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

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday from SFPMA

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday from SFPMA

  • Posted: Dec 20, 2023
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Merry Christmas from all of us at the State of Florida Property Management Association

Our Offices will be closed as of Wed 20, 2023 we will return Dec 27, 28, 29 2023

again our Offices will be closed till after the New Year.

if you need us we will be available by email  Membership@sfpma.com

We look forward to the many changes in the New Year as should you.

sfpma.com

2401 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062

https://g.page/r/Ca16pZV0_yhcEAI/review

 

“RIMKUS” IS A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING AND SO MUCH MORE.

“RIMKUS” IS A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING AND SO MUCH MORE.

  • Posted: Nov 08, 2023
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“RIMKUS” ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, CONSULTING AND SO MUCH MORE…

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO NEED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR 30, 40 OR 50 YEAR INSPECTIONS, CALCULATING AND PREPARING YOUR NEW RESERVE STUDIES OR NEED REPAIRS TO YOUR CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY — WATCH THEIR ONE MINUTE VIDEO.


Building Envelope Assessments

 The Rimkus Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Building Envelope Services team can provide a complete assessment of a structure’s building envelope (façades, roofs, windows, balconies, walkways, parking areas, etc.) describing the condition of such and all items in need of repair. A recommended timeline and a projected construction cost will also be provided to assist the owner in projecting future budgets.For a full survey of all building components, Rimkus can increase the scope of the survey and provide a full Property Condition Assessment (P.C.A.) including mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, elevators, and interiors.Building Envelope Assessments and PCAs are typically provided with 5- or 10-year projections; however, they may be customized to the client’s needs. These reports can be utilized as a tool to help create capital expenditure budgets and establish maintenance schedules.

Maximizing the value and life cycle of a building requires continuously maintaining performance and improving energy efficiency. Our building envelope services include:

  • Façade Inspections
  • Façade Restoration
  • Building Envelope Assessments
  • Roof Consulting
  • Waterproofing and Weatherproofing Assessments and Design
  • Historic Preservation
  • Pavement Engineering

RIMKUS

http://www.rimkus.com

AECAssignments@rimkus.com

800-580-3228

 

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Did you know? Transactional law involves drafting and negotiating contracts to protect your interests. Learn more about this essential legal service at Katzman Chandler.

Did you know? Transactional law involves drafting and negotiating contracts to protect your interests. Learn more about this essential legal service at Katzman Chandler.

  • Posted: Aug 22, 2023
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Transactional Services with Katzman Chandler

The team’s decades of combined legal experience provide the Katzman Chandler family of clients with cutting edge solutions to routine issues, as well as novel and/or complex legal matters faced by our Community Association clients and their voluntary Boards of Directors.


Our Transactional Attorneys are often relied upon by the media, as well as public policy makers, to sort out issues relating to the Community Association lifestyle. Each member of the Transactional Team brings a unique skill set and perspective to this diverse practice and understands how best to assist Boards in functioning in an age of ever growing state regulation and changing legal requirements.

Our Transactional Legal Services for Associations involve a combination of several specialty areas including, but not limited to, Real Property Law, Corporate Law, Litigation, Contract Law, and Insurance Law. Whether we are reviewing your contracts, amending your documents, rendering a bank loan opinion or enforcing your Community’s covenants against violators; our ultimate goal remains the same – to deliver information, counsel and answers in an easy to understand format with personalized service and attention to detail that you can rely on time and again.

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Exciting News! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website at Jansen Shutters & Specialties!

Exciting News! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website at Jansen Shutters & Specialties!

  • Posted: Aug 22, 2023
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Exciting News! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website at Jansen Shutters & Specialties!

Discover a world of hurricane protection solutions and outdoor living products that enhance your lifestyle and protect what matters most.
🌐 Explore our user-friendly website to:
✅ Browse our comprehensive product range
✅ Learn about our “Made in America” quality
✅ Learn more about the Jansen family values
✅ Get expert advice for your unique needs
Your peace of mind is priceless, and we’re here to make sure you find the perfect solutions for your home or business.
💻 Visit us at www.JansenShutters.com today and experience the difference of working with a family-owned business that cares about you.
Thank you for choosing Jansen Shutters & Specialties. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Find us on the members directory on the State of Florida Property Management Association.
(SFPMA com)
JANSEN SHUTTERS & WINDOWS
341 SAND PINE BLVD,
VENICE, FL, 34292,
941 484 4700
PHIL@JANSENSHUTTERS.COM
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BOARD MEMBERS BETTER BE CAREFUL  By Eric Glazer, Esq.

