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

New Florida laws are changing property management by increasing transparency

New Florida laws are changing property management by increasing transparency

New Florida laws are changing property management by increasing transparency, requiring photo documentation for move-in/move-out inspections, mandating flood disclosures, and tightening regulations for community associations. Specifically, property managers must now provide tenants with flood disclosures, document unit conditions with photos to justify security deposit deductions, and adhere to new rules for homeowners’ and condominium associations regarding inspections, reserves, and records. 
 
Key changes for property managers 
 
Move-in and move-out documentation: Property managers must take photos of the unit’s condition at move-in and move-out. This documentation is crucial for justifying any deductions from a tenant’s security deposit. 
 
Flood disclosures: A new law effective October 1, 2025, requires landlords to provide a flood disclosure to tenants for rental agreements of one year or longer, notes the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. 
 
Community association regulations: Significant changes affect HOAs and condominiums, including new requirements for structural integrity reserve studies and milestone inspections, enhanced financial transparency, and updated rules for official records and member access, says the Naples Daily News. 
 
Enhanced transparency and records management: 
 
Property managers must ensure proper maintenance of all official records and follow legal processes, explains Advanced Collection Bureau. 
 
Some HOA laws now allow for more documents to be inspected by members without a specific reason, notes Seward Law Office, P.A.. 
 
Fee restrictions: Some new laws prohibit landlords from charging tenants for certain actions, such as serving termination notices. 
 
Risk management: Property managers must proactively update their processes, ensure accurate documentation, and maintain clear communication with tenants and homeowners to manage risks effectively, says Advanced Collection Bureau. 
 
Slower eviction process for squatters: A new law passed in 2025 allows for a faster process for removing squatters from commercial properties by enabling owners to file a complaint with the sheriff, states Florida Realtors. 
 
Risk of new fees: Some property management companies are changing their fee structures to be more transparent with clients and to comply with new regulations. 
 
At Axela, we don’t replace your process — we enhance it. Easy Collect simplifies collections with transparency, automation, and real-time reporting

At Axela, we don’t replace your process — we enhance it. Easy Collect simplifies collections with transparency, automation, and real-time reporting

At Axela, we don’t replace your process — we enhance it.
Easy Collect simplifies collections with transparency, automation, and real-time reporting, leaving your managers free to focus on what matters: keeping Boards and communities happy and healthy.

Because when you give your managers have the right tools, your communities thrive.

✅ Less workload
✅ Faster recovery
✅ Happier boards

🔗 Learn more about our Management Company partnerships:
https://lnkd.in/euSCQsNf

 

International Subsea Services -Geosynthetic clay liners have a long-lasting resistance to physical and chemical break-down

International Subsea Services -Geosynthetic clay liners have a long-lasting resistance to physical and chemical break-down

Derrek Offutt, PM Chief Executive Officer at International Subsea Services

GCL Liners

Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL) are high-performance geocomposites that are used as an alternative to conventional compacted clay liners. GCLs consist of two layers of geotextile stitched together enclosing a layer of processed sodium bentonite. Bentonite is a natural sealant, and when in contact with water, swells to form a low permeability clay liner. Geosynthetic clay liners have a long-lasting resistance to physical and chemical break-down in harsh environments such as landfills and other containment systems.

Advantages
* Unique self-sealing attributes that reduce the risk of punctures and leakage.
* Excellent shear resistance properties due to needlepoint reinforcement.
* Reduced leakage by a factor of 30 over compacted clay.
* Better hydraulic performance.
* Ease of installation. & Increased air space.
* Cost-effective: one truckload of GCL replaces 200 truckloads of clay.

SS your Lake Bank Restoration Specialist!!!!

Call today to schedule a free onsite estimate !
https://lnkd.in/ebRqUP2X
727-742-5982

When are Budgets due?

When are Budgets due?

  • Posted: Nov 12, 2025
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Within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year, or annually on such date provided in the bylaws, the association must have prepared a financial report on the financial activities of the preceding fiscal year.

Within 21 days after the financial report is completed, but no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year, the board must provide each member with a copy of the financial report or, at a minimum, provide written notice that a copy of the financial report is available upon request, at no charge to the members.

