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

On April 16th join KBR and Kerstin Henze live on Zoom for “Guest Restrictions and Screening Tenants & New Owners: Is It Worthwhile?”

On April 16th join KBR and Kerstin Henze live on Zoom for “Guest Restrictions and Screening Tenants & New Owners: Is It Worthwhile?”

  • Posted: Apr 11, 2024
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On April 16th join KBR and Kerstin Henze live on Zoom for “Guest Restrictions and Screening Tenants & New Owners: Is It Worthwhile?”

CAMS…receive a CEU in the HR category. Board Members will gain vital information, too.

Guest Restrictions & Screening Tenants and New Owners

Date & Time
Apr 16, 2024 11:30 AM in 
Description
Guest Restrictions & Screening Tenants and New Owners: Is It Worthwhile? Course #: 9630142 | One (1) CEU in HR / ELE Instructor: Kerstin Henze, Esq. This webinar addresses the authority to review and approve tenants and owners, including issues related to transfer fees/security deposits, potential “good cause” to deny an applicant, restricting guest occupancy, and common pitfalls in the “screening” process.
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Meet Peter Mollengarden, Esq., BCS at the Firm’s networking group’s free Breakfast & Education event at Drive Shack in West Palm Beach, Fri., April 12 at 8:30am.

Meet Peter Mollengarden, Esq., BCS at the Firm’s networking group’s free Breakfast & Education event at Drive Shack in West Palm Beach, Fri., April 12 at 8:30am.

  • Posted: Apr 09, 2024
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Meet Peter Mollengarden, Esq., BCS at the Firm’s networking group’s free Breakfast & Education event at Drive Shack in West Palm Beach, Fri., April 12 at 8:30am.

One CE for CAMs and excellent info for Board Members. Door Prizes too!

 

ACE Palm Beach County Breakfast & Education | Hurricane Prep for Community Associations

Please join us for delicious hot breakfast, awesome networking, and DBPR approved credit, vital for CAMS and excellent information for Board Members. Course: “Hurricane Prep for Community Associations”. Course #: 9628954. By Plastridge Insurance (3730). One IFM or ELE CEU. The ACE pros in attendance will also offer input about the topic. Plastridge instructor is: Andrew Massie.

Location: Drive Shack West Palm Bch, 1710 Belvedere Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

Date and time: Fri, Apr 12, 2024 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Organizer: Mariel and Lisa, ACE, (516) 666-1333, mariel@acebytsk.com

Register NOW

 

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Legal Update 2024  2:30-4:30pm | 2 CEUs in LU | No. 9632307 at the Palm Beach Condo HOA EXPO. by kbr legal

Legal Update 2024 2:30-4:30pm | 2 CEUs in LU | No. 9632307 at the Palm Beach Condo HOA EXPO. by kbr legal

  • Posted: Apr 09, 2024
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Legal Update 2024

2:30-4:30pm | 2 CEUs in LU | No. 9632307

Get updated on the most recent legislative changes and discuss the statutory changes made by Florida Legislature and how they directly affect managers and their communities.

Instructor: Allison L. Hertz, Esq. BCS of KBR Legal

 

Learn the Legal Updates for 2024, Managers and Board Members this is a must!

Register / attend the expo

 

 

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Attention all aspiring Community Association Managers! Start your journey to success with ProLicense Florida’s pre-license course.

Attention all aspiring Community Association Managers! Start your journey to success with ProLicense Florida’s pre-license course.

  • Posted: Mar 21, 2024
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Our online education program is designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field.

Don’t miss this opportunity to earn your license and boost your career!

Become a Property Manager

sfpma has partnered with the top educational platform for Licensing and education. We offer CAM Licensing, Real Estate Licensing, Take the opportunity today to change your life! Get Licensed. Enjoy our self-paced online classes – Start your new Career – Become a Property Manager.

Florida Community Association Manager License Courses

To become licensed in Florida, you need to first meet the requirements to enter an approved educational program. Once you’ve completed the program successfully, you apply for a license.

