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Friday 2pm Est | They Did What? How SB-2A Affects Your Association by KBRLegal

Friday 2pm Est | They Did What? How SB-2A Affects Your Association by KBRLegal

Friday 2pm Est | They Did What? How SB-2A Affects Your Association

Presented by Shawn G. Brown, Esq., BCS (Kaye Bender Rembaum)

Feb 10, 2023 02:00 PM

Register NOW

The Florida Legislature convened for a Special Session specifically to address property insurance and other topics starting December 12, 2022. Among the legislation, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 2A, which makes sweeping changes to the property insurance claims process, reinsurance, regulation of insurance companies and more. This webinar will summarize SB-2A.

Speaker: Shawn G. Brown, Esq., BCS (Kaye Bender Rembaum)

This webinar is informational only, is not to be considered legal advice, and contains no CE credit (or certificates).

 

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Lake Experts Answer Top 10 FAQs by SOLitude

Lake Experts Answer Top 10 FAQs by SOLitude

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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Register for our upcoming webinar to discover how to repair shoreline erosion and enhance your lake’s bank with native buffer plants.

Register for our upcoming webinar to discover how to repair shoreline erosion and enhance your lake’s bank with native buffer plants.

Repair Your Shoreline with SOX Erosion Solutions & Native Plantings

Register for our upcoming webinar to discover how to repair shoreline erosion and enhance your lake’s bank with native buffer plants.

January 31, 2023 3:00 pm EST

Sign Up Now for the Webinar.


Don’t Miss This Exciting Webinar with Our Erosion Experts!

Erosion is a natural occurrence that can damage your shoreline over time. Eroded shorelines not only increase the likelihood of water quality issues, but they can have an economic impact on your property and can even lead to liability risks. Knowing when and how to repair erosion damage can be stressful and confusing…

Join our upcoming webinar to discover how erosion occurs, signs your shoreline has erosion damage, and how you can restore your bank with SOX Erosion Solutions and native buffer plantings. Experts Chase Morgan, Business Development Consultant for SOLitude Lake Management, and Casey Cittadino, National Sales Director for SOX Erosion Solutions, are excited to discuss the innovative erosion control solutions available.

This webinar is free and open to the public. Can’t make the live discussion? Register anyway and you’ll receive a follow-up email with the recording.

Having issues with the form on this page? Click here to register.

 

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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

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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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

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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The State of Florida has issued a recent update to the State of Florida Elevator Code that requires that all existing elevators must be in compliance

The State of Florida has issued a recent update to the State of Florida Elevator Code that requires that all existing elevators must be in compliance

Attention Florida Property Managers & Building Owners:

The State of Florida has issued a recent update to the State of Florida Elevator Code that requires that all existing elevators must be in compliance with part 3.10.12 of ASME A17.3-2015, Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators.

 

A17.3-2015 Contains the Retroactive Requirement 3.10.12 System to Monitor and Prevent Automatic Operation of the Elevator with Faulty Door Contact Circuits. All conveyances licensed by the State of Florida Bureau of Elevator Safety, including those located within the 5 contracted jurisdictions (Broward, Miami-Dade, City of Miami, City of Miami Beach, Reedy Creek Development District) must be in compliance with the above Code by December 31, 2023. This system is referred to as Door Lock Monitoring.

By December 31, 2023 ALL Existing Elevator Must Have Been:

·         For Elevators Installed Prior to A17.1 2000 (MOST ELEVATORS)

Equipped with a New Hardware and Software Upgrade and Inspected by a Licensed Elevator Contractor.

 

·         For Elevators Installed Under A17.1 2000 or Newer

Inspected by a Licensed Elevator Contractor to Ensure Door Lock Monitoring is Functional and Code Compliant. These elevators may STILL require New Hardware and Software Upgrades depending on the Controller Manufacturer.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Door Lock Monitoring Mandatory for my County?

Yes, Door Lock Monitoring is mandatory for ALL elevators in the State of Florida

 

Do I need to use my Current Vendor to install Door Lock Monitoring?

No, you can use any experienced vendor to perform your Door Lock Monitoring installation. This is considered work outside your Service Agreement.

 

What happens if I do not comply?

Failure to comply with Door Lock Monitoring will result in failed inspections and fines from the State and/or County.


 

Contact your Elevator Contractor or find top companies on our Directory for Florida Members

 

At SRI, we use Catalogger—a cloud-based content management system that automatically organizes drone-acquired site survey images using metadata, maps

At SRI, we use Catalogger—a cloud-based content management system that automatically organizes drone-acquired site survey images using metadata, maps

 

At SRI, we use Catalogger—a cloud-based content management system that automatically organizes drone-acquired site survey images using metadata, maps and panoramas… making high-resolution photos easy to find and share.
Catalogger is changing the face of structural condition assessments. Watch it in action below. And make sure to sign up for a free demo account by scanning the QR code at the end of the video or clicking directly to Sign Up (catalogger.com).

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Does your HOA have a Stormwater Recertification in 2023?

Does your HOA have a Stormwater Recertification in 2023?

Does your HOA have a Stormwater Recertification in 2023?

Allstate Resource Management’s team of experts specializes in storm drain cleaning in South Florida. We will keep your stormwater systems and storm drains operating properly and in compliance with government standards.

We have a team of experts that will make sure your stormwater systems are working properly. The stormwater system’s primary purpose is to prevent flooding by rapidly removing surface water.
Various government agencies in Florida have specific regulations regarding the maintenance of these complex systems. Non-compliance can result in fines and unnecessary expense. A properly functioning drainage system helps to prevent flooding, maintain water quality and captures pollutants.

Stormwater Recertification or Permit Renewal Process:

Locate paving and drainage plans
Count the number of structures at the site
Inspect the system
Use inspection report to prepare for maintenance
Perform stormwater system cleaning
Engineer inspection
Water control district issues permit

Call us today at 954-382-9766 or info@allstatemanagement.com
for more information on how Allstate Resource Management
can help your community prepare for the rainy season!

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Does your asphalt, roadways or walkways have problems? We have solutions. by 3-D Paving

Does your asphalt, roadways or walkways have problems? We have solutions. by 3-D Paving

  • Posted: Nov 22, 2022
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Does your asphalt, roadways or walkways have problems? We have solutions. Use the link below to get a free quote and consultation today. Let us put our decades of experience and excellence to work for you.
Fill out the form and if you put in the address of the location you’d like us to look at, in most cases with satellite data, we can give you an idea of what project is going to be before we even set foot on the property. Technology at it’s best!

Get a Free Quote & Consultation from 3-D Paving in Coral Springs, FL

One of the hardest and most stressful parts of any commercial building project or renovation is finding contractors you can really trust. And in no place can that be more complicated then here in South Florida. 3-D Paving & Sealcoating, headquartered in Coral Springs, FL, is a family owned and operated paving contractor that will always put integrity first. Let us put our decades of experience, expertise and excellence to work for you. Find out why we’re the first choice for Hollywood Florida commercial paving projects. We provide excellence in asphalt, concrete, sealcoating, striping, repairs and so much more. See the 30 second intro video below, fill out the quote form or Contact us direct!


Thanks for reaching out to 3-D Paving and Sealcoating about your project! We appreciate this opportunity and look forward to gaining you as a client. Please fill out the form below and include some details about your project and what you’re looking for. If you aren’t sure exactly what you need that’s fine as well. If you need more information on what services 3-D Paving has to offer, please visit the 3-D Paving website here for more information. Once we receive the form, we will have someone get in touch with you as soon as possible! If you need more immediate assistance, please call us toll free 1.855.735.7623 or email us directly at here.
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