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Should Your Condo Association Adopt Online Voting? by Becker / BECKERBALLOT

Should Your Condo Association Adopt Online Voting? by Becker / BECKERBALLOT

  • Posted: Nov 04, 2024
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Should Your Condo Association Adopt Online Voting?

by Becker / BECKERBALLOT

Many associations are considering whether to adopt online voting (or “E-Voting”). Legislation took effect enacting Section 718.128, back in July 2015.  Florida Statutes, permitting condominiums, cooperatives and homeowners’ associations to conduct elections and other owner votes through the use of “an Internet-based online voting system.” This article will discuss how to do so and what the advantages are.

The first step is for a Board to decide if they wish to offer electronic voting to their members. Florida Statutes 718.128 requires associations to adopt a board resolution approving electronic voting before they can utilize this type of voting process. The resolution must determine the manner in which online voting will be conducted such as procedures, deadlines, opportunities to consent to and participate, or opt out. The resolution must be considered at a board of directors meeting on 14 days of notice. A copy of the resolution must be provided to owners.

 

The resolution must provide that:

All unit owners receive notice of the opportunity to vote through an online voting system prior to each election or other unit owner vote in which the association authorizes online voting;
The deadline to consent, in writing, to online voting must be no less than 14 days before the election or other unit owner vote;
A method to authenticate the unit owner’s identification to the online voting system;
A method to transmit an electronic ballot to the online voting system that ensures the secrecy and integrity of each ballot; and,
A method to confirm, at least 14 days before the voting deadline, that the unit owner’s electronic device can successfully communicate with the online voting system.

The first of these requirements will ensure continual notice under circumstances in which online voting is conducted on an ongoing basis, avoiding situations where new owners are unaware of their right to opt in, and the latter prevents issues arising from last minute consents, and protects against fraud.

 

The following are other significant requirements contained in the legislation:

The e-voting system must provide the owner with a receipt, including the specific vote cast, the date and time of submission, and the user identification.
The e-voting system must also produce an official record for the association identifying the specific votes cast on each ballot and the date and time of the receipt of each electronically submitted ballot. The association must then maintain this record.
Votes in an election of directors shall not be accessible to the association prior to the scheduled election. Failure to comply will void the election.

In associations where voting participation is an issue, online voting can greatly increase participation and generate enthusiasm for the voting process. Online voting can also lessen the risk of fraudulent elections. While the costs for use of online voting software are likely to exceed mail out costs in many associations, such costs can be mitigated over time, and associations have flexibility in determining whether particular meetings will utilize online voting (i.e. – it is not an all or nothing decision).

Associations choosing to move forward must take care to confirm that they are using a vendor that understands and complies with the technical requirements. Like all other vendor contacts, it is critical to discuss the terms with legal counsel, who can also determine whether the system to be utilized is compliant. As meetings approach where online voting will be conducted, the use of online voting will require certain additional disclosures and instructions to members in relation to the process. Contact an attorney with experience in condominium and homeowners association (HOA) law with any questions.

 

Our industry has a few that we looked into: one comes out as a leader

BECKERBALLOT  

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for BeckerBALLOT.com is LIVE! We have partnered with SHYFT digital to offer an easy-to-use, secure, electronic-voting solution for community associations across the state of Florida and beyond. It’s the same great software – only better!
What you can look forward to upon signing up:

  • Increase membership participation and significantly reduce the labor involved in tallying paper votes.
  • Members can cast their votes from the convenience of their home, office, or anywhere they have access to an internet connection.
  • Admins can tally votes electronically, making the process faster, more accurate, and less prone to human error.
  • Eliminate typical errors and judgment calls associated with manual paper votes.
  • Easily solicit opinions using our survey tool to make informed decisions for your association membership.

We now offer flexible pricing, as well as a survey feature when you sign up for annual unlimited voting. The survey tool allows you to poll your community association without conducting an official vote.

Also, did you know that if you become a Becker annual retainer client, you will receive, among other benefits, a significant discount on BeckerBALLOT?

 

 

 

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Want to take part in the decision making, step up, and run for the board. Learn about Boards how they function and How to Run Decision Making Meetings.

Want to take part in the decision making, step up, and run for the board. Learn about Boards how they function and How to Run Decision Making Meetings.

  • Posted: Nov 04, 2024
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Everyone has something to say about the Boards Decisions, but not many want to become a board member!

When an owner approaches me to complain about the decisions of the board of directors at his or her association is;  The First Question I ask is- “did you attend the meeting that decision was made at?” The Second Question is- “have you considered running for the board so that you can be part of the decision-making process?” All too often the answer to both questions is no. If you want to understand why your board makes the decisions they make and possibly influence those decisions the best way to do this is to attend the board meetings and comment on items you have knowledge or concerns about on the agenda. Want to take part in the decision making, step up, and run for the board. – by Royale Management Services

 

The vast majority of business decisions are made in meetings. While small decisions are made in all kinds of meetings, the more important decisions often get their own dedicated meetings.

