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

THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE – AFRAID TO PASS REQUIRED EDUCATION

THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE – AFRAID TO PASS REQUIRED EDUCATION

THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE – AFRAID TO PASS REQUIRED EDUCATION

DOES THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE WANT YOU TO REMAIN DUMB?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

For those of you who are intelligent and decided to come to a Board Certification class in the last few months and learn all about the new safety and reserve laws, I applaud you.  It was my honor meeting you and teaching you all over the state.

I love that look in your eyes and the groan that comes over the crowd when I tell you that you do not need to be here today.  You did not have to get certified by taking what I believe is both a board certification and a life safety class.  The Florida Legislature still allows Board members to get certified by signing a ridiculous form that says you have read your governing documents and you promise to enforce them.

Are the new safety and reserve laws found in your governing documents?  Of course not.  You have to be taught them to know what you are now required to do in order that another Champlain Towers disaster never happens again.  You don’t learn these laws by staying home in your pajamas, printing a form off the computer and signing it.  When the members of your Board can get certified by signing that self-serving form, lives are at risk.

It’s ironic that they placed language in the new laws requiring the directors to follow them or face breach of fiduciary duty charges.  So…..according to The Florida Legislature, you must apply these new laws in your condominium, you just don’t have to learn them and know what is actually required of you.

Every legislator I have ever spoken to about a mandatory educational course in order to get Board certified is in favor of it.  Yet, it remains a mystery why in the past it has been removed from the statute.  The classes are free and are even accessible via ZOOM.  This year, there are several condominium bills floating around at the moment.  Not a single one has any mention of mandatory education for Board members.

Back to the title “Does The Florida Legislature Want You To Remain Dumb?”  How else would you explain it?

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Lighting of Tomorrow is a full-service electrician company for the South Florida Area.

Lighting of Tomorrow is a full-service electrician company for the South Florida Area.

  • Posted: Mar 03, 2023
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We provide full electrical services including:
-Electrical maintenance and repairs
-LED Lighting Installations
-Solar Energy Services and installations
-Energy Efficiency Solutions & much more…

Lighting of Tomorrow

(954)626-0267

New Location: 1072 NW 53rd St Fort Lauderdale FL 33309

Our specialization in LED technology and excellent customer service ensures you get the energy savings you want with no reduction on quality or price.

Lighting of Tomorrow is your one stop shop for all your lighting needs.

Get started on saving energy with a FREE Lighting Inspection

Lighting of Tomorrow facilitates the switch from outdated, inefficient lighting to state-of-the-art LED technology. Our affordable solutions allow clients to benefit from significant energy-use reductions through the installation of energy efficient LED lighting systems. All products and fixtures used by L.o.T. are accredited, certified, and guaranteed for commercial & industrial use.

View some of our Projects we Completed

We believe that saving energy is simply the right thing to do. We actively seek to create a more sustainable, healthier future for our planet.

At Lighting of Tomorrow, we offer:

*  FREE consultation

*  Photo-metric reports

*  Lighting designs

*  Products for purchase -OR- Lighting as a Service

*  Electrical installation & maintenance

*  5+ year manufacturer warranty

*  City permitting services

*  Financing options

*  Incentives research and options


Property managers rely on L.o.T. to take lighting projects from A to Z!

Quality Lighting Products

  • Indoor & Outdoor Commercial Lighting
  • Hurricane rated poles
  • Warrantied Products
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Delivery
  • Installation
  • Maintenance

Request an Installer Service

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VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC – EV CHARGING STATIONS

VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC – EV CHARGING STATIONS

VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC

Veteran-Owned Small Business, Trusted Consulting Firm for the Telecom Industry.

954-214-2590

Taking Your Business to New Heights

Vandelay Communications is reaching out to all HOA’s across Florida to offer our services. Our company is building Electric Vehicle Charging stations across the country and Florida’s EV use is currently rising at the highest percentage across the country. Is your property prepared? Do your residents now and future have access to EV Chargers in their homes or parking garages?

