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Flood Preparation & Finding the right companies is Key for your Properties

Flood Preparation & Finding the right companies is Key for your Properties

Flood Preparation is Key & Finding the Right Companies to help

The United States federal government has financial incentives for municipalities which implement flood preparation systems, but the policies must be in line with FEMA guidelines. Towns with programs in place for flood management also can provide incentives to individuals to get reduced flood insurance rates. Many community governments already have programs in place, but these plans and programs must be updated, reviewed and enforced to match FEMA’s updates.

Your community may not be able to prevent floods, but with proper preparation and a plan your condo and hoa can be prepared for any problems. Accurate weather information is paramount to flood preparation. Your emergency management crews and first responders may benefit from weather tracking systems that send out alerts by email, text, and push notifications to keep everyone up-to-date with accurate information. During an ongoing severe weather event, you may need to call on professional for support. A flood might be an overwhelming occurrence, but you can do a lot in advance to keep your community safe.

 

Floods can overwhelm communities in just a matter of minutes. By being proactive, your community can reduce flood risks. Here are six ways your town can be prepared:

1. Encourage residents to be prepared for a flood

FEMA has a great brochure that outlines steps each family should take before flood season to stay safe during flooding. This brochure also offers property management ideas for individuals. Every home should know their flood risk and know how to stay informed about flood information.

2. Have an emergency plan that outlines procedures for every department and agency during a flood

Establish a chain of command for management operations. In high-risk areas, it’s a good idea to practice for emergency operations before a real flood occurs. Maintain infrastructure that presents flood risks. As required by the State of Florida Your greatest asset can be your community website! Let all of your community owners know to keep an eye out for flooding and have a way for them to inform you the Board and Management Company in the event of a problem.

3. Maintain infrastructure that presents flood risks

Take care of small stream crossing or culverts where floods might be more common. Keep your Storm Drains and Pipes clear of debris, and make sure your drainage systems are working properly , and Please watch for changes in the course of water in the community and take action when necessary.

4. Watch water flow during rainfall, especially on hard surfaces

Roads and parking lots actually speed water flow, which can be quite dangerous. Make sure water can flow into drainage systems adequately without causing damage. Encourage residents to reduce runoff by implementing rain gardens or other green systems.

5. Discourage construction in flood hazard areas…

or at least comply with floodplain development standards. Check flood insurance rate maps before planning any development.

6. Develop a mitigation plan to take steps now to prepare for future floods

One key element of this plan can be is alerts to residents to the potential of heavy rainfall and damaging winds to allow them to prepare and get to safer ground.

To learn more about protecting your community from flooding and severe weather, contact us for more information about weather solutions from our members ready to help. We can set you up with a member company that matches the weather needs of your community and the goals of your Condo and HOA.

 

 

FIND PUBLIC ADJUSTERS FOR WATER DAMAGE CLAIMS FOR YOUR COMMUNITIES

It is extremely important that a method be established as soon as possible after the loss, to resolve this aspect of the claim.  Members, with its years of experience will assist you with these important decisions. Search our Directory for top companies Roofing, Adjusters, Law Firms /Storm Damage, Restoration Companies, and many more.

SFPMA – Members Directory ( http://Find-a-Service.com ) 

Sarasohn & Company –  Public Adjusters

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.

561-368-5000

Stellar Public Adjusting Services

Our qualified public adjusters are here to assist and direct you throughout the insurance claim process. We make sure that your claim is properly assessed and documented to obtain the maximum claim settlement you rightfully deserve.

305-710-7922

 

You can also find out more on our Storm Damage Claims Pages for your properties

FIND PLUMBERS, PIPE REPAIR AND STORM DRAIN CLEANING AND REPAIR COMPANIES READY TO HELP!

below are a few of our members to call for flooding help in Florida.

BROTHERS BACKFLOW SPECIALISTS

Broward: Ph. 954.382.2099 | Dade: Ph. 305.267.3992

Brothers Backflow Specialists is state licensed and insured in the plumbing and gas industry. Our technicians specialize in plumbing, backflows, propane, natural gas, medical gas and water restoration including everything from installing gas lines, testing backflows and repairing broken plumbing pipes. We provide services for commercial, residential, industrial & farm properties from Monroe to West Palm Beach County as well as backflow services in Orlando, Florida. Brothers Backflow Specialists is here to serve you 24 hours a day / 7 days a week and no job is too big or too small.