There are different types of group decision making processes, and care should be taken to choose a process that best matches the situation. A decision making process can include group activities like information gathering and sharing, brainstorming solutions, evaluating options, ranking preferences, and voting on the final options. Below are the most effective ways of running decision making meetings.

 

Primary Goals for Decision Making Meetings

Goals for a decision-oriented meeting can vary a little based on the type of decision being made, but they are always centered on coming to a consensus about a future plan. It is important to remember that the goal of these meetings also includes planning how to best execute the decision that has been made.

Make the best possible decision

If a decision making process is flawed and dysfunctional, the decisions will be bad.

By involving a group in making a decision you can rely on collective intelligence; knowledge beyond what is possible with individual decision makers. Because each participant has unique information and perspectives, combining group information leads to more informed decisions. However, it is important to use meetings designed specifically for group decisions efficiently, to not waste the group members’ time.
If all planning decisions were made by one person, not only would the choices be uninformed, there would also be little unity around team goals and direction.

Planning for execution

When individuals feel that their opinion has been considered in the group planning, they are more likely to embrace the decisions and work to carry out those goals.

Most discussions of decision making assume that only senior executives make decisions or that only senior executives’ decisions matter. This is a dangerous mistake.

Participatory decision making leads to increased team productivity and likelihood of goal execution, because team members feel ownership and responsibility for the decisions made.
Addressing both short term and long term goals at your decision making meetings is a great way to make sure team members leave with a direction and know the next steps. The short term plan can be as simple as outlining action items and assigning tasks. In the long term it could mean setting a timeline of general dates and milestones. Initial planning can be an effective way of aligning the group and cementing the decision that was made.

 

 

Key Roles in Decision Making Meetings

The participants in decision making meetings may play different roles. Understanding the distinctions between these levels of involvement is a useful way of holding members accountable for their role in implementing decisions.

Meeting leader

In order to avoid getting off topic it is recommended that one person be in charge of guiding the direction of team negotiation. In addition, it can be helpful to use some elements of status update meetings in order to have meeting attendees present and be held accountable for research into the decision being made.

Those with authority to carry out the decisions

For decision making meetings it is particularly important to include all relevant persons with authority to carry out the decision. If decisions are made without including the relevant people, it can often be very challenging to implement the resulting decision.

In some cases, it can be useful to dedicate one leader of a team to be a representative for that group. Often, this job is given to someone in a senior position, but it can be fulfilled by anyone capable of accurately reporting information on behalf of a group. If this method is used, the representative should be prepared to report back to the team the consensus that was reached. Without this information exchange, the group unity that should have been a result of the group meeting is lost.

Note taker and process observer

Decision making meetings can often get derailed or become ineffective for a variety of reasons. To counter this, it can be helpful to include a note taker and process observer. These roles should be filled by people not directly involved in the decision so they are not biased toward any particular opinion. A note taker records what was suggested and decided throughout the meeting while a process observer records how those decisions were met. Incorporating these roles can lead to a lasting group understanding as well as ability to improve decision making meetings in the future.

 

Common Challenges in Decision Making Meetings

Making group decisions can be hard. Making good group decisions is even more challenging. However, good decisions is what can make or break your project or even your company or career. Being aware of the most common challenges in decision making meetings will move you closer to facilitating successful group decision making.

Incomplete information and narrow perspectives

An important aspect of collective decision making is to incorporate a broad spectrum of opinions and ideas, and through group collaboration converge these into a best possible solution. This process is easier said than done. Getting to a solution often involves dealing with a lot of conflicting agendas and opinions which are not easily resolved.

Identifying the best possible solutions

Another classic challenge of the decision making meeting is knowing what possible options are worth further consideration and discussion, and which options to discard early. Time is often wasted discussing possibilities that are not even among the most likely or best choices.

 

 

How to Host a Successful Decision Making Meeting

Decision is the spark that ignites action. Until a decision is made, nothing happens.

A great decision making meeting effectively incorporates all participants, benefiting from the knowledge and experience they bring to the process. Giving all relevant parties the opportunity to participate in the decision making process increases the quality of the decision, adds to the collective understanding and support of the outcome, and ensures successful implementation.

Consider all relevant information

We want as much relevant information as possible to go into the group decision process. This means involving as many stakeholders as practically possible to provide input when it comes to defining the problem area, come up with possible solutions, and evaluate options.

