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SFPMA Industry Articles | news, legal updates, events & education! 

Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry. 

We are dedicated to the highest level of expertise in assessing the state of aging structures. Our staff is committed to saving clients time and money by determining any repair quantities during inspection.

We are dedicated to the highest level of expertise in assessing the state of aging structures. Our staff is committed to saving clients time and money by determining any repair quantities during inspection.

  • Posted: Jun 07, 2023
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Coastal areas like South Florida have a unique need for concrete rehabilitation and protection services predominantly related to assessing structural damage.

SRI Consultants, we provide the highest level of expertise in assessing the state of aging structures and are committed to saving clients time and money by determining repair quantities during inspection. With over thirty-five years of experience, and a registered professional engineer in Florida & Virginia, the president and founder of SRI, Mr. Shirish “Raj”pathak, is a NACE Cathodic Protection Specialist. We have specialists in structural engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering and corrosion engineering at your disposal. The extra effort and attention to detail put forth by our team ensure you receive the highest quality services available to the industry.

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of expertise in assessing the state of aging structures. Our staff is committed to saving clients time and money by determining any repair quantities during inspection.

 

ARCHITECTURE

Creativity + Partnership. Our architectural services include new building design, remodeling, site planning, interior design, and historic renovation. We collaborate with independent architects to ensure the excellence of site plans, building design and finishes.

ENGINEERING

Technical Expertise. We are experts in our field with certifications from NACE and FL Board of Professional Engineers. Our team offers civil, environmental, structural and corrosion engineering services for single & multi-story structures, condos, hotel and motels, cooling towers and seawalls.

STRUCTURAL REHABILITATION

Comprehensive Solutions. Together, we have over 50 years of experience in structural rehab, offering a full range of integrated services including condition assessments, testing, specifications preparation, bid & permit prep and project management.

TESTING

Precision + Innovation. We use the most advanced tools to identify concrete defects, assess steel corrosion, and locate moisture in structures. We offer remediation services to measurably extend the life of your investments.

 

We have specialists in structural engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering and corrosion engineering at your disposal. The extra effort and attention to detail put forth by our team ensure you receive the highest quality services available to the industry.

Finding the top Companies working in our Industry is important for Property Managers, Condo & HOA Board Members.

Finding the top Companies working in our Industry is important for Property Managers, Condo & HOA Board Members.

  • Posted: Apr 26, 2023
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Many Property Managers, Condo & HOA Board Members use our members in the buildings and communities they manage, for them this equates to happier residents, fewer high-priced emergency repair bills and cost savings overall. Through membership marketing its all about forming relationships that lead to increased business for your company and lasting relationships for you.

Join and Become a Member

SERVICEBUSINESSMANAGEMENT

MEMBERSHIPS

SFPMA is thankful to the various vendors that have become members that service the many managed communities over the years. All Companies that wish to work with the Florida Property Management, Condo and HOA industries are listed, They are then in a position to be selected to work on properties all over the State of Florida.  SFPMA has a responsibility to properly screen all vendors prior to authorizing memberships for service requests and bidding out contracts for our Clients.

 

When you are listed on the Florida Directory, Clients can find you as one of the Top Companies used in our industry. Your company will benefit from being listed. “Start forming lasting relationships in the Property Management Industry”

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Part of your job as a SFPMA member is to aid us with information about your company.

Part of your job as a SFPMA member is to aid us with information about your company.

  • Posted: Apr 26, 2023
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Managers & Board Members, learn how your company can help them!

“By working together we solve problems in the Property Management Industry”

Our effective marketing helps companies set goals and grow throughout the industry. We Aid Property Management Firms, Condo Boards and HOA Communities with finding the right Property Managers and solutions for finding the right Business and Services needed for proper operations of their properties, helping them achieve their goals.

Each month many of our members are contacted to solve problems that arise. ex; At  Tax Time, Budgets, and Elections, Legal Services and thousands of Maintenance Companies. We put clients in touch with members to help with Bookkeeping, Collections, Legal Advice and Service Companies. We help Clients make the right decisions with hiring one of the association’s members.

You can search our members directory to find the companies you need!