 

Pipe Restoration Solutions

561-602-8660 Pipe Inspection, Pipe Cleaning, Pipe Lining and Pipe Replacement Company

When PRS looks at a project we want to ensure we are putting the “right” solution to the problem at hand.  Every project has its unique needs based on overall job scope, site conditions, project timeframes and difficulty level. At Pipe Restoration Solutions, we have found that when high-quality material and creativity comes together something special happens… Projects are completed with excellence and above expectation; Long term relationships are built; Problems are permanently solved.

 

GreenTeam Service Corp

(954) 210-4100 The elite in our industry “Exceptional Service, No Exceptions” We are dedicated to achieving and maintaining consistent innovation, integrity and unparalleled professionalism as well as customer service.

GreenTeam is an organization dedicated to providing the highest quality of service, to multiple vertical markets. The company performs Plumbing and Electrical services in South Florida. GreenTeam clients include but are not limited to: Class A Office buildings, healthcare facilities, educational facilities, Hotels and Resorts, Condo Associations, industrial warehouses, and residential. Our mission statement is simple, Exceptional Service, No Exceptions.

 

Glentronics – PHCC Pro Series Pumps

Call Jerry Morris at 800-991-0466 # 119

Glentronics is a manufacturer of several consumer products including sump pumps, battery backup sump pumps, water alarms and plant lights.

Our goal is to create products that solve the needs of our customers. We believe in designing high quality products that the homeowners, Building Engineers, and Facilities can rely on.

Glentronics Inc (manufacturer of Basement Watchdog and PHCC Pro Series Pumps) is a family run business and our goal is to take care of every customer just like they are family. Through innovation and dedication, we have led the way in Water Alarms, Battery Back Up Sump Pumps, AC Sump Pumps, Sewage Pumps and Combination Pumps.

 

It’s important to know when flood season occurs in your community so you can be prepared personally and civically.

Flooding is a serious event that can cause fatalities and serious injuries to people who are trapped or swept away by the high waters. Flooding can also:

  • Disrupt transportation routes
  • Disrupt utility services
  • Pollute drinking water supplies
  • Cause erosion, damaged roads, bridges, levees, and buildings
  • Create landslides or mudslides
  • Cause thousands of dollars of damage to homes

Take the time to search for other companies like

ROOF REPAIR,  LEGAL PROPERTY DAMAGE ATTORNEYS, AND ENGINEERS TO COME AND INSPECT YOUR BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES

 

Find Members ready to help with Management, Business and Maintenance for your properties.

Property Maintenance is an integral part of managing the day to day operations for every type of property. First impressions are sometimes the only impression a potential tenant or owner has of a property. We pride ourselves on maintaining a Florida Directory of Companies that work with Property Management, Condo and HOA properties throughout the State of Florida.

Find-A-Service – Our Branded Page for our Members Directory on SFPMA.  Search the Many Categories and Find Top Companies that work with Florida’s Property Management Industry

 

 

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You don’t get to take a holiday break from condo rules.

You don’t get to take a holiday break from condo rules.

  • Posted: Dec 05, 2021
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If you’re one of the 62 million Americans living in condo and homeowners associations (HOAs), you don’t get to take a holiday break from condo rules.

Humbug, you say? Well…

“A hallmark of a shared ownership community is that you give up some of your rights for the good of the community. If there are restrictions involving holiday decorations, including lights and signage, you’re generally bound by them

Option 1: Nothing may happen if the HOA rules aren’t enforced.
Option 2: You might get a letter asking you to take down your decor.
Option 3: You might get fined for breaking condo rules.

 

Be safe, Ask your board for rules they may have for decorations on the Grounds….

Constructive ways to balance your need to deck the halls with condo rules that ban decorations:

  • Talk to your neighbors.
  • If it’s your first holiday in your new home, check your association’s rules and regulations to find out what’s really allowed.
  • Condos that ban lights and signage most of the year may be lenient about decorations during the holiday season. “But do understand these rules and regulations are enforceable by boards of corporations that are created contractually,”

Take your holiday case to the board. Call the president and ask if you can speak at the next meeting. Show up with a short written proposal to modify the HOA rules to allow specific kinds of decorations, like lights on balconies or door wreaths.

Check state laws on condo rules. Got no satisfaction from your trip to the condo board? You might be able to appeal to a higher authority. Some states have a large body of home owners association laws that may override HOA rules in certain instances, while other states have few home owners association laws.

 

 

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Premier Fire Alarm and Integration Systems, We assist you in ensuring that your fire alarm system complies with national fire codes and Florida building codes.

Premier Fire Alarm and Integration Systems, We assist you in ensuring that your fire alarm system complies with national fire codes and Florida building codes.