 

Some things to consider:

  • Don’t delay – Start the process as early as possible so that you don’t miss items that could significantly impact your budget. Now is the perfect time to start preparations if your budget starts January 1.
  • It is a monotonous task, but a vital one. In this day and age, assessments will more than likely have to increase due to increases in insurance, utilities, and that never ending “wish list.” Have a budget plan. Look at the goals for the community. What does the Board want to achieve?
  • Review past budgets and the final year performance. If you overspent more years than not, obviously you need to make some changes.
  • Pet projects don’t always make the cut. Be realistic about what can be achieved.
  • Go over all contracts. You should have a spreadsheet of all contracts with expiration dates, whether they are auto renewed unless you send a cancellation notice, what is the cancellation timeline, does auto-renew have an increase and how much.
  • Ensure you are funding enough for your reserves.
  • Get a Reserve Study, or at least an updated Reserve Study to ensure you have accurate numbers.
  • Have a well-funded maintenance program. The disasters of the recent past is an indication of just how important it is to keep up even the most mundane maintenance. Proper maintenance may help delay some of the replacement items in your reserve study.

 

The financial report must consist of a complete set of financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The level of financial reporting that must be prepared by the board is based on the total annual revenue (including reserves) of the association, as follows:

 

1. An association with total annual revenues of $150,000 or more, but less than $300,000, shall prepare compiled financial statements.

2. An association with total annual revenues of at least $300,000, but less than $500,000, shall prepare reviewed financial statements.

3. An association with total revenues of $500,000 or more shall prepare audited financial statements.

4. An association with total annual revenues of less than $150,000 shall prepare a report of cash receipts and expenditures.

 

Interestingly, if the board desires to raise the level of financial reporting, it may be increased without membership approval by board action alone, unless the governing documents provide otherwise. In addition, if the board is not inclined to approve a heightened level of reporting, but the members want to do so, then upon twenty (20%) percent of the parcel owners petitioning the board to increase the level of financial reporting from that required by Statute for that fiscal year, the board must notice and hold a membership meeting within thirty (30) days of receipt of the petition. To raise the level of financial reporting, a majority of members present at such meeting must cast their vote in favor of doing so.

 

However, lowering the reporting threshold is a different matter entirely because only the members can make that decision. To accomplish this, a majority of members present at a properly noticed membership meeting must cast their vote in favor of lowering the level of financial reporting. The meeting must take place prior to the end of the fiscal year in question.

 

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Tips for Budgeting in HOAS and Condominium Associations. by Campbell Property Management

Tips for Budgeting in HOAS and Condominium Associations. by Campbell Property Management

Tips for Budgeting in HOAS and Condominium Associations

by Campbell Property Management 

Creating a budget is one of the primary and most important functions that any community association board does during its tenure. The budget will serve as the guideline to determine the dollar amount owners are charged to live in their communities. There are differing obligations to consider when budgeting for a Homeowners Association (HOA) versus a condominium association. Today, we will discuss the differences and offer tips when creating your own community association budget.

Let’s start with HOAs.

HOA budgets are often a bit simpler than those for condominium associations. That is because HOA budgets normally do not require reserves. Reserves refer to funds set aside for future capital expenses and major repairs or replacements of common property or assets within the community. Unless members of the association have voted to create reserve accounts, or the original developer of the property put reserves in the HOA’s Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) – commonly referred to as simply the “declaration” – reserves are not mandatory for HOAs. However, if the HOA votes to put money away for future capital expenses, or defer line items (like maintenance), they have that option. Unlike condominium associations, HOAs are not limited or hamstrung by Florida’s Reserve Statutes, which require specific line items in the condo’s budget. For HOAs, the reserves are more like a savings account to use at the board’s discretion.

One of the misconceptions of the budgeting process is going into it with the intention of trying to hit a target assessment mark. Members may get in the mindset of trying to raise or lower assessments or reach a specific number, like deciding we want $400 a month assessments, then trying to figure out how to get there. Whether for HOAS or condominium associations, that’s really not how budgets are supposed to work.

Budgets are estimates of expected expenses for the upcoming year that are created in order to derive a necessary revenue stream. The idea is to put all of your expected expenses into a basket, itemize them through your budget, the sum of which is the necessary amount of revenue you have to generate. When you divide that amount by unit owners, that is what produces the amount of the community’s assessments, which are the monthly fees associated with living within that community.

Of course, budgets are guidelines – you’re not restricted or expected to spend every dollar on each line item. A budget is not a cap for how much you are able to spend on those items and it’s also not a restriction to only spend those specific items listed in the budget. Again, it’s an estimate and guideline so an association can collect the appropriate amount of money from its residents.

Ultimately, things may happen that were not taken into account at the time of the budgeting process. Sometimes more money is needed and other times less money is spent than what was budgeted. Both situations are certainly within the parameters of what is acceptable because this is an estimation and a guideline for best practices relative to budgets; it is not a hard and steadfast rule.