After being electronically fingerprinted, you’ll need to take and pass the licensing exam. You don’t need a license if you are only managing personally owned properties. Some rental properties, however, need a licensing by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants.

If a property owner hires a salaried employee to manage the property no broker’s license is required, but if they are paid by commission or transactional basis they must have a license.

Community Association Managers (CAMs) differ from property managers. CAMs must hold a valid Community Association Manager license. Obtaining this FREC license follows a similar process, but requires a different educational program.


If you need to verify a License in Florida:

Check each applicant’s license status before hiring any person. Use the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Licensee Search webpage to determine their licensing.

State of Florida Requires; Property Managers to be Registered with the DPBR

 

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Requirements for Obtaining a Florida Property Management License in 2024

Requirements for Obtaining a Florida Property Management License in 2024

  • Posted: Jan 01, 2024
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In Florida, managing, renting, and maintaining properties are classified as real estate activities. Therefore, anyone in Florida who offers these services for someone else and earns a commission must hold a valid real estate license.

However, under specific conditions, some property management services can be provided without a license in Florida. If a property owner hires an individual on a salaried basis to manage their properties, rather than paying them through commission or per transaction, the employee does not need a real estate license.

Additionally, it’s crucial to distinguish between a property manager and a Community Association Manager (CAM) in Florida, as they have different roles and responsibilities:

  1. Property Manager: A property manager oversees individual rental properties. Their responsibilities include finding and screening tenants, maintaining the property, collecting rent, and addressing tenant issues. They directly manage the property on behalf of the owner.

  2. Community Association Manager (CAM): A CAM, on the other hand, manages community associations like condominiums, homeowners associations, or cooperatives. Their duties are broader and include enforcing community rules, managing common areas, handling association finances, and coordinating with the association’s board of directors. A Florida CAM License is required when managing a community association of more than 10 units and/or with an annual budget in excess of $100,000.

While both roles involve managing real estate, a property manager is generally more focused on the day-to-day operations of specific rental properties, whereas a CAM is involved in the broader management of community living spaces and their associated organizations.

In Florida, the licensing requirements for becoming a Community Association Manager (CAM) and a real estate agent share several similarities. While both paths involve pre-licensing education, background checks, and state exams, the specific course requirements, hours of education, and the nature of the exams differ.

Real Estate License

  1. Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

  2. Pre-Licensing Education: Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).

  3. Application: Submit an application to the FREC and pay the required fee.

  4. Background Check and Fingerprints: Undergo a background check and submit fingerprints.

  5. State Exam: Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam.

  6. Post-Licensing Education: Complete a 45-hour post-licensing course before your first license renewal.

  7. Continuing Education: Complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license.

Community Association Manager (CAM) License

  1. Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old. A high school diploma is commonly preferred but not always required.

  2. Pre-Licensing Education: Complete an 16-hour state-approved CAM pre-licensing course.

  3. Application: Submit an application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and pay the required fee.

  4. Background Check and Fingerprints: Undergo a background check and submit fingerprints.

  5. State Exam: Pass the Florida CAM exam.

  6. Continuing Education: Complete 15 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license.

In summary, obtaining a property management license in Florida in 2024 requires a thorough understanding of the specific roles and legal requirements. For a property manager handling rental properties, a real estate license is necessary, involving education, exams, and ongoing training. For a Community Association Manager (CAM), who manages larger community associations, the licensing process is distinct but similar, reflecting the broader scope of their responsibilities. Staying informed and compliant with Florida’s real estate regulations is essential for a successful career in property management or community association management.

 


You can find out more on Licensing from our partners on the SFPMA.com website. Our Association and Industry Partners provide: Licensing Classes, Training and Licensing for CAM’s and Required Board Member Courses.

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ANNUAL MEETING TIPS FOR ASSOCIATIONS

ANNUAL MEETING TIPS FOR ASSOCIATIONS

ANNUAL MEETING TIPS FOR ASSOCIATIONS

by Enrolled Agent Steven J. Weil, Ph.D., EA, LCAM, Royale Management Services, Inc.

