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

Factoftheday: If inspections do not occur within six months of a building permit being issued or six months after a prior inspection, the permit expires and is no longer valid!

Factoftheday: If inspections do not occur within six months of a building permit being issued or six months after a prior inspection, the permit expires and is no longer valid!

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2022
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#Factoftheday: If inspections do not occur within six months of a building permit being issued or six months after a prior inspection, the permit expires and is no longer valid! Homeowners with expired permits on their property may have trouble selling their house, refinancing or obtaining new permits for other improvement projects.
Don’t let this happen to you. Reach out to Aruba Permit Services today!
☎️: (954) 786-7292

Aruba Permit Services

954-786-7292

Aruba Permit Services is your one-stop-shop provider for closing all your open/expired building permits and code violations.

Our President, Joseph Florea, has over 30 years of experience. He is a licensed and insured General Contractor and Roofer.
The value of this service has been recognized by title companies, lenders, real estate brokerages and attorneys. Aruba Services can assist agents and offices in expediting closings where the subject house or commercial building has an “Open Building Permit & Code Violation” attached to it.

It can be tempting to try and skirt the permit process when making improvements or additions to your home, but in the long run that will only cause major problems especially when it comes time to selling your home. Avoid running into issues by contacting Aruba Permit Services today

Aruba Permit Services

Annual Fish Stocking Day! – Over 500,000 fingerling fish to stock in lakes in Miami, Broward and Palm Beach Counties!

Annual Fish Stocking Day! – Over 500,000 fingerling fish to stock in lakes in Miami, Broward and Palm Beach Counties!

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2022
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Annual Fish Stocking Day! Our staff arrives at 5:00am to load up over 500,000 fingerling fish to stock in lakes in Miami, Broward and Palm Beach Counties!

We will be going Facebook Live around 5:30 am, we hope you join us to watch this fun event!

Welcome to Allstate Resource Management, Inc.

The South Florida Leader in Resource Management

Allstate Resource Management has over 25 years of experience in maintaining the health of lakes, ponds, wetlands, and stormwater systems. We have continued since our inception to be the leader in resource management. Our services include lake managementwetland managementstormwater drain cleaning and maintenance, erosion controlfish stockingnative plantingsdebris removalwater qualityaquatic pest control, and upland management. All of our technicians are thoroughly trained and certified in order to meet the strict standards imposed by governmental agencies. This ensures that your property will be treated by only the most competent individuals who are proud of the services we render.

In addition to providing a healthy habitat, we specialize in the installation and maintenance of beautiful color lit fountains, bringing beauty and enjoyment to any lake or pond.

We also offer support services for property managers and HOA’s including educational presentations and CEU programs. Our approved courses offer continuing education credit to CAMs.

 

How does a video pipe inspection work? We’re happy to explain. by Pipe Restoration Solutions

How does a video pipe inspection work? We’re happy to explain. by Pipe Restoration Solutions

  • Posted: Mar 30, 2022
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How does a video pipe inspection work? We’re happy to explain, but for now, this quick overview covers the basics:

For a turn key process from start to finish, home and property managers know Pipe Restoration Solutions is the company to call.

Contact us today! (941) 544-3090

 

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Another parking lot sealed and striped by our Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating Crew in Fort Myers, Florida!

Another parking lot sealed and striped by our Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating Crew in Fort Myers, Florida!

  • Posted: Mar 30, 2022
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Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating

Another parking lot sealed and striped by our Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating Crew in Fort Myers, Florida!

Choose to #PaveWithASP today for any and all of your parking lot and pavement needs by calling 1-833-PAVE-ASP or head to www.PaveWithASP.com

We self-perform the entire state of Florida as well as manage parking lots across the country!

 

Southeast Florida954-518-4315

6301 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33313

Southwest Florida239-234-2155

9039 High Cotton Ln, Fort Myers, FL 33905, Fort Myers, FL 33905

Central Florida407-502-0040

37 N Orange, Ave 420, Orlando, FL

Space Coast321-408-5010

460 Cox Road, Cocoa, FL 32926

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Contact: Allstate Resource Management to create a detailed water quality program for your property.

Contact: Allstate Resource Management to create a detailed water quality program for your property.

  • Posted: Mar 30, 2022
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Allstate Resource Management can create a detailed water quality program for your property.

Sufficient and appropriate water quality information is crucial if you are to make important management decisions concerning waterway systems and care.
A detailed water quality program is a very useful tool. Data collection indicates seasonal fluctuations in nutrient levels which can positively or negatively influence an aquatic ecosystem. Our staff here is trained on the importance of testing water quality before any treatment is done!
Contact us for more information on how we test water quality before we treat a lake!
at 954-382-9766 or
info@allstatemanagement.com 
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Attorney-Client Privilege: Are Litigation-Related Communications Between An Association, Attorney, and Management Protected?

