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Lake Experts Answer Top 10 FAQs by SOLitude

Lake Experts Answer Top 10 FAQs by SOLitude

  • Posted: Feb 08, 2023
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Our top 10 FAQs blog breaks down common questions about lakes and management practices, including:

 

🐟 If a bunch of fish die, should I assume the water was poisoned?
❔ What is causing the lake’s shoreline to erode?
🌾 Why do the specialists spray some plants and not spray others?

Read all the answers from our experts…

Common Questions About Lake & Pond Management

10 FAQs About Lake Management

Lakes and ponds play a central role in our communities by collecting stormwater, creating recreational opportunities, providing drinking water, and allowing us to nurture our biological desire to spend time around the water. You deserve to have beautiful, clean water to enjoy, but achieving it can be difficult – where should you begin? When you have a better understanding of these complex ecosystems, you’re able to make more informed decisions about how yours is managed. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get started.

1. Why is my pond turning green? Is it normal for my lake or pond to have algae?

Green can be an alarming color when it comes to any body of water, but it doesn’t always reflect unhealthy conditions; plants and algae are natural features in lakes and ponds that provide essential food and habitat to native beneficial species. However, they can get out of control when the aquatic environment becomes imbalanced.

The best way to detect imbalances and identify the plants and algae that are present is through professional water quality testing. The results can help inform your management choices.

2. Why does the pond across the street always look better than mine?

It’s crucial to remember that no two waterbodies are the same. There can be vast physical and chemical characteristics based on hundreds of surprising factors, including water depth, gardening and landscaping practices, the presence of pets or livestock, how the waterbody is used, and even the level of sunlight that penetrates the aquatic ecosystem each day. The contours of the surrounding land may allow pollutants to flow into one waterbody during rainstorms without impacting the other.

While it’s tempting to replicate the maintenance strategies used by the neighbor with the beautiful pond, this underscores the importance of customized management programs. A one-size-fits-all approach will rarely yield the long-term results you desire.

3. How is the pond behind my Florida home different from one in Michigan?

As you know, all aquatic ecosystems are unique, but the reasons can extend far beyond water depth or landscaping. Seasonal weather patterns, climate, rainfall, and other regional factors will have a powerful impact.

For instance, many lakes and ponds in Florida are exposed to brackish water, especially during flooding and hurricanes. The higher salinity (accumulation of salt) can significantly alter the chemical composition of the waterbody. Likewise, Florida waterbodies are now home to many invasive plants and animals, which pose unique challenges that require different solutions. Undesirable plant growth is further accelerated by the intense humidity in Florida, which leads to more frequent maintenance.

This is not to say that waterbodies are healthier in one state versus the other; they all face similar obstacles, but the strategies and management styles may differ dramatically.

4. If a bunch of fish die, should I assume the water was poisoned?

Fish kills are rare and are sometimes connected to poisoning, but many fish kills occur naturally due to insufficient dissolved oxygen levels. Oxygen can be impacted by the level of sunlight, recent rain storms or forceful weather events, excess vegetation growth, or the transition of the seasons. However, they are preventable.

Many aquatic experts recommend fountains and aeration systems to keep dissolved oxygen levels balanced throughout the entire water column through consistent mixing. Preventing the growth of aquatic weeds and filamentous algae will also free up the water column to maximize the benefits of circulation.

Finally, testing dissolved oxygen levels on a recurring basis will help you identify and get ahead of oxygen imbalances before the fish population is affected. If lab reports indicate that dissolved oxygen levels are sufficient, then it may be worth consulting with your professional about the possibility of pollution or poisoning.

5. What is a stormwater retention pond?

Stormwater facilities (also known as BMPs) are structures that play a vital and multifaceted role in the preservation of our surrounding wetland and aquatic ecosystems. These systems are typically constructed in relation to residential and commercial development infrastructure that increases impervious surfaces and overland stormwater flow. They provide the essential temporary collection of stormwater in order to allow for filtration and basic improvement of water quality (removal of sediment, organic debris, animal waste, fertilizers, and other contaminants/nutrients) before entering natural wetland systems.

For this reason, it is critical that these specially designed and constructed systems remain functioning as intended and maintain pond compliance with local, state, and federal stormwater regulations.

6. What is causing the lake’s shoreline to erode?

Erosion is natural. It gradually happens as rainwater flows into lakes and ponds and when wildlife interact with the ecosystem. But recreation, landscaping, and urban development also influence the rate at which erosion occurs. Gutter downspouts and pavement concentrate and accelerate the flow of runoff over the shoreline. As sediment accumulates at the bottom, it reduces depth and volume – increasing the risk of flooding. Stormwater runoff also picks up animal waste, trash, leaves, lawn clippings, and other organic materials that promote nuisance weeds, algae, toxic cyanobacteria, and other water quality issues.

Though shoreline erosion is inevitable, it can be slowed and even reversed with the right management tools and strategies. Professionals encourage the introduction of beneficial buffer plants that are native to your region. Flowering, deep-rooted species can help hold the shoreline in place and deter people and nuisance animals like geese from venturing too close to the water’s edge. Shorelines can also be bioengineered for improved stability and aesthetics using a patented mesh technology called SOX Solutions.

7. Why does the shallow area near the shoreline have plants growing in it? Are those plants invasive?

Emergent plant species generally grow in shallow water near shorelines. Your lake management professional can help you determine if the species is native or invasive, and walk you through maintenance options if undesirable growth is identified.