Generate and evaluate possible solutions

Identify and agree on solution requirements before starting to brainstorm potential solutions. Then, invite to brainstorm solutions with an open mind, focusing on the issue rather than the person presenting the idea. Use the solution requirements to evaluate the various suggestions, identifying the top ideas for further consideration.

Get everyone on board

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

One of the most important aspects of decision meetings is to create unity around the decision that is created. When each participant feels their opinion has been fully considered as part of the decision making process they are more likely to feel ownership of the decision, even in cases when it is not the outcome they hoped for.

 

 

Better Decision Making Meetings with Technology

Collaborative technologies today like Zoom and a good website where owners can read and voice their opinion on subjects that will impact them are being used to make group decision processes easier to manage, more efficient, produce better solutions, and improve execution of decisions.

 

Easily include and engage all key stakeholders for more complete information

Using smart device-based participation levels the playing field and provides an efficient way to share information and reach group consensus. The unruly nature of decision making meetings is easily structured with Zoom and a good Website for your association, because participants are presented with real-time visualizations and group opinions as the discussion moves forward.

 

Quickly tap into the group’s knowledge and expertise

Having participants use Zoom and a good Website for your association to evaluate options will help focus on the task at hand. Collecting decision preferences automatically, rather than manually, speeds up the process. Not only does that mean less time spent on interpreting where a group stands but it also allows for more people to be involved in the process at the same time.

For example, conducting a brainstorm with a large group of participants using whiteboards, flip charts, and post it notes can get messy. When people are contributing one by one it takes a considerable amount of time. The Zoom and a good Website for your association everyone can brainstorm, this activity lets group members submit ideas concurrently, via their own smart devices and computers making sure to accurately record and organize all inputs. This saves time for everyone involved, no matter how large the group is

 

Real-time visualizations of options and opinions focuses the discussion

Zoom and a good Website for your association are well suited to measure group opinions. In the case of an extended discussion it can be helpful to take multiple snapshots of opinions, as they can change over the course of the conversation. Taking a quick group poll, ranking, or evaluation after an initial conversation will clearly identify where the group feels their time is best spent. This allows the discussion to stay centered on the most important and relevant issues. The group will be able to use these baseline opinions as a jumping off point for focused conversation, establishing a common ground and sense of unity which will set the stage for successfully reaching a decision.

 

Engaged inclusion of stakeholders generates buy-in and better execution

Unfortunately, just organizing a group decision making meeting does not necessarily assure that each person in the room will leave feeling that they have been heard. Using Zoom and a good Website for your association ensures each person gets to contribute on an even scale. Because, participants can literally watch their voice be factored into the results. Playing an active part in the decision making process generates a sense of ownership and responsibility for the results, which in turn ensures active participation in carrying out the plan.

 

 

Adding to this: COVID-19: Technology and Social Distancing by Becker Lawyers.

COVID-19 has introduced new challenges to the way we meet and work together in our communities. Many of our daily community association activities include in-person interaction, from regular meetings to conduct association business to elections and other membership votes. Social distancing, the new normal, has necessitated a change to our behavior. While we continue to learn more about the COVID-19 virus and how it is spread, we do know that limiting in-person interaction can greatly reduce risk. Modern technology is a powerful tool to help reduce the transmission of the virus and allow us all to continue with our normal community association business. The following are a few options to consider as your association works to reduce risk in your community.

Voting

A standard election or membership vote often involves voting on a paper ballot. In addition, other types of voting events also include meeting in person, either to cast a ballot or participate in an annual meeting. At this time, we don’t know exactly how long the virus lasts on surfaces, but experts do believe it can be transmitted by touching surfaces. While social distancing and other guidelines now require we limit group activities and avoid public gatherings, there are a number of technologies that allow voters to participate in elections and cast membership votes safely from the comfort of their own homes.

Online voting is a Florida approved option and is a powerful tool to ensure association members can easily participate without the risk of exposure to the virus from in-person meetings or via voting materials. If you have an upcoming election or other membership vote, consider adding online voting to your process to avoid the need for physical materials and in-person participation.

Association Documentation

Community associations are required to provide access to association documents in the form of document inspection requests, a common practice that is sure to continue even during these uncertain times. We expect COVID-19 to affect the normal course of business for at least the next few months, especially as we continue to avoid in-person meetings and handling physical materials.

Instead of requiring in-person document inspections, consider posting your association documentation to your community website. Community association website software offers tools to upload association documentation and share links via email. These tools also allow you to easily post all Florida required association materials to a password protected area of your association’s website, facilitating ease of access and satisfying document inspection requests. These tools are simple to use and are cost-effective methods to continue to support your membership while helping to stem the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Association Communication

As we have seen, communication during an uncertain time is crucial. Your community association website is an instrumental channel to quickly and effectively communicate with your association membership. By posting official notices on how your community is managing the outbreak, your website provides a quick and centralized mechanism to ensure your association is apprised of the latest information. We all rely on websites for information and entertainment, and we will likely spend more time online now that our out of home activities are limited. Take this opportunity to direct your membership to your association website for the latest community updates.