  • Posted: Mar 22, 2021
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Premier Fire Alarms & Integration Systems, Installation Division Inc. is dedicated to providing the most reliable systems and service in the alarm industry. Helping protect the lives and property of our customers is a responsibility we embrace and never take lightly. In every endeavor, we strive to satisfy our customers by meeting and exceeding their expectations.

Fire Alarm Repair and Maintenance   *   Fire Alarm Service Agreement & Contracts   *   Fire Alarm Service Monitoring

Call now for free consultation

954-404-7137

 

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Comprehensive Lake & Pond Assessments Understand Your Waterbody Inside and Out

Comprehensive Lake & Pond Assessments Understand Your Waterbody Inside and Out

  • Posted: Mar 04, 2021
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Understand Your Waterbody Inside and Out

by SOLitude Lake Management

 

Lake and pond management is a complex field that presents never-ending puzzles and surprising challenges. Like a fingerprint, no two bodies of water are exactly the same—and they are always in a state of continuous change based on how the water is used, the surroundings, and even the weather. When diagnosing and designing a solution for a problem like bad odors or nuisance algae growth, professionals take all of this information into account, but it doesn’t provide a complete picture of what’s going on below the surface.

A professional assessment is the first step to achieve a comprehensive view of your waterbody’s health. Think of this as a physical for your waterbody. An array of scientific tests are conducted to check its vitals and establish an initial baseline of health. Over time, the comprehensive scientific data can be used to:

  • Identify root causes of recurring issues
  • Predict and prevent the onset of future water quality problems
  • Make better informed proactive management decisions
  • Achieve more impactful and long-lasting results
  • Reduce your environmental footprint and cut management costs

 

SOLitude offers a variety of waterbody assessment options. Each package includes creation of a customized, comprehensive report for you and your stakeholders. Your freshwater management professional can help you determine which package is most appropriate based on the history of the waterbody, as well as your unique goals and budget:

Premium Waterbody Assessment

Gain invaluable insights into the health and longevity of your freshwater resource. Leverage new algae identification methods and advanced laboratory work to predict and circumvent water quality problems while cutting down on long-term costs.

Enhanced Waterbody Assessment

Dive into the unique characteristics of your lake or pond. This essential data can be used to identify underlying problems and tap in to the specific needs of your waterbody with custom solutions.

Water Wellness Check

Gain a baseline understanding of what’s happening below the surface of your waterbody. This key information will help put you on the right path towards the achievement of your lake or pond goals.

Waterbody Testing Add-ons

Additional water quality tests are available to further customize any of our three assessment packages. Ask your Aquatic Specialist is these tests should be considered for your waterbody.

Additional water quality tests include:
Apparent Color, Chloride, Chlorophyll-a, Conductivity, Particulate Organic Matter, Phosphate, Salinity, Sediment Organic Matter, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, Total Iron, Total Suspended Solids, True Color and Turbidity.

 

Click to learn more about SOLitude’s Commitment to Management of your Waterbodys, Lakes and Ponds.

One of the nation’s premiere lake maintenance companies, SOLitude Lake Management helps our customers identify their needs and formulate comprehensive plans to achieve practical solutions to their water quality problems. Water features are a particularly important part of any property, adding value and aesthetic beauty. We offer the most technologically advanced lake or pond management products and services available to help all of our customers prevent problems and maintain a natural, healthy, balanced and beautiful ecosystem. For those prospective clients whose lake or pond is already experiencing problems, our pond management experts will restore it to its original beauty and help achieve aquatic sustainability.

SOLitude’s annual management services include:

 

SOLitude Lake Management

SOLitude Lake Management
P: 888.480.5253 | F: 888.358.0088
Alyssa Serignese
3842 Ironbridge Blvd. Unit #2
Fort Myers, FL 33916

 

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Is It a Limited Common Element? By: Michael Dermody, Esq. of BECKER

Is It a Limited Common Element? By: Michael Dermody, Esq. of BECKER

  • Posted: Dec 02, 2020
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Is It a Limited Common Element?

By: Michael Dermody, Esq.  of Becker

Most condominium unit owners may think that limited common elements are those areas outside the condominium unit that are part of the common elements, but which are used only by a specific unit owner.  However, the Florida Condominium Act defines “limited common elements” as “those common elements which are reserved for the use of a certain unit to the exclusion of all other units, as specified in the declaration.” (FS 718.103(19), emphasis added). Thus, the determination of whether a common element (i.e., any area not included within the unit boundaries) is a “limited common element” depends solely upon the designation set forth in the property’s declaration. Brown v Rice, 716 So.2d 807 (5th DCA 1998).

