A new year means new goals! As we turn the corner into 2024, this issue of CUP spotlights helpful tips so your community association can start the year off right. This includes adoption of the annual budget, a review of new legislation, and the responsibilities of residents in communal situations. Don’t miss our featured podcast […]
Read MoreResults
“2023 in Review” – FCAP Managers Report
New Legislation The 2023 Florida legislative session addressed a wide variety of issues impacting community associations. The longest bill impacting community associations became 2023-203, Laws of Florida. The amended statutes changed, clarified, or corrected provisions created by the laws approved in 2022, Senate Bill 4-D, which became Chapter 2022-269, Laws of Florida, commonly referred to as […]
Read More2024 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 MoreThe Corporate Transparency Act: What Is It and Does It Apply to Community Associations?
In 2021 Congress passed and the president signed the Corporate Transparency Act or CTA as part of the larger Anti-Money Laundering Act. Under these laws the federal government targets tax fraud, terrorism, and money laundering by requiring US-formed corporations, limited liability companies, and any entity that registers its formation with the state to report certain […]
Read MoreBecker Attorneys in Florida, New Jersey, and New York Recognized as 2022-2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Becker is thrilled to announce that several attorneys in the firm’s Florida, New Jersey, and New York offices have been named as 2022-2023 Super Lawyers, an honor that recognizes the top 5% of the total lawyers in any given state. Additionally, Becker attorneys recognized as Rising Stars represent the top 2.5% of attorneys under 40 […]
Read MoreWebinar: Legislative Update 2023
In this course, participants will receive a review of the laws passed during the 2023 Legislative Session impacting condominiums, cooperatives, homeowner associations, timeshares and the community association management profession. It is designed to provide board members and community association managers with a working knowledge of the changes to the law to assist them in […]
Read MoreBecker Attorneys in Florida, New York, and New Jersey Recognized as 2022 Super Lawyers
Becker is thrilled to announce that several attorneys in the firm’s Florida and New Jersey offices have been named as 2022 Super Lawyers, an honor that recognizes the top 5% of the total lawyers in any given state. Additionally, Becker attorneys recognized as Rising Stars represent the top 2.5% of attorneys under 40 years old, […]
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 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 More“Impact of 2022 Legislative Summary on Community Associations” – FCAP Managers Report
The 2022 session of the Florida Legislature was statistically slightly above average with 1700 bills considered in its 60-day session. A total of 238 bills were passed by both houses and will be presented to the governor for his signature. Thirty bills were filed that could have impacted community associations. For residents of condominiums, the […]
Read MoreWebinar: 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 […]
Read MoreWebinar: How to Enforce Your Documents
In this webinar, we will discuss options available to community associations seeking to enforce their governing documents and defenses commonly raised by homeowners opposing actions by the association. There will also be a discussion regarding the recent changes to Florida Statutes and considerations for associations when pursuing different remedies. Topics include: Changes to Florida Statutes […]
Read MoreBecker Attorneys in Florida, New Jersey, and New York Recognized by 2021 Super Lawyers
Becker is thrilled to announce that several attorneys in the firm’s Florida and New Jersey offices have been named as 2021 Super Lawyers, an honor that recognizes the top 5% of the total lawyers in any given state. Additionally, Becker attorneys recognized as Rising Stars represent the top 2.5% of attorneys under 40 years old, […]
Read More2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 25 Becker Attorneys
The 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® honors 25 Becker attorneys across the Firm’s practices. Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and most respected peer review publications in the legal profession. Becker congratulates its attorneys on their recognition as among the best and brightest lawyers in the United States. Perry M. Adair, […]
Read More2021 Edition of Florida Trend Recognizes Becker Shareholders as Florida Legal Elite
Becker is pleased to announce that five shareholders have been named as 2021 Florida Trend Legal Elite Honorees. Now in its 18th year, Florida Legal Elite presents the state’s top licensed and practicing attorneys selected by their peers. Less than 2% of active Florida Bar members practicing in Florida appear among the exclusive Florida Legal […]
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 MoreSteven Mezer appears in KW Property Management Webinar “Improving Property Values with Capital Improvement Projects”
Becker Community Association Shareholder Steven Mezer participated in KW Property Management’s webinar: “Improving Property Values with Capital Improvement Projects.” Watch the webinar replay.