When a request for maintenance of their buildings arises these management professionals search our Florida Directory, finding top professionals ready to meet their needs. When Property Managers hire a company listed on our directory, they trust us to find companies that work with management professionals and they hold proper licensing, insurances in the State of Florida.


Members send us company articles, Sales and Company News.  As a member you can find the submission forms on the Members Portal – Log In and find the forms to keep us informed. or send to membership@sfpma.com  Our Teams will republish these and send them out to our industry via direct emailing. Social Media, our Publications, Getting you infront of the decision makers. 

 

  • We bring many industry professionals to our website, they view the articles search the Florida directory finding members to help them. This can only happen when you send what you are doing to SFPMA.
  • Write Articles we will repost these on our blog and send these to our social media pages.
  • When you have Events, Classes, Seminars or Webinars we want to know? These are added to our upcoming events list where our industry finds top events each month.
  • Advertise: in our Magazine or on our Website Pages, members can have banners linked to their websites placed for all clients and visitors see and interact with through the link.

By keeping clients informed of what your company is doing you are on their mind.  They will learn more about you, helping them make an informed decision when hiring!

 
Write Articles, Share your Membership Page, Send us information, Many companies are already leveraging these recommendations in ways that are effectively driving sales.  Are you?

How we keep members information on the minds of industry professionals.

We use information sent to us by our members and redistribute this using our in house marketing programs, each day this is sent directly to clients using Emails, Published on our Website and Social Media pages and Groups. We want you to be seen by clients all over Florida.

 

How do you use marketing for your business?

First you have to think about who your audience is along with what you are posting to this targeted audience? – Then think about your effectiveness and reaching clients with your own company marketing efforts.  Then ask yourself are those goals being met? – When we share about your company, We target the people that are making the decisions. We inform them about the most important issues they face with building management.

With your membership you can get your company information published and sent, informing the industry professionals. Let SFPMA spread this through our network of Board Members, Property Managers and Industry Professionals.

 

The Use of Digital Advertising from our Publications, Website Banner Advertising, Industry Articles on our Blog and Direct Emails to clients all over Florida!

Our Marketing Dept is constantly posting what our members send to us, sending the information to the many Social Media Pages and Groups from FB, LI, Twitter and Others. But its the Direct Emails we send we feel make the biggest impact. Over the years we have obtained 235,000 Emails that are kept safe and secure.  Our Magazine “Florida Rising Magazine” has been published for over 9 years and sent throughout our industry this is packed with Articles, Advertising and a Directory, we thought how can we get others reading the magazine to find the top Member Companies – Put it in the Magazine! and finally Social Media, With so many people looking on their Phones Our Posting on this media keeps our members and the information they supply to us on the minds of new clients that are searching for help with their Condo and HOA Management and Operation.

 


The Members Portal:

Members can access the Members only portal when they are logged in to sfpma.  *At the top of the page you will see ( Member ( your name or Company Name) you can still post 0 listings…) < Simply CLICK YOUR NAME and access the members portal.

(SOMETIMES YOU MIGHT HAVE TO REFRESH YOUR PAGE IF ITS THE FIRST TIME YOU WILL SEE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE ACCEPT THE COOKIES)

 

On the members portal:

This is the area where you can find your account information. You can also find access to the many ways to interact with SFPMA.

A)  – Changing your password   B)  – View your Account    C)  – Renew your Membership   D)  – Write Articles and send them to SFPMA    E)  – Find your Favorites   F)  –  Submit a Sale or Product Form    G) – Send us an Event

 

This post was added when a few members stated they have not had a call for work?

Answer to this is:  We have many ways we promote what our members are doing. We use Direct Emails these are sent 3 to 4 times each week to over 235,000 Emails. Social Media these posts are copied and promoted on groups and pages managed by sfpma, along with many posts are reshared by the many people that are reading them on FB, LI, Twitter and others.

When a member does not take time to send us what their company is doing it reflects on them. They are running their company and very busy but it takes a lot more to promote what they do? yet many companies dont do that, Promotions! sfpma is always open for articles, promotions, new sales we can use to send to our industry. when we dont get anything our team uses past articles and looks at your social media and uses some of those to repost these to our clients.