We are all facing the challenges COVID-19 has introduced. Social distancing, cancelled activities, and the overwhelming amount of information only adds to the stress of this evolving situation. Technology can be a powerful equalizer, enabling us to work together in safe conditions and keep lines of communication open to all.

 

 

 

 

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Building Inspection Services, Serving our clients with a high degree of professionalism, imagination and skill is a Feller Engineering trademark.

Building Inspection Services, Serving our clients with a high degree of professionalism, imagination and skill is a Feller Engineering trademark.

 

Feller Engineering has been providing high-quality, state-of-the-art MEPFP Engineering consulting services since 1979. Since then we have provided quality HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Sprinkler, Life Safety Systems Design, Peer Review, LEED and Green Building Design as well as Forensic Investigative Services for any type and size project. Our expertise has been applied to a wide range of new construction projects as well as retrofit and reuse of existing and historic buildings.

 

Serving our clients with a high degree of professionalism, imagination and skill is a Feller Engineering trademark.

  • Encompass the latest technological innovations where applicable
  • Are creative in approach (especially with renovation projects)
  • Will be in complete accord with the architect’s design concept and the owner’s operational and financial objectives

 

MEPFP Engineering Services

Servicing clients with a high degree of professionalism, imagination and skill is a Feller Engineering trademark. Our designs encompass the latest technological innovations where applicable and our creative approach (especially with renovation projects) will be in coordination with the architect’s design concept and the owner’s operational and financial objectives as well.

Mechanical Systems Design

Our HVAC department, headed by Eser Hur, has a staff of engineers and designers (several registered Professional Engineers and LEED AP). It has enormous experience and expertise with every conceivable type of air conditioning and ventilation system commercially available. Our engineers are constantly being briefed by major manufacturers as to the current state of the art equipment in monthly lunch and learn sessions.
Mechanical Systems Design

Electrical Systems Design

The Electrical Department headed by Bob Raynor with his staff of Electrical Engineers and Electrical Designers (several of whom are registered Professional Engineers and or maintain LEED AP status) have the responsibility to support our HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Sprinkler Departments.
Electrical Systems Design

Plumbing Systems Design

Greg Badal (Department Head) and his staff of engineers and designers (several of whom are CIPD and LEED AP) have extensive experience and expertise in a myriad of projects. Some members of the staff (including Greg) at Feller Engineering have over 30 years of design experience.
Plumbing Systems Design

Fire Protection Systems Design

We know that a fire can be an overwhelming experience. We believe in treating your home or business like it is our own, because we want you to feel comfortable when visiting us. Fire Protection Systems Design offers a comprehensive fire protection system that optimizes the effectiveness of your space to protect against fire, smoke and other hazards. Headed by Anand Kris Singh our engineering team will create a fire protection design for your project and save you time, money and heartache! Fire protection systems design and installations are fundamental to the safety, success and code compliances of your facility.

Fire Protection Systems Design

 

Feller Engineering
myenni@fellerpe.com
cdiaz@fellerpe.com
914-467-1402
http://www.fellerpe.com

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Professional Mailbox Installation and Repair Company Servicing all Florida Counties

Professional Mailbox Installation and Repair Company Servicing all Florida Counties

  • Posted: Aug 01, 2024
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ASAP Mailbox And More, Inc.

239-262-1165

Professional mailbox installation and repair company servicing all Florida counties

 

ASAP Mailbox and More, Inc. supplies and installs all types of residential curbside mailboxes and all styles of cluster box units ( CBU’s) We are a one-stop source for everything related to installing a new mailbox. From removal of the existing mailbox, to the installation of the new one in concrete, to the address numbering, we handle everything and provide our services in all Florida counties.


ASAP Mailbox And More, Inc.’s main facility is located in Cape Coral, Florida. From this main warehouse and fabrication location, we are able to sell and ship our mailboxes WITH INSTALLATION INCLUDED Nationwide in conjunction with our network of local dealers located in each county.

We take pride in living up to our name “ASAP” when it comes to handling mailbox installs and repairs for HOA’s, property managers and individual homeowners.

From providing complete Community mailbox and signage replacement to repairing a broken bracket for a homeowner, we always handle the project professionally and in a timely manner.

If you need a Mailbox installed please fill out the form below, when filling out the form, make sure to select “I Need A Mailbox Installed” in the select box.

If your need is urgent (mailbox installation, repairs or other needs), please call us at 877-272-7624.

