There are several significant changes occurring at both the state and county levels that we want to ensure you are aware of, particularly regarding Community Association Law. Keeping abreast of these developments is crucial for staying compliant and informed when managing a condominium or homeowners’ association. Among these changes are: 1) NEW: MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FEBRUARY […]
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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 – January 2023
We hope that 2023 is off to a wonderful start! This month, we work through a wide array of issues so that you can rest assured your association is beginning the new year on a high note. There are very specific statutory requirements for levying a special assessment in a condominium. Mark Friedman provides helpful […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – December 2022
As 2022 comes to an end, we look back at our most popular articles this year. Read on for helpful information on statutory and non-statutory reserves, estoppel fees, and so much more. We look forward to another productive year together and wish you continued success in 2023! TOP 5 COMMUNITY UPDATE ARTICLES OF 2022 Given […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – November 2022
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We are tremendously grateful to you and all of our clients, colleagues, and friends. In this month’s edition of CUP, we discuss a wide array of topics from elections to adopting an annual budget, and don’t miss our special feature (podcast) to hear an engineer’s perspective on implementing Florida’s new condo […]
Read MoreDo Not Miss These Deadlines
The new law passed by the Legislature, known as “SB 4-D”, became effective May 26, 2022 and contains various important deadlines for compliance. The new law applies to condominiums and cooperatives which are 3 stories or higher. We are most often asked “by when do we need to comply with the new law?” This article […]
Read MoreWebinar: Condominium Terminations – Unthinkable No Longer
This course will address how aged infrastructure, insurance costs, maintenance costs, budgeting and reserve requirements, and real estate values have caused incremental changes in the Condominium Act and in attitudes towards making condominium termination more available. The course will include discussion aimed at setting practical expectations as to when and how a condominium termination […]
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: Rosa de la Camara, 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. For over 30 years, Rosa de la Camara has served as general counsel to invested affiliates of community associations – Boards of Directors, unit owners, managers, state and […]
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 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 MoreA Message from Our Management Committee
Since its founding, Becker has demonstrated a commitment to freedom, equality, and the betterment of the communities we serve. We will continue to use our resources, influence, and voice to rectify injustice and create positive change. Becker has contributed to a number of organizations that oppose racial injustice, however we realize there is more work […]
Read MoreWebinar: Are Your Board’s Emergency Powers Still in Effect?
The fluid nature of the pandemic, mixed with oftentimes inconsistent guidelines from all levels of government, has led to understandable confusion. Becker Community Association Shareholders explore the continuing state of emergency powers throughout Florida, best practices to follow when reopening facilities, how to handle allowing access to outside guests and contractors, and other timely topics. […]
Read MoreWeek 9 Webinar: COVID-19 Best Practices for Community Associations
Becker Shareholders David Muller, Rosa de la Camara, and Steve Mezer participated in a webinar discussion hosted by KW Property Management and Consulting (KWPMC). The webinar, entitled “COVID-19 Best Practices for Community Associations,” was moderated by KWPMC Managing Director, Tim O’Keefe and addressed best practices for HOAs and condo associations. Watch the replay.
Read MoreThe “New Norm” for Community Associations in Light of COVID-19
The COVID-19 virus has substantially impacted all types of community associations throughout Florida. From closing amenities, to limiting access by non-residents, taking in travelers from other parts of the country, including those deemed “hot spots”, and reacting to the endless flow of emergency and executive orders from the state, counties, and municipalities, associations across Florida […]
Read More“Condo Dwellers Give up Some ‘Personal Rights’ Amid Covid-19 Pandemic | Opinion” – Sun-Sentinel
For those living in community associations during the time of COVID, the changes are radical. Not only are condo dwellers expected to abide by federal, state and municipal legislation mandating social distancing, masks and isolation protocols, they must also follow the regulations put into place by their association’s board of directors. While some of the […]
Read MoreRosa M. de la Camara conversa con Raquel Regalado y Felix Guillermo de Radio Caracol
Rosa M. de la Camara conversa con Raquel Regalado y Felix Guillermo de Radio Caracol sobre el impacto de COVID-19 en nuestras asociaciones de condominios.
Read More“How Condo Associations Can Mitigate Damages from Sea-Level Rise” – Sun-Sentinel
Daunting statistics indicate that sea level will continue to rise for centuries, even if greenhouse gas emissions and global warming are sharply reduced. By 2100, sea levels are expected to rise by at least 24 inches. In Florida, the statistics are not encouraging. Miami has the most to lose in terms of financial assets of […]
Read More“Charging Excessive Fees Could Spell Big Trouble” – FLCAJ Magazine
Condominium associations are limited by statute on the amount of fees which can be charged in connection with the transfer of a unit. An association in Miami just learned this lesson the hard way. A recent class action lawsuit in Miami-Dade County alleging a condominium was charging excessive fees resulted in the association settling for […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – August 2019
Community Associations must learn to effectively communicate amongst themselves. Over time, more and more messages have become electronic, social media has become a popular platform for communication, and the lines between personal/professional messages have become increasingly blurred. It’s now more important than ever to understand the rules and regulations regarding these distinctions. Our featured article, […]
Read MoreIllegal Rentals Might Mean Jail Time
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 properties on the site. The penalty is 60 da
Read MoreSea Level Rise: Forewarned is Forearmed
We have all heard the environmentalists’ cry about the Dead Sea shrinking. Water levels are falling at an average rate of three feet per year due to evaporation and human diversion of tributaries. The opposite conundrum – sea level rise – is not occurr…
Read More“Pay Attention to Rising Sea Levels” – Florida Community Association Journal
Rising sea levels are an important issue which cannot be ignored by Florida communities, especially coastal ones, if they want to be resilient and prepared for expected adverse effects. Miami has the most to lose of any coastal city in the world in terms of financial assets, just above New York City. Florida has more residents […]
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 MoreCommunity Update – May 2019
Association board members are tasked with acting in the best interest of their communities while also upholding the parameters set forth in their association’s governing documents. These documents are the cornerstone of association operations and often dictate everything from member rule enforcement to protocol for removing a delinquent officer. This month’s featured article, “Premises Liability […]
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