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Building Bridges Through Communications

Building Bridges Through Communications

  • Posted: Oct 19, 2019
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Building Bridges Through Improved Communications

Before you can improve on something, it helps to have a clear picture of where the problems are. Take an honest look at what’s been going on between your HOA board and the association members. Perhaps you’ve already tried (several times) to connect with the members of your HOA, but it just doesn’t seem to work. They won’t listen. Or they seem to listen and then ignore what was said. The board members wonder why they can’t get anything through to the association members.

 

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What’s wrong with the bridge we already have?

add this to the article building bridges.The Bridge to Nowhere, located in Southern California was intended to connect two places, but due to flooding, the original road was re-routed and now the bridge is part of a hiking trail. However, its use as a trail is often hampered because the trail going to it washes out, leaving the bridge practically inaccessible. In building a communication bridge, consider the approach—from both sides.

Be knowledgeable and confident in your purpose for the communication in the first place. Make sure the reason is clear and easy to see. As much as possible, prepare the other end of the bridge as well. Is it evident to the association members why they need to pay attention to the board and welcome the information into their lives? And do they have a clear way to approach the board with reactions to what the board says or to express both related and unrelated concerns that are common to the community? Is the board prepared to welcome what the owners say?

Two lanes

Does your communication bridge accommodate traffic going in two directions? Help your association members be prepared to receive your communication and deliver it in a means that is relevant and relatable.

Speak the same language as the members. If you are trying to communicate an issue that the board has researched in-depth or if it is closely related to your personal interests or profession, it might be easy to slip into using jargon. If the members don’t know what you’re saying or if they think you’re being arrogant, they will likely turn you off.

Be direct

What if bridges meandered the way a scenic road up a mountain does, switching back and forth? While both engineering feats serve a purpose, that purpose is not the same and cannot be achieved by the same means. Know what you have to say and say it as concisely as possible.

Maintenance

Even the best bridges require maintenance. Potholes form; supports and structure are subject to forces of nature and friction; the vehicles using it change in size and shape. Over time, the communication bridge between the board and the association members will need attention. The people on the board and in the association fluctuate, economics change, the social environment changes, and nature can affect the physical environment too.

Monitor the use of your communication bridge and be aware of potential problems as they arise. Different communication modes are appropriate at different times. While communicating through brief, direct emails may work at times, there will be other times a regular newsletter will be necessary or maybe you can use bills posted on bulletin boards. Sometimes phone calls are more helpful and other times just keeping the bridge clear by friendly, personal communication like a “hello” when you meet at a mailbox will support more weighty business communications down the road.

Transparency

A bridge smothered in fog may be daunting to traverse. If your association members feel they can’t see what’s going on, they are less likely to approach and you’re left with a communication gap instead of a bridge. Do not shroud important details in mystery and allow members to stumble onto them. Keep relevant information easily visible and accessible.

Structure

Every part of a bridge must be structurally sound to create a safe, positive transfer from one place to another. Make sure the structure supporting your communication bridge is sound. Are you using a management company? They are an important part of your structure. Make sure they are clear on the intent of the board and that the association members know how to access both the management company and the board with their concerns.

 

 

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PANHANDLE RESIDENTS! Make sure to attend this important Townhall! – “Navigating Complex Insurance Claims”

PANHANDLE RESIDENTS! Make sure to attend this important Townhall! – “Navigating Complex Insurance Claims”

  • Posted: Oct 15, 2019
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PANHANDLE RESIDENTS! Make sure to attend this important Townhall! You will be able to share your experience of navigating complex insurance claims resulting from Hurricane Michael.

It’s been a year since Hurricane Michael and over 20,000 claims are still open due to insurance companies delaying your road to recovery. Don’t miss the chance to have your voice heard!

 

DETAILS:
Hosted by Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate, Tasha Carter
THIS Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Located at Gulf Coast State College (Student Union East Building) 5230 W. US Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32401
Email YourFLVoice@MyFloridaCFO.com for more information

 

 

In cooperation with:  Cohen Law Group

You work hard for your money, but there are so many instances where an insurance company may deny or severely reduce your claim after completing restoration work. Learn how to get the most out of the insurance claims process!

Members of SFPMA

 

 

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — New laws take effect Oct. 1 in Florida, impacting state residents. A total of 27 new laws go in to effect.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — New laws take effect Oct. 1 in Florida, impacting state residents. A total of 27 new laws go in to effect.

  • Posted: Oct 02, 2019
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — New laws take effect Oct. 1 in Florida, impacting state residents.

  • 27 new state laws in Florida
  • New laws take effect Oct. 1 
  • Texting while driving ban, hazing and protection of police dogs and horses

A total of 27 new laws go in to effect.

However, the biggest is a provision of a law that already went into effect: holding a phone or other device while driving.

State lawmakers passed a law that made texting while driving a primary offense in Florida. That law went into effect in July. But starting Tuesday, a provision of the law goes into effect that requires drivers to be “hands-free” in certain areas. If you are spotted holding a phone, whether that be talking on it, flipping through emails, playing Pokemon Go or anything else, police can pull you over and cite you if you are driving in a school or work zone.

