Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2022), provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a state of emergency is issued by the Governor for the length of time the state of emergency is in effect, plus an additional six months. A written request for such an extension must be submitted to […]
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Community Update – October 2022
Becker is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. Ian has taken lives, destroyed homes and property, and ravaged entire infrastructure systems of towns and cities. As we turn our eyes to recovery, Becker is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, November 9 at 12:00 PM EST to review important information on how to […]
Read MoreEnforcing the Rules and Regulations in Your Community: All Actions Have Consequences. How Prepared Are You to Enforce Them?
Whether you live in a condominium, cooperative, or homeowners’ association, owners and their guests, tenants and invitees are bound by the association’s governing documents, which may include the declaration, articles of incorporation, and bylaws, and any rules and regulations. Prospective owners and tenants must understand what is required of them under these documents as they […]
Read MoreOptions for Dispute Resolution in Condominium Associations
On July 1, 2021, changes to Florida law opened the door to allow condominium and cooperative associations a new option for addressing disputes between unit owners and the association through presuit mediation. Previously, certain disputes between condominium associations and unit owners (or cooperatives and unit owners) were required to be submitted to arbitration through the […]
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 MoreEstoppel Fees Have Increased
In 2017, the Florida Legislature amended the community association statutes to formalize the estoppel certificate process and to establish the amount association were permitted to charge for providing the estoppel certificate. Prior to 2017, the statutes stated that associations could charge a fee for providing an estoppel certificate but did not specify the amount of […]
Read MoreElectronic Voting in Community Associations Are the Days of Paper Ballots and In-Person Meetings a Thing of the Past?
Before the 2020 pandemic, annual membership meetings were a time for owners to get together and discuss community issues while anxiously awaiting for election ballots to be counted. However, COVID-19 changed the manner in which association meetings were held. With restrictions on large group gatherings and strict quarantine requirements, many associations limited in-person attendance, requiring […]
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 MoreCommunity Update – August 2022
This month’s edition of CUP is packed with insightful information. In addition to our featured articles, be sure to check out new episodes of the Take it to the Board Podcast including conversations with community association professional coach, Carmelo Millimaci, and Broward County Property Appraiser, Marty Kiar. Also, find out why it’s important to do your due […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – July 2022
On July 1, 2021, changes to Florida law opened the door to allow condominium and cooperative associations a new option for addressing disputes between unit owners and the association through pre-suit mediation. Learn more about what this means in our featured article, “Options for Dispute Resolution in Condominium Associations.” Also, did you know that Becker’s Mediation […]
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