Florida Condominium & HOA News
- Boca Raton HOA Sued Over Electric Scooter Accident (FL) May 7, 2024
A Boca Raton Homeowners Association is being sued by a man who claims the HOA’s poorly maintained parking lot led him to crash his electric scooter. Robert Clarfield claims that the Villas of Boca Barwood is responsible for his accident. Read the article…………………………….
- Family jumps from second-story in St. Peters condo fire (FL) May 7, 2024
Two adults and two children were transported to the hospital with smoke-inhalation injuries, according to the fire chief. “They jumped from the second (floor) to the first. And then there was a little bit of space between the ground and that balcony. There was a neighbor that was assisting the family to get their little ones over the railing and down to the ground,” Schneider said. Read the article…………………………….
- Refund Rights Run with Title (FL) May 6, 2024
Q: My condominium association board assessed seven thousand dollars per unit right after the Hurricane Ian in 2022, which I paid. The board has now decided they do not need the funds and have voted to return them to the owners. I sold my condo unit after the refund decision was made, but before the money was given to the owners. The board now says the refund should go to the new owner. I disagree. What do you say? ...
- Neighborhood dispute has HOA calling foul on youth ball field in East Sarasota (FL) May 6, 2024
The president of a Sarasota homeowners’ association is calling foul on a church’s youth baseball field where he says lights were installed without proper permits and county officials refuse to enforce regulations. After investigating the alleged violations, County officials dispute that they ignored zoning and building codes. Read the article…………………………….
- Delray Beach HOA Goes To Real Court Over Sport Court (FL) May 5, 2024
The Delray Beach gated community of Casabella is suing a Palm Beach County sport court installation company which allegedly took the community’s money and ran. Sport Surfaces of 7011 Wilson Road in West Palm Beach is the defendant. Read the article…………………………….
- A few owners are holding up move to hurricane impact windows that would save condo money (FL) May 5, 2024
Question: I am on the board of our condominium. I have been charged with reviewing our ever-increasing insurance costs. After a review, it has been determined that we need to upgrade to impact windows and doors or shutters to save a substantial amount on our annual insurance bill. Out of 20 units, roughly five owners do not want to spend the money to upgrade their windows Read the Q&A………………………………..
- Florida tightens condo insurance claim deadlines to ease disputes May 4, 2024
New legislation signed into law this week sets clearer, stricter deadlines for filing loss assessment coverage claims by condominium owners, aimed at reducing legal disputes and streamlining the insurance claim process. Read the article…………………………….
- Florida real estate struggles as ‘motivated’ sellers flood market May 4, 2024
According to Redfin, the median time a Florida home spent on the market was 57 days in March. Two years earlier, that time span was just 24 days. “It’s also coming at a time when HOA (homeowner association) fees are going up and insurance costs are going up, and people don’t want to pay these higher property taxes,” Fairweather said. “More new listings are coming on the market right now, too.” Read the article…………………………….
- HOA Q&A: Does the selection of a contractor have to be done at a HOA Board meeting? (FL) May 4, 2024
Q: When selecting a contactor to perform major work on the condominium buildings such as power washing or replacing roofs, does the selection of a contractor have to be done at a HOA Board meeting? Read the Q&A………………………………..
- Recent court ruling threatens property rights of 2.5 million Florida condo owners | Opinion May 3, 2024
More than 2.5 million Floridians enjoy the benefits of a condominium lifestyle. Multi-story towers allow residents to live close to beautiful views, their workplaces, their families, and/or fun recreational activities. However, owning a condominium unit also comes with a significant financial obligation. Read the article…………………………….
- Automakers are revved up over condominium towers May 3, 2024
It’s the hottest trend in the automotive industry, and it’s not electric vehicles or autonomous driving. It’s something far more prosaic and unlikely: the automotive-branded high-rise condominium tower. It started with the Porsche Design Tower, which opened in 2017. The Bentley Residences followed in 2022, Read the article…………………………….
- Fire engulfs condo unit in Shell Point Wednesday (FL) May 2, 2024
A Shell Point condo unit caught fire late Wednesday morning, according to the Wakulla County Fire Rescue. Once firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire, according to the fire rescue. Read the article…………………………….