Some invasive weeds are aesthetically pleasing. Purple loosestrife, for example, is known for its gorgeous purple blooms. However, invasive plants are detrimental to the ecosystems they invade by crowding out native plants and displacing the wildlife that relies on them for food and shelter. Without intervention, exotic weeds can quickly repopulate and spread to other ecosystems nearby.

It’s important to have regular inspections of your waterbody and consult with your lake management professional if you suspect an invasive plant has taken root.

8. Why do the specialists spray some plants and not spray others?

Every plant species is unique. From their physical characteristics to their growth patterns to their methods of repopulation, plants vary widely – and so do the methods used to manage them. Spraying may be the most effective management style for some. Others may respond best to cutting, burning, or physically pulling.

Stakeholders also have different goals, budgets, and priorities. Some may prefer to swiftly manage undesirable plants using herbicides while others desire a more holistic approach that targets the “root cause” of the growth. This typically means addressing shoreline erosion and balancing water quality with nutrient mitigation products like AlumPhoslock, or EutroSORB.

9. Won’t the algae or weed products harm the fish and wildlife?

All herbicides and algaecides used by professional lake managers have gone through rigorous testing and are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Licensed aquatic experts also have access to advanced products that are designed to target the specific growth mechanisms in nuisance and invasive species without impacting desirable plants, wildlife, or people.

These products are considered very low risk when applied by licensed professionals. Furthermore, certain weeds and algae species can actually be detrimental to an aquatic ecosystem. Invasive plants are known to outcompete native growth and displace beneficial wildlife, threatening the biodiversity of our local ecosystems. And nuisance algae like cyanobacteria (also known as Harmful Algal Blooms or blue-green algae) can develop toxins that are fatal to fish and birds, as well as dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.

Your lake manager will be able to help you understand these intricate dynamics and weigh the management options that align best with your priorities.

10. Can’t we just let the pond take care of itself naturally?

Lakes and ponds have natural checks and balances that keep them in a healthy, functional state with a flourishing food chain. But the rise of urban development, pollution, deforestation, mass agriculture, and other human activities has created new challenges that may overwhelm the ecosystem. In unbalanced conditions, lakes and ponds are more likely to experience aquatic weeds, algae and toxic cyanobacteria, fish kills, bad odors, muck development, flooding, and other problems.

These human-caused factors will not go away, but proactive management can help reduce their influence on our aquatic ecosystems. Annual Management Programs provide ongoing, professional care to maintain a healthy waterbody and catch potential problems before they get out of hand. Over time, annual maintenance approaches are often more effective and affordable for many stakeholders.


Achieve the Water You Desire with SOLitude

You value your waterbody – and so do we. We’re committed to arming you with knowledge and resources to help you visualize your ideal lake or pond and understand how to achieve it. As your partner, we’ll guide you every step of the way, so you can have peace of mind that your waterbody is on the right track at all times.

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What Are the Duties of Condominium Boards?

What Are the Duties of Condominium Boards?

  • Posted: Feb 06, 2023
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What Are the Duties of Condominium Boards?

Condominium boards have complete management responsibility for their community. Even if they outsource some duties to a professional management company, boards still retain these responsibilities. Since individual homeowners, who may not be well-versed in real estate management and legal issues, serve on these boards, all members should understand their duties and responsibilities. Condominium boards should also retain experienced legal counsel and/or accountants to be information resources and advisers.

Condominium Association Bylaws

Board members must become intimately familiar with their condominium association bylaws. Management of all condominiums is governed by the association bylaws. Board members must understand all items addressed in the bylaws, often called the “condo docs.” Further, boards must learn all state statutes that relate to bylaw subjects and strictly follow the letter of state laws to avoid legal problems.

Common Areas and Building Exteriors

The condominium association board must maintain–and keep in good repair–all common areas and building exteriors. Common areas are those used by all unit owners who have deeded title to small percentages of these areas. These areas include building lobbies, open land or parks, tennis courts, pools and other amenities available to all residents. Whether a high-rise style, townhouses or cluster housing, building exteriors require maintenance and repair, particularly the siding and roofs.

Condominium Association Budget

Creating and managing the association budget is a critical duty for condominium boards. The most common reason for condominium problems is mismanagement or misuse of the budget. Association boards without an experienced accountant as a member should consider getting advice from an outside CPA to ensure that their budget is reasonable and complete. Condominium budgets should be built like those of nonprofit corporations. By estimating expenses, including insurance, landscaping, trash removal and similar operating costs for the coming year, the association board determines the amount of monthly individual homeowner assessments, commonly called “condo fees.”

Maintenance and Repair Reserves

Along with operating expenses, the association must carefully consider the funds needed as “reserves” for maintenance and repair. As part of the budgetary process, establishing realistic reserves is often overlooked by association boards, sometimes with dire consequences. For example, picture a 48-unit high-rise condominium, with each unit having a suspended wooden deck for relaxing and entertaining. Decks need periodic staining and water protection applications. Further, on older condominium projects, deck replacement would be needed at some point. Neglecting to build reserves into the annual budget for deck maintenance and replacement could result in “special homeowner assessments” of thousands of dollars. Condominium boards must diligently add these to annual budgets to build up cash to make these repairs.