We talked to drivers in the Bay area who said they support the new law.

“I think it’s smart because the school zone by my house on MacDill, every single time I’m going through there when the lights are on people are just blowing by me, not paying attention,” said John Meyer. “I don’t think these people on their phones are even going to see the crossing guards. It’s a problem and I’m glad they’re doing something about it.”

“I think we need to protect our children first and foremost. It would be horrible to lose a child over a cell phone and I truly believe they need to implement this law,” said Elisandra Garcia.

Up next, especially for college students, a new hazing law comes into effect.

Senate Bill 1080 will target people who plan acts of hazing or recruit others to help – if there is a permanent injury during the hazing, that will now be a third degree felony. Reporting a hazing incident will get you immunity under the new law.

Police dogs and horses are getting some added protection in a new law taking effect tomorrow. Anyone killing or severely injuring a police horse or dog will now face a potential of 15 years in prison. That is a 10 year increase over the current law.

 

Among the laws going into effect:

  • TEXTING WHILE DRIVING. Lawmakers passed a bill (HB 107) that strengthened the state’s ban on texting while driving by making it a “primary” offense, allowing police to pull over motorists for texting behind the wheel. Most of the measure took effect July 1. But starting Tuesday, it will require motorists to go hands-free on wireless devices in school and work zones. The law directs law-enforcement officers to provide verbal or written warnings until the end of the year for motorists who don’t put down cell phones in those areas. Tickets will start to be issued Jan. 1, punishable as a moving violation with three points assessed against the driver’s license.
  • HAZING. A new law (SB 1080) was crafted after Andrew Coffey, a Florida State University fraternity pledge from Lighthouse Point, died in 2017 after drinking a bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon that had been taped to his hand. The law targets people who plan acts of hazing or solicit others to engage in hazing and makes it a third-degree felony if the hazing results in a permanent injury. The bill also provides immunity to people who call 911 or campus security to report the need for medical assistance during hazing incidents.
  • POLICE DOGS AND HORSES. The measure (SB 96) makes it a second-degree felony, up from a third-degree felony, for people who kill or cause great bodily harm to police, fire or search-and-rescue dogs or police horses. The change boosts the amount of potential prison time from five years to 15 years. Supporters said the bill stems, at least in part, from the deaths of Fang, a member of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office canine unit shot and killed by a teenager fleeing after carjacking two women at a gas station, and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office police dog named Cigo that was killed in the line of duty.
  • CHILD-LIKE SEX DOLLS. The law (SB 160), in part, makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to sell, give away or show child-like sex dolls. The charge increases to a third-degree felony on subsequent violations. A committee staff analysis said the importation to the U.S. of sex dolls that resemble children has become increasingly prevalent. “Such dolls are manufactured in China, Hong Kong, or Japan and are shipped to the U.S. labeled as clothing mannequins or models in order to avoid detection,” the analysis said.
  • VETERANS’ COURTS. The law (SB 910) removes a requirement that military veterans be honorably discharged to be eligible for participation in veterans’ courts. It also expands overall eligibility to current or former U.S. defense contractors and military members of allied countries. Veterans’ courts are designed to provide treatment interventions to military veterans and active-duty service members who are charged with criminal offenses and suffer from military-related injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury or a substance-abuse disorder.

 

 

You can read the other laws going into effect Tuesday below. to get more details on them, go to the Florida House website.

  • CS/HB 9: Community Redevelopment Agencies:
    Requiring ethics training for community redevelopment agency commissioners; requiring a community redevelopment agency to follow certain procurement procedures; requiring a community redevelopment agency to publish certain digital boundary maps on its website; providing termination dates for certain community redevelopment agencies, etc.

 

  • CS/SB 262 Child Welfare:
    Providing for the name of a child’s guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem to be entered on court orders in dependency proceedings; requiring cooperation between certain parties and the court to achieve permanency for a child as soon as possible; requiring the court during an adjudicatory hearing to advise parents in plain language of certain requirements to achieve permanency with their child, etc.

 

  • CS/CS/HB 725 Commercial Motor Vehicles:
    Exempting persons who operate a commercial motor vehicle solely in intrastate commerce which does not transport hazardous materials in amounts that require placarding from certain requirements related to electronic logging devices and hours of service supporting documents until a specified date; extending an exemption from specified commercial motor vehicle requirements for a commercial vehicle having a certain gross vehicle weight rating and gross combined weight rating, under certain circumstances; revising length and load extension limitations for stinger-steered automobile transporters, etc.

 

  • CS/CS/HB 827 Engineering:
    Prohibiting specified services to the department for a project that is wholly or partially funded by the department and administered by a local governmental entity from being performed by the same entity; revising licensure certification requirements to include active engineering experience and a minimum age; revising the timeframes in which a fee owner or the fee owner’s contractor using a private provider to provide building code inspection services must notify the local building official, etc.

 

  • CS/HB 1057 Motor Vehicles:
    Revises provisions relating to motor vehicle lamps, lights, & warning signals; provides requirements & penalties; revises requirements for release statements & pickup notices for damaged or dismantled motor vehicles; authorizes entity that processes certain transactions or certificates for derelict or salvage motor vehicles to be authorized electronic filing system agent; authorizes DHSMV to adopt rules.

