Becker & Poliakoff

Perspectives

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.

Filters

Search Perspectives

Show Filters

Area of Focus

Year

Type

Direct all media inquiries to BPPR@beckerlawyers.com

Results

“Welcome to the Board: Now What?” – FCAP Managers Report

So, you’ve been elected or appointed to the board of your association. Now what? First, it is necessary to become familiar with the association’s governing documents (declaration, articles of incorporation, and bylaws) and any written rules and policies. Board members are charged with upholding these documents and policies to the best of their ability as […]

Read More

Community 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 More

Tree Maintenance and the Potential Impact of Section 163.045, Florida Statutes

In general, a community association is responsible for operating and maintaining the common areas of the community (in the case of homeowners’ associations), and the common elements (in the case of condominium associations). If there are trees located on these common areas/elements, the association’s maintenance duties will include trimming and even the removal of trees […]

Read More

Community 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

Security Tips for Managing the Association’s Bank Accounts Online

Increasing numbers of people and small businesses, including community associations, have switched to managing their bank accounts exclusively over the internet.  Not surprisingly, these numbers surged even higher during the pandemic.  While online banking has become common place, so have incidents of cybercrime and fraud.  Banks of course use a variety of security measures to […]

Read More

Community Update – July 2021

This edition of Becker’s Community Update addresses several facets of how collaboration between the association and its members can be successfully navigated, ensuring the health and well-being of both parties at the beginning of the relationship and throughout its lifespan. Security – whether provided by video cameras or sound documentation – is definitely a theme. […]

Read More

“Is Your HOA Gate Opening To Increased Liability?” – CAI South Gulf Coast Magazine

When a community has an entrance gate, it is almost inevitable that the association will at some point deal with the issue of whether it is responsible for damage to a vehicle which occurred when someone was entering or exiting the gate. The primary question to resolve in assessing liability in such a circumstance is […]

Read More

Community Update – April 2021

This edition of Becker’s Community Update highlights why adding a “primary occupant” designation in your association’s governing documents may be a good idea and whether your entrance gates are opening you up to increased liability. Check out these topics and more, and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook to get real time updates on these […]

Read More

Community 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 More

SPOTLIGHT: Sara Wilson, 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. For over 15 years, Sara Wilson has advised condominium, homeowners’, cooperative and timeshare associations throughout the state of Florida. She has extensive experience reviewing and modifying contracts, drafting amendments […]

Read More

Community Update – December 2020

Since early on in the pandemic, boards and management professionals have shouldered the immense responsibility of ensuring the safety of their residents. Now, with the imminent rollout of the vaccine, they will face a whole new set of challenges which we delve into in this issue of CUP. For those who wish to discuss this […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More

Community Update – January 2020

The start of the new year means election season for community associations across the state. To help alleviate some of the burden board’s may be feeling this time of year, we focus this month on answering some of the frequently asked questions we receive from communities about election dos and don’ts. Is a voting certificate […]

Read More

Community Update – August 2019

Community Associations must learn to effectively communicate amongst themselves. Over time, more and more messages have become electronic, social media has become a popular platform for communication, and the lines between personal/professional messages have become increasingly blurred. It’s now more important than ever to understand the rules and regulations regarding these distinctions. Our featured article, […]

Read More

Is 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 More

Can an Association Be Held Liable for Discriminatory Conduct of Residents?

On a daily basis we read about acts of hatred and discrimination occurring in our society.  As residential communities are microcosms of the society at large, associations, too, are increasingly faced with determining how to deal with such issues.  Legal precedent has established that associations may be held liable for discriminatory acts committed by its […]

Read More

Community Update – April 2019

As most everyone knows, volunteering to serve on your community’s board can oftentimes be a thankless job. This month, we break down some of the rights and responsibilities that the position holds. In our featured article, “Can an Association Be Held Liable for Discriminatory Conduct of Residents?” we explore some of the questions that arise […]

Read More

Community Update – September 2018

Of course it doesn’t feel like it in Florida but autumn is officially here, which means before you know it breathing outdoors will be possible again. This of course means more and more comfortable time outdoors, more residents back to living in your association and with it all – more risk. That’s why in this […]

Read More

Garage Sale or Thrift Shop in Disguise? Doesn’t Matter. Your Homeowners Association Can do Something About it

This time of year a lot of people are cleaning out their closets, gathering up unused household items, and having garage sales.  It is also the time when many communities are having community-wide garage sales.  But what about the homeowners who on a regular basis fill their driveway with multiple used strollers, suitcases, microwaves, vacuums, […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More