If you need a person to help you with promotions, and or marketing – One of the top Marketers helping members is:

Vail Marketing Solutions

(908) 528.4087

Providing everything from a full branding overhaul and business development program to a specific marketing project or campaign.

Vail Marketing Solutions is a woman-owned, multi-service consulting firm providing marketing, communications and business development solutions for any business looking to increase their visibility and bottom line. Our approach delivers a cost-effective, customized marketing plan to fit the needs of your business and reach your goals. We will work hand in hand with you to develop your brand, tell your story and help you stand out from your competition ultimately leading to more growth opportunities.

For over 14 years, Ms. Jessica Vail has been successful in providing marketing, communications and business development solutions within the construction, engineering and real estate industries. Her passion for marketing and helping others led her to create Vail Marketing Solutions. She is a published writer and an active member of many networking organizations and committees.

What is holding you back?

You don’t have time to spend on a marketing plan and execution. You have limited resources, staff and money. You don’t know where to start. If these scenarios sound familiar, let’s talk.

Call Jessica, tell her Frankie Sent you! she has helped many companies get infront of the decision makers. She works with clients and sfpma members, for Ads on our website and our magazines.

 

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Orlando Condo and HOA Expo. APRIL 26TH, 2023 AT THE ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER – ORANGE COUNTY.

Orlando Condo and HOA Expo. APRIL 26TH, 2023 AT THE ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER – ORANGE COUNTY.

  • Posted: Apr 19, 2023
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Property Management Expo & Seminars

Orange County Convention Center-West Bldg

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Seminars 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Exhibits 10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Sign up for the networking and educational event of the year!
Get face-time with the industry experts, browse the latest
products and services and learn how to save thousands on the
management and maintenance of your condo or HOA.

Registration is FREE for association managers,
and board members.
Register Today Don’t delay!

More of our members are in the Expos, Reach out and learn how they can help your communities with the services they offer.  find them on our Members directory on SFPMA.com

 

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Cohen Law Group’s – Make-A-Wish Fundraiser – Please donate today. Thank you for your support!

Cohen Law Group’s – Make-A-Wish Fundraiser – Please donate today. Thank you for your support!

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2023
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We are asking SFPMA Members to Show their Support.

Cohen Law Group’s
Make-A-Wish Fundraiser

We are raising money for Make-A-Wish to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.
It’s truly amazing what wishes can do.

Link to Make a Donation- https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WishYourWay/Make-A-WishSouthernFlorida?px=7266942&pg=personal&fr_id=4725

A wish renews hope, uplifts spirits and encourages the belief in the impossible. Make-A-Wish grants thousands of unique wishes each year. A wish begins with hope. And hope begins with you.

Last year, Cohen Law Group raised over $25,000 to grant 5 wishes and this year our goal is $35,000.

Together, we can grant more wishes.
Please donate today. Thank you for your support!

Cohen Law Group will be matching Donations to Make-A-Wish!


At Cohen Law Group, It’s About Justice!
It’s more than a slogan, it’s our firm’s mantra. We are zealous in protecting your rights. We offer 24-hour availability through our answering service. Call us today.
(407) 478-4878

 

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The State of Florida Property Management Association and Educational Providers bring, in person and online events every month.

The State of Florida Property Management Association and Educational Providers bring, in person and online events every month.

  • Posted: Apr 02, 2023
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The State of Florida Property Management Association and Educational Providers bring, in person and online events every month.

EVENTS: BOARD MEMBERS & MANAGERS FIND COURSES, SEMINARS, WEBINARS, RADIO SHOWS, YOUTUBE LIVE, EVENTS ALL OVER FLORIDA.
In our efforts to bring educational courses to our industry in a safe way, Educational Members provide many courses online through Zoom, Radio and Video presentations. Take advantage of these online Courses many are approved by the State of Florida where after watching, joining and taking part in will give you credits and certifications for the Courses. These lively, interactive and informational courses are approved for board member certification and property manager continuing education credits. (ECU Credits) some are held in a Video setting while others are online through Zoom and other platforms. SFPMA is happy to bring to you these Educational Resources for you to take part in.
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Flood Preparation & Finding the right companies is Key for your Properties

Flood Preparation & Finding the right companies is Key for your Properties

  • Posted: Apr 02, 2023
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Flood Preparation is Key & Finding the Right Companies to help

The United States federal government has financial incentives for municipalities which implement flood preparation systems, but the policies must be in line with FEMA guidelines. Towns with programs in place for flood management also can provide incentives to individuals to get reduced flood insurance rates. Many community governments already have programs in place, but these plans and programs must be updated, reviewed and enforced to match FEMA’s updates.

