Q: What is the “DBPR” and does it have authority over homeowners’ associations? (C.S., via e-mail) A: The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is an executive branch state agency in Florida. Its secretary is appointed by the Governor. The DBPR is responsible for licensing and regulating various businesses and professionals, through its various […]
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“Called to a Deposition or Court? Here Are a Few Tips” – Florida Planning Magazine
When a planner is called to serve as a witness, it is natural to be anxious. However, keeping in mind these tips and best practices will help you be better prepared and best convey evidence and testimony. Always keep orderly files. Do not wait to be called to a deposition or court to organize your […]
Read MoreAddressing Florida’s Condo Crisis and How to Fix It
For more episodes of Take It To The Board, click here! The aftermath of the Champlain Towers tragedy has led to a flurry of legislative responses, but are they hitting the mark? Was the Florida Legislature’s response to the Champlain Towers tragedy misguided in terms of overlooking some key factors that led to that deadly […]
Read MoreBecker’s Washington Weekly: Week of November 11
Congress Closes Out 2024 Congress returns to Washington this week following the 2024 election, where Republicans flipped the Senate and the White House and potentially held the House of Representatives depending on yet-to-be-called races. Lawmakers will begin their lame-duck session to pass a series of must-pass legislation and take up nominations of both the outgoing […]
Read More“Remote Meeting Procedures Questioned” – News-Press
Q: Am I entitled to ask questions or speak at association meetings if I am attending remotely via an online platform? The application used by my condominium association does not provide a way to ask questions, and I am worried this might be against Florida Statutes. (J.D., via e-mail) A: It depends. Section 718.112(2)(c) of […]
Read MoreBecker & Poliakoff Earns Coveted National First-Tier Rankings in the 2025 Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Guide
We are pleased to announce that Becker & Poliakoff ranked as a national first-tier law firm for our Construction Law, Construction Litigation, and Banking and Finance Litigation practice areas in the 2025 edition of the Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” guide. Becker was also nationally ranked in five other practice areas: Banking and Finance Law, […]
Read MoreYolanda Cash Jackson Featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s “This Is How You #WinWithBlackWomen” as Part of the ‘Great Motivators’ Series
Becker proudly announces that our Yolanda Cash Jackson is featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s November 2024 “Voices Issue.” In the article, This Is How You #WinWithBlackWomen, part of the magazine’s prestigious Great Motivators series, Jackson joins an inspiring lineup that includes former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Hollywood directors, fashion designers, beauty industry leaders, artists, authors, and sports icons. The […]
Read MoreBecker Launches U.S. Spanish Desk
New York, NY – November 4, 2024 – The International Practice Group of Becker, a U.S. multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals, announced the launch of its U.S. Spanish Desk. The U.S. Spanish Desk follows the firm’s commitment to provide tailored solutions to its European client base looking to either enter or […]
Read More“Political Signs and Holiday Decorations in Community Associations” – Community Trends
With election and holiday season upon us, community association boards are typically tasked with the best way to promulgate rules and regulations concerning political signs and holiday decorations. Living in a pluralistic society can have its challenges. However, a lawful, well-crafted, objective, and non-discriminatory policy can help a community live harmoniously while respecting the beliefs […]
Read MoreBecker’s Gary C. Rosen and Yolanda Cash Jackson Recognized Among Florida’s 500 Most Influential Executives for 2024
Becker proudly announces that Managing Shareholder Gary C. Rosen and Shareholder Yolanda Cash Jackson have been named to Florida Trend’s prestigious Florida 500 list of the state’s most influential executives for another year. This honor reflects an extensive research effort by the editors of Florida Trend to identify the state’s most impactful leaders across diverse economic sectors. Rosen has […]
Read More“Board Vacancy Raises Questions” – News-Press
Q: A member of our condominium association board recently resigned, unexpectedly, part way through the first year of their two-year term. According to our bylaws, a board member appointed to fill a vacancy serves until the next scheduled election. Does the temporary replacement serve only until the next annual meeting, or can they fill out […]
Read MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for November 2024
Becker’s New Jersey Community Update newsletter features recent news and updates that we think you may find of interest. The November edition of Becker’s North Community Association Newsletter offers important insights for community association leaders and residents, including a detailed guide to community governance and the vital role of governing documents in fostering harmony within […]
Read MoreCommunity Update – October 2024
