Become a Member: JOIN SFPMA TODAY   LogIn / Register: LOGIN/REGISTER

SFPMA Industry Articles | news, legal updates, events & education! 

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

Webinar: Digital Vote Creation & Management Tools Demo by BeckerBALLOT.com

Webinar: Digital Vote Creation & Management Tools Demo by BeckerBALLOT.com

  • Posted: Jun 22, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Webinar: Digital Vote Creation & Management Tools Demo by BeckerBALLOT.com

Webinar: Digital Vote Creation & Management Tools Demo by BeckerBALLOT.com

Technology is an unavoidable and critical part of any business. As such, why not consider implementing a state-of-the-art online voting platform to your associations portfolio of services?

BeckerBALLOT.com is the perfect solution to help you streamline operations for your community, is extremely easy to setup, and it will give you the added advantage of increasing both your relevancy and residential appeal, thereby setting you apart from your competition!

 

TUESDAY JUNE 23 @10:30AM

REGISTER: https://beckerballot.com/upcoming-events/

Here’s what you will learn during the webinar:

–Walk through of BeckerBALLOT.com and its administration section/voting portal
–See examples of how others have successfully utilized the platform to benefit their communities
–View a demonstration on how to upload users, how to set up a vote, how to cast a vote, and more
–Learn about the functionality and ease of use
–Find out about flexible pricing options
–Participate in a Q&A with our customer support team to answer any questions you may have.

 

 

Tags: , ,
SAFETY & HEALTH PRODUCTS – Condo & HOA’s  Masks are to be worn in all common areas! 

SAFETY & HEALTH PRODUCTS – Condo & HOA’s  Masks are to be worn in all common areas! 

  • Posted: Jun 19, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on SAFETY & HEALTH PRODUCTS – Condo & HOA’s  Masks are to be worn in all common areas! 

SAFETY & HEALTH PRODUCTS – SFPMA

One of our Members has a Great Company Selling Safety Products. We are standing behind them….in support for our industry.

Condo & HOA’s  Masks are to be worn in all common areas! 
You must have a mask on if you go into any Store or Business!

https://bithermometer.com/?ref=sfpma

Condo & HOA’s  Masks are to be worn in all common areas!

Due to the numbers of Covid19 cases increasing and the lack of compliance with face masks , particularly in condominiums our city has declared that masks are mandatory in all common areas within buildings.Supported by the city manager and approved by the entire commission. This is not an issues of rights it is for everyone’s protection.

 

Protect Your Family
-No Contact Technology decreases the chance of viral/bacteria spread through contact.
-Get a more accurate reading using Body Infrared Technology.
-Increase recovery time by getting the valuble medical insight fast.
-Decrease chances of viral & bacterial spread with quality medical grade masks & supplies.
-Masks have been proven to deter airborn viruses by filtering air before it reaching your face.

 

 

Tags: ,
How Does ZUUL Systems Facilitate No-Contact Entry to a Gated Community?

How Does ZUUL Systems Facilitate No-Contact Entry to a Gated Community?

  • Posted: Jun 09, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on How Does ZUUL Systems Facilitate No-Contact Entry to a Gated Community?

How Does ZUUL Systems Facilitate No-Contact Entry to a Gated Community?

As your fellow neighbor, we understand recent shifts in society have greatly impacted communities all over the world. We’ve laughed together. We’ve overcome challenges together. Most importantly, we’ve learned individuals can adapt when hard times call for innovation. You’ve been through a lot, and ZUUL Systems recognizes the changes you’ve made to safely navigate daily life.

You, yes you, have made great strides to help our community stay healthy and flourish. You, along with other compassionate individuals, have adopted preventative tactics, like social distancing and contact-free communication, to maintain a safe quality of life until society finds its way back to a stable form of normalcy. Although the future is unknown, we can continue on this path of prevention to ensure our neighborhood’s well-being is preserved.