Your community may not be able to prevent floods, but with proper preparation and a plan your condo and hoa can be prepared for any problems. Accurate weather information is paramount to flood preparation. Your emergency management crews and first responders may benefit from weather tracking systems that send out alerts by email, text, and push notifications to keep everyone up-to-date with accurate information. During an ongoing severe weather event, you may need to call on professional for support. A flood might be an overwhelming occurrence, but you can do a lot in advance to keep your community safe.

 

Floods can overwhelm communities in just a matter of minutes. By being proactive, your community can reduce flood risks. Here are six ways your town can be prepared:

1. Encourage residents to be prepared for a flood

FEMA has a great brochure that outlines steps each family should take before flood season to stay safe during flooding. This brochure also offers property management ideas for individuals. Every home should know their flood risk and know how to stay informed about flood information.

2. Have an emergency plan that outlines procedures for every department and agency during a flood

Establish a chain of command for management operations. In high-risk areas, it’s a good idea to practice for emergency operations before a real flood occurs. Maintain infrastructure that presents flood risks. As required by the State of Florida Your greatest asset can be your community website! Let all of your community owners know to keep an eye out for flooding and have a way for them to inform you the Board and Management Company in the event of a problem.

3. Maintain infrastructure that presents flood risks

Take care of small stream crossing or culverts where floods might be more common. Keep your Storm Drains and Pipes clear of debris, and make sure your drainage systems are working properly , and Please watch for changes in the course of water in the community and take action when necessary.

4. Watch water flow during rainfall, especially on hard surfaces

Roads and parking lots actually speed water flow, which can be quite dangerous. Make sure water can flow into drainage systems adequately without causing damage. Encourage residents to reduce runoff by implementing rain gardens or other green systems.

5. Discourage construction in flood hazard areas…

or at least comply with floodplain development standards. Check flood insurance rate maps before planning any development.

6. Develop a mitigation plan to take steps now to prepare for future floods

One key element of this plan can be is alerts to residents to the potential of heavy rainfall and damaging winds to allow them to prepare and get to safer ground.

To learn more about protecting your community from flooding and severe weather, contact us for more information about weather solutions from our members ready to help. We can set you up with a member company that matches the weather needs of your community and the goals of your Condo and HOA.

 

 


FIND PUBLIC ADJUSTERS FOR WATER DAMAGE CLAIMS FOR YOUR COMMUNITIES

It is extremely important that a method be established as soon as possible after the loss, to resolve this aspect of the claim.  Members, with its years of experience will assist you with these important decisions. Search our Directory for top companies Roofing, Adjusters, Law Firms /Storm Damage, Restoration Companies, and many more.

SFPMA – Members Directory ( http://Find-a-Service.com ) 

Sarasohn & Company –  Public Adjusters

In order to properly adjust any claim for damage to a structure, it is important to prepare a detailed repair estimate.  Sarasohn & Company will do that on your behalf.  Whenever necessary, we will employ the services of architects, engineers, contractors and other independent experts at no additional cost to you.

561-368-5000

Stellar Public Adjusting Services

Our qualified public adjusters are here to assist and direct you throughout the insurance claim process. We make sure that your claim is properly assessed and documented to obtain the maximum claim settlement you rightfully deserve.

305-710-7922

 

You can also find out more on our Storm Damage Claims Pages for your properties


FIND PLUMBERS, PIPE REPAIR AND STORM DRAIN CLEANING AND REPAIR COMPANIES READY TO HELP!

below are a few of our members to call for flooding help in Florida.


