts that placed the utility’s value at no more than $1 […]
Flood prevention costs for condos and businesses could soar in Fort Lauderdale (FL)
Fort Lauderdale residents and businesses will have to pay more to protect against flooding, but how those extra costs are split could pit condo owners and businesses against homeowners. Read the article…………………………….
Division of condominiums has jurisdiction to investigate record inspection complaints (FL)
Q: What are my options if the board of directors still refuses to provide information in response to a formal “Request for Information” form? Do I need to hire a lawyer? Read the Q&A………………………………..