Attorney-Client Privilege: Are Litigation-Related Communications Between An Association, Attorney, and Management Protected?

  • Posted: Mar 24, 2022
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Attorney-Client Privilege: Are Litigation-Related Communications Between An Association, Attorney, and Management Protected?

BY   / of Becker

The attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest and most respected privileges in the law. The purpose underlying this fundamental privilege is to ensure that clients receive accurate and competent legal advice by encouraging full disclosure to their lawyer without fear that the information will be revealed to others. The privilege covers written and oral communications and protects both individual and institutional clients including community associations.

However, the attorney-client privilege does not apply to every communication with an attorney and in certain circumstances can even be waived. For the privilege to exist, three requirements must be met: there must be a communication; the communication must have been intended to remain confidential; and the communication must have been made in the context of obtaining legal advice.

Pursuant to Florida’s Evidence Code, a communication between lawyer and client is “confidential” if it is not intended to be disclosed to third persons other than:

  1. Those to whom disclosure is in furtherance of the rendition of legal services to the client.
  2. Those reasonably necessary for the transmission of the communication.

Florida courts have stated that the second exception (i.e. those reasonably necessary for the transmission of the communication) applies to agents of the client. This is so because in Florida, all corporate powers are exercised by, or under the authority of, the association’s board of directors. Further, as an inanimate entity an association cannot speak directly to its lawyers and must instead act through agents.

A management company and its personnel are generally responsible for the day-to-day operations of the community, implementing directives of the board, and serving as a liaison between an association and its counsel. Although a reasonable interpretation of the Florida Evidence Code and case law implies that a property management company is likely an agent of the association, such a determination is not guaranteed.

However, there are steps that can be taken by the association and its counsel to support an assertion of privilege such as including language in their management contracts that expressly extends the attorney-client privilege from the association to include the manager. The association’s counsel can also prepare a general Board Resolution authorizing the management company and its employees to act as agents of the association where necessary to further communications with legal counsel.

Evidentiary privileges (such as the attorney-client privilege) are sacred protections in a court of law. It is imperative that proper measures are taken to ensure that said privileges are not compromised. If your association finds itself involved in a potential or pending litigation, the board needs to work closely with the association’s attorney to protect the privileges the law provides to keep confidential communications out of the hands of the wrong people.


John Stratton

John handles business litigation and appellate matters representing individuals and corporations across an array of industries. He has significant and successful litigation experience in complex commercial, corporate, land use, and condominium litigation, contract disputes, commercial loan workouts, and civil appellate proceedings in both state and federal appellate courts.

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Commercial Fitness Products, Inc., Announces New Orlando Location

Commercial Fitness Products, Inc., Announces New Orlando Location

  • Posted: Mar 24, 2022
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Orlando, FL – March 24th, 2022 – Commercial Fitness Products, Inc., one of the industry’s oldest and largest commercial equipment suppliers led by Richard Wasserlauf, President, has expanded into a new Orlando location to better serve the needs of their Central & North Florida customer’s growing demands. Now located at:  9500 S. Satellite Blvd., Suite 240, Orlando, FL 32837.

“As we simply out grew our previous Orlando location, this new warehouse distribution center provides us with the ability to, not only maintain an inventory of commonly used products locally, we can now better accommodate our customer’s need to delay their installations due to construction delays. The CFP Sales & Service Team Members that serve Central & North Florida are among the best in the business, I am very happy to provide them with a better facility to operate from,” Wasserlauf said.

The new facility, which includes approximately 6000 square feet of warehouse and office, is the company’s fourth distribution location in Florida, along with one location in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Commercial Fitness Products proudly represents the industry’s finest brand names, including world renown Matrix Fitness. Providing an array of premium products and services, including delivery, repairs and maintenance by their own professional trained local staff of Installation/Service Technicians.

Commercial Fitness Products’ Orlando office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment only.

To get a quote or learn more visit www.CommFitnessProducts.com or call (407) 730-3189.

Media Contact
Company Name: Commercial Fitness Products, Inc.
Contact Person: Sandra Lopez
Email: Send Email
Phone: 954-747-5128
City: Sunrise
State: FL
Country: United States
Website: www.CommFitnessProducts.com

 

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We are excited to announce to the Falcon team our new Chief Financial Officer, Clifton McElyea!

We are excited to announce to the Falcon team our new Chief Financial Officer, Clifton McElyea!

  • Posted: Mar 24, 2022
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We are excited to announce to the Falcon team our new Chief Financial Officer, Clifton McElyea! 