 

As associations plan their annual meetings, these reminders and specific steps will be useful.

The annual meeting is a membership meeting in which every member can and should participate. Participation comes through properly-made motions, seconds, taking part in the discussion of motions and through voting.

The first order of business he is to appoint the chairperson to run the meeting.  The chairperson can be anyone who the members agree should chair the meeting.  In many associations the board president chairs the meeting; however, this requires approval of the members. Some associations ask their manager or attorney to chair the meeting.  This is acceptable as long as it is approved by the membership.  In large associations having a professional chair the meeting can help to keep it on track and see that the required business gets done properly.

A motion as to who shall chair the meeting can be made by any member of the association.  This motion must be seconded and then voted on by the members present. If the motion is approved by a majority of the member’s present, the chairperson is elected for the meeting.
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August 24th at 12 Noon Est, Allison Hertz, Esq., BCS will teach “Conflicts of Interest: What You Need to Know” in this webinar

August 24th at 12 Noon Est, Allison Hertz, Esq., BCS will teach “Conflicts of Interest: What You Need to Know” in this webinar

  • Posted: Aug 22, 2023
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On August 24th at 12 Noon  (Webinar)

Est, Allison Hertz, Esq., BCS of KBRLegal will teach “Conflicts of Interest: What You Need to Know”

this webinar hosted by GRS Community Management. It’s free to enroll and happens via Zoom.

Click the link to RSVP:  

Course provided by Kaye Bender Rembaum. Course# 9630141 | Provider# 0005092 | 1 CEU in HR or ELE Instructor: Allison L. Hertz, Esq. BCS Attendees will learn to identify potential conflicts of interest (plus definitions), how to document disclosures, internal controls and training staff, directors and officers, new statutory requirements and penalties and best practices for associations.
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Property Manager and Board Member Breakfast at Pompano Galuppi’s by  KBR Legal

Property Manager and Board Member Breakfast at Pompano Galuppi’s by KBR Legal

  • Posted: Mar 06, 2023
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GOOD TO GREAT: HIRING THE RIGHT PEOPLE – GALUPPI’S BREAKFAST NETWORKING GROUP

Wed, March 8, 2023, 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM EST

Galuppi’s 1103 North Federal Highway Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Register NOW

Join us for a morning of awesome education and credits. A FREE hot breakfast will also be served for your pleasure while you learn and network. Win Door Prizes! Network and Meet Several Professionals serving Community Associations! For all of our board members, please register and be our guests. Take the opportunity to meet and learn from the professionals that support community living. There is NO cost for this event, but for property managers registration is required along with your CAM License number so that you can be properly accredited for licensing.

Course for today:

  • Good to Great: Hiring the Right People
  • Course #9631800 | 1 CE in the HR category | Provider #0008912
  • Instructor: Marcy Kravit, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, CFCAM (Hotwire | Fision)
  • During the second hour our instructor will open it up to discussion and your questions!
  • While this course is for HR credit, you can also use the second hour of the program to ask Marcy your Communication, Cable TV, Internet and Telecommunications questions…as well as learn more about Hotwire’s bulk offerings for community associations.

Note: Please register only once for yourself. Duplicate entries using the same email address will be cancelled. If you later determine you cannot attend, please save your email confirmation so that you can cancel your registration.

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Event: Continued Discussion on SB-4D and more on How to Prepare Your 2023 Budget

Event: Continued Discussion on SB-4D and more on How to Prepare Your 2023 Budget

  • Posted: Aug 15, 2022
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Continued Discussion on SB-4D and more on How to Prepare Your 2023

Wednesday, August 17, 2022 | 12 Noon to 1:00pm

Castle Group invites you to join us for Season 3, Episode 12 of Association Leadership. Join our continued discussion on SB-4D and more on how to prepare for your 2023 budget. The live webinar will be hosted by Craig Vaughan, Castle Group – Founder & CFO who will be joined by Attorneys Michael S. Bender and Jeffrey A. Rembaum – Kaye Bender Rembaum, P.L., Board Certified Specialists in Condominium and Planned Development Law, and special guest Steven Gladstone, Gladstone & Company, CPAs, Owner.