Our team at ZUUL Systems is taking note of seamless, no-contact living and its important contribution to society. Officials have encouraged individuals to avoid contact with frequently touched surfaces while performing necessary tasks outside of a home, as the virus affecting our community can survive stably on a hard surface or object for up to 72 hours. Now, there is a way to carry out day-to-day tasks and even commute while reducing the risk of virus transmission through touching surfaces or objects.

More specifically, ZUUL Systems facilitates no-contact entry to a gated community through its safe neighborhood access system. This completely digital platform allows users entry and exit into a gated community without the need for physical contact with strange gate guards, unfamiliar security personnel, and frequently touched objects. How exactly does ZUUL Systems pull this off? It’s simple.

Approved guests and community residents will use this no-touch system to filter in and out of the community, avoiding the need to touch a potentially contaminated call box, keypad, or identification card. All users need to complete a safe, streamlined entry would be a personal mobile device. For guests to enter, residents of a gated community will send a private QR code to an approved visitor via the ZUUL Systems app. This QR code will allow the visitor to easily enter and pass the security perimeter. The code can be issued as a single, one-time pass or a recurring pass. As the guest approaches the neighborhood entry gate, they will extend their mobile device to a ZUUL Systems scanner, and voilà. The approved guest is in.

This type of zero-touch entry system is particularly helpful for essential workers, like home improvement service providers and delivery people. They are the individuals navigating neighborhoods to complete essential services that propel our society.Can you imagine all the frequently touched surfaces and objects they encounter each day? By keeping essential workers and community guests at a safe distance, we can sustain a healthier lifestyle for all.

Alas, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel; or rather, at the end of the guard gate. With ZUUL Systems, you are in control of the distance you keep at all times, ultimately leading our society to a safer tomorrow. Learn more about the benefits of this contact-free access system by visiting ZUUL Systems.

 

 

Tags: , , ,
Stay Ahead of the Curve:  Lessons in Technology Learned from Covid-19 by Jeffrey Rembaum, Esq.  Kaye Bender Rembaum

Stay Ahead of the Curve: Lessons in Technology Learned from Covid-19 by Jeffrey Rembaum, Esq. Kaye Bender Rembaum

  • Posted: Jun 04, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Stay Ahead of the Curve: Lessons in Technology Learned from Covid-19 by Jeffrey Rembaum, Esq. Kaye Bender Rembaum

Stay Ahead of the Curve:  Lessons in Technology Learned from Covid-19

by Jeffrey Rembaum, Esq.   Kaye Bender Rembaum

 

The statutory emergency powers granted to community associations as a result of the Covid-19 State of Emergency proved to be a valuable resource for the orderly operations of Florida’s community associations. Many associations had to make significant changes to how they conducted the business of their association. For example, holding board meetings via “Zoom” and “GotoWebinar” became invaluable. But, when the State of Emergency is over can annual meetings and board meetings continue to take place on the internet? Sure they can, subject to the important considerations explained below. In addition, what other technologies can be utilized by the board?

 

 In fact, at the present time there are three statutory grants of technology that an association can utilize to make conducting the business of the association easier on a regular basis. They include, holding meetings electronically, voting electronically, and using email as an official means of communication to the members rather than the U.S. Postal Service. Electronic board meetings allow the board to continue conducting the business of the association without putting themselves or others in harm’s way. But even more than that, by attending electronically think of all of the gas that is saved since no one has to drive to the meeting. More than that, think of the extra time spent not driving or walking to the meeting and how it could be used as family quality time or just to relax.

 

However, if the board chooses to use video conferencing, it is important to remember that the board must comply with the statutory provisions regarding board meetings. The members must receive notice of the meeting pursuant to the bylaws of the association, and in any event, at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Additionally, condominium association members must have the right to speak to all designated agenda items and HOA members also get the additional right to speak on any item discussed by the board (this is because from a strict statutory interpretation condominium association boards are only supposed to address what is set out on the agenda, while such restriction does not apply to HOA boards). Remember, there is no exception to the meeting notice requirements and the need to provide opportunity for member comment. Therefore, any video conferencing software the board utilizes must allow members to virtually attend the meeting and have the opportunity to speak.