Florida Condominium & Homeowner Association Articles
- Hurricane Preparedness: Beyond the Basics (FL)
As Floridians, the dance of hurricane prep is an annual occurrence. From June to November, vigilance cannot wane as we keep our eyes on the tropics and our hurricane kits ready. But as a seasoned property management company in Florida, we’ve learned that there’s more to hurricane preparedness than just the standard checklist. Let’s delve into some often-overlooked aspects that can make a significant difference when the next storm hits. Read the article…………………………….
- Big Changes to Condo Record Laws (FL)
If the association is still doing things the old fashioned way and making deposits by filling out a deposit slip and going inside to see the teller, that deposit receipt issued by that teller is now an official record of the association and unit owners are entitled to see it. Read the article…………………………….
- How to Choose a Property Management Company
No two communities are identical; each community has various factors which influence what type of management will most effectively help them accomplish their goals. Some of these factors include the availability of resources and the complexity of the community itself. Read the article…………………………….
- The Uncertainty in Fla. Circuit Courts Concerning Section 553.84 Causes of Action Against Design Professionals
As most construction litigation practitioners are aware, the vast majority of construction defect cases settle before trial and even those that proceed through trial may not get all the way through the appellate process. Read the article…………………………….
- My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program: Frequently Asked Questions
On April 24, 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1029 into law, marking a pivotal moment in bolstering condominium resilience against hurricane damage. This significant milestone is important for Florida’s condominium owners’ associations to recognize in furtherance of efforts to protect Florida’s infrastructure. Read the article…………………………….
- Association Contracts (FL)
Whether your community association is a condominium, cooperative, or a homeowners’ association, Florida law empowers your association to enter into contracts in connection with the maintenance and operation of the community. Often times, your association is all but required to contract with third parties in order to maintain and operate the community, as it does not have the in house employees required for specialized, but essential tasks, such as the maintenance and repair of your community’s plumbing, elevators, or fire ...
- E-Bikes and Batteries (FL)
Florida has not escaped the growing epidemic of fires started by lithium-ion batteries, like those used in e-bikes and other battery-operated personal transportation devices. A recent Miami bike shop caught fire after the shop owner left an e-bike battery charging and closed the store for the day. Surveillance cameras caught the moment the battery exploded, starting the devastating fire. Read the article…………………………….
- Why Is This Special Assessment Different from All Others and the Need for a Legislative Fix (FL)
Not too long ago a condominium association foreclosed its assessment lien against a deceased unit owner and the sole heir. With the statutory prerequisites completed, including the recordation of the lien, the association commenced its foreclosure lawsuit. Ultimately, due to the failure of the defendants to respond, a final summary judgment in favor of the association was ordered, This judgment also included two special assessments that were properly levied by the association and remained unpaid. Here is where things begin ...
- Condo Roofs Becoming Home to Protected Birds (FL)
Many individuals residing in Florida community associations are attracted to their homes by the favorable climate and natural beauty, such as what is found along its beaches. Such conditions have served as the catalyst for much of the development within the state’s coastal areas. However, while the proliferation of communities within Florida’s coastline has allowed many to enjoy the state’s environmental wonders, careful consideration should be taken to preserve much of the natural species affected by the construction and development ...
- Condo Associations Struggling to Find Directors (FL)
The firm’s latest Miami Herald column titled “Do We Have Any Volunteers? Condo Associations Struggling to Find Directors,” was authored by Gabriella M. Ruiz. The article focuses on how rising association budgets and special assessments can be a recipe for hostility and dissent that becomes too much to bear for even the most ardent and effective condominium association board members. Her article reads: Read the article…………………………….
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
The Laws
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.
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
Florida Condominium & Homeowner Association Blogs
Florida Condominium & Homeowner Association Legal Blog
Florida HOA Lawyer Blog
HOA Law Group
Stage & Associates
Community Association Law Group – For the Association
The CAM Team
Community Association Resource Group
Florida HOA & Condo Blog
Gerstin & Associates
Jimerson & Cobb P.A. Condominium Law
AriasBosinger
Rembaum’s Association Roundup