BROTHERS BACKFLOW SPECIALISTS

Broward: Ph. 954.382.2099 | Dade: Ph. 305.267.3992

Brothers Backflow Specialists is state licensed and insured in the plumbing and gas industry. Our technicians specialize in plumbing, backflows, propane, natural gas, medical gas and water restoration including everything from installing gas lines, testing backflows and repairing broken plumbing pipes. We provide services for commercial, residential, industrial & farm properties from Monroe to West Palm Beach County as well as backflow services in Orlando, Florida. Brothers Backflow Specialists is here to serve you 24 hours a day / 7 days a week and no job is too big or too small.

 


Pipe Restoration Solutions

561-602-8660 Pipe Inspection, Pipe Cleaning, Pipe Lining and Pipe Replacement Company

When PRS looks at a project we want to ensure we are putting the “right” solution to the problem at hand.  Every project has its unique needs based on overall job scope, site conditions, project timeframes and difficulty level. At Pipe Restoration Solutions, we have found that when high-quality material and creativity comes together something special happens… Projects are completed with excellence and above expectation; Long term relationships are built; Problems are permanently solved.

 


GreenTeam Service Corp

(954) 210-4100 The elite in our industry “Exceptional Service, No Exceptions” We are dedicated to achieving and maintaining consistent innovation, integrity and unparalleled professionalism as well as customer service.

GreenTeam is an organization dedicated to providing the highest quality of service, to multiple vertical markets. The company performs Plumbing and Electrical services in South Florida. GreenTeam clients include but are not limited to: Class A Office buildings, healthcare facilities, educational facilities, Hotels and Resorts, Condo Associations, industrial warehouses, and residential. Our mission statement is simple, Exceptional Service, No Exceptions.

 


Glentronics – PHCC Pro Series Pumps

Call Jerry Morris at 800-991-0466 # 119

Glentronics is a manufacturer of several consumer products including sump pumps, battery backup sump pumps, water alarms and plant lights.

Our goal is to create products that solve the needs of our customers. We believe in designing high quality products that the homeowners, Building Engineers, and Facilities can rely on.

Glentronics Inc (manufacturer of Basement Watchdog and PHCC Pro Series Pumps) is a family run business and our goal is to take care of every customer just like they are family. Through innovation and dedication, we have led the way in Water Alarms, Battery Back Up Sump Pumps, AC Sump Pumps, Sewage Pumps and Combination Pumps.

 


It’s important to know when flood season occurs in your community so you can be prepared personally and civically.

Flooding is a serious event that can cause fatalities and serious injuries to people who are trapped or swept away by the high waters. Flooding can also:

  • Disrupt transportation routes
  • Disrupt utility services
  • Pollute drinking water supplies
  • Cause erosion, damaged roads, bridges, levees, and buildings
  • Create landslides or mudslides
  • Cause thousands of dollars of damage to homes

Take the time to search for other companies like

ROOF REPAIRLEGAL PROPERTY DAMAGE ATTORNEYS, AND ENGINEERS TO COME AND INSPECT YOUR BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES

 


Find Members ready to help with Management, Business and Maintenance for your properties.

Property Maintenance is an integral part of managing the day to day operations for every type of property. First impressions are sometimes the only impression a potential tenant or owner has of a property. We pride ourselves on maintaining a Florida Directory of Companies that work with Property Management, Condo and HOA properties throughout the State of Florida.

Find-A-Service – Our Branded Page for our Members Directory on SFPMA.  Search the Many Categories and Find Top Companies that work with Florida’s Property Management Industry

 

 

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Raleigh’s First Citizens Bank will buy Silicon Valley Bank

Raleigh’s First Citizens Bank will buy Silicon Valley Bank

  • Posted: Mar 29, 2023
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Raleigh’s First Citizens Bank is buying most of Silicon Valley Bank, the tech-focused financial institution which collapsed earlier this month. First Citizens will acquire all deposits and loans of the former Silicon Valley Bank in exchange for company stock worth up to $500 million, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announced Sunday.

The FDIC had controlled Silicon Valley Bank since it failed following a bank run on March 10. In the agreement, all Silicon Valley depositors will automatically transfer to First Citizens, and on Monday, the 17 former Silicon Valley branches will open as First Citizens Bank locations.