By 2025 it is estimated that 30% of all vehicles on the road will be electric. By 2030 almost every car manufacturer will be producing electric vehicles. The costs of install can be offset by the residual income that comes from the usage. This also has the ability to offer an HOA an additional income to reduce HOA fees for your residents while increasing property values. We offer single family garage equipment sales and installations, as well as large capacity parking lots and underground or above ground garage installs. Vandelay offers education to residents, free no obligation estimates and is a turn key solution that will guide you through the entire process. Please reach out for more details

 

VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC IS A VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY
WE WORK IN BOTH EV CHARGING STATIONS AND CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS

WE PROVIDE SERVICES THAT INCLUDE SALES OF EQUIPMENT, PLANNING, EDUCATING CONSULTING, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF EV CHARGERS
WE ALSO PROVIDE CONSULTING ON CELLULAR APPLICATIONS OF EXISTING EQUIPMENT AND NEW INSTALLS AS WELL AS LEASING CONSULTANTS AND ADVOCATES FOR BUILDING OWNERS

STEVE MILANA
STEVE@VANDELAYCOMMUNICATIONS.COM
EXECUTIVE VP
VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC
954-214-2590
https://vandelaycommunications.com/

 

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Call us for an estimate and make your neighbors envious of your home! by Chucks Painting.

Call us for an estimate and make your neighbors envious of your home! by Chucks Painting.

  • Posted: Mar 03, 2023
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Located in Davie Florida the owners of this house wanted to get rid of the orange and white dated colors.

Well as you can see, Chuck’s Painting, Inc. went above and beyond.

We are a full service painting company we provide the highest level of quality and service and we are capable of handling all of your painting needs. We specialize in Interior/Exterior Residential painting Townhouse communities Condominium communities Commercial buildings Shopping Plazas and Business Parks.

 

Call us for an estimate and make your neighbors envious of your home!

Contact us today, Read and learn more about Chucks Painting

 

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FREE WEBINAR: TOPS, Mitchell Drimmer and Patrick Hixon of Axela Technologies to talk about managing transparency throughout the association payments process, from first touch to collections

FREE WEBINAR: TOPS, Mitchell Drimmer and Patrick Hixon of Axela Technologies to talk about managing transparency throughout the association payments process, from first touch to collections

  • Posted: Mar 02, 2023
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FREE WEBINAR: TOPS, Mitchell Drimmer and Patrick Hixon of Axela Technologies to talk about managing transparency throughout the association payments process, from first touch to collections

Remember, we’re talking collections today!

Join the Axela Technologies crew and the wonderful team over at TOPS Software, where we’ll be discussing managing and maintaining transparency throughout the collections process, from start to finish!

Thursday, March 2nd @ 2PM EST!

Save your seat and register now:
https://bit.ly/3xHTPXD

FREE WEBINAR: We’re teaming up with Mitchell Drimmer and Patrick Hixon of Axela Technologies to talk about managing transparency throughout the association payments process, from first touch to collections. Join us LIVE on March 2nd at 2pm EST.

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

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

  • Posted: Mar 02, 2023
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Ask the Experts’ Thursdays

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

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

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

The new number is: 561-623-9429

JUST WALK AWAY  – By Eric Glazer, Esq.

JUST WALK AWAY – By Eric Glazer, Esq.

JUST WALK AWAY

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

I was recently watching an interview of a black belt in karate.  In addition he was built like The Hulk.  He started to say what he does when someone curses him out and even challenges him to a fight.  I was certainly expecting him to describe how he turns others into rubble.  On the contrary, he said that whenever he finds himself in that position, instead of fighting back, he simply walks away.  To say I was originally surprised is an understatement.  I mean this guy could pulverize any opponent.  Instead, he chooses to just walk away.

He spelled out why.  If he beats someone up he faces both criminal and civil charges.  And for what?  Because some dope said a few nasty words about him?  Much better to just walk away from any situation that allows for it.  Wow, I was impressed by this guy’s brain, not just his muscle.

It got me to thinking about my career in condominium and HOA law.  How much time in my life did I spend hearing board members and unit owners verbally go at each other.  How much time in my life did I spend hearing unit or homeowners argue with other unit or homeowners?  It’s ridiculous.

In none of these arguments was anything accomplished whatsoever.  They were all a waste of time for those arguing and everyone who unfortunately had to listen to the nonsense.  I’ve seen physical fights break out and even walkers and canes fly through the air.  And for what?  What was accomplished?  Nothing.