 

The second technology that associations can utilize to make life easier is electronic voting. Florida law allows condominiums, homeowners associations, and cooperatives to conduct elections and other owner votes electronically. When an association board adopts electronic voting, each member of the association must opt in, in writing, and can then vote safely from the comfort of their own home. Imagine all of the time saved by punching a computer button to get the tally, rather than counting by hand, in some instances over 1,000 votes!

 

To adopt electronic voting, the Board must first adopt a resolution authorizing an online voting system. The board resolution must provide that members will receive notice of the opportunity to vote online and must establish reasonable procedures and deadlines for members to consent, in writing, to online voting, and procedures for members to opt out of online voting. Once the board has approved electronic voting, the board must select an online voting system that complies with the requirements of Florida law. The online voting system must be able to do the following: (1) authenticate the owner’s identity, (2) authenticate the validity of each electronic vote to ensure that the vote is not changed during transmission, (3) transmit a receipt to each owner who casts an electronic vote, (4) be able to separate any authentication or identifying information from the ballot when voting must be done by secret ballot, and (5) be able to store and keep electronic votes accessible for recount, inspection, and review purposes.

 

Please take note that the board cannot force owners to vote electronically. Thus, a necessary step is to obtain each member’s written consent to participate in electronic voting. If an owner does not consent or opts out of electronic voting, then the board must allow that owner to paper vote.

 

The third technology an association can utilize which saves money, paper and time, is using electronic notices for official association communications. In other words, give up postage stamps in favor of using e-mail. Generally, associations are required to send official notices via mail or hand delivery. However, the association may choose to send notice via e-mail but only if an owner has provided their written consent to receive their notices electronically.

 

E-mails used for official association communications can only be sent to those owners who consent, in writing, to receive their official notices by electronic transmission. The written consent must specifically authorize the association to transmit notice electronically. An owner who has consented to electronic notice may opt out at any time. The association must retain a roster of the e-mail addresses and the written consents of owners as an official record of the association. The member is responsible to ensure the association’s emails are not blocked or categorized as spam. Failure to receive an email due to a member’s inability to receive the email will not be a valid reason for objecting. Budget adoption notices, annual meeting notices, election notices, board meeting notices and so much more can be provided via email.

 

  Over the last several months, many associations have had to learn how to utilize technology to conduct the business of their association during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some have done so correctly and likely others have not. Thus, in utilizing any of the technology discussed in this article, an important step is to consult with your association’s attorney to ensure proper compliance with all the statutory requirements. Let us also turn a negative into a positive by continuing to use technology to assist the association with smooth operation. Who knows, perhaps one day, there will be a way for members to virtually enjoy the amenities, too. Until then, you’ll find me at the pool deck.

 

 

Jeffrey Rembaum’s, Esq.

legal practice consists of representation of condominium, homeowners, commercial and mobile home park associations, as well as exclusive country club communities and the developers who build them. Mr. Rembaum is a Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law. He is the creator of “Rembaum’s Association Roundup,” an e-magazine devoted to the education of community association board members, managers, developers and anyone involved with Florida’s community associations. His column appears monthly in the Florida Community Association Journal. Every year since 2012, Mr. Rembaum has been selected to the Florida Super Lawyers list, and was also named Legal Elite by Florida Trends Magazine.

He can be reached at 561-241-4462.

 

Tags: , , ,
Is This A Better Way to Conduct Board Meetings? | Axela Technologies

Is This A Better Way to Conduct Board Meetings? | Axela Technologies

  • Posted: Jun 04, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Is This A Better Way to Conduct Board Meetings? | Axela Technologies

Is This A Better Way to Conduct Board Meetings? | Axela Technologies

This Pandemic has been a horrific human tragedy, and by no means can there ever be a silver lining. At best, we’ve learned some lessons, and new ways of doing business have been established as viable.

One of these things that we have learned is how we can improve community association board of director meetings.