Collecting Assessments

Monthly homeowner assessments–condo fees–must be collected by condominium boards. While most condominium bylaws permit boards to place liens on individual units for unpaid condo fees, liens do not equal money. Unit owners may not refinance or sell their homes for many years, leaving the condominium association short of funds to meet budget and reserve demands. Boards have a duty to establish an effective collection policy, much like a bank, to ensure consistent monthly cash flow into the association account to meet operating expenses.

Fiduciary Duty

Condominium associations must fulfill their fiduciary responsibility to manage the project in a businesslike and conservative manner. Depending on the size of the condominium project, association boards may manage many dollars and complex business issues. Fiduciary duty is typically measured by evaluating the actions of individuals or groups that “reasonably prudent” persons would take. For example, neglecting to collect condo fees, putting sufficient reserves in the budget or not completing necessary repairs is a breach of fiduciary responsibility. Condominium boards usually have individual and collective fiduciary responsibility and could be subject to serious lawsuits from unit owners for failing to act prudently.

 

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Pickleball and Tennis Courts Contractors for Florida Condo & HOA’s – Mor Sports Group

Pickleball and Tennis Courts Contractors for Florida Condo & HOA’s – Mor Sports Group

The State of Florida is widely regarded as the pickleball capital of the world, PickleBall is one of the fastest growing recreational sports in America. In Florida alone, there are over 10,000 PickleBall players. The sport is extremely popular with seniors ages 50 plus as an alternative to tennis and table tennis. 

Pickleball gives you a good aerobic workout without as much stress and strain on joints and muscles, as mentioned above. The endorphins and other bioamines that are released with all exercise are useful in elevating self-esteem and combating depression – both problems that can come with older age.

 

Do your Buildings have Pickleball Courts? If not you need to add this to one of the Amenities for all of your Owners in your Condo & HOA Associations.

 

MOR SPORTS GROUP

Contact Mor Sports Group

Gary Morton CHST SMS

Group Technical and Sales Manager

239-560-8613

Gary@morsportsgroup.com

16120 Lee Road, Suite 150, Fort Myers 33912

http://www.morsportsgroup.com

 

When you choose Mor Sports Group you will be given owner entry to our internal project management software which will give you access to all scheduling, daily logs, planning and much more. You will have constant communication with all our staff from our in house installers onsite performing works right through to our foreman and operation managers who are there to ensure your project vision is completed .

We are proud of the reputation we have created at Mor Sports and we will do everything to ensure that our reputation continues to grow, aiming to create long term Clients who always think first of Mor Sports for their repeat business.

We are ready to install Pickleball Courts for your buildings

Playing Surface installation

All of the installation of the cushion and playing system was undertaken by our own in house, trained and experienced employees.Firstly, the asphalt pavement was checked for irregularities. To check for isolated “bird baths”, the asphalt pavement was flooded with water to check for planarity levels and to identify any low isolated areas.

Any low areas were patched and levelled and minor irregularities were attended to. To correct these minor surface irregularities, a filler coat was applied. This coat is an acrylic binder mixed with Portland cement and a sand aggregate.

 


SFPMA keeps you up to date with everything from Legal Advances, Business Advances and Service advances in Florida’s Condo, HOA and Property Management Industry.  On our Members Directory everyone can find the Top Companies working in our industry. 

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CIPP lining is an alternative solution that installs a new pipe into the existing one. by PRS

CIPP lining is an alternative solution that installs a new pipe into the existing one. by PRS

  • Posted: Jan 25, 2023
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Replacing sewer lines can be expensive and invasive to your landscaping. CIPP lining is an alternative solution that installs a new pipe into the existing one. This method can be used with main, waster, commercial, and residential lines

At PRS we do what is called CIPP “Cured In Place Pipe” lining. This process is virtually no dig or trenchless pipe replacement. We take the structure of your old failing sewer line and create a new, seamless pipe inside your old pipe. We do this all from previous existing pipe access points that allows us to complete this process with no invasive digging, no destruction to your property, and much faster than conventional pipe replacement.  Our CIPP lining method is almost always compatible with all types of pipe systems. This includes main lines, sanitary/waste systems, commercial/industrial systems, and even residential and municipal systems. This process is leaps and bounds above typical conventional plumbing replacement. Save yourself the headache, time, and money and give us a call to see how we can assist you with our CIPP Lining.

PRS is a State of Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor that specializes in full pipe restoration.


Whether it be sanitary sewer or storm, potable water, fire suppression or HVAC chiller lines, our goal is to provide solutions to the failing piping infrastructure utilizing the latest plumbing and trenchless technology available. We also carry a State of Florida Class “A” General Contractor’s license which sets us apart. This allows us to really understand and prepare to deal with accessing the failing pipe. If needed, we are bondable and carry a low bonding rate through our surety company.

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Florida Condo & HOA Expos – COME MEET HUNDRED’S of CONDOMINIUM AND HOA VENDORS AND TAKE CONDO AND HOA EDUCATIONAL CLASSES AND SEMINARS ALL DAY LONG

Florida Condo & HOA Expos – COME MEET HUNDRED’S of CONDOMINIUM AND HOA VENDORS AND TAKE CONDO AND HOA EDUCATIONAL CLASSES AND SEMINARS ALL DAY LONG

  • Posted: Jan 20, 2023
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Condo HOA Expos Florida Dates – You Will Safely Find – Top Companies working together in our Industry!
Sign up for the Safe Networking and Educational Events!