So, board members, unit owners, home owners and even managers, I’m talking to you.  Next time someone is looking for a fight, do what the karate guy does, walk away.  It will probably drive the other person crazy.

 

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Why Money Judgments Don’t Work for Assessment – by Mitch Drimmer

Why Money Judgments Don’t Work for Assessment – by Mitch Drimmer

  • Posted: Feb 27, 2023
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Why Money Judgments Don’t Work for Assessment

Money judgments are not an effective way for an HOA to collect delinquencies. It’s often more effective for an HOA to work with delinquent homeowners to find a resolution that is mutually beneficial. This may involve setting up a payment plan or finding alternative ways to resolve the delinquency.

Foreclosure is a legal process in which an HOA takes possession of a delinquent owner’s property. The HOA then sells it to recover the money owed. While foreclosure should be a last resort for collecting past-due assessments, pursuing a foreclosure may be a better option than seeking a money judgment. Here’s why:

  1. Why get a judgment on a secured debt? The property is the collateral. Why get a money judgment and then go to court again to get a writ to collect?
  1. Recovery: Ever try to garnish wages or repossess assets to collect on a judgment? It’s not easy. People can, and often do, evade efforts to collect. You already have the best collateral for the debt – the property itself.
  2. Difficulty in enforcing judgments: Obtaining a judgment is only the first step in the collection process. The HOA must then take steps to enforce the judgment, which can be time-consuming and costly. This may involve garnishing wages, levying bank accounts, or seizing assets. When it comes to collecting you are on your own.
  3. Limited recovery: Even if a judgment is obtained, there’s no guarantee that the delinquent homeowner will be able to pay the amount owed. If the homeowner is unable to pay, the HOA may not be able to recover the full amount of the judgment.  The money spent to get the judgment was wasted. Negative impact on community: Pursuing a judgment against a delinquent homeowner may create tension and conflict within the community. This can be more difficult in a small community where residents may have close personal relationships. If the community has an ongoing wage garnishment on a resident, the animosity may drag on for years.

The overwhelming majority of the time, owners facing foreclosure pay before a sale occurs.  Foreclosure is the end of the road for the owner, and they almost always find the money to pay to stay in their homes. Starting a foreclosure does not mean the sale will occur, and from our experience, it seldom does.

Want some more reasons why foreclosure, while still a last resort, is better than a judgment?

  1. Stronger legal remedy: A foreclosure is a stronger legal remedy than a money judgment because it allows the HOA to take possession of the property and sell it to recover the unpaid assessments. A money judgment is a court order requiring the homeowner to pay the amount owed, but the HOA must still take extra steps to enforce the judgment and collect the funds.
  2. Quicker resolution: Foreclosure can be a quicker process than seeking a money judgment. It’s unusual for the foreclosure process to take more than a year, and in some states, that time is less than half. In contrast, obtaining a money judgment can be a lengthy process that may involve multiple court hearings and appeals.
  3. Higher recovery rate: Foreclosure is better for the HOA because the sale of the property can often cover the unpaid assessments, legal fees, and other costs associated with the foreclosure process. With a money judgment, the HOA may not be able to recover the full amount owed, and this is guaranteed if the homeowner is unable to pay.
  4. It’s a deterrent: Foreclosure may deter others in the community from defaulting on their assessments. This can help to keep the HOA financially stable and protect the value of the community.

Delinquencies are often settled when a new buyer purchases the property under “joint and several liability” doctrines. If you have eviscerated an amount of the debt and turned it into a personal obligation, it’s more difficult to collect when the property sells. The association has a judgment but must still work to collect on it even if the owner sells the property, when it could have been paid in full at the time of the sale.

During the real estate meltdown of 2008, associations foreclosed and took title to units that were underwater because everything was underwater. Then, they would refurbish and rent the units. The banks were not foreclosing, the units were underwater, and the associations had no choice if they wanted to be proactive. But times have changed, and there’s a record amount of equity in the housing market. The chances that the association will ever take title in these times of high property value and opt to rent the property are incredibly slim.