Clif brings 20+ years of experience in progressive leadership roles, including serving as CFO of a major provider of advanced technology solutions across the federal, state, municipal, commercial, and petrochemical refinery markets, and extensive experience with A/E firms. He has a wide technical accounting foundation with experience in public accounting, US GAAP, controls, reporting, systems, FP&A, corporate development, and treasury and strong penchant for building consensus, creating effective relationships, and negotiation skills. 

Clif is passionate about solving dynamic problems with creative solutions and will be responsible for driving the company’s overall financial strategy, including growth plans as we continue to expand our footprint. He will be playing an important role building a strong finance team with deep expertise and assisting with all 10 of Falcon’s offices. The dedication he’s shown throughout his career in unlocking business potential is invaluable to this next chapter with the Falcon Team.

Welcome to the team Clif!

CONTACT US (through our SFPMA Membership Page)

The Falcon Group
95 Mount Bethel Road
Warren, NJ 07059
(908) 595-0050
www.thefalcongroup.us

LAST SURFSIDE-INSPIRED BILL FAILS – A Perfect Opportunity Lost

LAST SURFSIDE-INSPIRED BILL FAILS – A Perfect Opportunity Lost

  • Posted: Mar 24, 2022
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As a result of the 2022 Florida legislative session, there will be no new statutes requiring mandated building/engineering inspections, no statutory changes to budgeting procedures, no mandated reserve study requirements, and no statutory changes to required disclosures.

While only a very few Florida counties have mandated in their code of ordinances that older condominium buildings have life-safety inspections, that does not mean required maintenance and proper planning can be otherwise avoided elsewhere. Board members must exercise their fiduciary duties with due care and due diligence. Voluntary engineering inspections and professional reserve studies should be considered to take place on a regular schedule. Maintenance, repairs, and replacements should be budgeted and funding sources properly identified.

As often explained by Board Certified attorney Lisa Magill, “is the law the only reason you stop at a red light? Probably not. You stop because there’s a likelihood a truck will smash into you from the side.” In other words, common sense should prevail. All condominium unit owners know that one day the roof, air conditioners, and water and cooling towers will need to replaced, the building will need to painted to ensure a water tight seal remains intact, the pool will need re-surfacing, and the parking areas and asphalt will need attention, too. Perhaps one of most expensive repairs, which is rarely discussed, let alone planned for and budgeted in advance, that even the Florida Statutes do not specifically mention it by name, is concrete restoration, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and often such repairs cost millions of dollars depending on the extent of the repairs. But, such repairs are a given. It is not a matter of “if” but rather only a matter of “when” these repairs will be required.

The only way to avoid a revolt of the membership when explaining the upcoming multi-million dollar assessment is to lessen the blow by having some, if not all, of the needed monies already saved in a reserve account. Section 718. 112(1)(f)(2)(a) provides that, “[i]n addition to annual operating expenses, the budget must include reserve accounts for capital expenditures and deferred maintenance. These accounts must include, but are not limited to, roof replacement, building painting, and pavement resurfacing, regardless of the amount of deferred maintenance expense or replacement cost, and any other item that has a deferred maintenance expense or replacement cost that exceeds $10,000. The amount to be reserved must be computed using a formula based upon estimated remaining useful life and estimated replacement cost or deferred maintenance expense of each reserve item. The association may adjust replacement reserve assessments annually to take into account any changes in estimates or extension of the useful life of a reserve item caused by deferred maintenance.”

While a majority of the quorum of the membership can vote to waive or reduce reserves, this can only occur if the board of directors provides the membership such opportunity. For example, when voting to reduce reserves the percentage by which the required reserve can be reduced is decided in advance by the board and then presented to the membership for the vote. In light of the Champlain Towers South disaster, boards of directors should put considerable thought into these decisions.

On March 12, Ann Greggis of Florida Politics reported that “the Legislature’s inability to pass any legislation updating condo regulations in the wake of last summer’s disaster that killed 98 people stunned observers…For this Session, nine bills sought to change rules regarding condominium associations…An estimated two million people live in 912,000 Florida condo units that are 30-years or older. Another 131,773 units are 20 to 30 years old, according to the Florida Engineering Society & American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida….The executive director of the engineering society and council called the failure to pass any legislation this year a ‘missed opportunity,’ according to a news release.”

On March 11, Jon Schuppe and Phil Prazan, NBC 6 South Florida reported that, “[i]n the nine months since 98 people died in the collapse of a Surfside, Florida, condominium, state lawmakers have pledged to pass measures that could help avoid a similar disaster.

On Friday, they failed.