COME MEET HUNDRED’S of CONDOMINIUM AND HOA VENDORS AND TAKE CONDO AND HOA EDUCATIONAL CLASSES AND SEMINARS ALL DAY LONG

 


BROWARD COUNTY CONDO & HOA EXPO

 

AT THE SIGNATURE GRAND IN BROWARD
6900 W State RD 84
Davie, FL 33317

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Seminars: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Exhibits: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

REGISTER HERE

 


PALM BEACH CONDO & HOA EXPO

Palm Beach County Convention Center
650 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Tuesday, February 22, 2023

9am – 4:45pm

REGISTER HERE

 


TAMPA BAY CONDO HOA EXPO

 

AT THE TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER
333 S. Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 33602

FEBRUARY 28TH, 2023

Seminars: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Exhibits: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm 


Find and share this with others,

Condo HOA Expos Florida Dates – You Will Safely Find – Top Companies working together in our Industry! Sign up for the Safe Networking and Educational Events!

Reliable Technology for Peace of Mind

Reliable Technology for Peace of Mind

  • Posted: Dec 28, 2022
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Reliable Technology for Peace of Mind

Every facility, be it a private home, apartment complex, condo building, or hotel is threatened by water leaks issues. The cost of this damage to the population runs in the hundreds of millions of dollars and represent about 48% of insurance claims*. Burst hoses connecting refrigerators, washing machines or dishwashers; overflowing sinks and toilet bowls; leaky pipes and damaged water heaters or AC units are all sources of this destruction. And it seems that every leak in a high-rise building always occurs on the top floor when no one is at home, multiplying the catastrophic consequences.

Fortunately, there is now a reliable, cost-effective solution to prevent and detect water-related damage, with the associated insurance claims, repairs, and personal losses. The answer is AKWA Technologies, an innovative, customizable solution designed for residential and commercial buildings. The AKWA Technologies system,100% manufactured in Quebec, Canada, has a advanced design, and is fully autonomous, as an alarm system. It consists of a Master Valve installed on the property’s incoming water line with a Water Alarm Controller that supervises the entire system. Discreet Wireless leak sensors are placed at all water sources, including sinks, toilets, and other water appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, etc. An optional Flow sensor can be added for invisible leaks inside the walls and water usage management.

When water is detected in any of these locations, a signal is immediately sent to the Master Valve and the incoming water is shut off. This will minimize the flooding and prevent critical damage. An alarm will sound and notifications are sent to designated parties reporting the occurrence. The benefits of this customizable system are many. They include cost-effective installation with minimum disruption, elimination of expensive repairs and remediation caused by flooding, potential saving on insurance costs, and of course, your peace of mind.

Whether you are sleeping, at work, or on vacation halfway around the world, your domicile is safe with a solution that does not need Wi-Fi to be functional and requires very low maintenance. Water to your home can be shut off manually, from a distance or automatically when leaving your property for a long period of time. Whether you are a property manager or an individual user, you can manage your properties remotely from anywhere on the planet and keep your peace of mind!

 

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Charging into the Future! Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in your Community

Charging into the Future! Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in your Community

  • Posted: Dec 28, 2022
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Charging into the Future! Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in your Community

Through innovation, electric vehicles are trending in popularity, and are becoming more commonplace in society. As more people are considering to buy electric vehicles, thought has to be also given on how to provide the means to charge them. While single family home owners install charging stations for their vehicle as part of their vehicle buying considerations, communities such as Condominium Associations that have common element parking facilities generally do not have existing car charging facilities for their residents. Associations may look to the future of their Community, and may consider the value and feasibility for installing charging stations. Having charging stations is a potential selling point for prospective residents, as some may currently use electric vehicles and would prefer residences with charging facilities. For current residents, it can also be seen as a perk, as it allows them the option to acquire an electric vehicle that they otherwise could not have practical usage of. In some situations, Associations also will need to address legislation on car charging stations that might affect the existing Association’s rules/bylaws in regards to these stations.

However, as many Communities were originally built without consideration to future charging stations, Associations will need to determine how robust their existing electrical infrastructure is to accept these new installations. The Falcon Group can help your Community with your charging station needs. We can provide an assessment of the existing site and existing electrical systems, and identify key points of the feasibility of installing new charging stations, such as:

Determination of existing electrical capacity
Quantity of charging stations based on available space and electrical capacity.
Potential locations the charging stations
Required real estate for new electrical infrastructure for the charging stations.
Recommendations of electrical system upgrades (including service upgrades) needed to meet your Community’s target.
Potential federal/state incentives for installing charging stations.

Falcon also offers full design, bidding and construction administration services for charging station installations that meets your Community’s needs.

Contact The Falcon Group today and one of our experts will focus on all of your building and association’s specific needs.

Reza Koosha-Mirsaidi

Senior Electrical Engineer

 

 

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3 Strategies to Keep Winter’s Wrath From Damaging Your Floors, Get ahead of any seasonal flooring concerns with a few key steps

3 Strategies to Keep Winter’s Wrath From Damaging Your Floors, Get ahead of any seasonal flooring concerns with a few key steps

  • Posted: Dec 27, 2022
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3 Strategies to Keep Winter’s Wrath From Damaging Your Floors

Get ahead of any seasonal flooring concerns with a few key steps

Cold weather and all that comes with it is notoriously tough on floors. Carpet and hard floors alike bear the brunt of tracked-in moisture, debris, and ice-melting chemicals and compounds.