BOARD MEMBERS BETTER BE CAREFUL By Eric Glazer, Esq.

  • Posted: Aug 22, 2023
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BOARD MEMBERS BETTER BE CAREFUL

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Board members I’m telling you now……..be careful.  I’m seeing it already.  Unit owners are starting to freak out over the passage of huge assessments to cover the costs of mandatory inspections, mandatory repairs and massive increases in insurance rates.

As we know, we’re not talking about pesky increases to the monthly cost of living in your home.  We are talking about increases that will cause many to no longer be able to afford to live in their home at all.  We are talking about increases that will force people to sell and no longer live in the condominium that they have lived in for perhaps decades.

Notwithstanding the fact that none of these increases are the result of anything the Board members did or didn’t do, board members know who is likely to be blamed for this financial disaster many unit owners find themselves in ——the Board members.  So what else is new?

Board members are used to being blamed when things go wrong even though it’s not their fault.  That comes with the territory.  They get yelled and screamed at, the meeting ends and then it’s usually over.  Maybe there’s some nasty e-mail that float around the community.  This time it’s different.

Even if unit owners come to the realization and accept that they can’t afford to live in the condo any longer, the question is….so where can they go?  Every condo seems to be in the same shape.  Or if owners choose to move to a place that’s simply newer and not yet required to perform these inspections and repairs, you can bet they cost a lot more money than where they currently live.  There’s simply no place to turn to.

When there is desperation and fear, people become irrational and often times violent and that is why I honestly fear for the safety of condominium board members throughout the state.  This is not a knock on the millions of law abiding condominium owners throughout the state.  They  were thrown into this position because The Florida Legislature failed all of you.  Instead of always requiring condominium owners to put away money for a rainy day, The Florida Legislature cow-towed to the whims of developers, law firms and other special interest groups who always lobbied against mandatory reserves.  The only reason why mandatory reserves are now required is because 98 innocent men, women and children died at The Champlain Towers in Surfside as a result of not having nearly enough money on hand to make obviously needed structural repairs in their condominium.

So Board members……….you didn’t volunteer in your community to get punched out or worse at your board meetings.  My advice is….when you know you’re about to pass a special assessment at a meeting, and at that meeting people are going to be going crazy……protect yourselves.  Make sure there are police or at least security at the meeting.  Better be safe than sorry.

 

WE WILL TAKE YOUR CALLS AND ANSWER YOUR CONDO AND HOA QUESTIONS THROUGHOUT THE HOUR. CALL US AT 877-850-8585 DURING THE SHOW.

 

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Becoming a real estate agent in Florida is now within your reach with us FLCAA

Becoming a real estate agent in Florida is now within your reach with us FLCAA

  • Posted: Aug 22, 2023
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Becoming a real estate agent in Florida is now within your reach with us. Gain the knowledge and confidence you need to pass the exam and start helping Florida residents with their real estate needs.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Enroll now! ✅
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SuperHanger(TM) patented PVC Pipe Hanger System for Condo garages throughout Florida for over 30+ years.

SuperHanger(TM) patented PVC Pipe Hanger System for Condo garages throughout Florida for over 30+ years.

  • Posted: Aug 01, 2023
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SuperHanger(TM) patented PVC Pipe Hanger System for Condo garages throughout Florida for over 30+ years.

brought to you by LEE Composites

These non-corrosive, non-metallic, Pipe Hangers, Rods, Nuts.
Both Condo maintenance personnel and plumbing/painting contractors need to know about our SuperHanger(TM) Pipe Hangers.

 

THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING YOUR PLUMBING

Steel Rusts, PVC and Fiberglass Don’t. “There’s no other pipe hanger like it!” Lee Composites, Inc. introduces the PVC Super Hanger™ pipe hanger system. The Super Hanger™ pipe hanger is comprised of all nonmetallic, corrosion resistant materials and maintenance free properties.