 

Some Lessons Learned from the Pandemic

Companies have learned that remote working does not degrade productivity and perhaps even improves it. I would expect that in the future that “hot bunking” work stations in offices will allow companies to hire more people without having to expand to a larger space.

From a community association perspective, the greatest thing that has been discovered is the unbelievable success of video conference meetings.

 

Problems With Traditional Board Meetings

I have been to my share of community association meetings and usually, there are two problems:

  1. The membership usually fails to understand that a board meeting is NOT their meeting. Membership meetings are one thing but board meetings are another.

    The membership is positioned as observers who may articulate their issues in an open forum at the beginning or end of the meetings.  Board meetings may allow for an open forum but seldom do members sit and wait their turn.  Instead, it is often the case that they interrupt their elected directors from conducting meetings. This takes people off subject and often leads to confrontations.

  2. Many meetings are scheduled at inconvenient times so that members cannot attend, and that is a very bad practice. Sometimes these meetings are scheduled by design to minimize attendance, and sometimes they are held during work hours when people simply cannot attend.

 

Digital Board Meetings Are Just Better

Video conference meetings allow all members of the association an opportunity to see their community association board of directors as work.

It has been quite an eye-opener. More than that, it has been a brilliant experience for me to see how an unruly gathering can be changed into an orderly business meeting.

If I had my choice this would be the only way to perform board meetings going forward.

One Potential Drawback

The only drawback is that there are people who don’t have the technical skill or equipment to be able to participate in such a meeting.

My dear 92-year-old mother would love to have a computer but I won’t get her one until she figures out the remote control. I’ve done everything I can to help her learn, but mastery eludes her.

Getting people with limited technology experience to be able to attend will be the challenge if meetings go completely digital.

I invite suggestions.

 

Digital Meetings Are Better for Everyone

Regarding the first problem of unruly and disruptive meetings, a video conference has the best feature and it’s called a mute button. (My wife has been trying to get one for my big mouth for years, but I digress.)

In the past three months and countless meetings, I have never experienced such orderly, productive meetings, and considering these difficult times it has been a Godsend.

  • The board gets to conduct their meetings without being interrupted by members who come with personal agendas and the agenda is adhered to.
  • The members can be heard loud and clear during the open forum portion of the meeting, so they are not ignored or interrupted.
  • The administrator can record the meeting for prosperity, and minutes can then be properly composed.

It’s a perfect way to conduct board meetings and produce very effective results. This Pandemic has been tragic, but this is one small lesson or process that we can now say was an unintended benefit of a very unfortunate situation.

 

 

Tags: , , ,
WEBINAR: Association Operations During COVID-19 – A Castle Group and Kaye Bender Rembaum, P.L. Webinar

WEBINAR: Association Operations During COVID-19 – A Castle Group and Kaye Bender Rembaum, P.L. Webinar

  • Posted: Jun 02, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on WEBINAR: Association Operations During COVID-19 – A Castle Group and Kaye Bender Rembaum, P.L. Webinar

Association Operations During COVID-19 – A Castle Group and Kaye Bender Rembaum, P.L. Webinar

Date/Time
Date(s) – JUNE 4th, 2020
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Location
Pompano Beach Office

REGISTER HERE

Castle Group invites you to join episode 4 of Association Operations During COVID-19 with a focus on opening community amenities and morePanelists include Craig Vaughan, Castle Group, President and Michael S. Bender & Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Kaye Bender Rembaum, P.L. – Board Certified Attorneys in Condominium and Planned Development Law.

Castle Group invites you to join episode 4 of Association Operations During COVID-19 with a focus on opening community amenities and more. Panelists include Craig Vaughan, Castle Group, President, and Michael S. Bender & Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Kaye Bender Rembaum, P.L. – Board Certified Attorneys in Condominium and Planned Development Law.

Register to attend by https://castlegroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lInnKQ_6QtS3C3qouWz9XA.

 

 

Tags: , , ,
Happy Hour with Cohen Law Group to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation a Charity Event/Virtual Happy Hour/Harvey Q & A on Wed., May 27, at 5pm. 