 

  • CS/HB 1247 Construction Bonds:
    Requires notice of nonpayment to be under oath; specifies that claimant or lienor who serves fraudulent notice of nonpayment forfeits his or her rights under bond; provides that service of fraudulent notice of nonpayment is complete defense to claimant’s or lienor’s claim against bond; provides that provision relating to attorney fees applies to certain suits brought by contractors.

 

  • HB 1323 City of Tampa, Hillsborough County:
    Revises investment policy provisions to conform with general law.

 

  • HB 1373 Hillsborough County Civil Service Act:
    Repeals special act relating to the establishment of a fair, neutral, & impartial system for administering employee discipline; requires that agency or authority previously covered under act must provide fair, neutral, & impartial system for administering employee discipline of suspension, involuntary demotion, or dismissal & appeals of such discipline.

 

  • HB 7001 OGSR/State University DSO Research Funding:
    Removes scheduled repeal of exemption relating to exemption from public meeting requirements for portions of certain state university DSO meetings at which proposal seeking research funding or plan for initiating or supporting research is discussed.

 

  • HB 7003 OGSR/Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Advisory Board:
    Removes scheduled repeal of exemption from public records & meeting requirements for applications provided to Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Advisory Board within DOH & review of such applications.

 

  • HB 7009 OGSR/Identification and Location Information/Department of Health:
    Removes scheduled repeal of exemption from public record requirements for certain personal identifying & location information of specified personnel of DOH, & spouses & children thereof.

 

  • HB 7011 OGSR/Division of Emergency Management: 
  • Removes scheduled repeal of exemption from public meeting requirements for information provided to DEM for purpose of being provided assistance with emergency planning.

 

  • SB 7018 OGSR/Public Research Facility/Animal Research:
    Amending a provision which provides an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying information of a person employed by, under contract with, or volunteering for a public research facility that conducts or is engaged in activities related to animal research; removing the scheduled repeal of the exemption, etc.

 

  • HB 7025 OGSR/Treatment-based Drug Court Programs: 
  • Removes scheduled repeal of exemption from public records requirements for certain information relating to screenings for participation in treatment-based drug court programs, behavioral health evaluations, & subsequent treatment status reports.

 

  • HB 7033 OGSR/Family Trust Companies:
    Removes scheduled repeal of exemption relating to certain information held by OFR relating to family trust companies.

 

  • SB 7034 OGSR/Automated License Plate Recognition System:
    Amending a specified provision which provides a public records exemption for certain images and data obtained through the use of an automated license plate recognition system and for personal identifying information of an individual in data generated from such images; removing the scheduled repeal of the exemption, etc.

 

  • SB 7036 OGSR/Payment of Toll on Toll Facilities/Identifying Information:
    Amending a specified provision which provides an exemption from public records requirements for personal identifying information held by the Department of Transportation, a county, a municipality, or an expressway authority for certain purposes; deleting the scheduled repeal of the exemption, etc.

 

  • HB 7047  OGSR/Security Breach Information:
    Removes scheduled repeal of exemption from public record requirements for certain information received by Department of Legal Affairs relating to security breaches.
  • HB 7049 OGSR/Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act:
    Removes scheduled repeal of exemption from public record requirements for certain information held by Office of Financial Regulation pursuant to investigation or examination under Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act.
  • HB 7059  OGSR/Concealed Carry License/DACS:
    Removes scheduled repeal of exemption from public records requirements for certain personal identifying information held by tax collector when individual applies for license to carry concealed weapon or firearm.
  • HB 7091 OGSR/Hurricane and Flood Loss Model Trade Secrets:
    Removes scheduled repeal of exemption relating to certain information related to trade secrets used to design an insurance hurricane or flood loss model.
  • HB 7097 OGSR/Informal Enforcement Actions and Trade Secrets/OFR:
    Removes scheduled repeal of exemptions from public records requirements for certain informal enforcement actions engaged in & trade secrets held by OFR.
  • CS/HB 7125 Administration of Justice:
    Providing for reallocation of unencumbered funds returned to the Crime Stoppers Trust Fund; increasing threshold amounts for certain theft offenses; revising criminal penalties for the third or subsequent offense of driving while license suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified; requiring the Department of Children and Families to provide rehabilitation to criminal offenders designated as sexually violent predators; establishing eligibility criteria for expunction of a criminal history record by a person found to have acted in lawful self-defense; creating the Task Force on the Criminal Punishment Code adjunct to the Department of Legal Affairs, etc.

 

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ZUUL Systems is finally here! Communities all around South Florida are making use of ZUUL’s easy-to-use security technology.

ZUUL Systems is finally here! Communities all around South Florida are making use of ZUUL’s easy-to-use security technology.

  • Posted: Sep 27, 2019
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ZUUL’s security technology prevents the passing around of key cards or fobs among guests. By centralizing a guest’s access key to his or her phone, the community’s credentials are more likely to stay secure.

Say goodbye to long lines at the community gate! With ZUUL, guests will no longer need to show their IDs and wait long lines while their information is being logged at a community’s guard gate.