The patented Super Hanger™ pipe hanger design allows for ease of installation on both new and used pipe, structural strength for pipe loadings and sizes to support various pipe diameters. They come in multiple sizes and are ready for immediate availability.

Pipe Hangers (Super Hanger™ PVC & SuperClevis / SuperLoop FRP)
Lee Composites, Inc. introduces the PVC Super Hanger™ pipe hanger system. The Super Hanger™ pipe hanger is comprised of all nonmetallic, corrosion resistant materials and maintenance free properties.

 

SUPERCLEVIS™ FIBERGLASS PIPE HANGER

Lee Composites also offers the Fiberglass Super Clevis Hanger pipe hanger system.

The Super Clevis Hanger is constructed of injection molded glass fiber reinforced polyurethane. Sizes available for 1″ to 6″ pipe size.

SUPERLOOP™ FIBERGLASS PIPE HANGER

For larger pipes use Super Loop Hanger. The SuperLoop is available for sizes from 3″ to 16″ diameter pipes.

The Super Loop Hanger is great for industrial applications or commercial drainage pipes, where pipes sizes are considerably larger. The biggest advantage of using the Super Loop Hanger is that in any environment the Super Loop performs better than metallic counterparts, because of its rust-free properties.


We stock all sizes for immediately delivery.

 Bob Lee, President of Lee Composites Inc, has over 50 years of experience in the composites and plastics industry. Bob started his career with Dow Chemical Corporation after graduating from Georgia institute of Technology. As Vice President of a small emerging composite pultrusion, molding and fabrication company for 10 years he became widely recognized for his outstanding entrepreneurial and creative expertise.

– Bob Lee, President of Lee Composites
     info@leecomposites.com
    (281) 782-2877

 

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Structural Workshop is pleased to announce their recent expansion into the South Florida market.

Structural Workshop is pleased to announce their recent expansion into the South Florida market.

  • Posted: Jul 18, 2023
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Pompano Beach, Florida – Structural Workshop is pleased to announce their recent expansion into the South Florida market.  The new office is located in Pompano Beach, Florida and will be Structural Workshop’s third office.

 The Mountain Lakes, New Jersey based firm will bring their extensive experience in conducting building inspections and reports, specifically for commercial, multifamily residential and parking structures to the South Florida market – specifically in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Collier Counties.

Structural Workshop plans to help building owners and property managers with all facets of structural engineering and assist with the 40 Year Recertification Inspections, which are now a mandatory, state-wide ordinance.

“There is a lot of opportunity in the condo world and beyond for engineering services in Florida,” says President Joe DiPompeo, PE, F.SEI, F.ASCE.  “There is an immediate need to help condo associations and commercial buildings keep up with compliance and maintain a safe place for their tenants. We also have some multifamily ground up projects in Florida that we can better serve from a Florida office.”

About Structural Workshop

Structural Workshop is a Structural Engineering and Building Consulting firm founded in 2004. We provide a full range of Structural Engineering and Building Consulting Services for all types and sizes of projects from a single-family home to mid-rise buildings and everything in between. For more information, please visit:  www.structuralworkshop.com or contact us at info@structuralworkshop.com

Florida Office

2301 NW 33rd Court, Unit #102
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
(754) 277.4245

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Visit Kaye Bender Rembaum at the Orange County Convention Center on April 26th! KBR will also present their popular  “Assistance Animal or Pet” class at 9:30am.

Visit Kaye Bender Rembaum at the Orange County Convention Center on April 26th! KBR will also present their popular “Assistance Animal or Pet” class at 9:30am.

  • Posted: Apr 25, 2023
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Condo & HOA Expo Orlando

Visit Kaye Bender Rembaum at the Orange County Convention Center on April 26th!

KBR will also present their popular

“Assistance Animal or Pet” class at 9:30am.

Learn about the new HUD regulations and new Florida Legislation pertaining to assistance animals, as well as common issues concerning assistance animals and addressing requests by residents for reasonable accommodations.

Course # 9627147 | Provider # 0005092 | One CEU in OPP

Instructed by Alan Schwartzseid, Esq.

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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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Update: ‘Veto SB 360, Governor DeSantis. It makes residents in older condo buildings less safe.’

Update: ‘Veto SB 360, Governor DeSantis. It makes residents in older condo buildings less safe.’