 

This requirement that limited common elements (“LCE”) must be “specified in the declaration” can be crucial when it comes to assigning maintenance responsibility.  While maintenance of common elements (of which LCE are a subset) is statutorily the responsibility of the association, the Condominium Act provides that “the declaration may provide that certain limited common elements shall be maintained by those entitled to use the limited common elements…”  FS 718.113(1).  However, the fact that unit owners are assigned the maintenance obligation in the declaration for areas outside of their unit under their exclusive control may not mean much if the area is not designated as a limited common element in the declaration of condominium; in such case the declaration may be assigning maintenance responsibility for something that does not technically exist.  Without such specific designation the area would remain a part of the common elements, and the maintenance responsibility of the association.

 

When patios and balconies are associated with units, they are usually plainly marked as limited common elements in the unit diagrams and are thus “specified.”   But there are less obvious things external to a unit, but used exclusively by the unit owner, that may escape specification in the declaration such as external air conditioning units, air conditioner connecting lines, air conditioner condensate drain lines, or plumbing lines that serve only one unit. If the intent is to assign the unit owner the maintenance responsibility for such things, they must be specified as limited common elements in the declaration.  Conversely, the mere fact that the LCE are specified in the declaration does not automatically make the LCE the maintenance responsibility of the unit owner. LCE are, after all, a part of the common elements, and by default are an association maintenance obligation.  To properly assign the maintenance obligation to the unit owner, the declaration must both specify the item or area in question as a limited common element and designate the maintenance obligation to the unit owner.

 

If your association has portions of the common elements that serve only one unit owner, or group of units, which are not specified in the declaration as limited common elements, the Condominium Act was amended a few years ago to allow the association to reclassify these portions of the common elements as limited common elements, by amending the declaration (and amending the maintenance obligations, if necessary).  If these obligations are not clear in your condominium declaration, consult with your attorney to determine whether amendments to reclassify portions of the condominium property from common elements to limited common elements would be beneficial to your community.

 


Michael O. Dermody
Senior Attorney
tel:772.286.2990
MDERMODY@beckerlawyers.com

 

Michael Dermody concentrates his legal practice in commercial litigation, with a focus in appellate writing. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in May, 2007, and has been a member of the New Jersey Bar since 1996. Prior to coming to Florida, Michael was the principal of his own solo practice in Frenchtown, New Jersey. In 2005, he submitted an amicus curae brief in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court medical marijuana case, Ascroft v. Raich. Since 2007 he has focused on community association law with a concentration in community association litigation.

 

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All in One System for Entry Gates, Garages and Pools…..

All in One System for Entry Gates, Garages and Pools…..

  • Posted: Nov 26, 2020
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Smart Entry Systems

(626) 213-7557

 

  • Create temporary guest codes for pre-authorized visitors using the phone app.
  • Conveniently manage your property with a browser from anywhere with Internet access.
  • Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7. Mix and match from 9, 6, or 4 door models to suit your community.
  • Eliminate coins from communal washers, dryers, electric car charging stations, short term rentals of conference and party rooms.

 

How it works?

Watch this one minute video of the different access methods.

 

 

 

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Nothing better than a sunny day and a newly sealed and striped parking lot! by Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating

Nothing better than a sunny day and a newly sealed and striped parking lot! by Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating

  • Posted: Nov 23, 2020
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Nothing better than a sunny day and a newly sealed and striped parking lot!

by Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating

Our #ASPCrew sealcoated, striped and completed asphalt repairs on this corporate office parking lot in Boca Raton, Florida!

Contact us today for any of your parking lot needs by calling us at 1-833-PAVE-ASP or head to www.PaveWithASP.com!

 

ATLANTIC SOUTHERN PAVING & SEALCOATING

Southeast FL  954-518-4315

Southwest FL  239-234-2155

Central FL  321-408-5010

Provides pavement maintenance & construction services. From idea or blueprint to finished surface we offer all facets of new paving installation.

Atlantic Southern Paving & Sealcoating From idea or blueprint to finished surface, we offer all facets of new paving installation. Our crews have the technical expertise to perform these tasks to the standards set by local, state and federal requirements. This expertise allows us to pass inspections the first time so that your project can stay on schedule.

Atlantic Southern Paving & Sealcoating provides pavement maintenance & construction services to Florida for over 30 years. The solid foundation that Michael “Mickey” Curry started in 1992 employing the best people, using the best products and providing what the customer needs with a competitive pricing has enable Atlantic Southern to continue to thrive.

