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 […]
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CAI National’s 2022 Florida Legislative Action Committee of the Year Award
Robyn Severs accepted the CAI National’s 2022 Florida Legislative Action Committee of the Year award which is presented to a state legislative action committee that has demonstrated organizational excellence, maintained strong member support, successfully managed statewide campaigns, and raised the visibility and effectiveness of CAI. The Becker team was mainly recognized for their work on […]
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 More“Best Practices and Tips for Returning Residents” – FLCAJ
Welcome back, snowbirds! We hope that you have enjoyed your time up north and are now ready to get settled back in your residence here in Florida. To assist in your return to the Sunshine State, below are some suggested tips and best practices to get you ready for your time down here, NOTIFICATIONS Before […]
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 MoreWebinar: Vetting Vendors and Contracts
This program is not eligible for CEU credit or certificate of completion. Choosing the right vendors for your association is an important task for every board. Vetting those vendors is just the first step. Join Becker Shareholders Howard Perl and Robyn Severs as they walk you through the process from start to finish. Competitive […]
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 MoreBest Practices for the Use of Video Cameras
Many associations now install security cameras on the common areas to guarantee video evidence of any intentional vandalism or negligent actions which result in damage to the common areas, such as a vehicle running into the gate of a gated community. Some associations want to install security cameras as a way of deterring criminal acts […]
Read MoreTop 10 Manager Dos And Don’ts
Managers and directors are faced with many decisions while operating and managing community associations. To be effective, it is important to prioritize which issues must be addressed, and in what order, and to be able to determine which matters need to be referred to legal counsel for further direction. Below is a list of “dos” […]
Read MoreCommunity 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 […]
Read MoreCommunity 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 […]
Read More“Top 10 Manager Do’s & Don’ts” – Community Connection
Managers and directors are faced with many decisions while operating and managing community associations. To be effective, it is important to prioritize which issues must be addressed, and in what order, and to be able to determine which matters need to be referred to legal counsel for further direction. Below is a list of “do’s […]
Read MoreBecker Wins Construction Defects Matter on Appeal for Spring Isle Community Association
Fifth District Issues Critical Ruling on Statute of Repose Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals at offices throughout the East Coast, announced that it defeated a summary judgment ruling on a construction defects lawsuit on appeal before the Florida District Court of Appeal’s Fifth District on behalf of their […]
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: Robyn Severs, 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. Robyn Severs represents community association clients throughout Florida’s northeast region and regularly assists condominium and homeowners associations in a wide variety of legal areas. Her expertise includes document […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – January 2021
With 2020 finally in the rearview mirror, we dive into what’s ahead for community associations in the New Year. In addition to enjoying this month’s featured articles, we encourage you to take part in our COVID-19 vaccine survey. We want to hear your thoughts on whether or not your association is considering becoming a vaccine […]
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 More“An Association’s Response to Owners Requiring Additional Care” – SFPMA
Some older individuals choose to live out their final years in their personal residences, alone, rather than in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities. Additionally, there are times that other individuals may experience certain mental health issues that make them unable to adequately care for themselves. Associations are often at a loss with how to assist […]
Read MoreAn Association’s Obligation Regarding Neighbor Versus Neighbor Disputes
Community Associations have an obligation to enforce their governing documents. However, that obligation does not extend to policing, mediating, or resolving disputes between owners, without a corresponding covenant violation. Associations have an obligation to all owners of the community to do what is in the best interest of all owners, not just the select one […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – September 2020
Can you believe it’s autumn already? National and local elections are fast approaching and the chatter about whether or not political signs should be permitted in private residential communities is building. We delve into this issue as well as discuss how to keep your HOA director elections, which are also on the horizon, from turning […]
Read More“Is a Community Association Responsible for the Acts of Its Volunteers?” – SFPMA
Community associations can be a great place for community involvement. It is always nice to see members get involved and help with operating the association. However, should the association be concerned about the actions of these volunteers?
Read MoreRobyn Severs Discusses COVID-19 and Community Associations on Castle Webinar
Becker Shareholder Robyn Severs spoke on Castle Group’s weekly webinar series, “Close to Home: How Your Neighbors are Overcoming COVID-19.” She shared the latest region-specific updates and information on how to handle the coronavirus outbreak in HOAs and condominiums in the St. Augustine area. Robyn was joined by Castle Group Senior Vice President Fiona DiDomenico […]
Read MoreIs 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 […]
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 MoreDoes This Alteration to the Condominium Require Membership Approval?
A “material alteration or addition” is one that “palpably or perceptively var[ies] or change[s] the form, shape, elements, or specifications of a building in such a manner as to appreciably affect or influence its function, use, or appearance.” Sterling Village Condominium, Inc. v. Breitenbach, 251 So. 2d 685, 687 (Fla. 4th DCA 1971). If any […]
Read MoreIs It Time To Amend Your Condominium Declaration?
Does your Declaration of Condominium still refer to Chapter 711 as the Florida Condominium Act? Well, maybe it is not that old, but perhaps it has been a decade since it has been revised. If that is the case, then it may be time to amend the governing documents to ensure that they include the […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – August 2018
With back-to-school season in full swing we don’t want you to miss out on your share of continuing education – certainly not when it comes to the board member or management responsibilities you have for your community. After all, why should the kids have all the fun? In this issue, we aim to provide you […]
Read MoreYour HOA Amendments are Ready, Now What?
The “governing documents” of a homeowners association are the Declaration of Covenants, the Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations. Many times, HOAs make a decision to amend by looking to the provisions that needed changing. This however is only one step in the amendment process. The next step, and likely the […]
Read MoreResponsibility for Repairs After a Hurricane or Storm
Taylor & Carls Joins Forces With Becker & Poliakoff
Two of the state’s leading law firms serving condominium and homeowner associations combine to create largest practice group in Florida ORLANDO, FL, October 15, 2013 – Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. announced today that Taylor & Carls, P.A., one of the state’s leading community association law firms with offices in Orlando, Tampa, and Palm Coast, will join […]
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