  • Posted: Apr 17, 2023
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UPDATE:

So Governor DeSantis signed SB 360 into law which effectively eviscerates many property owners’ rights to pursue contractors and developers for latent defects. A latent defect is one which is not readily apparent to the naked eye which is often the case with concrete restoration and roofing projects. This is a slap in the face to the millions of Floridians struggling right now to pay large special assessments to fund these projects. Why would people who profess to care about the safety of older multifamily buildings vote to pass SB 360? The developers’ lobby certainly achieved their goals. Too bad the people who will now pick up the tab for defective construction are the ones least able to pay for it-Florida homeowners.

 


‘Veto SB 360, Governor DeSantis. It makes residents in older condo buildings less safe.’

Becker Shareholder Donna DiMaggio Berger, Esq’s op-ed in Miami Herald explores how the Florida Legislature passed a bill that will make it harder for you to hold contractors accountable for defective work. Why she says the Governor should veto this bill right now. Read the entire article below.

…………………………………………………………………………………

Last year, the Florida Legislature passed SB 4-D with the stated purpose of safeguarding the millions of Floridians living in older multifamily buildings. Known as the Condo Safety Law, SB 4-D requires periodic engineering inspections for buildings three stories and higher and mandates that associations reserve funds to pay for ongoing maintenance and repair projects.

How then, did the Florida Legislature this session pass SB 360, a bill that extinguishes homeowner rights and destroys developer/contractor accountability for the work they perform?

Certainly our legislators must understand that thousands of Floridians are struggling to pay massive special assessments to fund mandated maintenance and repair projects? Why would those same legislators determine that Floridians should not be able to receive the value of those multimillion-dollar projects? It is hoped that Gov. DeSantis will understand that SB 360 undermines both the physical and fiscal security of millions of Floridians.

Safe buildings start with the developers who build them and the contractors who repair them. It’s a simple concept. If the governor signs SB 360 into law or allows it to pass into law without his signature, nearly every Florida community association, at some point, will feel the following impacts:

  • The deadline by which a community association must take legal action against contractors and developers for latent or hidden construction defects will be shortened from 10 years to seven. Ultimately, this will compromise homeowner warranty protection because latent defects are defects that cannot be seen. This includes foundation issues, most structural defects, and leaks behind stucco and under roofs, for both new construction and renovations.

Many condominiums and cooperatives in Florida are moving forward with concrete renovations and repairs, roof replacements and other work deemed necessary in their engineering reports. SB 360 will prevent associations from holding negligent contractors liable for their defective work product and poor performance.

  • Developers and contractors could maintain control of an association long enough to run out the clock on the applicable statutes of limitations. Currently, the deadline for a developer to turn over control of a condominium association to the owners is seven years, at the latest. Even under the current 10-year statute of repose, boards must move quickly to preserve their associations’ rights. Under SB 360’s new shortened seven-year statute of repose, it would be virtually impossible to protect the association’s rights against a developer who decides to retain control of the association for up to seven years since the statutes only empower associations to bring those causes of action after the community is turned over from the developer to the owners.

Under SB 360’s new shortened seven-year statute of repose, it would be virtually impossible to protect the association’s rights against a developer who decides to retain control of the association for up to seven years since the statutes only empower associations to bring those causes of action after the community is turned over from the developer to the owners.

  • The new triggering action to start the clock running on the statutes of limitation would no longer be the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy and “actual possession by the owner” but instead will be the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy. A temporary certificate of occupancy is issued many months or even years before an owner closes and takes possession of the home. Naturally, an owner living in a unit is in a better position to notice and report construction defects than someone who has not yet closed and moved in.
  • Developers and contractors would no longer be required to meet the minimum standards imposed by The Florida Building Code when an owner brings a private cause of action.

Unfortunately, SB 360 has been sent to the governor. It is now up to him to determine whether this new law making it more difficult to hold developers and contractors accountable makes sense with the heightened safety standards imposed on community associations.

If SB 360 becomes law, the net effect will be the imposition of a massive financial burden on the people who are least able to afford it — individual association members.

Donna DiMaggio Berger is a shareholder in Becker’s Community Association Practice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and is a member of the College of Community Association Lawyers.

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