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

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.’

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.

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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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“Condominium Board Member Certification”  April 17 at 2pm Est | Live on Zoom

“Condominium Board Member Certification” April 17 at 2pm Est | Live on Zoom

“Condominium Board Member Certification”

April 17 at 2pm Est | Live on Zoom

This webinar covers the essentials of condominium board membership, and is updated regularly to remain current with legislative amendments to Florida’s Condominium Act. In addition, this webinar satisfies Florida’s requirement for new condominium board members. It also serves as an excellent refresher course. Licensed CAMS will receive two (2) CE credits as IFM or ELE. Course: 9630075
Enroll for Condo Cert

 

“HOA Board Member Certification”

April 24 at 2pm Est | Live on Zoom

This webinar covers the essentials of HOA board membership, and is updated regularly to remain current with the latest legislative amendments. In addition, this webinar satisfies Florida’s requirement for new HOA board members. It also serves as an excellent refresher course. Licensed CAMS will receive two (2) CE credits as IFM or ELE. Course: 9630140

Enroll for HOA Cert

 

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Apr 19 Free Lunch & Learn: How To Select A Contractor. | Sponsored by KBRLegal

Apr 19 Free Lunch & Learn: How To Select A Contractor. | Sponsored by KBRLegal

This one-hour class will guide association members, CAMs, and building managers through the process of how to select a contractor for an upcoming commercial project. It starts with knowing your stakeholder, creating an RFP, hosting a pre-bid meeting, evaluating the quotes, and ends with making your contractor recommendation.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Meet the sponsors at 11:30 a.m.

Class begins at 12 p.m.

 

Capriccio Ristorante

2424 N University Drive, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

1 Credit OPP/ELE

Course #9631934 | Provider #0007984

 

Register on Eventbrite by April 18. Space is limited.

Lunch is generously sponsored by: SFPMA Members.

Bashor & Legendre, LLP

Centennial Bank

Kaye Bender Rembaum

M.A. Construction Group

Rainbow Roofing Solutions

United Claims Specialists

Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc.

WeDry USA

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Presented by Castle Group Season 4, Episode 7 of ‘Association Leadership’ Florida’a Newest Insurance Laws

Presented by Castle Group Season 4, Episode 7 of ‘Association Leadership’ Florida’a Newest Insurance Laws

Presented by Castle Group

Season 4, Episode 7 of ‘Association Leadership’

Florida’a Newest Insurance Laws

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 | 12 Noon to 1:00pm Est.

Webinar live via Zoom

REGISTER NOW

Castle Group invites you to join us for Season 4, Episode 7 of Association Leadership. This week’s discussion is on Florida’s newest insurance laws- how they could affect your association, and the proposed legislative changes to the milestone, structural integrity, and reserve study requirements.
Castle Group CFO Craig Vaughan will host the live webinar. He will be joined by Attorneys Jeffrey A. Rembaum & Michael S. Bender- Kaye Bender Rembaum, P.L.- Board Certified Specialists in Condominium and Planned Development Law.

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Allstate Resource Management sponsored:  10th Annual Make-A-Wish Polen Capital Golf Tournament at The Boca Raton

Allstate Resource Management sponsored: 10th Annual Make-A-Wish Polen Capital Golf Tournament at The Boca Raton

Allstate Resource Management sponsored:

10th Annual Make-A-Wish Polen Capital Golf Tournament at The Boca Raton

This past weekend, Allstate Resource Management sponsored the 10th Annual Make-A-Wish Polen Capital Golf Tournament at The Boca Raton! The event raised over $570,000!

Our Vice-President/Golf Enthusiast, Andy Fuhrman, enjoyed the day on the green and was joined by Norman Wedderburn, the President/CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.

Thanks to Allstate Resource Management and other amazing sponsors, the Make-A-Wish Polen Capital Golf Tournament has granted more than 300 heartfelt wishes for the brave and deserving children battling critical illnesses in our local community.

 

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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!

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.

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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Event: “Ask the Experts” Thursdays  Live on the first Thursday of each month, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm Eastern

Event: “Ask the Experts” Thursdays Live on the first Thursday of each month, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm Eastern

Ask the Experts’ Thursdays

Live on the first Thursday of each month, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm Eastern

Attorney Robert Kaye answers your community association-related questions on this monthly addition.

Do you have questions about your condominium, homeowners’ or cooperative association? Get your questions answered live on-air, anytime during the show!

The new number is: 561-623-9429

GET BOARD CERTIFIED AT THE “CONDO AND HOA EXPO” IN TAMPA FEB 28, 2023 * LUNCH IS PROVIDED FOR FREE!

GET BOARD CERTIFIED AT THE “CONDO AND HOA EXPO” IN TAMPA FEB 28, 2023 * LUNCH IS PROVIDED FOR FREE!

GET BOARD CERTIFIED AT THE CONDO AND HOA EXPO IN TAMPA

LUNCH IS PROVIDED FOR FREE!

FEBRUARY 28TH, 2023 AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE TAMPA BAY CONVENTION CENTER.

REGISTER NOW if you did not already

COME MEET OVER A HUNDRED CONDOMINIUM AND HOA VENDORS AND TAKE CONDO AND HOA EDUCATIONAL CLASSES ALL DAY LONG
WE HAVE CERTIFIED OVER 20,000 FLORIDIANS ALL ACROSS THE STATE.
LEARN ALL ABOUT THE NEW CONDO LAWS REGARDING SAFETY, CERTIFICATION, THE AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME LANGUAGE, BUDGETS, RESERVES, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL LAWS, MANAGER DO’S AND DON’TS, SCREENING AND APPROVING, ACCESS TO RECORDS AND MUCH MUCH MORE.
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ZOOM: All About Insurance | Juno Beach Town Hall w/Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq, BCS (Kaye Bender Rembaum)

ZOOM: All About Insurance | Juno Beach Town Hall w/Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq, BCS (Kaye Bender Rembaum)

All About Insurance | Juno Beach Town Hall

9:00 am-11:00 am 02/24/2023

Juno Beach Town Hall
340 Ocean Dr, Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA

Coffee, Registration and Networking 9:00am | Seminar begins at 9:30am

To attend at the venue: RSVP to (302)588-3104 or email junobeachforum@hotmail.com

Attend via Zoom: Click HERE


The marketplace for insurance – Why are companies leaving Florida or choosing not to insure? What is the role of Citizen’s Insurance?

What is in the recent legislation that is helpful to condo associations and HOAs?  Is there more legislation looming?  How does helping the insurers help owners and associations?

Which upgrades to your facilities will positively impact on an insurer’s willingness to insure your association?

Panel:

  • Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq, BCS (Kaye Bender Rembaum)
  • Chris Banker, President (Patriot Insurance)
  • Steven Mock, Risk Manager (Brown and Brown Insurance)

 

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Join SFPMA Members and others on Wednesday, February 22, for the Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo.

Join SFPMA Members and others on Wednesday, February 22, for the Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo.

Join us on Wednesday, February 22, for the Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo.

This one-day event is an opportunity to network with industry experts, browse the latest products and services, and learn how to better manage and maintain your Condo or HOA. Learn more at www.pbcondohoaexpo.com.

Board Members, Managers Sign up for the Seminars and educate yourself then bring back what you learned to the Building Owners.

 

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