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, […]
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“Application of New Section 768.0701, Florida Statutes, Regarding Multifamily Property Safety to Condominium Associations” – FCAP Managers Report
Every year community associations watch for legislative changes to the general statutes that govern community associations, including Chapter 718, Florida Statutes, for Condominium Associations; Chapter 719, Florida Statutes, for Cooperative Associations; and Chapter 720, Florida Statutes, for Homeowners’ Associations. However, changes to other parts of the Florida Statutes can have important, substantive effects on community […]
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 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 – 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 More2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 33 Becker Attorneys
The 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, one of the oldest and most revered peer review publications, honors 33 Becker attorneys across the Firm’s practices. Two Becker attorneys, Joseph Adams and Sanjay Kurian, were also recognized as Lawyer of the Year, a distinction that comes with the highest overall peer feedback for their […]
Read MoreWebinar: 2022 Building Safety Law, SB 4D: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers!
The Florida Division of Florida Condominiums, Cooperatives and Timeshares has posted the form (which they have titled Building Report) which must be submitted by all Florida condominiums and cooperative associations with buildings that are three stories or higher. This information must be submitted ON OR BEFORE January 1, 2023. Click here to […]
Read More“Q&A: In Wake of APMS Investigation, Southwest Florida HOA Attorney Explains How To Avoid Fraud,” News-Press
Community associations are not immune from fraud on the part of employees, members, or contractors. In a Q&A with News-Press, Becker Shareholder Rob Caves went into detail about what community associations can do to identify and protect against fraud. Topics covered include: The kinds of fraud and financial mismanagement that are most common. The due […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – February 2022
Becker’s Take it to the Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger podcast features a variety of guests including our very own attorneys from across the firm’s practice areas and offices. Check out this month’s “Did You Know” section for more information and to tune in to these insightful episodes that delve into everything from handling construction issues to […]
Read MoreBulk Telecommunications Contracts
Before discussing specific issues with Bulk Telecommunications Agreements, it is worth noting that the various community association statutes provide for the authority of associations to enter into bulk communication agreements. Specifically, Section 718.115(1)(d), Florida Statutes, specifically authorizes a Condominium Association to enter into a bulk contract for “communication services,” which would include video, internet and […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – February 2021
Spring is just around the corner and sprucing up is often top of mind. Whether that means improving yards, documents, or relationships, this edition of Becker’s Community Update offers practical guidance on how to move forward. Check out the hot topics below, and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook to get real time updates on […]
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 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 – January 2019
Welcome to 2019! We hope that your year is off to a wonderful start. In this issue we hit the ground running so that you can rest assured your association is beginning the new year on a high note. Don’t commit a party foul! This month’s featured article, Performing Rights for Organizations and Associations, digs […]
Read MorePerforming Rights for Organizations and Associations
So your community association has survived Hurricane Irma and completed all the repairs. In celebration of this milestone, the association decided to hold a community wide cookout with live music. The celebration was a success and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Now, two weeks later, you are in receipt of a certified letter from a Performing […]
Read MoreJames Robert Caves on WGCU’s Gulf Coast Live
Condo and association law shareholder James Robert Caves, III was the featured guest on WGCU Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast Live program on Tuesday, August 14. With Southwest Florida facing epic environmental issues including toxic algae blooms and red tide, Rob discussed Florida Friendly Landscaping in an HOA community and the rights people in HOAs have […]
Read MoreTelecommunication Contract Issues
Other than possibly insurance, largest single expense for many associations is the cost of bulk telecommunication service. Further, bulk telecommunication service agreements often have multi-year terms, some even going as long as ten years. Therefore, whether your association has a bulk telecommunications agreement or is looking at entering into a bulk telecommunications agreement, there are […]
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