The exact cost of ignoring this problem is hard to pinpoint, but it tends to be higher than most facility managers expect. When the outdoors comes indoors, it can set the stage for severe issues.

Take slick spots, for instance. When some deicers mix with cleaning solutions on smooth floors, they can create occupant slip-and-fall risks. Even if they don’t leave an oily and dangerous residue, deicers like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride can damage and dull anything from polished terrazzo to shiny concrete. And nothing wears down textile fibers faster than a constant barrage of everything from ice melt to sleet-coated soil.

Is there a workaround to this winter beating? Absolutely. It just comes down to old-fashioned preparation. And this year, planning for cold weather’s wrath on interior flooring has been more important than ever.

The winter of 2021-2022 has been uniquely challenging for facility managers because the supply chain has been disrupted to such an extent that it might be difficult  to get on-demand cleaning products, replacement assets, and other manufactured materials. What used to take three weeks to receive could now take three months—or longer. Plus, people don’t occupy buildings the same way they once did. Remote and hybrid working arrangements have changed the face of work and the flow of people in and out of spaces.

Knowing all these factors, facility managers can make sure they get ahead of any seasonal flooring concerns with a few key steps:

1. Map out foot traffic expectations.

As supplies might be harder to come by this winter amid supply chain and other disruptions, facility managers will want to be careful about where they allocate resources. Updating foot traffic maps is a great place to start.

Foot traffic maps from past years might now be irrelevant with today’s remote or hybrid working arrangements. This year, facility managers will want to talk with everyone from building occupants to vendors to determine which areas will be used most and when.

This type of diligence is more necessary than it might seem at first. Pre-pandemic, employees might have used conference rooms daily. Now that everyone’s gathering on Zoom, however, the same rooms might sit largely vacant. On the other hand, the extra kitchen that few people used once upon a time might be used daily now that everyone’s trying to maintain social distancing.

Some devices can help measure the density of people in any given space to give facility managers accurate, data-driven insights about where moisture and debris are coming into their buildings. Facility managers should also seek input from building occupants to get the full scope of traffic expectations. With this information in hand, facility managers can coordinate with their teams and building service contractors to set up effective and convenient cleaning rhythms.

2. Install entryway systems at active doorways.

Any building entrance people use regularly should have about 20 feet of walk-off matting and runners in a properly designed entryway system. This will prevent people from tracking in mud, particulates, and moisture.

The proper design for an entryway system includes three zones: the first should scrape shoes to remove dirt and soil, the second should scrape and absorb to remove wetness and any leftover particles, and the last should absorb to take care of any remaining moisture.

But even the most strategically placed entryway systems will fail to be effective for long if facility managers don’t prioritize maintaining them. After catching so much soil and moisture, mats and runners become saturated and can’t hold onto any more debris. Daily vacuuming will prevent saturation to maintain efficiency.

3. Learn about the chemistry behind deicer products.

Ice melt and rock salt work well to keep parking lots and sidewalks from freezing, but they aren’t friends of flooring. Potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium chloride all affect both carpeted and hard-surface floors. For example, floors coated with polyurethane finishes may take on slippery oily sheens or stains when exposed to ice melt for long periods. Even if the ice melt dries, it can leave a film that attracts dirt.

Facility managers might not have a say in what type of deicer is used outside, but they can test how chemicals in different products react to their buildings’ floor surfaces. Testing in inconspicuous places during lower traffic times can give facility managers a better understanding of how to keep floors consistently clean and safe through the winter.

Snow, sleet, ice, and chemicals can cause serious and even dangerous issues. But these problems are avoidable with the proper level of foresight. Facility managers should always plan ahead to protect their floors and their building occupants through the winter.

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3-D Paving & Sealcoating is the first choice for South Florida Property Managers, Community Managers and Commercial Property Management Firms.

3-D Paving & Sealcoating is the first choice for South Florida Property Managers, Community Managers and Commercial Property Management Firms.

  • Posted: Dec 27, 2022
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3-D Paving and Sealcoating

3-D Paving & Sealcoating is the first choice for South Florida Property Managers, Community Managers and Commercial Property Management Firms. We are a one-stop for total pavement care.
No matter what your pavement problems may be, 3-D Paving has the solutions.
Call us toll free –> 1-855-735-ROAD (7623)
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New Florida laws take effect in January, including from recent special session / SFPMA

New Florida laws take effect in January, including from recent special session / SFPMA

  • Posted: Dec 27, 2022
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New Florida laws take effect in January.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — The new year means a few new Florida laws will go into effect, after passage during the 2022 legislative session, as well as the bills passed in December’s special session.

Eight new laws go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. Among the various bills’ effects, Floridians can expect changes to newborn healthcare, public notices, and ways to file taxes in 2023.

Arguably the least controversial is a bill that requires newborns to be tested for congenital cytomegalovirus within three weeks of birth. CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the United States.

The virus affects one in every 200 babies each year. Senate Bill 292, passed with widespread support in the March 2022 legislative session, aims to catch long term health problems that cmv causes like hearing and vision loss.

Also taking effect in January is a bill allowing local government agencies the option to publish legal notices on a publicly accessible website instead of in a print newspaper.

House Bill 7049 also takes effect Jan. 1, 2023, but hasn’t seen the uniform support that the newborn screening bill did. Lawmakers weighed in on the impacts.