Negotiations between the Florida Senate and House of Representatives, both controlled by Republicans, broke down, with the two sides unable to agree on a bill that would require inspections of aging condo buildings and mandate that condo boards conduct studies to determine how much they need to set aside for repairs. The talks were undone by a disagreement over how much flexibility to give condo owners in the funding of those reserves.”

Never has the term “sausage factory” been more appropriate to describe the 2022 team of Florida legislators who failed to pass meaningful legislation that could have helped thwart another Champlain Towers South disaster. But, just because the legislature failed in doing so (for this year), that does not mean, as a board member, that you can fail, too. Make a commitment to your condominium community to plan for the future. Adopt a board resolution, or even amend the condominium declaration, to have required building inspections and reserve studies. In addition, if your association is waiving reserves year after year, stop it and start saving for the future. You will be glad you did.

 

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ASAP Fire Sprinkler Protection Contractors we will provides a range of services for your fire pump system, maintenance, Inspection, testing, repair…..

ASAP Fire Sprinkler Protection Contractors we will provides a range of services for your fire pump system, maintenance, Inspection, testing, repair…..

  • Posted: Mar 23, 2022
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ASAP Fire Sprinkler Protection Contractors we will provides a range of services for your fire pump system, maintenance, Inspection, testing, repair, refurbish, certification that will comply with state local and national life safety code requirements.

 

Asap Fire Sprinkler Protection, is License, Bonded & Insured Florida base Fire sprinkler company who specializes in fire protection and life safety. Our goal and commitment is to deliver unparalleled service to all our customers. With 27 years of combined experience, we are capable of installing, servicing, repairing and inspecting any type of residential, commercial, industrial or special hazard fire sprinkler systems.

Our company was built on our hard work, hands-on experience, and customer satisfaction. Asap Fire contractors are known and respected in the industry for our daunting precision and field proficiency.

Asap Fire contractors can successfully handle all aspects of fire sprinkler integrated and suppression systems. Because life safety is our #1 goal, we use innovative thinking and meticulousness craftsmanship on every project.

 

Our work ethics have gained client retention and trust from the public, business owner, building associations and State of Florida Fire Inspectors. Our promise to our customers is to always conduct business with integrity and honesty. Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of your property, your business, and your Life, We are Asap.

Dennis Lyons
asapfirepro@gmail.com
Estimator/ Manager
305-842-0042
ASAP Fire Sprinkler Protection LLC
http://asapfirepro.com

 

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When home and unit owners don’t pay their association fees and dues, the Board is challenged with handling the collection of those delinquent funds.

When home and unit owners don’t pay their association fees and dues, the Board is challenged with handling the collection of those delinquent funds.

  • Posted: Mar 23, 2022
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Self-Managed condominium associations and HOAs are governed by well-meaning volunteer leaders who keep a close eye on the association’s finances. When home and unit owners don’t pay their association fees and dues, the Board is challenged with handling the collection of those delinquent funds. Running a tight ship often leads to no available cash for unforeseen problems. Hiring an attorney to handle a collection matter is expensive and just doesn’t make sense. Axela Technologies collection solution offers the self-managed association Board a collection solution at no cost or risk to the association. Licensed and insured collection services from Axela Technologies lets the self-managed association keep their budget intact while collecting the delinquent funds they are owed and need to run the association. That’s just smart!

Attorneys can be very useful to self-managed condominium associations and HOAs when they need legal assistance. However, using an attorney when a homeowner has fallen behind in their dues and assessments is not a frugal choice. Whether successful or not at resolving the problem, the attorney will require payment. After all, they are providing legal services at a billable hourly rate. Smart self-managed condominium and HOA Boards know that they have a collection problem, not a legal problem. Employing Axela Technologies to solve the collection problem makes sense. Unlike an attorney, there are no hourly fees and the low reasonable fees that are charged by the collection agency are passed through to the delinquent homeowner, where they belong. After all, it was their failure to produce timely payment of their fees and assessments that put the association in this predicament to begin with. It wouldn’t be fair to force the good-paying home and unit owners within the self-managed association to foot the bill for the association to collect the monies it is owed.

Using an outsourced collection agency like Axela Technologies is in the best interest of all involved. Forward thinking Board members of self-managed condominium associations and HOAs know that spending as little money as possible is in the best interests of all association members. That is one of the reasons they chose to self-manage in the first place. Axela Technologies provides a perfect solution to a potentially expensive problem. The collection fees passed through to homeowners from Axela are far less than those of an expensive attorney who charges by the hour. Not only does the self-managed association save money, their homeowners also benefit from a less expensive solution to correcting their indebtedness.

Axela Technologies handles all collections on a merit-based system. Visit our website at https://www.axela-tech.com today and ask to speak to one of our delinquency collection experts.