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

ALGAE BLOOMS: DID YOU KNOW? by Allstate Resource Management

ALGAE BLOOMS: DID YOU KNOW? by Allstate Resource Management

  • Posted: Apr 29, 2022
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ALGAE BLOOMS: DID YOU KNOW?

by Allstate Resource Management

The climate in Florida is wonderful in many ways, but the year round warm weather and heat in the summer can increase algae blooms.
1. Lawn fertilizers are a big contributor to algae blooms. Leave at least a 10 foot buffer when dispensing fertilizer near a waterway. Fertilizer in the street will wash into the storm drains and all storm drains lead to the waterways.
2. Never blow or dispose of trash and lawn clippings into streets, storm drains, or waterways. They are loaded with nutrients and as they decay, they feed the algae blooms. All storm drains lead to the waterways.
3. Algae blooms may affect oxygen levels and block light which will harm the aquatic environment.
Allstate Resource Management has 25 + years helping South Florida homeowners associations with waterway management.
Contact us today at 954-382-9766 or info@allstatemanagment.com
for a FREE, no-obligation consultation
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The Hurricane season starts on June 1 but it’s never too early to prepare.

The Hurricane season starts on June 1 but it’s never too early to prepare.

  • Posted: Apr 28, 2022
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The Florida hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOOA), this year is predicted to be another above-normal season.

The Hurricane season starts on June 1 but it’s never too early to prepare.

Take a moment to go to out web page for the top professionals /members ready to help. Remember to SAVE to your favorites, this way you will be prepared if you have damage to your buildings/HOA homes and condos.

http://FloridaAdjusting.com – A division of SFPMA

Damage from a hurricane can be costly for all businesses and can pose hazards for you and your employees. Fortunately, there are ways that you can fortify your business against a hurricane to minimize losses and reduce risks for workers.

As part of “Planning Ahead” for a Disaster, the SBA encourages you to consider taking these simple steps to prepare: Assess your risk; Create a plan, Execute your plan. Statistics show that 25% of small businesses don’t re-open after a disaster. Visit the SBA’s Prepare for Emergencies website to learn more about how to prepare and recover if a disaster strikes.

NOOA officials also encourage consumers to take the following steps:

  • Visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov for useful and valuable disaster preparation resources including checklists and templates for your business and your home.
  • Download the FEMA app to sign-up for a variety of alerts and to access preparedness information.
  • Consider purchasing flood insurance.

Visit the National Hurricane Center’s website at hurricanes.gov throughout the season to stay current on watches and warnings.

Are you looking for a way to keep your roof clean and looking new? by Anne Dondero

Are you looking for a way to keep your roof clean and looking new? by Anne Dondero

  • Posted: Apr 13, 2022
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Are you looking for a way to keep your roof clean and looking new?

We have a green Eco friendly solution that eliminates chlorine/bleach, harsh chemicals, pressure cleaning or soft wash ever again.

With a light spray every couple of years algae will not grow guaranteed.

Call today 800-673-1136 for more information!

https://spotlessroofsolutions.com/

Members of SFPMA

 

Anne Dondero / President of Spotless Roof Solutions

 

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We’re proud to have achieved much success with our image management system—Catalogger by SRI

We’re proud to have achieved much success with our image management system—Catalogger by SRI

  • Posted: Apr 13, 2022
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We’re proud to have achieved much success with our image management system—Catalogger

We’re excited for all that we’ve planned for 2022. Of course, we’ll continue to share best practices and insightful articles on our social media platforms. Follow us to stay on top of our expert recommendations re: structural inspections, image management, building maintenance, concrete restoration, and more.

Cheers to a successful new year,

The SRI Team

561-372-1290

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Does Low Tide make your Dock Unusable? International Subsea Services can improve the depth of canals, slips and channels 

Does Low Tide make your Dock Unusable? International Subsea Services can improve the depth of canals, slips and channels 

  • Posted: Apr 11, 2022
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Does Low Tide make your Dock Unusable? International Subsea Services can improve the depth of canals, slips and channels. Using a process of Micro dredging and Hydraulic dredging.

Schedule a free consultation today! https://bit.ly/3BqwCui

 

Full service dredging contractor, offering maintenance dredging services for lakes, ponds, canals, rivers, inlets, and other waterways.