Regarding condominium associations

Florida’s Condominium and Cooperative Acts law requires associations to fund for reserves, which is the default that has existed for decades. Through next year, the board will retain the ability to call for a vote to waive or partially fund reserves. However, as of January 1, 2025, all structural integrity reserve items must be fully funded and can no longer be waived or partially funded (the well-intended purpose of this legislation is to prevent another Surfside tragedy).

With these tips in mind, we hope you have a good budget season. If ever you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to one of Sachs Sax Caplan’s experienced community association attorneys at 561-994-4499. We look forward to working with you.

 

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How To Seal Pavers For a High Gloss Wet Look | Brick, Driveway & Concrete Pavers

How To Seal Pavers For a High Gloss Wet Look | Brick, Driveway & Concrete Pavers

  • Posted: Oct 22, 2025
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A bit of gloss on your driveway gives it a beautiful, just-finished look that will last for a long time if done correctly. Click the link for our tips on how to seal brick and concrete driveways, and be sure to contact us today for all of your indoor or outdoor flooring needs!

Looking for a wet look, gloss appearance that brings out the colors in your pavers?  Do you want something that holds up to sun and weathering for 2 to 3 years – or more?
You’re in the right place.  To get the results above, it’s important to understand how to seal pavers… and why.  We’ve got your answers below.
 

Details below. Click to go there now.

 

It’s Easier Than You Think To Seal Your Pavers

 
After 18 years of dealing with the question of how to seal pavers the right way, my best recommendations are as follows:

  1. Spray apply rather than roller apply.
  2. Use water based sealers rather than solvent based.
  3. Use urethane sealers rather than acrylic sealers.

Let’s expand on these 3 guidelines a little further. (And here’s a quick video to show you what we mean.)

 

Spray Application vs Roller to Seal Pavers

While roller applying a sealer is easier than spraying, roller application does not work as well on pavers compared to something like concrete.
The biggest drawback when rolling sealer on brick pavers is that the roller can pick up the joint sand and roll it over the top of the brick paver surface.  This is especially true if the joints are wide. Furthermore, the amount of sealer that soaks into the sand joints is difficult to control when rolling.
 

How Much Sealer Do I Apply

Apply a flood coat to the paver surface including the joints. This method will apply the sealer very generously while allowing the sealer to soak into the sand joints as well.
As long as you apply the paver sealer on a windless day, the coverage can be generous and effortless.
If you really can’t get a pump up garden sprayer, opt for a sponge-type roller to apply the sealer. A nap roller is more likely to grab and trap your joint sand.

 

Water Based Sealer vs Solvent Based

Solvent based sealers are bad for the environment! Manufacturers are gradually moving away from these type products.
Regardless, solvent based sealers are more difficult to spray apply than water-based sealers, and they don’t really seal the joint sand, as well as the water based products.
The solvent based sealer tends to seal only the top surface of the sand compared to the water based, which soak down deeper into the sand.
 
From our lead chemist:
” While solvent-based sealers can produce a nice high gloss surface, they can also make the surface slippery if applied too thick. 
Also the gloss finish, typically burns off after 6 months of exposure to the sun. “
 
 
Water based acrylic sealers eliminate the issues with using solvents and are better at stabilizing joint sand to prevent sand loss.
However, it is important to use a high solids acrylic sealer or a urethane modified acrylic sealer, otherwise they fade and lose the glossy appearance after 6 months to a year.

Polyurethane vs Acrylic

Water based polyurethanes are a tougher sealer than acrylics and are more UV resistant and chemically resistant.
They don’t yellow, perform better outside and they are more resistant to chemicals oil, brake fluid, and chlorine.
The best water based polyurethanes are 2-part products (Part A and B requiring mixing). These 2-part polyurethanes when mixed together chemically cross link to form a paver sealer that is highly durable and long lasting when exposed to sunlight and/or freeze thaw.
A big plus is that they are much less sensitive to moisture. You can apply a 2-part polyurethane water based sealer as soon as you finish pressure washing. We call it “same day” sealing.
 
 
” The down side of using 2 part polyurethanes to seal pavers is that they are more expensive.  And once you have mixed them, you have to use them.  There is no shelf life or coming back the next day to seal pavers, with left over mixed product. 
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A Milestone Condominium Structural Inspection is a structural inspection performed by licensed engineers like EMA Structural Forensic Engineers of a building conducted for the purposes of determining a buildings’ life safety and structural component integrity or adequacy.

A Milestone Condominium Structural Inspection is a structural inspection performed by licensed engineers like EMA Structural Forensic Engineers of a building conducted for the purposes of determining a buildings’ life safety and structural component integrity or adequacy.