“This is the most available legal notices will be for people in the history of Florida,” Sen. Jason Brodeur (R-Lake Mary).

However, former Sen. Gary Farmer (D-Broward), the former Senate minority leader, argued against the bill.

“The bottom line is the underlying intent of bills like this throughout the country are to weaken news outlets and close the vice grip of corporate control over the news,” Farmer said.

Another piece of legislation, Senate Bill 2514 allows more taxpayers to file taxes electronically by authorizing the Florida Department of Revenue to lower the payment threshold from $20,000 to $5,000.

Those were just a few of the laws going into effect next year. Also starting in January are the bills passed during the December special session of the legislature focused on property insurancetoll relief, and Hurricane disaster recovery.


2022 Laws Already in Effect:

ADVERTISING
  • HJR 1: Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Specified Critical Public Service Workforce
  • SB 58: Relief of Yeilyn Quiroz Otero by Miami-Dade County
  • SB 70: Relief of Donna Catalano by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  • SB 74: Relief of Harry Augustin Shumow/Public Health Trust of Miami-Dade County, d/b/a Jackson Memorial Hospital
  • SB 80: Relief of Christeia Jones/Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • SB 96: Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund
  • SB 98: Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund
  • SB 156: Loss Run Statements
  • HB 159: Pub. Rec./Lottery Winners
  • SB 282: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
  • SB 288: Electronic Dissemination of Commercial Recordings and Audiovisual Works
  • SB 350: Procedures for Petitions for Utility Rate Relief
  • HB 395: “Victims of Communism Day”
  • HB 397: Court Fiscal Administration
  • SB 364: Specialty License Plates
  • SB 430: Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
  • SB 434: Florida Tourism Marketing
  • SB 438: United States Space Force
  • HB 455: Rupert J Smith Law Library, St. Lucie County
  • HB 457: St. Lucie County
  • HB 461: Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program Student Service Requirements
  • HB 471: Town of Lake Clarke Shores, Palm Beach County
  • SB 494: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
  • HB 513: Comprehensive Review Study of the Central and Southern Florida Project
  • SB 514: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Educational Requirements
  • SB 518: Private Property Rights to Prune, Trim, and Remove Trees
  • SB 520: Public Records and Public Meetings
  • SB 524: Election Administration
  • SB 534: Prescription Drugs Used in the Treatment of Schizophrenia for Medicaid Recipients
  • HB 535: Barefoot Bay Recreation District, Brevard County
  • HB 539: Nursing Home Financial Reporting
  • SB 542: Evidentiary Standards for Actions Arising During an Emergency
  • HB 543: Uterine Fibroid Research and Education
  • SB 544: Drug-related Overdose Prevention
  • SB 566: Mental Health Professional Licensure
  • SB 638: Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Pilot Program
  • SB 704: Substance Abuse Service Providers
  • HB 749: Fraud Prevention
  • SB 846: Florida Statutes
  • SB 848: Florida Statutes
  • SB 850: Florida Statutes
  • SB 852: Florida Statutes
  • HB 873: Pub. Rec./Execution Information
  • HB 893: Child Welfare Placements
  • HB 895: Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District, Manatee and Sarasota Counties
  • HB 925: Benchmark Replacements for London Interbank Offered Rate
  • SB 926: Licensure Examinations for Dental Practitioners
  • HB 927: Downtown Crystal River Entertainment District, Citrus County
  • HB 929: City of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County
  • SB 934: Public Records/Homelessness Counts and Information Systems
  • SB 962: Residential Development Projects for Affordable Housing
  • SB 968: Individual Retirement Accounts
  • SB 988: In-person Visitation
  • HB 993: Sebring Airport Authority, Highlands County
  • HB 1045: West Villages Improvement District, Sarasota County
  • SB 1046: Public Records/Law Enforcement Geolocation Information
  • HB 1047: Cedar Hammock Fire Control District, Manatee County
  • SB 1048: Student Assessments
  • HB 1057: Evidence of Vendor Financial Stability
  • SB 1058: Property Insurer Reimbursements
  • SB 1062: Service of Process
  • SB 1078: Soil and Water Conservation Districts
  • HB 1103: North River Ranch Improvement Stewardship District, Manatee County
  • HB 1105: Lake County Water District, Lake County
  • HB 1107: City of Inverness, Citrus County
  • HB 1135: Santa Rosa County
  • HB 1189: Firefighters’ Relief and Pension Fund of the City of Pensacola, Escambia County
  • SB 1222: Acute and Post-acute Hospital Care at Home
  • HB 1231: East Lake Tarpon Community, Pinellas County
  • SB 1239: Nursing Homes
  • SB 1380: Real Property Rights
  • HB 1423: City of Edgewood, Orange County
  • HB 1427: Hillsborough County Aviation Authority
  • HB 1429: City of Ocala, Marion County
  • HB 1431: City of Apopka, Orange County
  • HB 1433: Orange County
  • HB 1435: Code and Traffic Enforcement
  • HB 1475: Cleanup of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
  • HB 1495: Immokalee Water and Sewer District, Collier County
  • HB 1497: City of Jacksonville, Duval County
  • HB 1499: City of Key West, Monroe County
  • HB 1563: Homestead Property Tax Exemptions for Classroom Teachers, Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Child Welfare Professionals, and Servicemembers
  • HB 1581: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
  • HB 1583: Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, Escambia County
  • HB 1591: Hernando County
  • SB 1614: Public Records/Motor Vehicle Crashes/Traffic Citations
  • SB 1658: Executive Appointments
  • SB 1808: Immigration Enforcement
  • SB 2516: Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims
  • HB 6513: Relief/Kareem Hawari/Osceola County School Board
  • SB 7014: Civil Liability for Damages Relating to COVID-19
  • HB 7027: The Judicial Branch

