In-house attorneys, who offer both business and legal advice, were looking forward to some judicial clarity on the scope of the attorney-client privilege. Instead, they’ve been left disappointed. SCOTUS decided to dismiss an appeal styled In re Grand Jury, which would have settled what standard should govern privilege in these dual purpose communications situations: Only […]
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Community Update – August 2023
Hurricane Idalia is reported to be the worst hurricane to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend in 100 years. Our hearts are with everyone affected and we are always here to help. Our website contains a significant amount of educational information for your community. Should your property incur damage, the firm’s affiliated public adjusting company, Association […]
Read MoreThe Counsel’s Corner: Is the Chevron Doctrine a Ghost Ship Waiting to Sink?
Is the Chevron Doctrine a Ghost Ship Waiting to Sink? The Supreme Court has granted review in a case where the petitioner has asked to overturn the Chevron doctrine. Justice Jackson has recused herself. From the 8 justices who will consider Chevron, it seems that Chief Justice Roberts as well as Justices Thomas, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh have already criticized it […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – July 2023
The 2023 Legislative Session brought significant changes for community associations in Florida. In this issue, we aim to provide you with a thorough review and understanding of these new laws. From multifamily property safety to the preparation and response of natural disasters, we provide practical tips to help you understand these new changes. Don’t miss our featured podcast episode, […]
Read MoreThe Counsel’s Corner: Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co.
Are there any constitutional limits to general jurisdiction after the U.S. Supreme Court decided Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co. at the end of June 2023? There should be nothing controversial about a plaintiff suing a company in a state where the parties were when some claim accrued. But it is unusual for a plaintiff to sue […]
Read MoreCommunity 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 MoreThe Becker Insider | June 2023
The Becker Insider provides recent news and unique perspectives into the Florida policy issues that matter most to you. At Becker, we believe that our strengths truly lie in our differences. Our local, state, and federal lobbying teams have deep and longstanding relationships across the political spectrum, allowing us to better champion the interests of […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – May 2023
This edition of Becker’s Community Update highlights remote voting, managing your personnel, and constitutional rights. Don’t miss the 50th anniversary video that showcases Becker’s rich history and culture. Also featured this month is our Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Guide. While we hope to be spared from the worst, it’s crucial that your community association is […]
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 MoreCommunity Update – March 2023
This month, we shine a spotlight on potential issues for community associations. From developer turnover to litigation to new laws regarding emotional support animals, we provide practical guidance to help steer you and your community in the right direction. Holding political events are afforded a limited degree of protection under the Florida Condominium Act. Marty […]
Read MoreThe Becker Insider | February 2023
The Becker Insider provides recent news and unique perspectives into the Florida policy issues that matter most to you. At Becker, we believe that our strengths truly lie in our differences. Our local, state, and federal lobbying teams have deep and longstanding relationships across the political spectrum, allowing us to better champion the interests of […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – February 2023
Spring is the season of new beginnings and a reminder of how nice change can be. This month, we spotlight timely issues and provide guidance for you and your community to move forward. Our featured articles explore various topics from condo safety regulations and hurricane repairs to combatting growing hate crimes inside community associations. Also featured this month is the board […]
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 MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for January 2023
The New Jersey Community Update newsletter is out for January, and this issue covers a range of topics. Shareholder David Dockery delves into everything you need to know about electronic voting for your condo/HOA in New York/New Jersey, and how moving to electronic voting can save your association time and money. Becker’s Community Association Practice […]
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 MoreCommunity 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 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 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 […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – June 2022
June officially marked the start of Hurricane Season in Florida. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out Becker’s Hurricane Guide which includes helpful information to ensure your association is prepared should disaster strike. Also, if you missed our recent webinar on the adoption of Bill SB 4D, the new law addressing building safety, check it […]
Read MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for June 2022
The New Jersey Community Update newsletter is out for June, and this issue covers a range of topics. Shareholder David Dockery delves into the ins-and-outs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s new questionnaire, and — for context — offers an abstract of how these lending giants fit into the landscape of residential mortgages. Becker’s Community […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – May 2022
Hurricane season is here. Time to get ready, and then stay ready. Also check out the Question of the Month to see what impact COVID and Zoom calls have had on board meetings, our deep dive into how the Real Housewives handle their taxes, and a tidy summary of how Florida’s 2022 legislative session will affect Community Associations. The big news this […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – April 2022
In this edition of the Community Update, we address transparency in condominium and homeowners’ associations’, issues associated with alcohol consumption on association property, what associations can and cannot do about solar panels, and even how the Constitution applies to private community associations. Many condominium and homeowners’ associations’ activities are required to have a certain amount […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – March 2022
Florida’s 60-day legislative session recently concluded without passing any major community association legislation. Find out what happened in this month’s “Did You Know” feature, and for a deeper dive on the topic, tune in to the most recent episode of Becker podcast, “Take it to the Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger.” Construction projects, like life, […]
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