Happy Hour with Cohen Law Group to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation a Charity Event/Virtual Happy Hour/Harvey Q & A on Wed., May 27, at 5pm. 

  • Posted: May 25, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Happy Hour with Cohen Law Group to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation a Charity Event/Virtual Happy Hour/Harvey Q & A on Wed., May 27, at 5pm. 

Happy Hour with Cohen Law Group to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Cohen Law Group and several other organizations will host a Special Event.

Charity Event/Virtual Happy Hour/Harvey Q & A on Wed., May 27, at 5pm.

MAKE A DONATION

REGISTER FOR THE EVENT

 

We challenge your organizations and business to step up and join us to raise money for the amazing Make-A-Wish Foundation!
Fun Facts-
•Harvey will match donations raised during the event up to $5000.
•Pre-register attendees from your organization
•Live donation and donor acknowledgement during event
•Entertaining Games, Contests and Prizes
•Your organization logo marketed on flyer in blasts
•Guaranteed to be a lively event while Making Wishes come true!
We are looking for organizations, businesses and sponsors to participate and market the event to your contacts, members and employees. We will create marketing materials you can distribute.
If you would like to participate, we ask that you do the following-
· Market Event to your contacts, CO-workers, family, friends.
· Participate in Event
· Donate Raffle Prizes – gift cards from your business or Visa, MC or American Xpress, etc. Free 1 year membership to your organization, etc.
· Optional- Match funds up to a specific dollar amount like Harvey!
· Email your logo, your contact information and Raffle Prize, etc. if you wish to participate.
*One of our contests will be Team Tally- Tag-A-Friend or Tag-A-Coworker- Whoever tags and gets the most participation from their organization wins a prize for themselves as well as the entire organization!
SFPMA – for a lucky company SFPMA has donated a Full Lifetime Company Listing and a Full Page of Advertising in our FLORIDA RISING MAGAZINE for one year.  (Let us help you get noticed in the industry)
Tags: , , ,
Events Calendar can now be viewed in a List Format

Events Calendar can now be viewed in a List Format

  • Posted: May 25, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Events Calendar can now be viewed in a List Format

We have been asked if we have a Monthly List of all events, We have added this Data from our Calendar.

Clients can now use the navigation bar’s drop down under the Events Section to find  > MONTHLY EVENTS CALENDAR (LIST VIEW)
  • Members can send us events to be added each month, let us help you by informing our industry of educational events. Access the Members Portal when you sign in where you can Add Articles, Add Events, Make Changes to your Listings, and other actions.  We are currently working on Sales and Specials for members to send to us, this is being integrated into our platform and directory pages. Clients, Board members and managers will be able to find sales from our members saving them money before they select a company to hire…..

WEBINAR: CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBER CERTIFICATION MAY 27, 2020

WEBINAR: CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBER CERTIFICATION Date/Time Date(s) – 2020-05-27 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Location Pompano Beach Office REGISTER HERE Join our own Andrew Black, Esq., a Board Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law, online for distance learning with the Condominium Association Board Member Certification Course. This provides CE credit for CAMs and fulfills state requirements for Condo Association Board Members. Course Number: 9630075 | Provider Number: 0005092 Two (2) CEU’s in IFM or ELE Note: This webinar is limited to the first 100 to register.

 

ADVANCED BOARD MEMBER TRAINING

ADVANCED BOARD MEMBER TRAINING Date: Thursday, May 28, 2020 Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Location: https://zoom.us/, Zoom.com How to prepare for and conduct a meeting. Myths about Robert Rules of Order Agendas, Minutes, and More Provider: 0007237 Course: 9629074 Instructor William and Susan Raphan Credit Information 2 Hours Manager Continuing Education Elective Credits

 