Taking Effect in July:

  • HB 3: Law Enforcement
  • HB 5: Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality
  • HB 7: Individual Freedom
  • HB 31: Firefighter Inquiries and Investigations
  • HB 45: Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans
  • HB 105: Regulation of Smoking By Counties and Municipalities
  • SB 144: Identification Cards
  • SB 160: Transportation-related Facility Designations
  • HB 173: Care of Students with Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders
  • HB 195: Juvenile Diversion Program Expunction
  • SB 196: Florida Housing Finance Corporation
  • HB 197: Pub. Rec./Nonjudicial Arrest Record of a Minor
  • SB 222: Swimming Pool Specialty Contracting Services
  • SB 224: Regulation of Smoking in Public Places
  • HB 225: Charter School Charters
  • SB 226: Care for Retired Police Dogs
  • SB 235: Restraint of Students with Disabilities in Public Schools
  • SB 236: Children with Developmental Delays
  • SB 254: Religious Institutions
  • HB 255: Private Instructional Personnel Providing Applied Behavior Analysis Services
  • SB 266: Motor Vehicle Insurance
  • SB 282: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
  • SB 288: Electronic Dissemination of Commercial Recordings and Audiovisual Works
  • SB 312: Telehealth
  • SB 350: Procedures for Petitions for Utility Rate Relief
  • SB 352: Construction Liens
  • HB 357: Pharmacies and Pharmacy Benefit Managers
  • HB 375: Structural Engineering Recognition Program for Professional Engineers
  • HB 381: Breach of Bond Costs
  • HB 397: Court Fiscal Administration
  • SB 418: Assistive Technology Advisory Council
  • HB 423: Building Regulation
  • SB 442: Powers of Land Authorities
  • HB 453: Officer and Firefighter Physical Examination Requirements and Records
  • SB 454: Florida Commission on Offender Review
  • HB 469: Patient Care in Health Care Facilities
  • SB 474: Recreational Off-highway Vehicles
  • HB 481: Temporary Underground Power Panels
  • HB 459: Step-therapy Protocols
  • HB 469: Patient Care in Health Care Facilities
  • SB 514: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
  • SB 518: Private Property Rights to Prune, Trim, and Remove Trees
  • SB 534: Prescription Drugs Used in the Treatment of Schizophrenia for Medicaid Recipients
  • HB 539: Nursing Home Financial Reporting
  • SB 542 Evidentiary Standards for Actions Arising During an Emergency
  • HB 543: Uterine Fibroid Research and Education
  • SB 544: Drug-related Overdose Prevention
  • SB 562: Military Occupational Licensure
  • HB 593: Telecommunicator Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • SB 596: Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsels
  • SB 598: Public Records/Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel Office
  • SB 606: Boating Safety
  • HB 615: Human Trafficking
  • HB 631: Airport Funding
  • SB 632: Occupational Therapy
  • SB 634: Judicial Notice
  • HB 689: Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  • SB 706: School Concurrency
  • SB 722: Education for Student Inmates
  • SB 752: Probationary or Supervision Services for Misdemeanor Offenders
  • SB 758: Education
  • SB 768: Department of Health
  • SB 806: Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Forms of Dementia Education and Public Awareness
  • HB 817: Emergency Medical Care and Treatment to Minors Without Parental Consent
  • HB 837: Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program
  • SB 838: Fire Investigators
  • SB 854: Florida Statutes
  • HB 855: Managed Care Plan Performance
  • SB 856: Private Provider Inspections of Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems
  • SB 882: Inventories of Critical Wetlands
  • SB 896: Educator Certification Pathways for Veterans
  • SB 898: Lodging Standards
  • HB 899: Mental Health of Students
  • HB 909: Pollution Control Standards and Liability
  • SB 914: Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • HB 915: Commercial Motor Vehicle Registration
  • HB 921: Campaign Financing
  • HB 959: Department of Financial Services
  • HB 963: Funding for Sheriffs
  • HB 965: Environmental Management
  • HB 967: Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification
  • SB 1000: Nutrient Application Rates
  • SB 1006: State Symbols
  • SB 1012: Victims of Crimes
  • HB 1023: Insolvent Insurers
  • SB 1038: Florida Seaport Transportation and economic Development Council
  • SB 1048: Student Assessments
  • SB 1054: Financial Literacy Instruction in Public Schools
  • HB 1097: Florida Citrus
  • HB 1099: Living Organ Donors in Insurance Policies
  • SB 1110: Grease Waste Removal and Disposal
  • HB 1119: Grandparent Visitation Rights
  • SB 1140: Alarm Systems
  • SB 1186: Agritourism
  • SB 1190: Two-way Radio Communication Enhancement Systems
  • HB 1209: Administration of Vaccines
  • SB 1222: Acute and Post-acute Hospital Care at Home
  • SB 1236: County and Municipal Detention Facilities
  • SB 1244: Statutes of Limitation for Offenses Relating to Sexual Performance by a Child
  • SB 1246: County and Municipal Detention Facilities
  • HB 1249: Treatment of Defendants Adjudicated Incompetent to Stand Trial
  • SB 1262: Mental Health and Substance Abuse
  • SB 1304: Public Records/Trust Proceedings
  • HB 1349: Guardianship Data Transparency
  • SB 1360: Governor’s Medal of Freedom
  • SB 1368: Trusts
  • SB 1374: Clinical Laboratory Testing
  • HB 1411: Floating Solar Facilities
  • HB 1421: School Safety
  • SB 1432: Vessel Anchoring
  • HB 1445: OGSR/Dependent Eligibility Information/DMS, contingent upon SB 7026
  • HB 1467: K-12 Education
  • HB 1469: Transportation Facility Designations
  • SB 1474: Online Training for Private Security Officers
  • SB 1502: Estates and Trusts
  • SB 1526: Public Records/Annuity Contract Payees
  • SB 1552: Direct-support Organization for the Florida Prepaid College Board
  • HB 1557: Parental Rights in Education
  • HB 1577: Homeless Youth
  • SB 1680: Financial Institutions
  • SB 1712: Veteran Suicide Prevention Training Pilot Program
  • SB 1764: Municipal Solid Waste-to-Energy Program
  • SB 1770: Donor Human Milk Bank Services
  • SB 1844: Mental Health and Substance Abuse
  • SB 1950: Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Program
  • SB 2510: Florida Gaming Control Commission
  • SB 2518: Information Technology
  • SB 2524: Education
  • SB 2526: Health
  • SB 2530: Motor Vehicle Title Fees
  • HB 5001: General Appropriations Act
  • HB 5003: Implementing the 2022-2023 General Appropriations Act
  • HB 5005: Collective Bargaining
  • HB 5007: State-administered Retirement Systems
  • HB 5009: State Group Insurance Program
  • HB 5301: Capitol Complex
  • SB 7026: OGSR/Dependent Eligibility Verification Services
  • HB 7029: Time Limitations for Preadjudicatory Juvenile Detention Care
  • SB 7034: Child Welfare
  • SB 7036: Lifeline Telecommunications Service
  • SB 7044: Postsecondary Education
  • HB 7053: Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience
  • HB 7055: Cybersecurity
  • HB 7057: Pub. Rec. and Meetings/Cybersecurity, contingent upon HB 7055
  • HB 7065: Child Welfare
  • HB 7071: Taxation