 

Condominium Structural Safety Inspections

Florida Laws now require all 3 stories or taller buildings to undergo Condominium Structural Safety inspections. EMA Structural Forensic Engineers can help you fulfill your needs to comply with the new laws.

Structural Engineers

EMA help architects, builders, and developers to get high-quality structural engineers services including structural engineers design, structural analysis for buildings, structural drawings preparations, structural peer review, 40 Year structural Inspections of building throughout Orlando, Daytona, Tampa, Clearwater, Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties. The 40 Year inspections are done to validate the structural soundness of a building’s components such as framing, foundation, beams, columns, posts, or trusses.

Milestone Inspections

A Milestone Condominium Structural Inspection is a structural inspection performed by licensed engineers like EMA Structural Forensic Engineers of a building conducted for the purposes of determining a buildings’ life safety and structural component integrity or adequacy. A Milestone Structural Inspection must be performed by a licensed engineer or licensed architect.
For Condominiums located within three (3) miles of the coastline, each building within the community that is three (3) or more stories high, must be inspected by December 31 of the year in which the building turns twenty-five (25) years old, and then subsequently every ten (10) years thereafter.

Storm Damage Assessments

EMA licensed Professional Engineers do post storm damage assessments. In case of natural disasters including hurricane, storm and flood damage, a quick and coordinated recovery is key. We have engineers & inspectors experienced in investigating flood damage claims. We are prepared to mobilize our staff of engineers, certified inspectors, and technicians to aid in the recovery process. To assist in coordinated long term recovery, our structural & forensic engineers offer the following areas of expertise:
Flood damage inspections to residential & commercial buildings.
Structural damage assessment
Forensic Engineering related to building collapse
Foundation collapse analysis
Roof wind damage reports
 
Contact Us:
Orlando/Daytona: (321) 355-6052
Tampa: (813) 398-5383
Email: info@EMAengineers.com

 

 

Sarasohn & Company – Public Insurance Adjusters since 1924

Sarasohn & Company – Public Insurance Adjusters since 1924

Sarasohn & Company –  Public Adjusters

561-368-5000

For four generations, the name Sarasohn has been synonymous with the highest levels of integrity and expertise in the field of insurance adjusting.

Emmanuel Sarasohn founded his public adjusting business in 1924 in Newark, NJ.  His sons, Ira and Roy, grew up in the family business and came on board full time after college and the army.

In 1951, Ira Sarasohn was one of the founding members of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Ira and Roy would both later serve as president of that esteemed organization.

Ira J. Sarasohn took over the helm of Sarasohn & Company  after his father’s passing. In 1970, Stephen Sarasohn joined the firm in NJ, but he settled in Florida a few years later. In 1985, both Ira and Stephen helped found the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. After 72 years of public adjusting, Ira J. Sarasohn passed away in 2006 with many active files on his desk. In 2018, Bernard Sarasohn joined the firm as a licensed public adjuster.

Stephen Sarasohn is now CEO of Sarasohn & Company and he maintains the same high standards as his predecessors.  Sarasohn & Company, Inc. is based in Boca Raton, FL but is licensed to handle claims in other states as well.

 

Building Claims

In order to properly adjust any claim for damage to a structure, it is important to prepare a detailed repair estimate.  Sarasohn & Company will do that on your behalf.  Whenever necessary, we will employ the services of architects, engineers, contractors and other independent experts at no additional cost to you.

Full consideration is given to the provisions of your policy, as well as applicable statutes and case law, so as to maximize the recovery. This includes consideration of depreciation, coinsurance, code upgrades, deductibles and any other factors important to a successful adjustment.  Sarasohn & Company is also equipped to provide project management for the reconstruction process.  Project management is a field used in large construction projects to coordinate the various aspects of the repairs. This service is provided at no additional cost.

 

Personal Property Losses

All insurance policies require the submission of a complete inventory of both the damaged and undamaged personal property.  This includes machinery, trade fixtures, appliances, merchandise inventory, household furnishings, clothing and all other movable property insured under the policy.  This coverage also covers improvements and betterments on tenants’ policies, which can be treated several ways for claims purposes.

Sarasohn & Company has on its staff, experienced personnel who are capable of filling these requirements.   In addition to listing the property involved, our experts will calculate the replacement cost and actual cash value of each item as well as the repair cost when appropriate.  We will determine salvage value, if any, and help arrange for protection of the property from further damage, as required by the policy.  Our services can be helpful in documenting your tax loss, if any.