     

View and contact our Members Directory Page on SFPMA.COM

 

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GET READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON WITH OUR NEWEST MEMBER – Claremont Property Co

GET READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON WITH OUR NEWEST MEMBER – Claremont Property Co

  • Posted: Jul 24, 2024
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Claremont Property Co. recently opened its new office in Bonita Springs, Florida, and it is helping rebuild our beautiful West Coast after Hurricane Ian. They joined SFPMA to offer their services to Boards and Managers all over Florida. View their website, learn more about the services they offer!

They started in 1995 and are headquartered in Houston, Texas. They have additional offices in Dallas, Texas, Wilmington, North Carolina, Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Fort Lauderdale, Destin, and Panama City, Florida, and Mobile and Orange Beach, Alabama.

They can service your property needs just about anywhere your property is located.

Whether your property has been impacted by a loss from fire, water, hail, wind or you simply need improvements to your property, their many years of experience allows them to provide you with the complete spectrum of remediation, roofing, and general contracting services.

Their list of services include:

·    Claims Advocacy

·    Emergency Services

·    Remediation Services

·    Restoration Services

·    Roofing Services

·    Pre-Loss Services

Their management team has decades of collective practice managing large scale commercial, multi-family, and hospitality projects from the design stages through completion. They have helped their clients settle millions of dollars in insurance claims and completed tens of thousands of square feet of demolition, mitigation, restoration, and roofing projects along the way.

For more information, please visit their website at www.cpc-tx.com or contact Diana Kato, Business Developer, Email: Diana@cpc-tx.com    Cell: 954-832-4573.


SFPMA.com

SFPMA works throughout the State of Florida, we are a multi-member organization for the Condo, HOA and Property Management industry. Through knowledge based Articles, Events and our Members Directory, Clients find the right information to make an informed decisions for their Florida properties.

 

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When unit owners refuse to pay their assessments, it puts everyone in a bind, condominium assessment liens might be one way?

When unit owners refuse to pay their assessments, it puts everyone in a bind, condominium assessment liens might be one way?

  • Posted: Jul 16, 2024
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Florida Condominium Associations and Homeowners Association Boards have many challenges in managing the needs of their communities. As a result, when unit owners refuse to pay their assessments, it puts everyone in a bind. Fortunately, there is a key tool that you may use in Florida to compel payment of the monies due: a condominium assessment lien.

Collecting Assessment Revenue Through A Condominium Assessment Lien
There are steps that must be taken in order for a condominium association lien to be properly filed. This is a brief summary of the steps:

 

*A condominium association’s governing documents in conjunction with Section 718.116, Florida Statutes, are the genesis of the condominium association’s authority to impose and perfect assessment liens against individually owned units within the community.

 

 

Delinquency Notice

This is not a requirement but good collection practices dictate that the association attempt collection efforts prior to engaging a law firm. Sometimes the unit owner may have just forgotten to place the payment in the mail. These delinquency notices can help remind the unit owner of their payment obligation.

 

Notice of Intent to Lien

The first statutorily required step is to send a formal letter from the law firm announcing the association’s intent to place a lien on the unit for the failure to pay. The letter has very specific requirements and should be sent from the association’s attorney. If a condominium, the association must wait 30 days from the date of this letter to record its lien. The time frame for a Homeowners Association is 45 days.

 

Claim of Lien

This is the actual document that gets recorded in the public records and encumbers the unit. It must have the Unit legal description, the owners name and a description of the delinquency. There is a form in the statute and Florida law requires that this lien be created and recorded by the association attorney.

 

Notice of Intent to Foreclose

After the lien is recorded, another notice must go to the unit owner announcing the intention to take the unit by legal process. The association must also wait an additional 30 days after this notice is sent. 45 days for HOAs.

 

Foreclosure Action

This is the lawsuit that will take the unit. A Lis Pendens is recorded when the lawsuit is filed to provide public notice of the legal action on the lien. Most lien foreclosure actions result in either settlement of the claim of taking of the unit. Defenses to lien foreclose actions are tough to prove and seldom release the unit owner from the obligation to pay the assessment.

 

 

Time Is not on your side, dont delay if this is the action you are taking?

It is imperative that all these steps are followed to the tee or the lien may be dismissed outright. In addition to these steps, Florida condominium associations can take additional steps such as suspending unit owner common element or amenity rights. This is done by alerting the unit owner of the delinquency and then if amount is greater than $1,000 and 90 days the Board may consider the suspension of voting rights at a board meeting. The unit owner will then receive notice of the suspension after the vote has occurred.

 

Florida Condominium Associations

Under Florida State Law, only an attorney may draft a condominium assessment lien, because it contains a legal statement. Once the lien is filed, there is a one year timeline for Florida condominium associations to file suit. If the Association misses that deadline, the whole lien process will have to be redone. Therefore, it is paramount that the steps are followed properly, and in a timely fashion, or you may forfeit what is due to the community.