“First Citizens has a proud history of growing organically and through strategic acquisitions that build our core capabilities in a careful and deliberate manner,” First Citizens CEO Frank Holding Jr. said in a statement Monday. “This transaction leverages our solid foundation to add significant scale, geographic diversity, compelling digital capabilities and most importantly, meaningful solutions for customers throughout their lifecycle.” Holding added the deal will “accelerate” the company’s expansion goals in California and the Northeast. First Citizens and the FDIC entered a loss-share agreement which ensures both parties will share in the potential recovery and losses on loans, the government and bank announced.

“We welcome the news, which comes at no cost to taxpayers,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “The banking system is safe,” Jean-Pierre added. “Americans can be confident, and we have seen deposits stabilize at regional banks throughout the country, and in some cases outflows have modestly reversed. What we have done these past 14 days has worked.” The FDIC had given bidders until Friday night to make offers for Silicon Valley Bank.

WHAT IS FIRST CITIZENS BANK?

According to a Federal Reserve database, First Citizens was the 30th largest bank in the country by consolidated assets at the end of last year. It operates 582 branches and offices nationwide, 60% of which were in North Carolina or South Carolina.

It is the Carolinas’ fourth largest bank, behind Bank of America, Truist, and Wells Fargo, and employs more than 2,000 in the Triangle area, according to Wake County Economic Development.

First Citizens was founded in Johnston County in 1898, and for most of the past century, it’s been helmed by three generations of the Holding family.

The company’s headquarters are in the North Hills neighborhood of Raleigh. Silicon Valley isn’t the first major purchase First Citizens has made in recent years.

In January 2022, its parent company First Citizens BancShares purchased New York-based CIT Group for approximately $2.2 billion. According to First Citizens spokesperson Angela English, First Citizens has bought more than 20 FDIC-backed banks since 2009.

In its purchase of Silicon Valley, First Citizens will take on $110 billion in assets, $56 billion in deposits, and $72 billion in loans, the company said Monday. During an investor call Monday, Holding recognized his bank “is not well known for expertise in the digital innovation economy.” In the industry, First Citizens has been viewed as a more traditional bank, far from the profile of Silicon Valley Bank, which geared its services toward early-stage technology startups. But Holding pointed out “our home market in Raleigh” is a leader in innovation.

“We are committed to continuing to help innovators, enterprises, and investors move bold ideas forward,” he said. “This acquisition positions First Citizens to support that growth both for Silicon Valley’s markets and right here in our own backyard in the Research Triangle Park by combining First Citizens’ traditional relationship banking, creativity and ability with the strengths, relationships, and expertise of legacy SVB.”


Exciting news in the banking industry as First Citizens Bank announced its acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank. This comes on the heels of First Citizens BancShares’ purchase of CIT Group in January 2022 for roughly $2.2 billion. The acquisition of CIT included Community Association Bank (CAB), a major player in the community association banking space, which has since been re-branded as part of First Citizens Bank. This move further solidifies First Citizens Bank’s position as a leading financial institution.

 

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Florida Legislature Considering Bills Proposing Changes to Condo Safety Reforms, Construction Defect Lawsuits

Florida Legislature Considering Bills Proposing Changes to Condo Safety Reforms, Construction Defect Lawsuits

  • Posted: Mar 29, 2023
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Florida Legislature Considering Bills Proposing Changes to Condo Safety Reforms, Construction Defect Lawsuits

As the 2023 Florida legislative session gets underway, there are several bills impacting associations and real estate

Senate Bill 154 and House Bill 1395

Perhaps the most important of these are Senate Bill 154 and House Bill 1395, which deal with issues such as inspections and condominium association financial reserves that were addressed in the condo safety reform law that was passed last May with the adoption of Senate Bill 4D during a special legislative session. Under the new law, inspections are required for buildings that have been occupied for 30 years — or 25 years if they are within three miles of a coastline. After these initial inspections, the buildings will have to go through the process again every 10 years.