Schedule a free consultation today! https://bit.ly/3BqwCui

“Honey, those neighbors are at it again! Call Code Enforcement!” by Becker Lawyers

“Honey, those neighbors are at it again! Call Code Enforcement!” by Becker Lawyers

  • Posted: Mar 06, 2022
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sfpma want to thank Geri Bell for always providing us with the top Articles for our Industry.

Becker’s Lawyers are members of sfpma, can be found on our Directory, Sponsors many events and is one of the top firms for Condo, Hoa and Management professionals for our industry.

Thank You from all of us at SFPMA.Org

Geri​ Bell
Community Association Events and Business Development Coordinator
www.beckerlawyers.com
Becker & Poliakoff
1 East Broward Blvd., Suite 1800
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
954.364.6070
954.985.4176
GBell@beckerlawyers.com
www.beckerlawyers.com
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BIG DECISION BY THE DBPR SAYS E-MAILS BETWEEN BOARD MEMBERS ARE “OFFICIAL RECORDS” THAT CAN BE SEEN BY ALL UNIT OWNERS.

BIG DECISION BY THE DBPR SAYS E-MAILS BETWEEN BOARD MEMBERS ARE “OFFICIAL RECORDS” THAT CAN BE SEEN BY ALL UNIT OWNERS.

  • Posted: Mar 02, 2022
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Those of who have taken the Board Certification Class know that the answer to this question is that as long as the e-mails were on the private e-mail accounts of the Board members, they are not “official records” and therefore the unit owners cannot obtain copies of them. Well….that was all changed in one full swoop.

 

BEFORE YOU HIT THAT “SEND” BUTTON

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Florida Statute states:
120.565 Declaratory statement by agencies.—
(1) Any substantially affected person may seek a declaratory statement regarding an agency’s opinion as to the applicability of a statutory provision, or of any rule or order of the agency, as it applies to the petitioner’s particular set of circumstances.

A man by the name of James Hanseman recently sought a declaratory statement from The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes regarding whether e-mail communications between and among board members are “official records” within the meaning of Florida Statute 718.111(12), where such records relate to the Association’s operations but are sent to and/or from personal computers and devices rather than Association owned computers and devices.

Those of who have taken my Board Certification Class know that the answer to this question is that as long as the e-mails were on the private e-mail accounts of the Board members, they are not “official records” and therefore the unit owners cannot obtain copies of them. Well….that was all changed in one full swoop.

In this declaratory statement, Chevonne Christian the Division Director opined that:


The .. official records of the association” include .. all other written records of the association not specifically included in the foregoing which are related to the operation of the association.”§ 718.111 (12)(a) l8., Fla. Stat. Nothing in this provision exempts such records when created or transmitted with a board member-owned device rather than an Association owned device.

The plain meaning of the statute is always the starting point in statutory interpretation.”

GTC, Inc. v. Edgar, 961 So. 2d 781, 785 (Fla. 2007). Dictionaries can be used to determine the meaning of words. Metro. Dade County v. Milton, 707 So. 2d 913, 915 (Fla. 3d DCA 1998).

Emails constitute a form of writing. Writing, Black’s Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019).

Consequently, emails are “written records,” and their existence as such does not depend on the ownership of the device through which the emails are transmitted.

Accordingly, emails that otherwise constitute “official records” are not excluded from thestatutory definition of “official records” merely because they are created or transmitted with board members’ personal devices.

Wow! If e-mails constitute a form of writing, no doubt text messages also constitute a form of writing. So how is this going to work? Let’s say a unit owner makes a records request for e-mails between board members during the month of February, 2022. Do all of the Board members now have an obligation to look through their e-mails and texts for the past month, print them out and hand them in to the association? Suppose each director simply says that we don’t communicate by e-mail or texts, even though they do? What remedy does the unit owner have?

While the decision is debatable as to whether or not these e-mails are “official records” it is undeniable, that it is simply unenforceable. It will be interesting to see the first arbitration case that relies on this declaratory statement. It will be even more interesting if that arbitration case gets appealed and we ultimately get a decision of the courts. Will a director ever be required to physically turn over their phone or computer by a court? Who knows? But I think we will either have a legislative fix or a court opinion within a year. In the interim, keep in mind that before you hit the SEND button on an e-mail, think about the fact that said e-mail may one day be seen by everyone in the condominium, or even a judge or jury.