Remember to contact your Attny, Ask them for the best options for your communities!

 

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Property Management Legal Forms: forms are always needed for proper operation.

Property Management Legal Forms: forms are always needed for proper operation.

  • Posted: Jun 26, 2024
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Property Management Legal Forms

As you become a CAM Manager and start your business or have a Property Management Business that is established, forms are always needed for proper operation.

 

We offer Subscriptions – Where for a small fee you can download and get access to EVERY FORM YOU WILL NEED FROM THOUSANDS OF FORMS

 

View the Property Management Forms

 

PMLegalForms.com – Property Management, Eviction, Notices to Tenants and Owners, Letters, and many other Legal Documents can be found, View from over 85,000+ Legal Forms simply find and download!  

With our New Subscription Plans you can subscribe and get access to all of our Forms at any time!  We now have Forms for every State in the US. You can buy just the single form you need or Subscribe and get access to all of the Forms for one low price!

 

Just some of the essential forms to assist Property Managers with: leasing your premises, complying with legal requirements, and keeping relations with your tenants amicable. Forms include the 1. Landlord Tenant Closing Statement to Reconcile Security Deposit, 2. Residential Rental Lease Application, 3. Residential Rental Lease Agreement, 4. Commercial Building or Space Lease, 5. Security Deposit Agreement and other forms.

 

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Our national team recently completed this striping and sealcoating job in Weston, FL!

Our national team recently completed this striping and sealcoating job in Weston, FL!

Do you have properties across the nation? Contact ASP, we will assign an account manager for all of your properties and handle it from there.


Join us Wednesday at the Palm Beach Condo & HOA Expo!

Make sure to stop by booth 332 and meet a few of our local account managers 😉


PARKING LOT &
PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

OUR WORK

  • HOA
  • MULTIFAMILY
  • UNIVERSITIES/SCHOOLS
  • COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
  • MUNICIPALITIES
  • INDUSTRIALDo you have questions about asphalt sealing in West Palm Beach? The best way to protect asphalt surfaces is to sealcoat asphalt parking lots. If you are looking for the most trustworthy Asphalt Sealcoating Palm Beach Gardens company look no further than Atlantic Southern Paving!Asphalt is durable and flexible, but it can also deteriorate. It is possible to double the lifespan of asphalt by applying asphalt sealcoating. This protects the asphalt from future damage.

    Continue reading to learn about the environmental factors that can cause asphalt surfaces to deteriorate. To schedule a free assessment and request a quote from one of the best paving companies West Palm Beach, please call Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating.

    Asphalt Oxidation and The Sun

    Sealcoating asphalt in West Palm Beach homes is a great way to protect your property from oxidation and ultraviolet rays. Asphalt starts to deteriorate at a microscopic level as soon as it is installed.

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    The asphalt subbase can be affected by water and moisture. This can cause it to weaken and lose its strength. Sealcoating is very helpful as it protects the surface against oxidation and fills surface voids.

    How water damages asphalt

    The asphalt sealcoating of parking lots and driving surfaces allows them to resist water and prevent it from contacting the asphalt surface. Water can seep through asphalt, particularly when it is heavy rain.

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    Oil and Gas Spills

    Parking lots and asphalt surfaces must withstand harmful car chemicals like oil and gas. Particularly vulnerable to chemicals from automobiles are parking spaces.

    The asphalt can soften if it is contaminated with gasoline or automobile oil. Oil or gasoline can penetrate asphalt pavement and cause sub base to degrade.

    Asphalt sealcoating is made up of additives that protect asphalt from chemicals used in automobiles. You can also fill surface voids to reduce the depth of oil and gas that can penetrate asphalt.

    Professional Asphalt Sealcoating In West Palm Beach

    It is important to find a reliable and experienced contractor to sealcoat your West Palm Beach property. Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating provides asphalt maintenance and construction services for more than two decades.

    Every job we do is completed with customer satisfaction in mind. Atlantic Southern Paving can be reached at 954-518 4315 to speak with an expert about sealing asphalt surfaces. Ask for a free estimate on sealing your property.

    Asphalt Sealcoating Palm Beach Gardens

 

 

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You want to know why some tile sealers for ceramic and porcelain are better than others?

You want to know why some tile sealers for ceramic and porcelain are better than others?

Let me share what I believe you want to know to make a smart decision.

 

What Should You Look For & Look Out For When Choosing A Tile Sealer?

LOOK FOR:

1) The supplier or the manufacturer is very clear that their sealer will bond to ceramic and porcelain because this type of surface is very dense. It is very impermeable. You CAN NOT just use a standard concrete surface sealer on ceramic and porcelain tiles. Check for that, first of all.