There’s no long-term commitment necessary to have the gate entry system your community deserves. Users can expect no annual contracts when signing up with ZUUL Systems.

ZUUL Systems is finally here! Communities all around South Florida are making use of ZUUL’s easy-to-use security technology. Simply scan your approved QR code at the entrance scanner, and watch the gate rise with ease.

Join ZUUL’s streamlined security system today: www.zuulsystems.com

 

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Don’t have your guard gate operate like a congested mess – Let ZUUL Systems help you speed up the process

Don’t have your guard gate operate like a congested mess – Let ZUUL Systems help you speed up the process

  • Posted: Sep 18, 2019
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Don’t have your guard gate operate like a congested mess, Let ZUUL Systems help you speed up the process

What is ZUUL?

ZUUL is a modern way to deal with the age-old hassle of entering a gated community. It’s an app that enhances existing guest registry and entry systems within a secured neighborhood.

We saw a need to improve the efficiency of entry into gated communities and created ZUUL. The app provides improved mobility, accessibility, and functionality to the residents and visitors of gated communities.

 

WHO BENEFITS FROM ZUUL?

Communities that use ZUUL are safer and operate more efficiently. Residents enjoy peace of mind that no one will enter the community unless they have authorized permission. In turn, guests gain easy access without frustration or hassle.

Planning a Party?

In the past, living in a gated community meant granting guests access to your home for a party or gathering was stressful. With ZUUL, the process of welcoming guests to your get-together is seamless.

To enter, residents of a gated community will send a passcode to an approved visitor. This passcode will allow the visitor to easily enter and pass the security perimeter. The code can be for a single, one-time visit or a recurring pass.

Why wait? ZUUL makes living in a gated community much easier and safer than ever before.

Signing up for ZUUL is simple. Just click the button below to download and start using the system. For more information, click the other button to view a “Residents’ Guide.”

 

 

Community Beta Test Criteria
* 100-500 homes/condos
* 24-hour manned security
* Wifi and Internet at guard house
* Located in Broward and Palm Beach counties (Florida)

What’s in it for your community? Your community can experience shorter wait times at the entrance gate and improved security all throughout your community. ZUUL’s gate access system will be provided by ZUUL Systems at NO COST for the first six months. This will include the software and hardware necessary to operate the security system. All that we ask in return is residents and guards provide feedback to our development team.

SFPMA Members: View our Membership Page

Contact (561) 501-3539

Adam Lucks
CEO
sales@zuulsystems.com
ZUUL Systems
http://zuulsystems.com

 

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HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE – IF YOU SUFFER A CASUALTY, YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS NEW LAW

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE – IF YOU SUFFER A CASUALTY, YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS NEW LAW

  • Posted: Aug 30, 2019
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HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE – IF YOU SUFFER A CASUALTY, YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS NEW LAW

A good reason why society provides for prevailing party attorney fees and costs is to make a potential plaintiff think twice before filing a lawsuit. Imagine being able to sue your adversary in court without worry that if you lose you will NOT have to pay prevailing party attorney fees and costs to the other side. Such a situation could lead to an avalanche of lawsuits, and that is exactly what happened when Florida laws permitted contractors holding an “assignment of benefits” in their favor, who were unhappy with the award from the insurance company, to sue the insurance company with nothing to lose but to pay for their own attorney. Simply put, an assignment of benefits is an agreement transferring a homeowner’s insurance benefits to a contractor who may then file a claim against the homeowner’s insurance policy without the involvement of the homeowner. Notwithstanding the assignment of benefits, the homeowner is still responsible to pay the insurance premium and deductible. If the contractor then makes a claim against the insurance policy and is unhappy with the insurance proceeds received, the contractor can sue the insurance company with no threat of having to pay prevailing party attorney fees if the contractor lost its lawsuit against the insurance company. Without the fear of a prevailing party attorney fees award, these types of lawsuits became very prevalent. Insurers claim that this led to ever increasing insurance premiums. Not anymore!

 

Due to the passage of House Bill 7065 (“HB 7065”), officially taking effect on July 1, 2019, consumers may begin to notice a decrease in their insurance premiums as HB 7065 creates liability for the contractor for attorney fees and costs based upon the difference between the amount recovered and the amount offered during settlement negotiations as compared to the disputed amount. When HB 7065 takes effect, if the contractor holding the assignment of benefits sues and the difference between the judgment obtained by the contractor and the presuit settlement offer by the insurer is less than 25% of the disputed amount, the insurer is entitled to an award of reasonable attorney fees. On the other hand, if the difference between the judgment obtained by the contractor and the presuit settlement offer by the insurer is at least 50% of the disputed amount, the contractor is entitled to an award of reasonable attorney fees. Finally, if the difference between the judgment obtained by the contractor and the presuit settlement offer by the insurer at least 25%, but less than 50%, of the disputed amount, no party is entitled to an award of attorney fees.