Flalegislature-300x169If adopted, the new bills could result in changes to the time by which buildings, including those within three miles of a coastline, will have to be inspected. The two bills include different timeframes by which the initial milestone inspection may have to be performed (e.g., SB 154 triggering all such inspections at 30 years with discretion for local officials and authorities having jurisdiction to compel some at 25 years depending on “local circumstances, including environmental conditions such proximity to salt water”; or HB 1395 requiring the initial inspections at 25 years for all buildings regardless of proximity to salt water).

 

SB 154 also includes provisions that would allow local officials to extend inspection deadlines if building owners have entered into contracts with architects or engineers but the inspections cannot be finished in time.

HB 1395 further proposes to increase the types of professionals that may perform phase 1 of the milestone inspections from architects and engineers to also include general contractors licensed under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, with at least five years of experience in building/constructing threshold buildings, or as a building code administrator or licensed building code inspector.

The bills also include changes to portions of the statutes governing the financial reserves studies and requirements that were implemented under last year’s law. Some of the changes provided in SB 154 include clarification as to which building components must be included as part of the required reserve funding. It would also allow reserve studies to “recommend that reserves do not need to be maintained for any item for which an estimate of useful life and an estimate of replacement cost or deferred maintenance expense cannot be determined.” The bill’s sponsor says that provision could apply to building foundations.

HB 1395 includes different proposed changes pertaining to the structural integrity reserve items, such as providing for modified deadlines to the December 31, 2024, deadline established under last year’s reforms.

These are just a sampling of the various changes being considered by the legislature this session. As is usually the case with the legislative process, the provisions of SB 154 and HB 1395 will likely undergo various changes and may become mirror images of each other via lawmakers’ negotiations resulting in a final version that may be voted into law. Condominium association stakeholders should keep an eye on these bills given that their adoption by the legislature could surely result in significant changes to the monumental laws adopted last year affecting condominium associations in Florida.

House Bill 85

The legislature is also considering changes to the state’s statute of repose for construction defect lawsuits, which is used to determine how long a party has to file a claim for latent construction defects after a structure or improvement has been completed.

Currently, the state’s 10-year period of repose starts to run from the latest of these four events: 1) the date of actual possession by the owner, 2) the date of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, 3) the date of abandonment of construction if not completed, or 4) the date of completion of the contract or termination of the contract between the professional engineer, registered architect, or licensed contractor and his or her employer. After the 10-year period expires, a claim for latent defects can no longer be brought.

If adopted, House Bill 85 would revise the triggering events for the period of repose for suits brought for latent construction defects to the earliest of: 1) the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy, 2) the date of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, 3) or the date of issuance of a certificate of completion, or 4) the date of abandonment if construction is not completed.

The repose period would start to run seven years from the earliest of the foregoing four events. These changes, if adopted, could have significant changes to the time frame within which an association may assert a claim against parties responsible for construction defects.

As the legislative session unfolds and reaches its conclusion on May 5th, our firm’s attorneys will continue to monitor these and other bills impacting the state’s community associations and real estate industry.

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What’s in your walls? Floors? Ceilings?  Do you know? by James Terry of GreenTeam | Building Services

What’s in your walls? Floors? Ceilings? Do you know? by James Terry of GreenTeam | Building Services

  • Posted: Mar 24, 2023
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What’s in your walls? Floors? Ceilings?

Do you know? Or do you think you know?

I call this lack of systems knowledge. Here’s why it’s important.

Every piece of your building is made up of systems. Each system has pathways and pipes that make that system whole. I love when people generalize the term “plumbing”, when there are really multiple facets of systems that make up the plumbing.

There are domestic water systems, storm water systems, sanitary systems, etc.

Now, with that said, are you waiting until you have a major problem with your system to
Look at it? Like a don’t ask, don’t tell type of scenario?

Problem is, these systems almost always find themselves in peculiar locations, level 5 finished walls, columns with marble on them, walls with expensive finishes etc. Like when the kitchen of the tower club is located above the law offices really fancy conference room. (More on that story later).

The design of these systems is like the veins in your body, they hide discretely under the surface of your skin, and as long as everything is running smooth, no reason to investigate or research right?

Wrong.

Each one of these systems has a life expectancy for failure, and the longer the life, the higher the risk. When you wait till the system is failed, it usually always ends up
Costing more in the end.