Condo Craze & HOAs HOSTED BY – ERIC M. GLAZER, ESQUIRE SUNDAYS AT 11:00 a.m. ON 850 WFTL

Condo Craze & HOAs HOSTED BY – ERIC M. GLAZER, ESQUIRE SUNDAYS AT 11:00 a.m. ON 850 WFTL May 31, 2020 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Condo Craze & HOAs HOSTED BY – ERIC M. GLAZER, ESQUIRE SUNDAYS AT 11:00 a.m. ON 850 WFTL The show is streamed live on the web at www.850wftl.com and on your mobile device. Presents a forum for Board members and owners to tell their side of the story. The show randomly has guest speakers who are experts on the daily problems associations encounter. All issues that our associations encounter each day are proper topics for discussion. Expect to hear from politicians, Board members, owners, tenants, community association managers, developers, community association accountants, construction industry personnel and other government officials. Listeners call in and ask questions of attorney Eric Glazer and his legal team as well as any guest present. Eric has been practicing association law since 1992, and his firm Glazer and Associates has represented associations and unit owners throughout the state. There is lots of great discussion and we have certainly had some screaming and yelling, not unlike your typical Board meeting. However, at the end of each show, our listeners come away with a greater understanding of the law and hopefully an appreciation of the various sides of this ongoing debate.

Tags: , , ,
Bay Area Pressure Cleaning, LLC is excited to help promote and support ‘Move for Hunger’ Pasco County’s Families in Need – Drive Thru Food Donation! Monday, May 25th

Bay Area Pressure Cleaning, LLC is excited to help promote and support ‘Move for Hunger’ Pasco County’s Families in Need – Drive Thru Food Donation! Monday, May 25th

  • Posted: May 20, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Bay Area Pressure Cleaning, LLC is excited to help promote and support ‘Move for Hunger’ Pasco County’s Families in Need – Drive Thru Food Donation! Monday, May 25th

Bay Area Pressure Cleaning, LLC is excited to help promote and support ‘Move for Hunger’ Pasco County’s Families in Need – Drive Thru Food Donation! Monday, May 25th

 

Bay Area Pressure Cleaning, LLC is excited and proud to be partnering with Florida Main Movers, INC to help promote and support ‘Move for Hunger’ Pasco County’s Families in Need – Drive Thru Food Donation!

All donations will go to Florida Food Force, Inc – a local food bank located in Odessa to help feed our local families in need amidst the pandemic.

Our team will be practicing social distancing by allowing cars to simply drive thru, and pop their trunks!

 

We will be collecting all non-perishable food donations on Sunday, May 31st in the parking lot of ‘The Columbian’ located at 5850 Farrell Way, Port Richey, FL 34668 from 9am – 5pm!

 

Starting Monday, May 25th Bay Area Pressure Cleaning, LLC will gladly be picking up non-perishable food donations after 5pm from those of you who would like to donate but are unable to make it to the drop-off location. Please text or call 727-877-4222 or send us a message with your address to arrange a donation pick-up!

If you have any other questions regarding this event you may also reach out to Florida Main Movers, Inc at 813-863-5177!

Our community needs us! Even the smallest donation can make a big difference to a family in need. We’re all in this together!

 

 

Tags: , , ,
Have your services been affected by coronavirus?

Have your services been affected by coronavirus?

  • Posted: May 14, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Have your services been affected by coronavirus?

Have your services been affected by coronavirus?

We know businesses like yours may be struggling to keep customers informed right now.

To help we’ve released help for Members We want members businesses to communicate changes and promote their available services.

(For example) a members business could write an article tell us what you offer or that they’re temporarily closed or Let us know that you are OPEN and ready to help Condo’s and HOA’s. We will repost these members articles and send these out to our Industry.

Once normal service resumes, or you reopen you can easily send another article for the service update, SFPMA will help by sending these to our Industry.

We have a large reach for our Blog. We send Hundreds of Thousands of Emails to industry professionals and more if you also add every member company and subscriber.

 

 

 

Need more resources? Think about taking out Advertising on our website or in the Florida Rising Magazine.

At SFPMA, we’re committed to providing members businesses with as much support as possible during this challenging time. 

