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Community Update – October 2024

This issue of CUP highlights a range of timely topics for board members and managers. Whether you’re preparing for budget season, considering amending election terms, or navigating disaster recovery and insurance claims, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss our recent webinar explaining the Corporate Transparency Act and the mandatory reporting requirements for all community associations! Also featured this month […]

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Fire Sprinkler and ELSS Deadlines Extended by Florida Fire Prevention Code

For those of you who own a condominium unit in a high-rise building, you are keenly aware of the many changes through the years to the fire safety requirements for high-rise buildings. The Condominium Act, in Section 718.112(2)(n), Florida Statutes, currently states that all high-rise buildings had to retrofit with either a fire sprinkler system […]

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What Is the Difference Between Mediation and Arbitration?

Whether you are a member of a condominium association or homeowners’ association, the respective statutes require the owners and the association to engage in alternative dispute resolution for certain disputes before a complaint is filed in court.  The two types of alternative dispute resolution recognized by the Condominium Act and the Homeowners’ Association Act are […]

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Community Update – July 2024

2024 was a particularly active year for community association legislation and several changes to the condominium law became effective July 1, 2024. What does that mean for your community association? This issue of CUP highlights some of those changes in Joseph Adam’s annual legislative review and Yeline Goin’s article on HB 1203. Don’t miss Becker’s 2024 Legislative Guidebook which […]

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“HB 1203—Changes to the Homeowners’ Association Act” – Florida Community Association Journal

It seems that every year we can count on the Florida legislature making additional changes to the Homeowners’ Association Act (“HOA Act”), and the 2024 legislative session was no different. One of the HOA bills adopted by the legislature is HB 1203. The bill was formally sent to the governor on May 21, 2024. As […]

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Community Update – March 2024

March marks the beginning of Spring and with a new season comes new opportunities. This issue of CUP will help your community association navigate elections and voting, insurance claims, and enforcement fines. Also featured this month are a few of the bills sent to the Governor for action following the 2024 Legislative Session. Don’t miss […]

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Board Member Code of Conduct

The law specifically provides that Board members have a fiduciary relationship with the owners and requires Board members to disclose conflicts of interest. However, the law does not specifically address acceptable (and unacceptable) behaviors for discharging these responsibilities. As such, a Code of Conduct for Board members is a good idea to have so that […]

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Community Update – November 2023

As 2023 comes to an end, community associations are beginning to plan for the coming year. This issue of CUP provides helpful insight so your community can put its best foot forward. Whether you’re looking to combine operating funds with reserve money, struggling with the property insurance crisis, or need a new online voting platform, […]

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Holiday Decorations – Ho, Ho, Ho or Bah Humbug?

As the holiday season approaches, it is a good time for associations to consider its authority regarding outdoor holiday decorations. Every community is different, and opinions vary about when the holiday decorations should be put up and “how much” is “too much.” Some people want to start decorating for the holidays on November 1, while […]

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Candid Conversations on Community Association Living

Becker’s Take It To The Board podcast, hosted by shareholder Donna DiMaggio Berger, explores the reality of life in a community association. Among many special guests, nine Becker attorneys from across the firm, have appeared and discussed their area of expertise as it relates to community living. Tune in for these candid discussions which just might […]

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“Legal Recap 2022” – FCAP Managers Report

The 2022 legislative session may end up being one of the most impactful in terms of legislative changes to the Condominium Act since the statute was first enacted in 1963. This is a result of Senate Bill 4-D (SB 4-D), codified as Chapter 2022-269, Laws of Florida, which became effective on May 26, 2022. The […]

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Community 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 […]

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Community 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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HOA Rental Amendments

The Homeowners’ Association Act (Chapter 720, Florida Statutes) was amended during the 2021 Legislative Session to address a homeowners’ association’s authority to adopt amendments to its governing documents pertaining to rentals. The new law, Section 720.306(1)(h), Florida Statutes, became effective on July 1, 2021. In summary, any amendment to a governing document enacted after July […]

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Webinar: 2022 Legislative Session Wrap Up

 This program is not eligible for CEU credit or certificate of completion. Following a legislative session that is best known for what did not happen, this webinar gleans a few measures that are worth noting, with some additional discussion about what might be coming up in special sessions. Topics to be discussed:. An amendment […]

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Community 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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2022 Legislative Session in Florida Wrap Up with Yeline Goin, Becker & Poliakoff

For more episodes of Take It To The Board, click here! Many task forces were convened in the aftermath of the Surfside tragedy, including one by the Florida Bar. All of those task forces urged the passage of new laws pertaining to reserve funding and engineering. However, the 2022 Legislative Session in Florida concluded on […]

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Community Update – January 2022

This month, we work through a wide array of issues, from trees to legal documentation, and even speeding tickets. Please feel free to join us at the 2022 CA Day & Trade Show hosted by the Central Florida Chapter of Community Associations Institute on February 11 in Orlando! In 1988, Congress pulled back some restrictions […]

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Community Update – December 2021

Before heading into the New Year, we look back at the year’s most popular reads. This month’s featured articles highlight the topics you found most interesting in 2021 – from fining committees to questions about remote meetings. From all of us at Becker, we wish you a happy holiday and a joyous, healthy, and prosperous […]

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Community Update – November 2021

This month, our featured articles explore various topics from fuel station installation to reserves for HOAs. Also, be sure to check out the “Did You Know” section – Becker’s been nominated for a Diamond Level Readers’ Choice Award from the Florida Community Association Journal (FLCAJ) in recognition of our commitment to the success of shared […]

