Associations, Law, Q&A, Rules Regulations
A far-reaching new piece of legislation targeting community associations took effect in Florida on July 1, 2021. “It’s a mixed bag,” says Donna DiMaggio Berger, a shareholder in the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., office of Becker & Poliakoff. “There’s some good stuff and...
Maintenance, Q&A, Rules Regulations
Q: The foundation under my condominium’s sliding glass door has heaved which prevents me from opening the doors. My condominium manager says that I am responsible for taking out the slider door frame and grinding down the foundation cement. Am I responsible? (P.D.,...
Board of Directors, Q&A, Rules Regulations
Q: What is an “MSTU”? My neighborhood association, which is voluntary, is considering getting one set up to maintain our roads. (P.K., via e-mail) A: Counties have the authority to create a special taxing district, known as a Municipal Service Taxing Unit, commonly...
Q&A, Residents, Rules Regulations
Q: Fining for violations has always been confusing to me, since most fines are cumulative or compounding for each day the violation is not corrected. Should the due date be following correction of the violation or whatever date the fine ceases? (R.N., via e-mail). A:...
Associations, Board of Directors, Rules Regulations
Florida laws governing community associations require notice of meetings to encourage owner participation. Here is a helpful guide summarizing the notice requirements under statute; however, this guide is not intended to be all inclusive and is only for general...
Associations, Board of Directors, Community, Q&A, Rules Regulations
Q: An issue has come up in my condominium association regarding the role of the association president. Some members, including the current president, feel that the president of the association has the authority to take any action on behalf of the association without...
Associations, Community, Law, Rules Regulations, Safety
Who is responsible for a tree branch that perilously hangs over a neighbor’s house or yard? Who is responsible for tree roots that are damaging a sidewalk or driveway? Florida common law provides that a property owner (owner of the tree) does not owe a duty to remove...
Associations, Community, Florida, Law, Rules Regulations
The line between what an association’s board can legally do as a matter of law and what the board should do as a matter of good practice is often blurred without any practical guidance available for well-intentioned directors who want to do the very best they can for...
Associations, Budget, Community
In many ways, the managing and operating of a condominium association is akin to operating a business. A primary similarity is the importance of careful and accurate financial planning and budget preparation. The board of directors of an association has fiduciary...
Associations, Community, Q&A, Rules Regulations
Q: My condominium association has installed several security cameras in the common areas, including the pool area. There was an incident between myself and another owner last week at the pool and I requested a copy of the security camera video footage. I submitted my...