 

Loss of Income Claims

One of the most complex aspects of your claim involves calculating the loss of income you will suffer as a direct result of damage to real or personal property.  Sarasohn’s long term experience has helped to develop a team of forensic accountants who have proven to be outstanding in their ability to adjust claims in a way most favorable to the policyholder.  The services of CPA’s and tax attorneys are engaged when necessary, at no additional cost to you.

One of the questions that usually arise in a loss of income claim involves the continuation of payroll during the period of restoration.  It is extremely important that a method be established as soon as possible after the loss, to resolve this aspect of the claim.  Sarasohn & Company, with its years of experience will assist you with these important decisions.  Extra expense coverage can be used creatively to make up for insufficient property coverage, should that scenario exist.

 

Sarasohn & Company –
Public Insurance Adjusters since 1924

Contact Us Today for Help with your Property

 

Do you have a residential or commercial property in Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina or South Carolina? The public adjusters at Sarasohn & Company are experts at maximizing your insurance claim recovery. We don’t get paid unless you do!

Most states license all insurance adjusters, whether they work for an insurance company or for the public. Adjusters working for the insurance companies are obligated to treat all claimants fairly and impartially. However, they are paid by the insurance companies for their efforts. The state recognizes that you, the policyholder, are entitled to equal representation and you may retain the services of an expert adjuster to assist in the claim process.  Sarasohn & Company can assist in preparing your claim, guiding you through the claim process and helping to achieve the most favorable settlement. In addition to numerous state licenses, Stephen Sarasohn has held the nationally recognized designation of Senior Professional Public Adjuster since 1988.

Stephen Sarasohn SPPA
stephensarasohn@gmail.com
Public Adjusters since 1924
www.sarasohn.net
561-368-5000 office
561-866-3589 cell

 

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Don’t let a natural disaster catch your community off guard! Take charge and be prepared!

Don’t let a natural disaster catch your community off guard! Take charge and be prepared!

The coastal Northeast is experiencing a concerning trend of heating at a faster rate compared to other regions in North America. Researchers have identified a strong correlation between the accelerated warming and the rapidly increasing temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean and increasing storm intensity. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and coastal flooding can strike at any moment, leaving communities devastated and in need of immediate assistance. It is crucial for communities to be prepared in order to minimize the impact of these disasters and ensure the safety of their residents.

Preparing your community for a natural disaster is crucial to minimize damage, save lives, and facilitate a swift recovery. Here are a few steps to assist with your preparation:

Assessment and Planning:

  • Identify the types of natural disasters that are common in your area, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or tornadoes.
  • Conduct a thorough risk assessment to understand the potential impact of these disasters on infrastructure, buildings, and residents.
  • Collaborate with professionals to create a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan.
  • Make sure that the community has backed up records of their site plans, architectural and structural drawings, as this can greatly assist in the post disaster assessment and recovery process.

Initial building evaluation performed based on the severity of the storm/event:

  • The degree of safety & habitability of the subject building is not always obvious. If there is any doubt or question that there may be structural or building envelope damage to a building, call you Professional Engineer or Architect and have an evaluation performed.
  • In some instances, you may be required by your local municipality to have your professional assist with stabilizing the structure before parties can enter the structure to collect personal belonging that may remain.

Communication and Engagement:

  • Establish a reliable communication system to disseminate information before, during, and after a disaster. This can include email, social media, or text alerts.
  • Designate community leaders or volunteers responsible for communicating updates and instructions.

Contact Insurance:

  • It can take a while to get adjusters to scene following an event. Be sure to take before, during and after photos of any damage that occurred.

Post-Disaster Recovery:

  • Establish a recovery plan that includes damage assessment, debris removal, and restoration of essential services.
  • Plans and specifications may be required to repair or reconstruct the building, depending on severity.
  • Code requirements can impact the work based on if it is classified as repair vs reconstruction. This needs to be carefully reviewed and considered as insurance carriers may try to exclude some of the necessary work, so the Architect or Engineer needs to be well versed on preparing plans for this type of work.

Remember, disaster preparedness is an ongoing effort. Regularly review and update your plans based on new information, changing community demographics, and emerging technologies. By taking proactive steps, you can help your community minimize the impact of natural disasters and ensure a more resilient future.

Contact our team for more information how to be proactive! 

The Falcon Group
Miami
15405 NW 7th Avenue in Miami, FL 33169
ph: 305.663.1970 x509
info@falconengineering.com
 
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
5651 Corporate Way, Suite 4, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
Phone: 561-290-0504
info@falconengineering.com
 
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