 

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5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement By SOLitude Lake Management

5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement By SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Nov 19, 2020
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5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement

By SOLitude Lake Management, Nov 19, 2020

AS SEEN IN National Community Association Institute’s (CAI) publication, Common Ground

The very first fish I remember catching was a bullhead catfish. It was in a small pond in my grandparents’ HOA community that is still there today. Well, sort of. Though the pond had once been deep enough for fishing and stormwater collection, its depth is now best measured in inches rather than feet. The cattails that were once clustered near the outflow are now abundant throughout the pond. Today, the waterbody resembles the nearby wetland more than it does a pond. In the 55 years of its existence, no measures have ever been taken to mitigate against the natural process of succession.

Lake and pond succession is the natural lifecycle of any waterbody. The very tributaries that supply a waterbody with its water also carry sediment, which over time accumulates and decreases the water depth. Aquatic weeds and nuisance vegetation decompose and create additional organic sediment. And the shallower the pond becomes, the more vegetation it produces—accelerating the aging process.

Read more »

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Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities. This Webinar is on November 24rth at Noon. by IdentyTech Solutions

Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities. This Webinar is on November 24rth at Noon. by IdentyTech Solutions

  • Posted: Nov 17, 2020
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Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities.

This Webinar is on November 24th at Noon.

You can use this link to register today!

Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities. This Webinar is on November 24rth at Noon. (12:00) Watch and Learn, Ask Questions #SfpmaMembers


iDENTYTECH Solutions America, Inc.

iDentyTech is a leading provider of intuitive Identity management products and solutions. Founded in 2010 IdentyTech™ provides its worldwide customers with best-in- class complete identity management solutions. We further offer custom engineered solutions for those customers requiring proprietary solutions. IdentyTech has field proven solutions for Corporate Enterprise, government and Financial services, healthcare, schools, Transportation, Small Medium businesses and many others.

View our SFPMA Listing on the Members Directory.

 

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Top 5 Rules for Pond Management By SOLitude Lake Management

Top 5 Rules for Pond Management By SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Nov 04, 2020
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BLOG | Top 5 Rules for Pond Management

By SOLitude Lake Management, Nov 04, 2020

Park-and-Recreation-Lake-Management

Written by Greg Blackham, Aquatic Specialist

AS SEEN IN Parks and Rec Business publication.

Whether you’ve recently stepped into a new role as a community manager or parks manager, or simply decided to turn more attention to the aesthetic needs of your facilities, there’s a good chance your responsibilities include overseeing a lake or stormwater pond. Maintaining a fully interactive aquatic ecosystem that is aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe for the community can be daunting! Some choose to take this on “in-house” (either to cut down on costs or because they enjoy the challenge it brings) but it’s important to recognize possible complications and dangers that make professional intervention necessary.

There’s no true “how-to” guide for the management of freshwater resources; each waterbody and the management challenges that come with it are completely unique. However, all lakes and ponds can benefit from proactive, sustainable management efforts. Here are some rules of thumb that every facilities manager can benefit from keeping in mind…

https://www.solitudelakemanagement.com/blog/top-five-rules-pond-management

 

 

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CAN I GET A REFUND? By Eric Glazer, Esq.

CAN I GET A REFUND? By Eric Glazer, Esq.

  • Posted: Oct 27, 2020
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CAN I GET A REFUND?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Talk about beating a dead horse.  I have been asked over and over and over again, by unit owners all across the state if:

-They are entitled to a refund at the end of the year or;

-They can currently withhold portions of their monthly assessment,

because the pool, restaurant, club, spa, gym, card room, library or any other common facility has been closed during the  Coronavirus pandemic.

  The simple answer is NO.  And it is driving a lot of people crazy.  As you know, the budget for 2020 was probably passed in October or November of 2019.  The budget included the anticipated 2020 expenses including insurance that covered the pool, restaurant, club, spa, gym, card room, library or any other common facility.  The budget covered the maintenance of the pool that was never discontinued.  The budget covered maintenance of the property, landscaping, director and officer insurance, management fees, accounting fees, legal fees, fees payable to the DBRP (if you’re a condo), security, reserve accounts, repayment of bank loans in some circumstances, office supplies, major and minor repairs and so on and so on and so on.

NONE OF THESE EXPENSES CEASED DURING THE CORONAVIRUS SHUTDOWN.  For all intents and purposes, the expenses of the association stayed the same in 2020, and in some cases actually went up, where the association decided to hire extra cleaning staff during the crisis to help keep the property spic and span.

So…..for those of you who have threatened to withhold your assessments.  Please don’t.  Trust me on this…..instead of owing $300.00 you will quickly owe $3,000.00 or more.  Hopefully, we are turning the corner, our facilities will soon be opened and we can all meet again, sit in the theater again, play cards, exercise and swim together.  In the meantime, wishing you and your families only the best of health.

 

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