This issue of CUP highlights a range of timely topics for board members and managers. Whether you’re preparing for budget season, considering amending election terms, or navigating disaster recovery and insurance claims, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss our recent webinar explaining the Corporate Transparency Act and the mandatory reporting requirements for all community associations! Also featured this month […]
Read MoreBecker’s Omar Franco Named a Top 2024 Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics
October 30, 2024 – Washington, D.C.— Becker is pleased to announce that Omar Franco has been recognized as a Top 2024 Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics (NILE). This prestigious honor is awarded to industry professionals who have achieved notable legislative successes, demonstrated innovation, earned the respect of their clients or peers, and have […]
Read MoreFire Sprinkler and ELSS Deadlines Extended by Florida Fire Prevention Code
For those of you who own a condominium unit in a high-rise building, you are keenly aware of the many changes through the years to the fire safety requirements for high-rise buildings. The Condominium Act, in Section 718.112(2)(n), Florida Statutes, currently states that all high-rise buildings had to retrofit with either a fire sprinkler system […]
Read MoreCondominium Officers, Directors and Managers Who Solicit, Offer to Accept, or Accept “Kickbacks” Now Commit a Felony of the Third Degree
Florida lawmakers revised Chapter 718, Florida’s Condominium Act, once again following the 2024 Legislative Session through House Bill 1021, which was signed by Governor DeSantis and became effective July 1, 2024. One of the most surprising revisions to some, was the addition of criminal penalties for certain conduct in violation of Chapter 718.
Read MoreWhat Is the Difference Between Mediation and Arbitration?
Whether you are a member of a condominium association or homeowners’ association, the respective statutes require the owners and the association to engage in alternative dispute resolution for certain disputes before a complaint is filed in court. The two types of alternative dispute resolution recognized by the Condominium Act and the Homeowners’ Association Act are […]
Read MoreBecker Represents Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation in Merger with Great Rich Technologies Limited
New York, NY — October 28, 2024 — Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals throughout the U.S., is pleased to announce its role as legal counsel to Flag Ship Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ: FSHP) in its recent merger agreement with Great Rich Technologies Limited (KOSDAQ: 900290, GRT) and GRT Merger Star […]
Read MoreJulissa Reynoso, Partner at Winston & Strawn and Former U.S. Ambassador, Speaks at Becker Legacy Speaker Series
October 29, 2024 – Miami, FL — Becker & Poliakoff, in partnership with the University of Miami School of Law, recently welcomed Julissa Reynoso, Partner at Winston & Strawn and Former U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, as the keynote speaker of the Alan S. Becker and Gary A. Poliakoff Preeminent Leaders in Law Speaker Series. The Alan […]
Read MoreBecker & Poliakoff Named Among South Florida’s 2024 Top 100 Private Companies by South Florida Business Journal
October 28, 2024 — Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals throughout the U.S., is proud to announce its recognition as one of South Florida’s Top 100 Private Companies by the South Florida Business Journal. This accolade reflects Becker & Poliakoff’s deep ties to Florida and commitment […]
Read MoreBecker’s Washington Weekly: Week of October 28
The advancement of AI is rapidly transforming multiple sectors, from healthcare to finance. However, with this progress comes an increasing demand for regulation to ensure the safe and ethical development of AI technologies. Lawmakers at both the federal and state levels are actively pursuing legislation to address the ethical challenges, risks, and potential of AI. […]
Read More“Abandoned Properties Regulated By Statute” – News-Press
Q: What rights does a condominium association have when dealing with an abandoned unit, and under what circumstances can it go into the unit? (K.Y., via e-mail) A: Section 718.111(5)(b) of the Florida Condominium Act provides that even if the declaration of condominium or other recorded condominium documents do not explicitly provide such authority, the […]
Read MoreBecker Announces Strategic Leadership Roles for Continued Growth
October 25, 2024 — Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals throughout the U.S., is proud to announce key additions to its leadership team as part of its continued commitment to strengthen practice areas and position the firm for future growth. As part of this strategic […]
Read MoreBecker Completes Financial Closing for Phase One of P3 Development Deal for International Swimming Hall of Fame
October 23, 2024 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals throughout the US, is pleased to have completed the financial closing for phase one of a four phase public-private partnership (P3) development deal on behalf of client Hall of Fame Partners LLC, which operates the […]
Read MoreBecker Attorneys in Florida, New Jersey, and New York Recognized as 2024 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 2024 Super Lawyers, an honor that recognizes the top 5% of the total lawyers in any given state. Becker attorneys recognized as Rising Stars represent the top 2.5% of attorneys under 40 years […]
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