Around the State
I-75 Noise Wall Would Skip One Community while Covering Others. Neighbors Say that’s Not Fair
Residents of the new neighborhoods along Interstate 75 want a noise wall to cushion against growing traffic noise from the highway. For the most part, the neighborhoods on the west side of I-75 from Creekwood, north of State Road 70 to Tara and other neighborhoods to the south, are getting them.... (
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Residents Return Home after Sinkhole Opens outside Altamonte Springs Condo Complex
Residents evacuated after a sinkhole opened outside their condo building last week were allowed to return to their homes Monday. According to Altamonte Springs police, a structural engineer checked the building at the Royal Arms Condominiums early Monday and determined it's safe for all units to... (
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Florida Woman Files Federal Lawsuit to Keep Her Emotional Support Chickens
A woman in Florida has filed a federal lawsuit in the hope of keeping four pet chickens which were prescribed to her to help cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. Karen Morris of Fort Myers claims that Lee County authorities have violated the federal Fair Housing Act by ordering her to rehouse her... (
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Emboldened Residents Battle Entrenched Condo Boards
Contentious condominium board meetings are neither new nor rare in Florida. But while some Key Biscayne condo boards modernize, others are mired in conflict. The gavel banged repeatedly at the Key Colony Homeowners’ Association board meeting last week, where several dozen disgruntled residents sought clarity over a proposed hike in fees. ... (
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Someone Defaced East Manatee Neighborhood’s Gate with Swastikas. Cops Say it’s Not Vandalism
Residents in one East Manatee County neighborhood woke up to swastikas and racial slurs defacing the entrance to their gated community. At least six swastikas and two racial slurs could be seen on the backside of the entrance wall to the Del Tierra community in a photo taken before being washed... (
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Blog Bits
No Power to Condo
The association hired a plumber to repair a problem. Instead, they cut the power line to a condo — and when the condo owner wanted it repaired, he says the association wouldn’t do it the way he needed. So he asked Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser: Does an association have to repair a problem the way you want, or the way the way they want. You have probably heard... (
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How Much Does a Condo Association or HOA Website Cost?
Are you considering having a website developed for your Condo or HOA community? There are several variables to consider when deciding what vendor to work with and what features should be included. One of the most important and commonly asked questions, however, is, how much does a condo or HOA website cost? There are many factors that affect the overall... (
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Water Quality Testing: A Balancing Act
Most people have heard the adage that no two snowflakes are the same, but did you know this truth also applies to bodies of water? No two lakes or ponds are the same—and location, the size, water use, aquatic vegetation coverage and type, pond nutrient levels, and water depth are all factors that can combine in unique ways to influence the health of a community waterbody.... (
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How Do I Insure My Condo?
Q: Is a condo considered residential property? Not commercial like an apartment complex? How should the evidence of insurance be “titled” – the insured should read in the name of the complex homeowners’ association name?
A: That is an interesting question and I would suggest that it is one best left to your insurance underwriter... (
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FCAP Resources
Managing Your Concrete Restoration Project
Well begun is half done”—proverb quoted by Aristotle
Concrete restoration projects are not fun. Anyone who has been through one as a Florida condominium association resident, board member, or manager knows this. Most condominium concrete restoration projects exceed original estimates for schedule and budget, leaving homeowners and board members... (
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Common Community Security Liabilities
Video surveillance at an entrance or around a community is easy to find, and visitor verification methods for gated communities continue to enhance those systems. No matter the system, any community employing or searching for a security method should have some understanding of the liabilities. Although each situation is certainly unique, there are a few guidelines and... (
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Eliminate the Hassle – Stop Reserves From Exceeding the FDIC-Insured Limit
Florida touts its share of sunshine, beaches, tourists, citrus…and homeowners associations. These associations, like their non-Florida equivalents, have many shared challenges, including reserves that exceed the $250,000 in FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insurance coverage at a... (
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The Importance of Condominium and HOA Education
There’s a lot that goes into my job as an attorney working in condominium and HOA law. Each week, I work on my current cases, keep abreast of the changes in the law, advocate for legislative reform, work on the Condo Craze Radio Show, and write a blog each Monday. Without a doubt, however, my favorite part of what I do is teaching and meeting... (
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Upcoming Events
HOA/Condo/Co-Op Board Member Certification Workshop
Our Board Member course is tailored specifically to certify hoa, condo and co-op board members. Your participation will satisfy the statutory requirement so that you are eligible to serve on your condominium association board. More importantly, it will provide the tools and information you need to perform your job well and to avoid any potential liability associated with your new... (
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Covering Your Assets: Avoiding Board Member Liability
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CondoJobs
Featured Job of the Week
Community manager for a large master association in Jupiter. Must have previous experience and good tenure in similar. Must be a talented, resourceful and hard working CAM with a minimum of 5 years of experience. Should possess excellent supervisory and leadership skills having managed a staff of at least 5 or more. Professional demeanor and appearance with good... (
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