Laws Taking Effect in 2023

  • HB 273: Money Services Businesses, takes effect Jan. 1, 2023
  • SB 292: Newborn Screenings, takes effect Jan. 1, 2023
  • SB 336: Uniform Commercial Code, takes effect Jan. 1, 2023
  • SB 754: Mobile Home Registration Periods, takes effect Sept. 1, 2023
  • HB 7049: Legal Notices, takes effect Jan. 1, 2023

 

Speed Up Your Holiday Package Intake by 80% with ImageR by Richard Worth Building Link

Speed Up Your Holiday Package Intake by 80% with ImageR by Richard Worth Building Link

  • Posted: Dec 22, 2022
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Speed Up Your Holiday Package Intake by 80% with ImageR by Richard Worth Building Link

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speed Up Your Holiday Package Intake by 80% with ImageR

Twinkling lights, snowy nights, and trees adorned with festive ornaments and ribbons of yellow and gold. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, which means only one thing for your front office staff: the holiday package invasion is here! Logging packages can take a long time. With all of Santa’s deliveries piling up, this can distract your team from providing your residents with the service they deserve.

When you’re ready to speed things up, ImageR is here to help. Our revolutionary smartphone-based and AI-powered package scanning function reduces the average time to enter packages from nearly one minute to less than eight seconds. With ImageR, your team will fly through delivery processing like Rudolph the night before Christmas. More than 3,600 properties worldwide are now processing about 800,000 packages a month with ImageR, and it can help make your front office operations far more efficient year-round as well.

How ImageR Works

Utilizing Image Recognition, AI, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR), ImageR turns any smartphone into a package processing powerhouse. Paired with BuildingLink’s GEO app (our iOS and Android app for management), any phone with a working camera can read labels, scan barcodes, and match resident names to packages. Beyond reading package information, it:

  • Determines the correct recipient
  • Matches the name in your building’s database
  • Confirms the unit number
  • Captures the correct event type (including the name of the delivery company)
  • Notifies the resident that the package has arrived

Meanwhile, residents can set their package notification preferences in their BuildingLink profiles and staff can send automated reminders when deliveries have been left an amount of time that you can customize. Our platform allows you to offer contactless pickup as well, a safe alternative to residents having to sign for packages.

How ImageR Helps Front Desk Teams Succeed

ImageR reduces the time to process packages by 80%, but its benefits go far beyond efficiency. Given its ease of use and direct integration into the BuildingLink database, ImageR lessens the likelihood of manual errors and missing packages. It can also be used anywhere, meaning your team no longer needs to be tied to a computer when they’re processing packages. With its automatic delivery notifications, your residents won’t have to wonder if their package has arrived.

ImageR Users Guide

If you already have the BuildingLink GEO app, you can access ImageR from the home screen. Tap the ImageR icon and your camera will open within the app, then point it at the shipping label and wait for the two-tone beep that plays only when you’ve logged the package successfully. Press save and you’ll be well on your way to processing the next delivery.

Read more and watch our video 

 

Sincerely,

Richard Worth

Regional Sales Director – Florida

407-529-6063

Richard@BuildingLink.com