If you go after somebody with a money judgment, they will evade you until they cannot. It can take years before you get to cash in, if ever. This is not about revenge; it’s about cash flow. When an HOA goes after a delinquent owner, you can be sure that the debtor would be more motivated to pay with a foreclosure over their head than a money judgment. A foreclosure is hard to get out of, if the HOA does it right. They may be able to circumvent or have exemptions not to pay a judgment.

It’s important to note that foreclosure is a last resort for collecting assessments. Before foreclosing, the HOA should work with a specialized and licensed collections solution like Axela-Technologies. Our services include client outreach, respectful phone calls, emails, mailed letters and notices, bank notifications, credit bureau reporting, and other legal and fair methods to collect. For a no obligation collections analysis, please Click Here and let us show you “How the Future Collects.”

 

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Aruba Permit Services helping you with Building Permits and Code Violations at your Buildings.

Aruba Permit Services helping you with Building Permits and Code Violations at your Buildings.

  • Posted: Feb 27, 2023
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Aruba Permit Services helping you with Building Permits and Code Violations at your Buildings.

As repairs come up due to Florida Storms or Projects at your Properties, You need to make sure your permits are handled by a Trusted Company.

Permits will be pulled for the repairs. All work will be followed up by the engineer to assure compliance. Aruba Permit Services is licensed and insured.

 

 

Aruba Construction who has been a Certified General Contractor since 1990 and has qualified Engineers available to handle inspections of any size building.

These inspections are for the conditions of the building that include:

·         Masonry Walls (concrete condition, exposed rebar, spalling)

·         Floors and Roof Systems (drains, scuppers, supports for A/C)

·         Steel Framing (corrosion, fireproofing)

·         Concrete Framing (cracks, exposed rebar)

·         Windows (general condition, seals, anchorage)

·         Wood Framing (connector condition, rotting, bearing deficiencies)

·         Exterior Finishes (stucco, soffit, veneer deficiencies)

·         Electrical (panels, wiring, breakers)

 

Phone: (954) 786-7292
Email: 
info@aruba-services.com
Address: 1413 S. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Industry Members of SFPMA < View our membership page

 

 

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Complete Parking Lot Maintenance, Care, Repair and restoration. 3-D Paving is South Florida’s top parking lot services contractor.

Complete Parking Lot Maintenance, Care, Repair and restoration. 3-D Paving is South Florida’s top parking lot services contractor.

  • Posted: Feb 27, 2023
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Complete Parking Lot Maintenance, Care, Repair and restoration. 3-D Paving is South Florida’s top parking lot services contractor.

No matter how big your commercial job, 3-D Paving & Sealcoating in Coral Springs, FL has you covered.
Want us to take a look at your parking lot project? Get a FREE quote and consultation today.
Call toll free 1-855-735-ROAD (7623)

Visit us –> https://linktr.ee/3dpaving


Expertise in Commercial Asphalt Paving Services from 3-D Paving in Coral Springs, FL

Voted 2022s best & most trusted commercial asphalt paving contractor in Broward County, Lee County, Charlotte County, Martin County, St. Lucie County and Palm Beach County. We offer a myriad of Asphalt and Concrete Paving Services, Sealcoating and Concrete Construction Services like sidewalks, paths, ramps, slabs, curbs, gutters and so much more. New building project? Let our skilled site development team assist you in all of your project’s needs. Need ADA compliance help? Our expert team can assist you in every step of the process. Contact us today!

 

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

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

  • Posted: Feb 27, 2023
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GET BOARD CERTIFIED AT THE CONDO AND HOA EXPO IN TAMPA

LUNCH IS PROVIDED FOR FREE!

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

REGISTER NOW if you did not already

COME MEET OVER A HUNDRED CONDOMINIUM AND HOA VENDORS AND TAKE CONDO AND HOA EDUCATIONAL CLASSES ALL DAY LONG
WE HAVE CERTIFIED OVER 20,000 FLORIDIANS ALL ACROSS THE STATE.
LEARN ALL ABOUT THE NEW CONDO LAWS REGARDING SAFETY, CERTIFICATION, THE AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME LANGUAGE, BUDGETS, RESERVES, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL LAWS, MANAGER DO’S AND DON’TS, SCREENING AND APPROVING, ACCESS TO RECORDS AND MUCH MUCH MORE.
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