Wednesday, August 17, 2022 | 12 Noon to 1:00pm

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Six Requirements You Need to Get Your Property Management License in Florida

Six Requirements You Need to Get Your Property Management License in Florida

  • Posted: May 02, 2022
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Six Requirements You Need to Get Your Property Management License in Florida

To launch a career as a property manager in Florida, you must first obtain an appropriate license, but Florida does not offer a property management license. Rather than a property management license Florida requires you to obtain a real estate sales associate license to meet the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) requirements.

 

To become licensed in Florida, you need to first meet the requirements to enter an approved educational program. Once you’ve completed the program successfully, you apply for a license. After being electronically fingerprinted, you’ll need to take and pass the licensing exam. You do not need a license if you are only managing personally owned properties. Some rental properties, however, need a licensing by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. If a property owner hires a salaried employee to manage the property no broker’s license is required, but if they are paid by commission or transactional basis they must have a license.

Community Association Managers (CAMs) differ from property managers. CAMs must hold a valid Community Association Manager license. Obtaining this FREC license follows a similar process, but requires a different educational program. A CAM manages:

  • a ten or more unit association,

  • an association with greater than a $99,999 budget.

Check each applicant’s license status before hiring any person. Use the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Licensee Search webpage to determine their licensing.

Property Management License in Florida

The first step in how to obtain a property management license in Florida is meeting the requirements to enter the higher education program. You need to already have graduated from high school or earned your general education diploma (GED). Also, you must be at least 18 years old. These minimums allow you to apply for entry to an approved real estate sales associate pre-licensing course.

Property Management License Florida Course

You will need to successfully complete the real estate sales associate pre-licensing course approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission. More than one possible course exists and the one you complete must contain a minimum of 63 hours of coursework. This is the introductory coursework to the larger licensing educational structure. It provides the foundation for other courses. You may complete the courses via correspondence, online or in person, depending on the options the school you choose offers.

Complete Your Application.

Complete and submit form DBPRRE1 which is the Florida application for a real estate sales associate license. You can fill it out online by visiting the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation website. Click the link for “Apply for a License.” You can complete it online or print it and submit it by fax or mail. The appropriate application fee must accompany it.

Submit Your Electronic Fingerprints

You must submit your electronic fingerprints via a FREC approved electronic fingerprinting site. You can obtain the sites closest to you by phoning 877-238-8232. You then visit them to submit your prints and pay the fingerprinting fee.

Ace Your Real Estate Sales Associates Exam

Sit for your Florida real estate sales associates exam. To qualify for a license, you must score at least a 75 percent on the test.

Receive Your License

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your real estate license via postal mail. It typically takes seven to 10 business days to receive this in the mail.

Further Licensing Options

Beyond obtaining the sales associate license that functions effectively as a Florida property management license, you can also obtain higher licenses. You can obtain a broker’s license after 24 months as a real estate sales associate after completing a 72 classroom hours brokers course and a 60 hour post-licensing course which both must be FREC approved. For a license as a CAM, successfully complete a course of 18 hours education.

If you searched for how to get a property management license in Florida, you now know why you could not find it online. For property management, you need a sales associate license. To manage a community, you’ll need a CAM, also known as, a property association management license Florida requires. Florida property management license requirements differ depending on the size and/or budget of the community association.

While it is not a quick process, you can obtain your real estate license in about two years. That is the time it takes to complete about 60 hours of college coursework, assuming you complete 12 hour semesters. Some schools structure the courses in such a way that you must complete the classes in a specific order and cannot register for more than 12 hours per semester. After completion of the school program, passing your license exam is the only hurdle. You can enter a career in property management in Florida within two years.


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CAM Licensing: Start your new Career

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