“I think every member of the board should attend these” “An engaging presentation” “The content is great” “This gets us excited to be board members” “I’ve learned so much” On November 14, more than 150 board members and managers from across South Florida gathered in Davie for Becker’s […]
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2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 34 Becker Attorneys
The 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, one of the oldest and most revered peer review publications, recognizes 34 Becker attorneys across the Firm’s practices. Our own Steven B. Lesser, was also recognized as Lawyer of the Year, a distinction based on the highest overall peer feedback for their specialty and location. Lesser […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – November 2023
As 2023 comes to an end, community associations are beginning to plan for the coming year. This issue of CUP provides helpful insight so your community can put its best foot forward. Whether you’re looking to combine operating funds with reserve money, struggling with the property insurance crisis, or need a new online voting platform, […]
Read MoreWebinar: Fixing Florida’s Property Insurance Crisis
An unprecedented number of property owners in the Sunshine State are being abruptly dropped by their long-time carriers. Others are seeing premium rates increase by as much as 200% (or more!) while having to replace their roofs or pay for other expensive upgrades just to stay insurable. What can be done to fix this […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – September 2023
Fall is officially here which means busy season is upon us. This month, we spotlight timely articles to help your board succeed in the coming months. Our featured articles explore various topics from board term limits and upgrading your documents to reserves and special assessments. Don’t miss our newest episode of Take It To The […]
Read MoreWebinar: Out with the Old and In with the New: Upgrading Your Community Association Documents
Operating a community association with outdated governing documents is risky business. Your documents should be updated to stay current with the law and the operation as it has evolved under unit owner control, not under developer control. Also, there is a benefit to clarity in the documents, particularly as regards the allocation of maintenance […]
Read MoreBecker Grows Florida Community Association Practice with New Bradenton Office; Adds Mary R. Hawk and Bryony G. Swift
July 25, 2023 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C., announces that Mary R. Hawk and Bryony G. Swift have joined as shareholders in the firm’s Florida community association practice. They will both be based in Becker’s […]
Read MoreWebinar: Employment Trends and Recurring Issues That Impact Community Associations as Employers
In this webinar, association employers will hear about changes in the employment landscape that impact them as employers. This webinar will also touch on recurring issues that associations face with personnel and best practices for handling them. Those who attend will learn about: Legal trends affecting the association workplace Independent contractor classification and the […]
Read More2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 33 Becker Attorneys
The 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, one of the oldest and most revered peer review publications, honors 33 Becker attorneys across the Firm’s practices. Two Becker attorneys, Joseph Adams and Sanjay Kurian, were also recognized as Lawyer of the Year, a distinction that comes with the highest overall peer feedback for their […]
Read MoreWebinar: Insurance Claims and Coverage for Community Associations: Navigating Florida’s Insurance
The Florida insurance marketplace is in complete disarray. While Florida has experienced a difficult property market in the past, we have never seen those conditions carry over simultaneously to multiple lines of coverage. This has both driven up premiums/rates, lessened coverage and created a heightened sense of the reality of the “cost of living” […]
Read MoreWebinar: 2022 Legislative Session Wrap Up
This program is not eligible for CEU credit or certificate of completion. Following a legislative session that is best known for what did not happen, this webinar gleans a few measures that are worth noting, with some additional discussion about what might be coming up in special sessions. Topics to be discussed:. An amendment […]
Read MoreLegislative Changes on the Horizon
The tragic Champlain Towers South collapse has resulted in an outpouring of support worldwide, while also raising safety concerns among those who reside in community associations in Florida. Becker’s Community Association Law team hears from clients daily seeking advice on how to assess the structural integrity of their building. The firm has always advised that […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – May 2021