 

Insurers claim that the old system resulted in abuse of property insurance claims, as contractors were inflating repair costs and essentially operating without significant financial risk during insurance litigation, thus allowing contractors to assert numerous claims in hopes that one would stick. As a result, insurance companies were left bearing the costs of these lengthy litigation’s, and thus, sought to recover their litigation expenses through the consumer – the homeowner – by increasing insurance premiums. While a homeowner is still able to enjoy the benefits of the one-way attorney fee privilege, this right is no longer transferable to the contractors through assignment of benefits. Clearly, this is a drastic change that will affect contractors around the entire State.

If you have any questions regarding the impact of this new law, please discuss them with your association’s attorney.

With hurricane season approaching, in the event you experience a casualty, before signing an assignment of benefits in favor of the contractor who shows up, often uninvited, not only do you need to read the fine print, but it is strongly suggested you have an attorney review the assignment of benefits contract first.

http://rembaumsassociationroundup.com/2019/06/19/hurricane-season-is-here-if-you-suffer-a-casualty-you-need-to-know-about-this-new-law/

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:  https://kbrlegal.com/

Legal Sponsors of SFPMA  with offices in Pompano Beach, Palm Beach and Tampa Florida.

EMERGENCY POWERS  

HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS

 

720.316 Association emergency powers.—

(1) To the extent allowed by law, unless specifically prohibited by the declaration or other recorded governing documents, and consistent with s. 617.0830, the board of directors, in response to damage caused by an event for which a state of emergency is declared pursuant to s. 252.36 in the area encompassed by the association, may exercise the following powers:

(a) Conduct board or membership meetings after notice of the meetings and board decisions is provided in as practicable a manner as possible, including via publication, radio, United States mail, the Internet, public service announcements, conspicuous posting on the association property, or any other means the board deems appropriate under the circumstances.
(b) Cancel and reschedule an association meeting.
(c) Designate assistant officers who are not directors. If the executive officer is incapacitated or unavailable, the assistant officer has the same authority during the state of emergency as the executive officer he or she assists.
(d) Relocate the association’s principal office or designate an alternative principal office.
(e) Enter into agreements with counties and municipalities to assist counties and municipalities with debris removal.
(f) Implement a disaster plan before or immediately following the event for which a state of emergency is declared, which may include, but is not limited to, turning on or shutting off elevators; electricity; water, sewer, or security systems; or air conditioners for association buildings.
(g) Based upon the advice of emergency management officials or upon the advice of licensed professionals retained by the board, determine any portion of the association property unavailable for entry or occupancy by owners or their family members, tenants, guests, agents, or invitees to protect their health, safety, or welfare.
(h) Based upon the advice of emergency management officials or upon the advice of licensed professionals retained by the board, determine whether the association property can be safely inhabited or occupied. However, such determination is not conclusive as to any determination of habitability pursuant to the declaration.
(i) Mitigate further damage, including taking action to contract for the removal of debris and to prevent or mitigate the spread of fungus, including mold or mildew, by removing and disposing of wet drywall, insulation, carpet, cabinetry, or other fixtures on or within the association property.
(j) Notwithstanding a provision to the contrary, and regardless of whether such authority does not specifically appear in the declaration or other recorded governing documents, levy special assessments without a vote of the owners.
(k) Without owners’ approval, borrow money and pledge association assets as collateral to fund emergency repairs and carry out the duties of the association if operating funds are insufficient. This paragraph does not limit the general authority of the association to borrow money, subject to such restrictions contained in the declaration or other recorded governing documents.
(2) The authority granted under subsection (1) is limited to that time reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the association and the parcel owners and their family members, tenants, guests, agents, or invitees, and to mitigate further damage and make emergency repairs.
History.—s. 19, ch. 2014-133.

EMERGENCY POWERS  

CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS

 

718.1265 Association emergency powers.—

(1) To the extent allowed by law and unless specifically prohibited by the declaration of condominium, the articles, or the bylaws of an association, and consistent with the provisions of s. 617.0830, the board of administration, in response to damage caused by an event for which a state of emergency is declared pursuant to s. 252.36 in the locale in which the condominium is located, may, but is not required to, exercise the following powers:

(a) Conduct board meetings and membership meetings with notice given as is practicable. Such notice may be given in any practicable manner, including publication, radio, United States mail, the Internet, public service announcements, and conspicuous posting on the condominium property or any other means the board deems reasonable under the circumstances. Notice of board decisions may be communicated as provided in this paragraph.
(b) Cancel and reschedule any association meeting.
(c) Name as assistant officers persons who are not directors, which assistant officers shall have the same authority as the executive officers to whom they are assistants during the state of emergency to accommodate the incapacity or unavailability of any officer of the association.
(d) Relocate the association’s principal office or designate alternative principal offices.
(e) Enter into agreements with local counties and municipalities to assist counties and municipalities with debris removal.
(f) Implement a disaster plan before or immediately following the event for which a state of emergency is declared which may include, but is not limited to, shutting down or off elevators; electricity; water, sewer, or security systems; or air conditioners.
(g) Based upon advice of emergency management officials or upon the advice of licensed professionals retained by the board, determine any portion of the condominium property unavailable for entry or occupancy by unit owners, family members, tenants, guests, agents, or invitees to protect the health, safety, or welfare of such persons.
(h) Require the evacuation of the condominium property in the event of a mandatory evacuation order in the locale in which the condominium is located. Should any unit owner or other occupant of a condominium fail or refuse to evacuate the condominium property where the board has required evacuation, the association shall be immune from liability or injury to persons or property arising from such failure or refusal.
(i) Based upon advice of emergency management officials or upon the advice of licensed professionals retained by the board, determine whether the condominium property can be safely inhabited or occupied. However, such determination is not conclusive as to any determination of habitability pursuant to the declaration.
(j) Mitigate further damage, including taking action to contract for the removal of debris and to prevent or mitigate the spread of fungus, including, but not limited to, mold or mildew, by removing and disposing of wet drywall, insulation, carpet, cabinetry, or other fixtures on or within the condominium property, even if the unit owner is obligated by the declaration or law to insure or replace those fixtures and to remove personal property from a unit.
(k) Contract, on behalf of any unit owner or owners, for items or services for which the owners are otherwise individually responsible, but which are necessary to prevent further damage to the condominium property. In such event, the unit owner or owners on whose behalf the board has contracted are responsible for reimbursing the association for the actual costs of the items or services, and the association may use its lien authority provided by s. 718.116to enforce collection of the charges. Without limitation, such items or services may include the drying of units, the boarding of broken windows or doors, and the replacement of damaged air conditioners or air handlers to provide climate control in the units or other portions of the property.
(l) Regardless of any provision to the contrary and even if such authority does not specifically appear in the declaration of condominium, articles, or bylaws of the association, levy special assessments without a vote of the owners.
(m) Without unit owners’ approval, borrow money and pledge association assets as collateral to fund emergency repairs and carry out the duties of the association when operating funds are insufficient. This paragraph does not limit the general authority of the association to borrow money, subject to such restrictions as are contained in the declaration of condominium, articles, or bylaws of the association.
(2) The special powers authorized under subsection (1) shall be limited to that time reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the association and the unit owners and the unit owners’ family members, tenants, guests, agents, or invitees and shall be reasonably necessary to mitigate further damage and make emergency repairs.
History.—s. 15, ch. 2008-28.

 

In the event of Damage to your Buildings and Filing a Claim:

Search our Members Directory and find companies ready help you!

 

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Help Wanted: Some of our members are seeking Employees for their Companies!

Help Wanted: Some of our members are seeking Employees for their Companies!

  • Posted: Aug 28, 2019
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Help Wanted

Positions available

Help Wanted: Some of our members are seeking Employees for their Companies!

 

 

Chuck’s Painting Inc.- Looking for Professional Painters

Job Description

Professional Painters Only
Requirements for this position are:
A minimum of 5 years experience in the painting industry
Your own hand tools
Your own transportation
Proof of legal working status
Active Florida drivers license
Must speak English
References if Available.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $31,200.00 to $40,000.00 /year

Application Questions That Will Be Asked:

Requested that candidates answer the following questions:
  • How many years of painting experience do you have?
  • Do you have the following license or certification: Driver’s License?
  • Do you speak English?
  • Are you authorized to work in the following country: United States?
Please send resume and answered questions to A1Chuckspainting@yahoo.com

Lighting of Tomorrow – Motivated team member to help us manage projects

Job Description

L.o.T. is looking for a motivated team member to help us manage projects.
If you or anyone you know might be interested
please email us your resume at info@lightingoftomorrow.com
840 E. Oakland Park Blvd #117 (4.80 mi)
Oakland Park, Florida 33334
(800) 538-4446
info@lightingoftomorrow.com

 

CJE SERVICES –  is now hiring experienced Window Cleaners.

Job Description

CJE SERVICES is now hiring experienced Window Cleaners. Must have previous experience in Residential & Commercial.

Our team provides a Professional and Friendly work environment with competitive pay and opportunity for growth.

Pay rates depend on experience. If interested, DM, text or call 
(561) 493-4609

 

 

 

Brothers Backflow Specialists

WE ARE LOOKING FOR LONG TERM EMPLOYEES AS OUR FAMILY CONTINUES TO GROW WE WANT YOU TO GROW WITH US!

Brothers Backflow Specialists, a family owned Plumbing & Gas contractor is seeking EXPERIENCED plumbers to work within Miami-Dade and Broward County.

Brothers Backflow Specialists offers a competitive salary.

OPENINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

2-BACKFLOW PREVENTER TECHNICIANS

  • Experienced in testing and repairs (with current and valid certification)

1- COMMERCIAL SERVICE PLUMBERS

  • Service plumber: Full time employment as well as should be ready and able to be on call for emergency services. – Requirements include a clean background, good driving record, passing a drug test and the ability to assess emergencies and take corrective actions. Additionally applicants should be hard working, highly motivated and have a neat and clean appearance, great customer skills and an overall great attitude. Must have their own basic plumbing tools, larger tools and equipment will be provided. Brothers Backflow Specialists takes pride in its exceptional customer service and requires the same from its staff and employees. Gas experience a plus.

 

 

 

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Before Storms hit Florida, Building Owners and Managers should have their Storm Drains cleaned.

Before Storms hit Florida, Building Owners and Managers should have their Storm Drains cleaned.

