Becker & Poliakoff

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Our attorneys are thought leaders in their field who keep our clients updated on the latest developments in their areas of interest. Explore our robust library of articles, blog posts, guidebooks, media commentary, and news.

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Community Update – December 2023

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 […]

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“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 […]

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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 […]

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The 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 […]

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Becker 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 […]

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Webinar: 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 […]

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Becker 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, […]

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2023 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 […]

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Webinar: 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 […]

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Community 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 […]

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“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 […]

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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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Webinar: 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 […]

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Becker 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, […]

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2022 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, […]

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2021 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 […]

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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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“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. […]

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CAI 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 […]

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19 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), […]

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Steve 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 […]

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Becker 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. […]

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Week 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.

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Community 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 […]

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Webinar: 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 […]

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Steven 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 […]

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“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 […]

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13 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 […]

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Becker 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 […]

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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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Super 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 […]

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“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 […]

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“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 […]

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“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 […]

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Congratulations 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 […]

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28 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 […]

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16 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 […]

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Eleven 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 […]

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Five 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 […]

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Steven 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. […]

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15 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 […]

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Becker & 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, […]

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15 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: […]

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Steven 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 […]

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