2) The tile sealer product will form a film on the surface and is not just a penetrating or impregnator type sealer.

NOTE:
Impregnator types of products can’t bond or soak into the tile surface. They do very little to change the look of the tile and typically, this type of sealer will rub off very quickly, forcing you to seal the porcelain or ceramic tiles repeatedly.

LOOK OUT FOR or BEWARE OF…

Materials That Are Lacking In Store-Bought Tile Sealer Products… Making Them Ineffective.

First of all, any sealer you choose for ceramic and porcelain tile must have adhesion promoters that will allow the product to bond to that surface.

The components found in standard surface treatments or surface sealers simply won’t work.

Secondly, make sure if you want to change the look of the tile or the sheen of the tile, the product is a film-forming product, not just a penetrating or impregnator sealer.

These do very little to change the look of the tile and will not last for long on a very dense, impermeable ceramic or porcelain surface.

What Kind Of Results Do Ineffective Floor Sealers Produce?

If you use a product that’s not developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tile, what’s going to happen is:

  • It may put a film over the surface, but because there’s no way for it to absorb into the surface. It’s going to lift and peel very quickly.
  • It may last a few weeks, but after any standard use or cleaning of any kind, lifting and peeling will very quickly show up.
  • If you use penetrating types of sealers, you won’t see any change in appearance, or very little at all because there’s nowhere for those components to penetrate the tile.

What Should You Be Aware Of Before You Buy A Tile Sealer?

3 Specific Things To Look For In A Tile Sealer That Will Provide Superior Results:

  1. You need to have adhesion promotion technology that allows for covalent bonding to a very dense ceramic or porcelain tile surface.
  2. You need to use urethane technology, which is very durable, UV resistant. Your product needs to have two parts to create a very tough cross-link that produces an industry-leading seal over the tile and grout.
  3. Your sealer needs a high amount of polymer in the product for durability and protection, around 50% solids, which is much higher than standard floor finishes.

The Advantages Of Sealing Ceramic And Porcelain Tile.

  • Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
  • Protective Shield Across Tile & Grout
  • Eliminate Grout Odor
  • Maintains Wet Look
  • UV stable, Non-Yellowing
  • Chemical Resistant
  • Excellent Abrasion resistant
  • Increased slip resistance options

Where Should You Use Ceramic And Porcelain Tile Sealer Products?

Typical Uses:

On the commercial side, you’re going to have restrooms, shower facilities, kitchens, showrooms, entrance-ways, hallways, lobby areas and stairways, both interior and exterior.

On the consumer or residential side, in the living areas, kitchens and the bathrooms.

These areas below are where you should look for a tile sealer that will make the floor much easier to clean, give it wet look if desired and also be resistant to chemicals, pet and food stains.

  • Bathrooms/ Restrooms
  • Kitchens and Dining Areas
  • Lobby and Hallways
  • Stairs and Entrances
  • Tile and Grout Surface
  • Floors and walls
  • Ceramic and Porcelain
  • Stone and Concrete
  • Interior and Exterior
  • Etc.

Surface Preparation

Proper preparation is critical to ensure an adequate bond.

The ceramic and grout must be thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate cleaner. For cleaning and restoring old ceramic, porcelain tile and grout to like-new condition, we recommend using an alkaline cleaner formulated for ceramic and porcelain tile.

This will cut through tough grease, soap scum and soil stains. For shower stalls and outside applications, we recommend you use an acid-based cleaner to lightly etch the surface and ensure greater adhesion in wet conditions. This can also remove tough, hard water deposits, grout haze and efflorescence.

What Do You Need To Know About A Gloss, Matte Or Satin Finish?

Substances that may soil the tile and grout are urine or other organic matter or even aggressive cleaning chemicals.  This is where a two-part product, like GlazeGuard® Ceramic and Porcelain tile sealer really produces results.

It’s a very tough, hard-wearing sealer. It puts a barrier across the tile and the grout, eliminates odor and makes the entire floor much easier to clean and maintain. For addition slip resistance ( anti- slip properties) GlazeGuard® Plus should be used.

high gloss sealer for porcelain tiles

GlazeGuard Gloss sealer is developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tiles. It will put a clear sealer across the floor tile and grout, giving it a high gloss wet look appearance, as well as provide a barrier that will protect against chemicals and soiling and make the floor much easier to clean.

GlazeGuard Satin finish is designed to specifically bond to ceramic and porcelain tile. It also gives the floor a wet look appearance and puts a nice medium sheen across the tile and the grout. The satin finish provides a protective barrier that will resist water, chemicals and make the floor much easier to keep clean.