For this condo in Fort Lauderdale, they unfortunately deferred maintenance, waited until it was too late, and the entire system needed to be replaced, as an emergency.

Had a thorough camera work up and report been done 5 years ago, they could of budgeted for this, and been more prepared.

As the story goes, just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Underground utilities are a part of your buildings critical infrastructure, you must prioritize it, or it will bite you in the ____.


GreenTeam Service Corporation specializes in commercial plumbing service and retrofit. Our markets served include Healthcare, Hospitality, Class A Office, Industrial, education, and institutional.. Our relentless communication, and dedication to customer service, is what keeps us ahead of the competition. Our focus is solely on service, and providing our clients with the professionalism they deserve.
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Are your board meetings productive and efficient?

Are your board meetings productive and efficient?

  • Posted: Mar 08, 2023
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Board meetings should be productive, efficient meetings where the board conducts business. Stop and think about that for a minute. Are your meetings productive and efficient? Does the board meet to conduct business or socialize? Are you getting the most out of your meetings?

We’ve put together seven keys to a successful board meeting. Following these suggestions can bring new life to your association and keep volunteers interested in helping.

 

 

1.- Board meetings should not last more than one hour. Start the meeting when it is scheduled to begin and get straight to business. If you collectively have the focus to get done in an hour you’ll be amazed with how much you can accomplish. If you have no time limit, the meeting will typically drag on and a lot of time will be wasted.

When time is wasted at a meeting then people are less likely to volunteer because they feel their time is wasted. One hour meetings have a major impact on volunteers. Associations that hold focused, one hour meetings have more people volunteer. It’s also important to note that those volunteers stay active the in the community for much longer. Length of your board meetings may seem like a trivial matter, but it really does have a large impact on how the volunteers of the association view the organization and, in turn, how they view their role.

 

2.- Make your meetings action oriented. Don’t just discuss issues, make decisions. Every item up for discussion should end in a vote to move forward in some way or table the issue with a clear understanding of why the item is being tabled and when it will be revisited. When taking action on an item make sure it is clear who will be responsible for getting that task completed. Ambiguity cripples a board.

 

3.- Board Meetings are for the board. They are not neighborhood meetings or social gatherings. The purpose of a board meeting is to conduct business, not see how many people you can get to attend. Some board members try to get as many people to attend as possible. This is missing the point. Homeowners are, of course, welcome to attend but it is not a membership meeting. The purpose of the board meeting is for the board to consider the affairs of the association, make business decisions, and then have a clear plan of action.

 

4.- Take time prior to the meeting to think about what you want to discuss. Inform the community manager of this one week prior to the meeting. This way your topics of discussion can be placed on the agenda which will allow the other board members and the community manager the opportunity to think about and/or research the item you want to talk about. When you don’t come prepared and spring things on the other board members or on the community manager this typically results in a lot of unnecessary discussion with additional research needed in order to make any kind of decision. Remember, be action oriented. By planning ahead you can make more decisions at the meeting instead of causing an item to be discussed twice and delayed for months.

 

5.- There are an odd number of board positions for a reason. You will not always see eye to eye. Don’t take it personal if the other members of the board disagree with you. This will occur and is healthy. While each board member should attempt to come to a consensus with the other members, you will not be able to achieve this each time. Countless hours are wasted by board members continuing to argue a point just to obtain “victory” on a certain issue or to avoid any vote that is not unanimous. This occurs because someone is taking it personal. If your view is not shared on an issue, take a vote, and move on. Do not hold a grudge. Recognize that you can disagree and still work well with each other.

 

6.- If you think you may have a conflict of interest do not vote on that issue. Let’s say a board member’s spouse is on a committee. If the board is making a decision on an issue related to that committee then the board member with the spouse on that committee should excuse him/herself.

 

7.- Most associations should hold quarterly meetings (unless your bylaws require more). Meeting more often than that becomes excessive and unnecessary. Remember you want to have focused, short, productive meetings. This keeps people interested in serving on the board and on committees. If the association is constantly meeting then people feel it is taking too much of their time and they will stop volunteering. It is important to note that you are required to comply with the minimum meeting requirement in your bylaws. Most association bylaws require no more than quarterly meetings, but check yours to be sure.

 

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