The financial well-being of any association is based on the proper adoption and collection of assessments. Assessments are the lifeblood of the community and how an association pays for the maintenance and upkeep of the community. Without proper adoption and collection of assessments, communities can fall into disarray and struggle to provide services to their […]
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Community Update – June 2023
June’s edition of CUP brings a range of topics for managers and board members. Whether you’re wondering how SB 154 will impact your association, struggling with a unit owner who has not paid dues, or submitting an SBA loan application, we’ve got something for you. Discover an incredible journey through the eye of a storm as […]
Read MoreStrict Compliance vs. Substantial Compliance – Not Knowing the Difference Can Cost You!
The Florida statues governing community associations often provide timeframes for notice to owners before the association can proceed with action, including passage of special assessments, adoption of fines and collections. While some statutory sections allow for “substantial compliance” with the statutory requirements, associations should be aware that the statutory timeframes require “strict compliance.” This means […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – April 2023
The 2023 Legislative Session has brought significant changes to Community Associations. In this Community Update, we address new restrictions on design and construction defect claims as well as recent amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Don’t miss the latest podcast featuring Dr. Esber Andiroglu, Professor Harold R. Wanless, and Donna DiMaggio Berger on the […]
Read MoreUnderstanding the New Timeframes for Collections
Associations frequently ask the question: “When should a delinquent owner be turned over for collections?” To fully answer to this question, the association must understand the relatively new statutory requirements that must be fulfilled before an account is turned over to legal counsel for collections, as well as understanding the increased timeframes an owner is […]
Read MoreCandid Conversations on Community Association Living
Becker’s Take It To The Board podcast, hosted by shareholder Donna DiMaggio Berger, explores the reality of life in a community association. Among many special guests, nine Becker attorneys from across the firm, have appeared and discussed their area of expertise as it relates to community living. Tune in for these candid discussions which just might […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – September 2022
At Becker, we stand with our fellow Floridians, particularly those on the west coast who experienced the wrath of Hurricane Ian. As we turn our eye to recovery, we are here to help. Electronic voting offers a convenient method for casting your “ballot”. How can you bring electronic voting into your community? Jennifer Biletnikoff discusses […]
Read MoreAcceptance and Application of Payments is ALWAYS the Right Answer
Assessment payments are the life blood of every community association, and the recovery of delinquent assessments is the primary goal for every community association. However, many associations, and their management companies, refuse to accept direct payment from delinquent owners once the account is turned over to their attorney for collection proceedings. Many associations place a […]
Read MoreAssessing Collections with Joy Mattingly, Becker & Poliakoff
For more episodes of Take It To The Board, click here! In this episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger speaks with Becker Shareholder Joy Mattingly, who oversees Becker’s collection and foreclosure practice. Joy is an experienced litigator who represents all types of associations in collecting the delinquent assessments needed to […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – December 2021
Before heading into the New Year, we look back at the year’s most popular reads. This month’s featured articles highlight the topics you found most interesting in 2021 – from fining committees to questions about remote meetings. From all of us at Becker, we wish you a happy holiday and a joyous, healthy, and prosperous […]
Read MoreWebinar: Navigating the Special Assessment Minefield
This program is not eligible for CEU credit or certificate of completion. Many associations are looking to undertake major renovation and repair projects in 2022 and special assessments will be needed in many cases to fund those projects. Our webinar will answer your questions about the process your board must follow to levy a special […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – October 2021
In addition to this month’s featured articles, don’t miss all new episodes of our podcast, “Take it to the Board.” In the most recent episode, host Donna DiMaggio Berger is joined by Becker Employment Law Shareholder Jamie Dokovna for an informative discussion on best practices to create and protect a safe work environment. Learn what Jamie thinks […]
Read MoreA Guide to Sending the New Notice of Late Assessment
As of July 1, 2021, associations are required to send delinquent owners a Notice of Late Assessments, giving the owners 30 days to bring the account current prior to turning the account over to the association’s legal counsel for collections. Failure to provide the delinquent owner with this 30-day notice will preclude the association from […]
