As the back-to-school season kicks off, it’s the perfect time to embrace new beginnings and fresh opportunities! This issue of CUP highlights everything you need to know to stay organized for the year ahead. We address late assessments, architectural review, and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Volunteers. We also celebrate 39 Becker Attorneys recognized in […]
Read MoreResults
Becker Named Top 25 Lobbying Firm in Q2 of 2024 by Florida Politics
Becker is pleased to announce our Government Law & Lobbying practice has been named a top 25 firm by Florida Politics, based on second-quarter revenue for 2024. Becker also ranked in the top 25 for first-quarter revenue for 2024. Bernie Friedman, Chair of the firm’s Government Law & Lobbying practice led the 10-person team, which […]
Read MoreMy Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program
Newly created Florida Statute 215.5587 establishes the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program- a grant program to help condominiums within 15 miles inward from the coastline offset the cost of certain building improvement projects to strengthen their buildings against hurricanes. The grant program was funded by a thirty-million-dollar appropriation, with a maximum grant of $175,000.00 […]
Read MoreMaking It Easier to Amend Governing Documents
Clients frequently ask how to amend their governing documents, and how to make the amendment process easier. There is one preliminary step I recommend, to help an association successfully amend their governing documents. First, I recommend a board look to the amendment provisions in the governing documents. Your declaration of condominium or declaration of covenants, […]
Read MoreBecker Named Top 25 Lobbying Firm in Q1 of 2024 by Florida Politics
Becker is pleased to announce our Government Law & Lobbying practice has been named a top 25 firm by Florida Politics, based on first-quarter revenue for 2024. Bernie Friedman, Chair of the firm’s Government Law & Lobbying practice led the 10-person team, which also includes former Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, Jose Fuentes, Yolanda Cash Jackson, Max Losner, Nicholas Matthews, Cody Rogers, LaToya Sheals, Bryony […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – May 2024
Hurricane season is here. It’s time to get ready, and then stay ready. This issue of CUP also addresses the do’s and don’ts of association committees, estoppel certificates, and association contracts. Don’t miss our featured article on the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and beware of the recently issued scam alert Two of the bills signed […]
Read MoreHomeowner Association Architectural Review Standards
Two of the bills signed into law this month by the Governor modify Florida Statute 720.3035 regulating architectural review. Because of these two pending changes to the law, homeowner’s associations should review their architectural review with their community association attorney.
Read MoreCommunity Update – January 2024
The 2024 Legislative Session promises to bring sweeping changes to community association operations throughout Florida. In this issue of CUP, we highlight which bills we are watching, the Corporate Transparency Act, and the possibility of self-insurance. Don’t miss our weekly online legislative briefing with Bryony Swift. Also featured this month is our popular podcast, Take […]
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 MoreWebinar: Out with the Old and In with the New: Upgrading Your Community Association Documents
Operating a community association with outdated governing documents is risky business. Your documents should be updated to stay current with the law and the operation as it has evolved under unit owner control, not under developer control. Also, there is a benefit to clarity in the documents, particularly as regards the allocation of maintenance […]
Read MoreBackyard Storage Woes: Does the New Backyard Storage Statute Apply to Your Homeowners Association?
While there has been a lot of buzz about changes made in the 2023 Florida Legislative Session to laws affecting our Association clients, one potentially important change has been largely overlooked. The seemingly innocuous flag bill – House Bill (HB) 437 — creates the new Florida Statute 720.3045 prohibiting homeowners’ associations from regulating certain backyard storage.
Read MoreBecker Grows Florida Community Association Practice with New Bradenton Office; Adds Mary R. Hawk and Bryony G. Swift
July 25, 2023 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C., announces that Mary R. Hawk and Bryony G. Swift have joined as shareholders in the firm’s Florida community association practice. They will both be based in Becker’s […]
Read More