JoAnn Nesta Burnett Explores the Changing Rules Governing Support Animals in Housing
In a recent article for Florida Realtors® magazine, Becker shareholder JoAnn Nesta Burnett explores the evolving legal landscape surrounding emotional support and service animals in housing communities, titled “How to Navigate Support-Animal Housing Rules in Florida.” As federal fair housing guidance continues to shift and disability accommodation disputes remain at near-record levels, Burnett examines the challenges facing real estate professionals, housing providers, and buyers alike. She highlights the critical distinctions between service animals and emotional support animals, the documentation requirements under Florida law, and the common misconceptions that can lead to costly disputes after a transaction closes. Most importantly, Burnett offers practical guidance on how proactive planning and a clear understanding of the law can help avoid fair housing conflicts before they arise.
Read the full article here.
JoAnn Nesta Burnett concentrates her practice in state and federal appellate practice and procedure, complex commercial and civil litigation including fair housing discrimination, association litigation and general business litigation. Ms. Burnett has represented numerous association clients in defending discrimination complaints based upon alleged fair housing violations before local, county agencies and in State and Federal Court. Ms. Burnett has extensive experience in representing association clients in covenant enforcement cases in arbitration and State Court proceedings. Additionally, Ms. Burnett has experience with collections and foreclosures. She is also Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Condominium & Planned Development Law, a distinction held by only 5% of Florida Bar attorney members. Board certification is the Florida Bar’s highest level of competence, professionalism, and expertise and requires peer review, ongoing education, and a rigorous exam.