Difference Between a (Licensed) Community Association Manager and a Property Manager?

Difference Between a (Licensed) Community Association Manager and a Property Manager?

  • Posted: Feb 24, 2022
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Difference Between a (Licensed) Community Association Manager and a Property Manager?

The roles, responsibilities, and differences between these two jobs Key takeaways:

Find Property Managers

The terms property manager and community association manager are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are important differences.
Each job has its own responsibilities and functions. Property managers primarily work with tenants and oversee individual apartment units or homes.

A property manager’s typical responsibilities include collecting rent, showing vacant units to prospective tenants, and handling maintenance and repairs for individual apartments or homes.
Community association managers typically work with the board of directors of an HOA or COA.

A community association manager’s usual duties include preparing budgets, collecting bids from vendors, and overseeing repairs and maintenance of amenity spaces or common areas.
A property manager deals with the day-to-day operations of a property or an association, whereas a community association manager is more likely to be involved in large-scale or big-picture projects that affect the community as a whole.

It is important to know the differences between a property manager and a community association manager to hire the right professional for the task and contact the right person with your question or concern.
You may have heard the terms property manager and community association manager used interchangeably. While the two job titles have similarities, there are also key differences between them. If you’re a real estate or property management professional – or a vendor who serves these industries – it is important to understand that property managers and community association managers have different responsibilities and job functions. We will outline them below.

 

Property managers
A property manager is typically the liaison between tenants or homeowners and an HOA (homeowner’s association). They are responsible for individual units in an apartment, condo, or homes in a neighborhood or community.

Property managers oversee the physical property itself and generally respond to tenant inquiries about their particular unit. They are usually the ones who manage leases, collect rent or Condo/HOA payments, handle maintenance and repairs for units or homes, and address tenant complaints and concerns.

The core responsibilities of a property manager include:

Rent or HOA payment collection
Repair management and maintenance for each unit or home
Vacant unit showings to prospective tenants
Responding to tenant complaints
Inspecting units after tenants move out
Handling an eviction process
Community association managers
Community Association Managers (CAMs) are usually in charge of budgets, record-keeping, and managing community spaces such as a clubhouse, pool, or community landscape features. They’re involved in all aspects of running the HOA (if there is one) or the community and thus have extensive knowledge of HOA governing rules and local applicable laws.

LCAMs

Are usually hired by the board of directors of a homeowner’s association (HOA) or condo owner’s association (COA). They may plan community activities and help enforce community rules. A CAM’s exact duties are likely to vary slightly depending on the hiring association, but broadly speaking, they’re in charge of big-picture tasks and responsibilities.

The Core responsibilities of a CAM include:

Supervision of community maintenance, such as common areas, pool cleaning, landscaping, etc.
Creation and overseeing of budgets.
Site inspections.
Negotiation of contracts for common property repairs or enhancements.
Assisting the board in selecting vendors; collection and presentation of bids for projects.

The key differences

Both property managers and CAMs might handle tasks such as pool maintenance or trash collection, but in general the former takes on the responsibilities of a landlord while the latter oversees larger-scale projects and activities that have implications for the entire community. You can think of property managers as dealing primarily with individual tenant needs and CAMs as handling the needs of the entire building, neighborhood, or association.

Most states require property managers to obtain a real estate license, but this isn’t the case for CAMs. They may or may not have a real estate license, but they should be well-versed in local housing laws and know the rules of the owner’s association that hired them. It is important to properly vet prospective candidates whether you’re seeking a property manager or a CAM.

Why the differences matter
It is important to know the differences between a LCAM and a property manager so that you can hire the right professional for the tasks at hand. From a tenant, unit owner, or vendor perspective, knowing the differences between these two roles can help you determine which person to address with a specific questions or problem.

 


Start a Career as a Licensed Property Manager, Get Licensed!

Do you want to become a Property Manager? SFPMA and our Education Partners Provide State Approved – Online and In classroom courses for Licensing, Educational and instructive information through the association. Find out more about Licensing & Advancement Courses for the property management industry. Get your License Today!    Become a Licensed Property Manager 

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Wishing you a Happy New Year from all of us at SFPMA

Wishing you a Happy New Year from all of us at SFPMA

  • Posted: Dec 30, 2021
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Wishing you a Happy New Year

What a Year!  Throughout this year Condo’s, HOA’s and the Property Management Industry have had so many changes. We are so glad for each and every member company that worked together bringing everything from Services, Business and Management to clients all over Florida.

