In this edition of the Community Update, we address estoppel certificates, video cameras for surveillance, and the pending new laws from the 2024 Florida Legislative Session. We also welcome our newest Shareholder, Allison L. Hertz, and celebrate $120,000 raised for Pancreatic Cancer. Don’t miss our featured podcast episode that discusses crafting and protecting your community’s […]
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What Can Be Done About Solar Panels?
If you are living in a Homeowners Association the Board or the Architectural Review Committee generally cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels (or “solar collectors”). A Florida law, F.S. 163.04, provides that any “deed restriction or declaration” or even any “similar binding agreement” may not prohibit — or have the effect of prohibiting — […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – September 2023
Fall is officially here which means busy season is upon us. This month, we spotlight timely articles to help your board succeed in the coming months. Our featured articles explore various topics from board term limits and upgrading your documents to reserves and special assessments. Don’t miss our newest episode of Take It To The […]
Read MoreAre Those Under Age 18 a Protected Class?
In 1988, Congress added “familial status” – defined to include those family groups with children under 18 – to the list of protected groups under the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”). Since that time, condominiums and homeowner’s associations have been discovering that various rules regulating or prohibiting use of the association’s facilities by persons under 18 […]
Read MoreCommunity 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 MoreCan Anything Be Done About Solar Panels?
If you are living in a homeowners association you probably know that the Association cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels (or “solar collectors”). But what about a request to install such devices on the roof of a condominium? Section 163.04, Florida Statutes, provides: A deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or similar binding agreement may not […]
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 MoreCan Anything Be Done About Solar Panels?
If you are living in an HOA, you probably have heard that the association cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels (or “solar collectors”). A Florida law, F.S. 163.04, provides that any “deed restriction or declaration” or even any “similar binding agreement” may not prohibit – or have the effect of prohibiting – solar collectors, […]
Read MoreCan You Have Rules Dealing With Children?
In 1988, Congress added “familial status” – defined as including those family groups with children under 18 – to the list of protected groups under the Fair Housing Act. Since that time, condominium and homeowner associations have been discovering that their various rules regulating or prohibiting the use of the association’s facilities by those under […]
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 MoreCommunity Update – November 2020
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! While this year has not been without challenges, we are tremendously grateful to all of our clients and friends and wish you and your loved ones a joyous and healthy holiday season. Enjoy this month’s edition of CUP and we look forward to seeing you next month! […]
Read More“Is It a Limited Common Element?” – SFPMA
Most condominium unit owners may think that limited common elements are those areas outside the condominium unit that are part of the common elements, but which are used only by a specific unit owner. However, the Florida Condominium Act defines “limited common elements” as “those common elements which are reserved for the use of a […]
Read MoreThe Association’s Strong Hand for the Removal of Non-Approved Structures
Enforcing HOA restrictions can be a formidable task, implicating myriad overlapping declaration provisions, association rules, and Florida law. And going to court to get injunctive relief – a court order requiring an owner to comply – can seem even more daunting.
Read MorePreeminent Regional Law Firm Joins Becker & Poliakoff September 27, 2012
Cornett, Googe & Associates Strengthens Presence in Treasure Coast For Immediate Release Media Contact: Alan Penchansky The Pen Group Communications Tel: (305) 529-1944 email: alan@thepengroup.com FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, September 28, 2012 – Becker & Poliakoff announced today that Cornett, Googe & Associates, P.A., a Stuart, Florida-based law firm that represents more than 300 community associations as well […]
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