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Natural Gas Fuel Stations

A few years ago, the Florida Legislature recognized that the use of electric vehicles conserves and protects the state’s environmental resources, provides significant economic savings to drivers, and serves an important public interest.  As a result, the Legislature created Section 718.113(8), Florida Statutes, to allow unit owners to install electric vehicle charging stations within the […]

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Community Update – August 2021

Have you had a chance to check out Becker’s new podcast, “Take It To the Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger?” The podcast explores the reality of life in a community association, what’s really involved in serving on its board, and how to maintain the ever-so-delicate balance of being legally compliant and community spirited. Check out this month’s […]

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“COVID-19 Specific Legislation & Its Impacts On Community Associations” – CAI Central Florida Times

During the 2021 Legislative Session, the Legislature adopted a number of COVID-19 specific legislation. There are two bills in particular that community associations should be familiar with. CS/SB 72, Relating to Civil Liability for Damages Relating to COVID-19. This new law imposes significant legal hurdles for individuals who want to sue over coronavirus-related injuries or […]

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Community 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. […]

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SPOTLIGHT: Yeline Goin, 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.  Yeline Goin is a Board Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law and regularly counsels condominium, cooperative, and homeowners’ associations on a variety of matters. She is […]

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Community Update – December 2020

Since early on in the pandemic, boards and management professionals have shouldered the immense responsibility of ensuring the safety of their residents. Now, with the imminent rollout of the vaccine, they will face a whole new set of challenges which we delve into in this issue of CUP. For those who wish to discuss this […]

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COVID-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 […]

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Community Update – January 2020

The start of the new year means election season for community associations across the state. To help alleviate some of the burden board’s may be feeling this time of year, we focus this month on answering some of the frequently asked questions we receive from communities about election dos and don’ts. Is a voting certificate […]

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Is It Time to Amend Your Documents?

As the saying goes, change is the only constant in life. This fact applies equally to boards of directors of community associations who are tasked with operating their communities consistently with existing governing documents, even if those documents no longer fit the needs of the community or no longer comply with existing laws. Interestingly, we […]

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25 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 […]

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Eight Becker Attorneys Newly Board Certified in Condominium & Planned Development Law

June 3, 2019 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – We are pleased to announce that eight Becker attorneys are newly minted as Florida Bar Board Certified in Condominium & Planned Development Law. The specialty encompasses the practice of law that involves representing community associations and their members, property owners, sellers, purchasers, developers, lenders, governmental agencies, and […]

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Community 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 […]

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Community Update – December 2018

As 2018 comes to a close, we look back at a selection of our most popular Community Update articles. From changes in law to navigating and implementing rules for your association, here are the top five most read articles from this year. For those concerned with regulating smoking in the common areas of your association, Smoking […]

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Community Update – November 2018

Recent updates to the laws and regulations governing association operations are making an impact. In this issue we aim to provide you with the necessary tools and information to move your association forward into the New Year. As of July 1, 2018, condominium associations must now maintain records of their meeting minutes forever. Our first […]

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2018 Legislative Session Final Report

The 2018 Legislative Session ended with only two community association bills passing and being approved by the Governor. The following is a summary of the two bills: HB 617, Relating to Covenants and Restrictions, by Rep. Edwards. The bill primarily involves the Marketable Record Title Act (MRTA). The intent is to simplify the process for […]

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A Stellar 2017 for Tallahassee Lobbying Team

As reported in today’s FloridaPolitics and to paraphrase Frank Sinatra, they had a very good year. Read the full article here: http://floridapolitics.com/archives/256624-becker-poliakoff-brings-530k-q4-2-75m-2017

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HOA/CONDO/CO-OP Board Member Certification Course – Everything you Wanted to Know About Being a Board Member…But were Afraid to Ask!

October 3, 2017 Start: 11:00 AM End: 2:00 PM HOA/CONDO/CO-OP Board Member Certification Course Everything you Wanted to Know About Being a Board Member…But were Afraid to Ask! Provider #0000811, Course #9626099, 3 HR/ELE Presented by:  Yeline Goin, Esq., Elizabeth Lanham-Patrie, Esq. and Harry Carls, Esq. If you plan on serving on your association’s board, you […]

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Community Association Bills Presented to the Governor; Estoppel Bill Approved by Governor—CALL Alert for June 15, 2017

Yesterday, the Governor approved SB 398, Relating to Estoppel Certificates. The effective date of the new law is July 1, 2017. If you would like to hear more about the estoppel bill, please watch the video or click here to read a summary on our blog. Also yesterday, HB 653, Relating to Community Associations, by Rep. […]

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Two More Weeks Left in the 2017 Legislative Session; What Bills are Most Likely to Pass?—CALL Alert for April 24, 2017

There are two weeks left in the 2017 Legislative Session—assuming it ends on time. Of the many different community association bills that were filed at the beginning of session, the following four (4) sets of bills are the ones that appear to be most likely to pass. Condominium Bills by Sen. Garcia and Rep. Diaz […]

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Community Association Leadership Lobby (CALL) announces it 2013 Legislative Guide for Condominiums, Homeowners Associations, and Coops

Tallahassee based lawyer and lobbyist Yeline Goin offers analysis and recommendations The Florida Legislature wrapped up its 2013 session in May by passing important legislation impacting condominium associations, homeowners associations and cooperative associations. Our full time lawyer-lobbyist, Yeline Goin, who lives in Tallahassee and practices in our Tallahassee office, worked closely with legislators and legislative staff […]

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