GlazeGuard Matte finish is designed to specifically bond to ceramic and porcelain tile, and it will deliver a natural low sheen look to the tile and provide a barrier across the floor, both the tiles and the grout. It’s very chemical resistant, very water-resistant and makes the tile much easier to keep clean.

Glazeguard PLUS Anti Slip Coating For Tile, Vinyl, Wood, Concrete Floors And Metal

GlazeGuard® Plus is a solvent-free, virtually odorless, urethane coating with exceptional adhesion and performance properties. The addition of CoverGrip achieves high slip resistance, significantly reducing the potential for a slip in accordance with the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) standards.

The Best Tools And Equipment To Use.

In order to apply a ceramic and porcelain tiles sealer, you need to approach it as if you were painting the floor.

You will need:

  1. A good quality roller
  2. A roller tray
  3. A little hotdog roller or brush for sealing around the edges.

We recommend a roller that is a good quality 3/8th nap microfiber. Change out rollers after 60 minutes of use with a fresh one. We also recommend that you only mix the amount of product that you can use in about 60 minutes.

Make sure the room is well lit and that you take your time and apply the product. The product needs to be fully mixed before you use it. Use a mixing stick to slowly mix the material, then pour it into a roller tray. Then roll it out just like you were painting a floor.

Cleaning And Preparing Tiles Before Applying A Sealer.

We always tell people to be fussy about cleaning porcelain tile before sealing it.

Remember, you’re going to seal it with something that’s going to last several years. Make sure there’s no dust or dirt on the floor. Any footprints or stains will be locked down by the sealer.

So be fussy about cleaning it. You should use a High pH tile and grout cleaner that will remove dirt grease stains.

If applying GlazeGuard to areas that are frequently exposed to water or cleaning chemicals, like showers or restrooms, we recommend you micro-etch the surface with something like our PreTreat Mild Acidic Ceramic Tile Cleaner. It will prepare the surface and give you better adhesion for the GlazeGuard® sealer.

After Applying The Product, What Ongoing Floor Care Is Recommended?

One of the key advantages of using our GlazeGuard tile sealers is that it makes cleaning and maintaining the floor much easier.

You don’t need to use harsh or aggressive chemicals. You just need to use mild detergents or mild soap to clean the surface. The dirt won’t stick to the surface as it does with untreated tiles.

You don’t have to use a concentrated level of cleaning supplies, which should reduce your costs noticeably.

It’s also important to keep dust and dirt and sand off the floor. It’s a good practice to use mats at entrance ways to trap dirt, dust and grease before they get onto the floor.

What Are Customers Saying About Glazeguard®?

Contractors-and-Consumers-use-GlazeGuard-2

 

Our Clients Love The Entire Glazeguard® Product Line For A Few Key Reasons:

  • They are very water-resistant and prevent stains and discoloration from excessive exposure to moisture or continuous immersion.
  • They are very chemical resistant and prevent harmful and staining substances from getting through to the floor below.
  • They improve the appearance of ceramic and porcelain floors and walls, for much longer than store-bought sealers.
  • They don’t strip off easily and require gentle cleaning with everyday soaps or detergents.
  • They reduce the costs of cleaning, maintenance and labor because once sealed, dirt, stains and discolorations are a thing of the past.
  • And if something goes wrong, the customer can simply strip that local area and re-apply the GlazeGuard® product.
  • They protect both the tile floor and the grout, to keep surfaces clean and odor-free.

Every product in the GlazeGuard® line makes ceramic and porcelain floors look pristine and easy to maintain. And applying them is easy enough for the average do-it-yourself consumer.

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SFPMA NEWS: Our Website will be down for a System Reboot Feb 29, 2024

SFPMA NEWS: Our Website will be down for a System Reboot Feb 29, 2024

  • Posted: Feb 26, 2024
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On Feb 29, 2024  SFPMA Website will be down.

We have a total reboot of our system on our server, while adding many new members our IT dept had to add new code to advance our search. We will try to conduct this late night but it might fall over to the next day…due to caching. 




In the last month we have found some of the articles, and the New listed Members were not being shared from our system Feed to our Website, there was a disconnect between our Server. Since we have our own dedicated Server and Files. We can reboot and move to a new section and pair this with our hosting provider.

Upgrades will not stop search results from showing but it will make them better. Our IT Dept has found some of the Inner workings through the WordPress CMS Plugins and our System were not linking up properly.  ie: as of Feb 22, 2024 New Member Companies were added yet did not show on the website. It came to our attn. when one of our members were sent their log in details and once they did they could not view their Membership listing.

It took a week to make all the changes, to the System, Calendar, Company Listings, and Plugins So the end of the week the system is being upgraded to a faster dedicated server.

Thank You, SFPMA

Frank J Mari / Executive Director

 

 

 

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