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 […]
Read MoreEpisode 05: Pooling Your Community Association Reserve Funds Together – “Can They Do That?”
Your association sent you a notice stating that they want to pool all reserve funds together because it will be more efficient. Can they do that? Find out in Episode 05! When it comes to association rules and bylaws, there seem to be more questions than answers. Becker’s video series, “Can They Do That?” tackles […]
Read MoreBecker’s 2019 Shareholder Meeting
Becker Shareholders and Senior Management recently came together for the firm’s 2019 Shareholder Meeting. Attorneys and lobbyists from the firm’s 16 offices throughout Florida and the East Coast convened in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for a productive and educational weekend of relationship building, strategic planning, and camaraderie. Hosted at the Dalmar Hotel, attendees took part in […]
Read MoreEpisode 04: Social Events in Your Community Association – “Can They Do That?
Your association is planning a big 4th of July party that also happens to be quite expensive. In episode 04 of “Can They Do That?,” Rosa de la Camara discusses whether or not a community social event can be deemed a legitimate common expense. When it comes to association rules and bylaws, there seem to […]
Read MoreLatin Builders Association: Miami-Dade County’s 40-Year Recertification Process and Addressing Code Violations
What Did You Say?
In the community association world, it is fundamental for board members, managers and decision-makers to have good communication skills in order to succeed. Such skills are important in any business, but in community associations where membership and dues are mandatory, good communication is critically important. Many problems and misunderstandings are avoided by boards exercising open […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – July 2018
Summer is here in full dew point oppression, and while many people take this time to vacate the area, many managers and board members are hard at work with the day-to-day operations and maintenance of Florida’s communities. In this issue, we hope to make some of that work a bit easier. Our featured article, There’s […]
Read MoreOnline Voting: A Tool for Voter Inclusion and Fraud Deterrence
Over the past few weeks, the Miami Herald and Univision have teamed up to investigate allegations of fraudulent condominium elections, primarily in Miami-Dade County. In fact, Miami-Dade County by far has the highest number of complaints of any county in Florida for voter fraud, according to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, accounting for […]
Read MoreBecker & Poliakoff’s Rosa M. De La Camara Inducted Into Miami-Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame April 28, 2016
MIAMI – April 28, 2016 – Rosa M. de la Camara, a shareholder with the Community Association practice group with law firm Becker & Poliakoff and a member of the firm’s management committee, was recently inducted into the Miami-Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame, which recognizes outstanding former students of the college. De la Camara was selected […]
Read MoreBecker & Poliakoff sponsors the 2015 Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) Annual Gala
Becker & Poliakoff is proud to have sponsored the 2015 Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) Annual Gala and Board Installation Dinner which was held at the Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami Beach on January 31, 2015. This year’s Annual Gala and Board Installation Dinner benefits the Cuban American Bar Foundation’s Scholarship fund which, in turn, manages […]
Read More2014 Becker & Poliakoff Diversity Scholarship Award
This week the annual B&P Diversity Fellowship Award was presented to Lex-Jordan Ibegbu at University of Miami School of Law. Rosa de la Camara, Michael Gongora, and David Rogel joined Dean White of the law school to present the award to Lex (see picture below). Another Fellowship will be awarded to Melissa Rodriguez at University […]
Read MoreAttorney Rosa De La Camara Appointed to Second Term on Florida Community Association Living Study Council
CORAL GABLES, FL, November 20, 2013 – Becker & Poliakoff is proud to announce that Rosa de la Camara, a shareholder in the firm’s Community Association Law Practice group here, has received an appointment from Governor Rick Scott to serve on the Florida Community Association Living Study Council. The Community Association Living Study Council was created in 2008 by […]
Read MoreBecker & Poliakoff Elects Two New Management Committee Members
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, February 9, 2009 – Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., a diversified commercial law firm with more than 130 attorneys in 13 Florida offices, New York City, New Jersey, Nassau (Bahamas) and Prague, today announced that the firm’s shareholders elected shareholders Yolanda Cash Jackson and Rosa M. de la Camarato the Management Committee, which determines the strategic direction and […]
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