  • Posted: Aug 20, 2019
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Before Storms hit Florida, Building Owners and Managers should have their Storm Drains cleaned

 

Clearing this helps with parking lot, loading docks and your building flooding and causing damage to your properties.

Generally speaking, you’re usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are outside of property boundaries, and sewers.

How to Maintain a Drainage System, find member companies on SFPMA 

  • Allow rain to help settle the loose soil before working the field
  • Driving directly on the tiles can crush the pipe and ruin the tile. Straddle the pavers instead for the first year.
  • Back-fill the open trenches carefully, so as not to damage the pipe
  • Clean up unused pieces of pipe and do not use the open trench for garbage disposal
  • Do not work the land if wet or moist with excess water
  • Rotate the location of cattle hay feeders
  • Clean drainage boxes once a month if present. Drainage boxes trap sediments

 

 

From Pipe Repairs to Cleaning of your storm Drains. You can find members of sfpma.com ready to help!

 

https://sfpma.com/listings/storm-drain-cleaning-repair/

 

 

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Working with vendors is a large part of serving on the board.

Working with vendors is a large part of serving on the board.

  • Posted: Aug 18, 2019
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Working with vendors is a large part of serving on the board.

Every community has outside partners for services like landscaping, sanitation, cable and Internet provision, pool maintenance, plumbing, blacktop, valet services and more.

Finding and learning what they do and how they can help is important. Many people ask if its the Management Company’s responsibility to find the best vendors for the properties? Well we have found that Boards help in the selecting of the right companies. They give their suggestions to the Management companies. This way favoritism does not take place. Laws are being changed as we speak that will prevent this for Florida’s Property Management Industry.

Open and effective communication among the board, the management company and the vendors employed by the association is an important part of making the most of any community’s operating budget and improving the lifestyles of its residents.

Focusing on great communication and why it matters.

What can happen if communication among those entities isn’t consistent, open and effective?

“Ineffective communication with vendors can cost your community money, but more importantly, it can result in loss of trust,” according to Frank Mari, executive director of SFPMA “ That means trust that the residents have in both the management company and the board, and also the trust the board has in the management company to manage vendors and recommend the right vendors for the community.

Poor communication with vendors can cost your association money too. If you don’t understand the details in a contract and don’t keep an open line for questions and clarifications, you may not realize that your community isn’t getting the services you think you are signing up for…. and then you will need to pay for the missing elements separately, impacting your operating budget.

Mr. Mari says “Talk to your landscaper in the middle of winter, not just spring and summer,”. also “If you’re an auditor, check in with the board and management company a few times of year, not just when the audit needs to be done.” Call them ask them to do a walk through of the buildings with you, its a great time for communication, Remember Preventive Maintenance is Key.

If you aren’t sure whether or not your current property management maintains open communication with vendors, ask! It’s important to make sure that outside vendors operate in the best interests of your community. We are all well-versed in the importance of vendor relationships and effective communication, ” Frank explained. “Boards appreciate that we bring that additional level of support. Because of the trust we create with our members, almost any situation between boards and vendors can be resolved fairly.” If we are called in there are times we are the go between like a mediator does in any dispute, We get the facts, Listen to both sides and try to come to an agreement with both sides.

Speaking the language A basic part of communication is simply understanding the language each party is speaking. Most board members are not going to be experts in all the areas of running a managed community, but it’s important that you have a basic knowledge of the terminology being used. Board members are expected and required to execute contracts related to things like landscaping and other topics they may not be previously familiar with,”

Talk to your Property Manager and include your Law Firm with contracts. “That fiduciary responsibility means that they need to understand what they are signing, what the work entails. It’s not enough to just consider price. Board members need to know more about what vendors are doing in order to make sure it’s being done right.”

 

 

All HOA and Condo boards should be involved early in vendor selection discussions and leave the details of execution to the management company. It is important the board communicate any critical elements of their vision for the community to the vendor and be clear about what they require from each potential vendor they meet with. Board members must know enough to understand what they should expect, what level of service is being provided for their community and what reasonable expectations are for that vendor.

A landscaping company that cares for a dozen large properties isn’t going to hand-prune every shrub, but that may be what some board members expect because they don’t yet understand the basics of large-scale landscaping,” “Of course, a self-managed community is going require more knowledge from the board members as far as monitoring the work being done and knowing that contracts are being fulfilled properly.

Having a professional management company involved takes that responsibility off board members, because we know best practices, thanks to our experience managing multiple communities.” If you are looking for a Management Company Find Top Florida Companies on our Members Directory on https://www.sfpma.com

How can boards and management companies know they are up-to-date on the terminology and jargon being used by their vendors? Many management companies are SFPMA Members themselves, With this membership there are educational seminars or round tables that let board members hear directly from vendors. “In addition to our in-house educational opportunities, I suggest that board members go to home shows, garden shows and other trade events so they can interact directly with vendors and pick up literature on the latest techniques and products,”.

I ask our members to spend time at meetings, seminars and expos at every one of them get to know the vendors, Collect brochures.  Build those relationships. Listen to the keynote speakers as well. Over the years, vendors have shared with me how they have been impacted by SFPMA and how it makes them want to be part of our success. Obviously, you learn a lot that you take back to their boards and educate them on new information.