Read More“New Laws” – FLCAJ Magazine
New F.S. 718.129, 719.131, and 720.318 provide that an association may not prohibit parking a law enforcement vehicle where the officer has a right to park. F.S. 760.27 provides that a person seeking an emotional support animal must provide certain supporting information to qualify if the relate need for an ESA is not readily apparent. […]
Read MoreCAI West Florida Chapter “Community Associations and COVID-19” Webinar
Becker, in association with the Community Associations Institute – West Florida Chapter, presented “Community Associations and COVID-19: What’s on the Horizon?” a webinar featuring Becker Shareholders David Muller, Kevin Edwards, and Steven Mezer. Panelists discussed how volunteer boards can safeguard their communities in light of COVID-19. Panelists: David Muller Shareholder Becker Kevin Edwards Shareholder Becker […]
Read More19 Becker Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers in America® in 2021 Edition
The 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® honors nineteen Becker attorneys spanning nine practice areas. Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and most respected peer review publications in the legal profession. Becker congratulates its attorneys on their recognition as among the best and brightest lawyers in the United States. The nineteen attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2021 Edition), […]
Read MoreSteve Mezer Appointed Group Chair of ABA Hospitality, Timesharing & Common Interests Development Group
Becker Shareholder Steve Mezer was appointed as Group Chair of the Hospitality, Timesharing & Common Interests Development Group of the American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law (RPTE). Steve will begin the leadership position effective September 1, 2020. Committee chairs focus on specific areas of law and work to utilize the talent of committee members to develop committee […]
Read MoreBecker Attorneys Recognized as 2020 Super Lawyers
June 4, 2020 – Becker is pleased to announce that fifteen of its attorneys have been named as 2020 Super Lawyers, an honor that recognizes the top 5% of the total lawyers in any given state. The following attorneys have been listed in the 2020 edition of Super Lawyers: Florida Super Lawyer Recipients Joseph E. […]
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 MoreCommunity Update – April 2020
Our featured article, “Obtaining a Bank Loan; Step-by-Step,” explores the process of attaining a line of credit. A loan can help an association ensure they have necessary funding to navigate through an emergency, whether it be due to the coronavirus, hurricane season, or otherwise. We live in an age where the lack of civility has become […]
Read MoreWebinar: Force Majeure in the Age of COVID-19
Hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters are commonly found in force majeure clauses, however, global pandemics are often left out. Join us for a live, in-depth discussion on this topic Thursday, April 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Becker attorneys will examine force majeure from a broad perspective, discussing how the clause affects players […]
Read MoreSteven H. Mezer Named to Tampa Magazines’ 2020 Top Lawyers List
TAMPA, FL – April 2, 2020 — Becker Shareholder Steven H. Mezer was voted by his peers as one of the Tampa Bay area’s top community association law attorneys on Tampa Magazines’ 2020 Top Lawyers list. In February, Tampa Magazines sent surveys to the nearly 7,000 attorneys practicing in Hillsborough County, asking them to nominate the […]
Read More“Is Picking a Good Holiday Wine like Picking a Good Attorney?” – FCAP Managers Report
Is Picking a Good Holiday Wine like Picking a Good Attorney? As we approach the holidays, we often find ourselves in the hunt for a good bottle of wine to give as a gift. Each year the process of selecting a bottle of wine reminds us of challenges of picking a good attorney. How do […]
Read More13 Becker Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers in America®
The 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® honors thirteen Becker attorneys spanning nine practice areas. Additionally, Lee A. Weintraub is recognized as Lawyer of the Year in Construction Litigation, an honor only bestowed upon one attorney for each specialty practice and location. Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and most respected peer […]
Read MoreBecker Attorneys Recognized as Florida Legal Elite
Becker is pleased to announce that eight attorneys have been recognized in the 2019 edition of Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite™. Now in its sixteenth year, Florida Legal Elite publishes an annual roster of attorneys held in the highest regard by their peers and includes fewer than 1.3% of the active Florida Bar Members […]
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 MoreSuper Lawyers Recognizes Sixteen Becker Attorneys in 2019 Edition
June 3, 2019 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Becker is pleased to announce that sixteen of its attorneys have been named as 2019 Super Lawyers, an honor that recognizes the top 5% of the total lawyers in any given state. The following attorneys have been listed in the 2019 edition of Super Lawyers: Florida Super […]
Read More“Communication With Your Attorney” – FCAP Managers Report
Most attorneys are adept and accustomed to using a variety of forms of communication with their clients. Most attorneys will also charge for communications with their clients, so clients should consider what is best, not only in the context of cost, but also what is best for providing and receiving legal advice. As an attorney […]
Read More“Emotional Support Animal” – FCAP Managers Report
The following is a paraphrased example of the one question that we are asked most frequently: “I live in a condominium, which has had a “no pet amendment” since it was built. A person recently purchased a unit and has been seen with a dog that barks all the time. The owner signed all the […]
Read More“Construction Deposits, A New Reality to be Managed” – FCAP Managers Report
For many condominium and homeowners’ associations, 2019 will be a year to consider long overdue construction projects. The 2018 legislature made it clear to condominium associations that if the project resulted in a modification of the common elements, a prior vote of approval by the membership is required. Also, some projects will require bids per […]
Read MoreManager’s Report – January 2019
The Manager’s Report Newsletter, sponsored by FCAP, features recent news and updates to keep managers up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. January’s issue includes articles from Steven H. Mezer, David G. Muller, JoAnn Nesta Burnett, and Conrad J. Lazo. Click here to view the Newsletter.