This month, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of new community association podcast, “Take it to the Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger.” The podcast explores the reality of life in a community association, what’s really involved in serving on its board, and how to maintain the ever-so-delicate balance of being legally compliant and community spirited. Check out […]
Read More“Beachside Battle,” WPLG Local 10 News
What should be a path to paradise has become a literal line in the sand dividing a local community association and area residents. Local 10 News reached out to Becker Shareholder Ken Direktor to clarify what the issues are and how the ongoing discussion might impact association members. “The owners all bought with notice of […]
Read MoreWebinar: Don’t Skip the Fine Print: Understanding Vendor Contract Provisions
Has a prospective vendor presented your association with a standard one-size-fits all contract? Before signing on the dotted line, watch the replay of a discussion dedicated to successfully navigating the boilerplate provisions of a commercial contract. We discuss the importance of key contract clauses, why you should think twice before signing a vendor’s typical agreement, […]
Read MoreWebinar: Avoiding Disaster – How To Take Control Of Your Construction Project
While the complexity of a community association construction project cannot be overstated, it is possible to successfully navigate the entire process. Becker attorneys Ken Direktor and Steve Lesser welcome experienced construction management pro James LaGreca DSS Condos to discuss just how it’s done. You’ll learn how to stay in the driver’s seat of your project, […]
Read MoreWebinar: Make Your Documents Work For You
When was the last time you thoroughly reviewed your governing documents? The Statute changes over time. New court rulings can change the legal landscape. What worked for your developer or for a community 20, 30 or 40 years ago may no longer work for you today. This is why your documents must evolve to […]
Read MoreWebinar: Enforcement Strategies for Associations
The adoption and enforcement of rules are the means by which a community defines and preserves a lifestyle. Consistency in enforcement is critical and has never been more critical than it is now, during a life-threatening pandemic. Board members and property managers need to be aware of their responsibility to enforce the rules and how […]
Read MoreCOVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Presents New Challenges for Boards and Their Management Professionals
The unprecedented challenges of this year have been difficult for us all. These challenges are magnified for volunteer board members having to make hard decisions which impact not only themselves, but their family, friends, and neighbors. As we turn to a new year, exciting news of advancements and wider distribution of COVID-19 vaccines appear on […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – November 2020
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! While this year has not been without challenges, we are tremendously grateful to all of our clients and friends and wish you and your loved ones a joyous and healthy holiday season. Enjoy this month’s edition of CUP and we look forward to seeing you next month! […]
Read MoreEpisode 24: New Budget That Includes a Contingency Fund – Can They Do That?
Our board wants to adopt a budget that includes a contingency fund. – “Can They Do That?” Becker Shareholder Kenneth S. Direktor discusses in a brand new episode! When it comes to association rules and bylaws, there seem to be more questions than answers. Becker’s video series, “Can They Do That?” tackles some of the […]
Read MoreWebinar: COVID-19 Stole the Holidays?
The holidays are a time for celebration and cheer, but, just like everything else, they’ll look a little bit different this year. Join members of our Community Association Practice for a discussion on how boards and managers can safely navigate this holiday season in the midst of a pandemic. Questions include: Should an association hold […]
Read MoreEpisode 23: Can Board Change the Way We Fund Reserves – Can They Do That?
Our board has proposed a budget in which they’re changing the way we’re funding reserves. – “Can They Do That?” Becker Shareholder Kenneth S. Direktor discusses in a brand new episode! When it comes to association rules and bylaws, there seem to be more questions than answers. Becker’s video series, “Can They Do That?” tackles […]
Read MoreEpisode 22: Condominium Funding Reserves – “Can They Do That?”
Our condominium has never funded reserves, and yet, the board has proposed and adopted a budget that provides for full funding of reserves. – “Can They Do That?” Becker Shareholder Kenneth S. Direktor discusses in a brand new episode! When it comes to association rules and bylaws, there seem to be more questions than answers. […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – September 2020
Can you believe it’s autumn already? National and local elections are fast approaching and the chatter about whether or not political signs should be permitted in private residential communities is building. We delve into this issue as well as discuss how to keep your HOA director elections, which are also on the horizon, from turning […]
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