Read More“Condominium Associations Should Have Written Collection Policies & Procedures” – FLCAJ Magazine
The 2021 legislative session brought some significant changes to the Condominium Act, the Cooperative Act, and the Homeowners Association Act. These changes went into effect on July 1, 2021, and many of them impacted the collections and foreclosure process for community associations. At the outset, we always recommend that community associations work with their association’s […]
Read MoreVIDEO: New Legislation Changes Collections & Foreclosures Process for Florida Community Associations
Recently, the Florida Legislature enacted significant statutory changes that impact community association collections and foreclosure actions. The updates to Chapter 718, Chapter 719 and Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes go into effect on July 1, 2021 and include requirements regarding: Delivering statements or invoices to association members and how that association must notify […]
Read MoreNew Legislation Changes Collections & Foreclosures Process for Florida Community Associations
Recently, the Florida Legislature enacted significant statutory changes that impact community association collections and foreclosure actions. The updates to Chapter 718, Chapter 719 and Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes go into effect on July 1, 2021 and include requirements regarding: Delivering statements or invoices to association members and how that association must notify members […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – March 2021
Paperwork isn’t the most glamorous part of being a community association member, but this edition of Becker’s Community Update outlines why ignoring administrative tasks would be a big mistake. From governing documents and electoral procedures to zoning and entitlement status, having your details safely squared away sets you and your community on the right path. […]
Read MoreSPOTLIGHT: Joy Mattingly, Community Association Law
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker showcases the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. Joy Mattingly is an experienced litigator and leads the firm’s collection and foreclosure practice. She regularly develops comprehensive collections strategies for community, condominium, and homeowner associations and cooperatives. […]
Read MoreWebinar: The Bounce Back: Safeguarding Your Community Association’s Financial Health in a COVID-19 Climate
Becker Shareholders Donna DiMaggio Berger and Joy Mattingly joined Affinity Management Services Co-Founder Raphael Aquino for “The Bounce Back: Safeguarding Your Community Association’s Financial Health in a COVID-19 Climate,” a webinar. The panelists discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many tenants, property managers, and business owners across the country to take some financial hits. […]
Read More25 Becker Attorneys Board Certified in Condominium and Planned Development Law
Becker’s Community Association practice group has been an industry leader since we opened our doors in 1973. Today, we’re proud to announce that we have the largest, dedicated team of Board Certified attorneys in Condominium and Planned Development Law in the state of Florida. Board certification demands rigorous testing and is in recognition of […]
Read MoreEight Becker Attorneys Newly Board Certified in Condominium & Planned Development Law
June 3, 2019 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – We are pleased to announce that eight Becker attorneys are newly minted as Florida Bar Board Certified in Condominium & Planned Development Law. The specialty encompasses the practice of law that involves representing community associations and their members, property owners, sellers, purchasers, developers, lenders, governmental agencies, and […]
Read MoreTo Record or Not Record? That Is The Question!
Community association boards often ask the question of whether they must record a claim of lien on a property in order to protect the association’s right to recover past due assessments on the property. Although the answer to this question changes based on the specific set of facts controlling each scenario, there is at least […]
Read MoreShow me the Money: Crafting Successful Collection & Foreclosure Strategies for Community Associations
December 5, 2017 Start: 2:00 PM End: 4:00 PM Show Me The Money: Crafting Successful Collection & Foreclosure Strategies for Community Associations Provider #0000811, Course #9625735, 2 IFM/ELEPresented by: K. Joy Mattingly, Esq. and Howard J. Perl, Esq. Are collection issues still plaguing your association? Are bank foreclosures dragging on for years with no end […]
Read MoreCANCELLED: Show me the Money: Crafting Successful Collection & Foreclosure Strategies for Community Associations
September 14, 2017 Start: 10:00 AM End: 12:00 PM Due to Hurricane Irma, this course is cancelled. It will be rescheduled in the near future. – Thank you Show Me The Money: Crafting Successful Collection & Foreclosure Strategies for Community Associations Provider #0000811, Course #9625735, 2 IFM/ELE Presented by: K. Joy Mattingly, Esq. and Howard […]
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