All of our members, partners and board members are asked to focus on professional development and educational opportunities that are offered by our Association to our Industry. vendors in many different disciplines host events that allow property managers to earn continuing education credits, and that many welcome board member attendance as well.

When you get to know vendors, you’re ready to work with them as partners, to optimize your community association’s budget and improve the lifestyles of the residents in your community.

State of Florida Property Management Association can help you work with vendors to make the most of your association’s budgets by learning about the Top Companies working in our Industry.

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The Keys to Success In Selecting a Security Provider

The Keys to Success In Selecting a Security Provider

  • Posted: Aug 13, 2019
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The Keys to Success In Selecting a Security Provider

Article was Featured in the FLORIDA RISING MAGAZINE

Trident Ground Protection 

Great Security Articles

Accountability, Transparency and Responsiveness.

The number one complaint we here from potential new clients is“I can’t get anyone from my current
security company to address problems and issues with their guards.”
We’ve heard this about major national providers as well as many of the smaller companies that do
business in the south Florida market. See the “big guys” have large corporate structures with multiple
layers of management at the local, regional and national levels. As a client it can be difficult to know who
to contact within the organization that has the level of authority to deal with your issue.
Smaller providers may not have the resources or the experience to provide adequate supervision and
oversight of their personnel to detect and prevent sub-standard performance of their officers before it
becomes a problem for you. Additionally it may difficult to contact a manager or even the owner after
regular business hours.
Ask the company you’re evaluating if they are willing to remove an officer from your property if you’re
unsatisfied with the officer’s performance. Gauge their response to see if they will accept responsibility
for the officer’s actions and have a corporate culture that deals with unsatisfactory performance
appropriately or do they just move the poor performing employee to another site.
Ask for and check with references from other clients of the provider. See if there is a sincere attitude
toward fostering a business relationship built on mutual trust from their other clients.
Additionally try and determine if the company has a history of dealing with customer concerns in a prompt
and appropriate fashion.
Who you gonna call when you find a guard
sleeping or on their cell phone at 3:00am?
When evaluating security proposals do not to focus solely on the price. Focus on what that particular company provides aside from just a body.
Concentrate more on the 3 keys to successfully selecting a provider. Does the company bring accountability, transparency and responsiveness to the table?
Accountability – the obligation or willingness to accept
responsibility or to account for the actions of their employees.
Transparency – the key to fostering a culture of trust between
client and the customer.
Responsiveness– quick to respond or react appropriately to
problems or concerns of the client.
or Call us: Phone: 954-306-3956
Ask if the company has a practice of conducting regular unannounced and random site inspections of their
staff. Do they have a policy of performing random drug tests of their officers?
Does the company you’re considering provide you with the ability to contact a member of management,
someone with the authority to immediately deal with an issue or problem no matter what time of day or
night it is?
What are their prerequisites for hiring employees? Do they require a minimum amount of prior
experience and do they conduct and pre-hire assessments of the applicants to evaluate their individual
levels of conscientiousness, reliability and critical thinking skills or do they just hire a warm body?
At Trident Ground Protection we pride ourselves on providing our clients with accountability,
transparency and responsiveness. No matter what time of the day or night you can speak directly with a
member of our senior management team if you have an issue, problem or concern with one of our officers.
By contacting our global security operations center in Fort Lauderdale your problem is immediately
relayed to the appropriate member of our team who will react and respond immediately and
appropriately for you, the client in addressing issue.
Each person who applies to join our team is required to complete several personality trait assessments. If
an applicant fails to complete the assessments or score below our threshold, they are removed from
consideration.
Every employee is provided a copy of our 40 page employee handbook which outlines our policies for
conduct, appearance and attention to duty. They are also provided a copy of our employee safety manual
so that you can be assured our officers are complying with all safety rules and conducting themselves in
a safe and focused fashion.
Trident Ground Protection was founded with the intention of providing our clients with more than just a
guard. It is why we have embraced the philosophy of providing our clients with security services and
support.
We live in a society where nearly everyone has a cell phone these days.
Many companies, including Trident Ground Protection use cellular devices to
perform guard tours, report writing and time keeping functions.
However, do they have a policy that prohibits personal use of cell phones
while on-duty? Do they actively enforce that policy?
What other internal policies do they have to discourage poor performance or distractions while on duty.
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August Edition Florida Rising Magazine

August Edition Florida Rising Magazine

  • Posted: Jul 31, 2019
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August Edition Florida Rising Magazine

https://joom.ag/nlde

Florida’s Property Management Magazine, keeping you up to date with information in the Condo, HOA and Property Management Industry.

Our publication has articles written by professionals that work every day managing properties. The information they supply aids Boards Members in Condos and HOA’s all over the State. Through our publication they are given the information so they can learn, then make an informed decision. As you read the magazine, you will find members of the State of Florida Property Management Association – This select group have chosen to do business with the Property Management Industry, including the many Community Association’s, Condo Boards and the Management Companies that make up our industry. ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT EDITION.

 

 

 

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