We especially want to say thank you to our Legal Experts, Firms that kept all of us up to date on the Laws that changed almost weekly.  Along with every Service and Business Member Company who went above and beyond with the care for properties for our Managers.

SFPMA wishes the best for all clients, members and industry professionals all over Florida. 

Happy New Year!

 

          

      

   

      

       

       

       

     

 

 

 

Upcoming Events Calendar: Every Month we have a large list of the Top Events in Florida by SFPMA

Upcoming Events Calendar: Every Month we have a large list of the Top Events in Florida by SFPMA

  • Posted: Dec 28, 2021
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Upcoming Events Calendar: Every Month we have a large list of the Top Events in Florida

by SFPMA/Upcoming Events

Educational Webinars, Online Seminars, Radio Shows that are Available.

Keep up to date with Legal Updates, Webinars, In Class with guidance of all CDC Orders. Safety First.

We have 2 views: the Calendar and List Views – We keep it simple for you to find events that you can take part in.

Courses offered to Community Associations, HOA’s, Board Members and SFPMA members throughout the State of Florida. These lively, interactive and informational courses can be found on the Calendar, some include refreshments many are approved for board member certification or manager continuing education credits. (ECU Credits)

Become a CAM this year – Find our providers on our website.

 

Members can log into the Members portal and send us Events to be listed on the Upcoming Events.


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Members perform services for condo and hoa’s providing everything from Accounting to Window Tinting

Members perform services for condo and hoa’s providing everything from Accounting to Window Tinting

  • Posted: Dec 28, 2021
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Finding the Right Management, Business and Service Company!

Board Members that represent Condos and HOA’s all over Florida. Property Management Companies, Property Owners and Private Landlords that wish to stay informed and up to date with our industry.  Having a reliable source where industry professionals can find top companies is important to them.

  “Having a Trusted Member to care for their Properties through Management, Business Related Services or Maintenance Services” is what they get!

 

Members perform services for condo and hoa’s providing everything from accounting and office management, collections and financing, day to day management oversight with meetings and Legal oversight and compliance. Then there are the maintenance of the properties, Management Members have all of the State of Florida Services and Business members where they can select what they need from 1,000’s of pre screened and licensed companies on our directory. Clients get access to thousands of companies in our industry, These companies are ready to help with everything from Management, Business to Services of your properties.
What you get with your membership!
  • You are listed on our Florida Directory where Clients search to find top companies working in our industry.
  • We Market Companies to Clients from Board Members of Condo and HOA’s all over Florida.
  • Write Articles for our Blog that are sent to our Industry, Let them get to know what you do!
  • Unlike others our Directory is Open.  We have a Top Team that constantly shares about you using Social Media, Articles and Direct Emails and our Publications. Members send us company information we send this information to Clients all over Florida.
  • We have an Industry Publication:  FLORIDA RISING MAGAZINE Read the Florida Rising Magazine –  Members can be placed on the Magazine Directory and take out Advertising so readers can learn more about the services they provide.
  • Take out Advertising in the Magazine and Write Articles published each month. When you take out: (*Half Page and *Full Page Ads)
  • Every new member is given Free Ads in our Magazine for a few months, so readers can learn more about them and their companies.
  • When you Join: Memberships are set up with recurring billing that takes place each year on the month you joined through our business office.

IT STARTS WITH LISTING YOUR COMPANY ON OUR DIRECTORY

“We bring Board Members, Property Managers and Owners to our Website”

Through your Membership you can be seen by the Decision Makers, Through your membership we help with forming relationships in our industry that lead to increased business for your company and lasting relationships for you.

Become a Member!

Get your company listed on the Florida Directory

So Property Managers, Condo & HOA Board Members can find you!

Who are our Clients you ask?

Board Members that represent Condos and HOA’s all over Florida. Property Management Companies, Property Owners and Private Landlords that wish to stay informed and up to date with our industry.  For these people having a reliable source is important to them and with our goal of “Having a Trusted Member to care for their Properties either through Management, Business Related Services or Maintenance Services” is what they get!

 


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”

 

Thank you for deciding to become a member with SFPMA, You’ve made the right choice!

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