Read MoreCongratulations to Steven B. Lesser and All of Becker’s Best Lawyers in America® 2019
TWELVE BECKER ATTORNEYS NAMED THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA® 2019 Steven B. Lesser Further Recognized as Lawyer of the Year in Construction Litigation The 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, announced today, includes twelve Becker attorneys covering four practice areas. Special congratulations to Steven B. Lesser, Chair of our Construction Law & Litigation […]
Read More28 Becker Attorneys Named as Super Lawyers
Becker proudly congratulates our attorneys selected as Super Lawyers. As of 2018, we boast 28 lawyers who have received this prestigious designation. Please click on their names to read more about each of these attorneys. Super Lawyer Recipients: Joseph E. Adams*, Real Estate (Office Managing Shareholder, Fort Myers/Naples) Hugo V. Alvarez, Insurance Coverage Disputes, Real Estate […]
Read More16 Becker & Poliakoff Attorneys Named 2018 Florida Super Lawyers/Rising Stars
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – February 6, 2018 – Becker & Poliakoff today announced that 16 of its attorneys have been named as top lawyers in the state for 2018 by Florida Super Lawyers. Here are the Becker & Poliakoff attorneys designated as Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars: Super Lawyer Recipients: Joseph E. Adams*, Real Estate […]
Read MoreEleven Becker & Poliakoff Attorneys Listed In The Best Lawyers In America® 2018
The 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, announced today, includes eleven attorneys covering four practice areas from the Florida and New Jersey offices of law firm Becker & Poliakoff. Of note, Founding Shareholder Alan S. Becker was recognized in 2018 as a Lawyer of the Year for his practice area. The attorneys are […]
Read MoreFive Becker & Poliakoff Attorneys Recognized as Florida Legal Elite
Becker & Poliakoff is proud to announce that five of our shareholders were recently recognized in the 2017 edition of Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite™. Alan Becker, Steve Lesser and Ken Direktor from our Ft. Lauderdale office, Steve Mezer from our Tampa office, and Joseph Adams from the Fort Myers office were among the list of 1,080 honorees, published in the July issue of […]
Read MoreSteven H. Mezer Re-Appointed Group Vice-Chair of ABA’s Hospitality, Timesharing & Common Interest Development Group
Becker & Poliakoff is proud to announce that Steven H. Mezer, shareholder in the Community Association group of our Tampa Bay office, has been re-appointed Group Vice-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Hospitality, Timesharing & Common Interest Development Group. Mr. Mezer was re-appointed Vice-Chair by the Chair-Elect of the ABA’s Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law, Elizabeth C. […]
Read More15 Becker & Poliakoff Attorneys Named 2017 Florida Super Lawyers/Rising Stars
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – June 8, 2017 – Becker & Poliakoff today announced that 15 of its attorneys have been named as top lawyers in the state for 2017 by Florida Super Lawyers. Here are the Becker & Poliakoff attorneys designated as Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars: Super Lawyer Recipients: Joseph E. Adams*, Real Estate […]
Read MoreBecker & Poliakoff Announces 8 Recipients of 2017 Best Lawyers in America ® Honors August 17, 2016
Best Lawyers® is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers® is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. For more than three decades, Best Lawyers© lists have earned the respect of the profession, the media, […]
Read More15 Becker & Poliakoff Attorneys Named 2016 Florida Super Lawyers And Rising Stars
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – June 24, 2016 – Florida law firm Becker & Poliakoff today announced that 15 of its Florida attorneys have been named among the top attorneys in the state for 2016 by Florida Super Lawyers. The following Becker & Poliakoff attorneys appeared as Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in the specified categories: […]
Read MoreSteven Mezer Joins Becker & Poliakoff as Shareholder in Tampa Office
TAMPA, Fla. (July 1, 2015) – Law firm Becker & Poliakoff today announced that Steven Mezer has joined the firm as a Shareholder in the Community Association Law Practice Group at its Tampa, Fla., office. Prior to joining the firm, Mezer was a Shareholder at Bush Ross. Mezer has focused his practice during the past three decades on representing community […]
Read More