What Changes Might be in Store for Community Associations in 2019?

Around the State

Flagler Watches as Vacation-Rental Bill that Would Eliminate Local or Homeowner Association Regulations Advances
A bill that would substantially change laws controlling vacation rentals by preventing local governments such as Flagler County or Flagler Beach from regulating the industry cleared the second of three House committees today even though several lawmakers who voted for it voiced concerns with the bill in its... (more)

Growing Pains for Legislation Governing Florida Condo Association Website Development
The 2017 bill providing website guidelines for condominium associations with more than 150 units (which does not contain timeshares) is going through some growing pains. The new law amended Section 718.111 of the Florida Statute and raises issues boards must consider as they strive for compliance.... (more)

Residents Disgusted by a Rat Infestation at Clearwater Condominium Complex
A rat infestation at a Clearwater apartment complex is leaving residents disgusted. "You can see from the size of the tail, it’s a rat. It ain't no mouse," said Michael McKinney while holding a rat he captured in his condo. McKinney and many others in his building say they started having a rat problem right... (more)

Blog Bits

What Changes Might be in Store for Community Associations in 2019?
Over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in legislation relating to community associations. That trend continues this year, with approximately eleven bills affecting community associations having been introduced when the 2019 legislative regular session convened on March 5th. The following is a summary... (more)

Part III Rule Development & Enforcement- The Do's and Dont's
Continuing on with our series on Rule Development and Enforcement for Communication Associations, this week we delve into the do's and don't's of Rule Development, along with adoption and implementation procedures. RULE DEVELOPMENT: Criteria for a Valid and Enforceable Rule: Generally speaking,... (more)

HOA Transition Toolkit
Transitioning from a developer-controlled association, to a resident-controlled HOA can be difficult. Here we examine this process and how you can make this change easier with our HOA transition toolkit!
What is an HOA transition? At a certain point during the lifecycle of an association, the developer has to hand over control... (more)

Lake Management: Don’t Feed the Wildlife!
A few years back in the spring, residents of South Hampton, NH found six dead deer in a suburban lot. Several biologists and a game warden then investigated the site and found six more. The deer had not been shot or killed by predators, nor had they starved or died of exposure. They had been fed to death. With their stomachs and digestive systems used to their... (more)

FCAP Resources

Has Your Association Gone Green Yet?
Whether you believe global warming exists or not, there is no denying that the environment needs our help. According to the Community Associations Institute (CAI), there are more than 48,000 associations in the State of Florida, encompassing an estimated 9,750,000 residents. It is unknown how many of those associations have implemented any green initiatives... (more)

The What and Why of Replacement Cost Valuations
Most property managers know about or have heard of replacement cost valuations or insurance appraisals. However, many do not realize that it is a Florida law that all residential condominium associations must have them done at least every 36 months. They also have not been informed why they are required. After the destructive hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, the State of... (more)

What Fee Arrangement Is Best for Your Community’s Litigation?
After the turnover of a community, many associations face the prospect of litigation with the developer of the community or the contractor and subcontractors who constructed the condominium building or HOA common areas. Such litigation may be a construction defect lawsuit or a dispute over missing... (more)

Heads Up for Roofs
With a roof, as with many other facets of association life, if you pay more attention, you may be able to pay less money. Though no board member is saying, “Our roof is going to last forever without us doing anything,” its low visibility may enable a passive indifference until issues show that more has been happening up there than anyone wanted. At that point, options may... (more)

Upcoming Events

Condo Craze Board Member Certification Program
Attorney Eric Glazer, host of the weekly radio show Condo Craze and HOAs who has been practicing Florida association law since 1992, has been approved by the division to certify new directors throughout Florida and teach them about their responsibilities under Florida law regarding such topics as Budgets.
... (more)

Everything you Wanted to Know About Being a Board Member.. But Were Afraid to Ask!
If you are planning to serve on your homeowner association board, you probably know that you will need to comply with Florida’s certification requirements within 90 days of being elected. Our HOA Board Certification class is designed to satisfy the statutory requirement so that you are eligible to serve. More... (more)

Fair Housing Act: Association Compliance with the FHA – Part 1
Participants will learn important information on the Fair Housing Act (FHA) regarding the use of criminal background checks to prevent sale of lease of residential property and the liability for retaliation & hostile environment harassment. Some of the topics we will cover include: • Criminal Background... (more)

CondoJobs

Featured Job of the Week
Experienced bilingual manager to oversee and manage a 600 unit condominium in Aventura. At least 5-7 years of experience is required. Must be bilingual in English/Spanish. Requirements: • Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or Hospitality Management. • Working knowledge of city, state and federal programs and regulations related to condominiums.... (more)