Send us an Email: Membership@sfpma.com

Frank J Mari / Executive Director

 

Tags: ,
There will be a new normal. Boards cannot simply flip a switch to bring them back to Jan. 2020 operations. by Donna DiMaggio of Becker

There will be a new normal. Boards cannot simply flip a switch to bring them back to Jan. 2020 operations. by Donna DiMaggio of Becker

  • Posted: May 08, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on There will be a new normal. Boards cannot simply flip a switch to bring them back to Jan. 2020 operations. by Donna DiMaggio of Becker

There will be a new normal. Boards cannot simply flip a switch to bring them back to Jan. 2020 operations.

by Donna DiMaggio Esq. of Becker

 

There is no reason that permanent sanitizer stations shouldn’t remain in place in high traffic areas including near front desks, in elevators and near access screens.

The days of having dozens of lounge chairs at the pool and tightly packed gyms should be over.

Boards may start using a reservation system for certain amenities to better enforce social distancing.

Boards who have been lax in the past about prohibiting dual usage by unit owners and their tenants should tighten up those restrictions.

Unauthorized short-term rental activity and guest usage should also be scrutinized to reduce density in the common areas.

The days of having an open door policy in the Association office should likely cease.

Some residents like to congregate in the association office for a variety of reasons but that activity was not terribly helpful in ordinary times let alone now.

Inquiries can be handled via email, phone or by attending a meeting.

Digitizing association records to conduct online document inspections as well as holding online votes will not only maximize your efficiencies but can reduce the disputes which erupt with traditional voting, inspection and meeting protocols.

 

Here’s what you need to know to live through the coronavirus crisis in South Florida

South Florida continues to be under movement restrictions due to efforts to control the spread of the new coronavirus. Although the state began on May 4 to open in phases, South Florida will have to wait longer due to higher rates of infections and deaths. Here are the key things you need to know about the situation.

Working and getting out

  • BUSINESS THAT MUST REMAIN CLOSED: Non-essential businesses in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties remain under shutdown orders. The statewide shutdown order is being lifted in phases, but excludes South Florida. We put together a complete list of businesses considered “essential” that may remain open.
  • FACE MASKS: Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties have all ordered face masks to be worn by customers and employees in grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail stores that are allowed to be open during the shutdown orders. Businesses are expected to enforce the rules and could face penalties if they do not.
  • CURFEWS: Although some cities have started to lift curfews imposed in March, several remain in effect with exceptions being made only for those traveling to and from work or for essential needs. Broward County: Hallandale Beach between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Palm Beach County: Town of Palm Beach between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Miami-Dade County: Key Biscayne between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.; Miami Beach between midnight and 5 a.m.; North Miami Beach between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.; and the city of Miami between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • STAY-HOME ORDERSSouth Florida’s three counties technically remain under stay-home orders except for essential travel. But some outdoor activities are being allowed to resume. See “recreational activities” below for more information.
  • CANCELED EVENTS: With an order prohibiting public gatherings of 10 or more people, nearly all events have been canceled or postponed.
  • RELIGIOUS SERVICES: Although religious services are exempt from the state’s order closing businesses, the Archdiocese of Miami and the Diocese of Palm Beach suspended Masses and liturgical events. The Miami archdiocese also shut down various drive-through confessionals that some parishes started offering. The Chabad Of South Broward advised that most minyanim are not currently meeting. Many local churches and houses of worship have transitioned to online prayers, meditation posts and services. Check with your local church or religious provider for updates.
  • TRANSPORTATION: Brightline, the higher-speed rail between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, suspended service until further notice beginning March 26. Tri-Rail announced it would trim back its schedule but suspend fares on all its trains beginning March 28. Several airlines including American, United and JetBlue have cut back the number of flights between South Florida and New York City-area airports. Spirit Airlines, based in Miramar, completely suspended flights to the area. Most major airlines are now requiring masks to be worn at all times in terminals and airplanes.

Recreational activities

  • PARKS: County parks in South Florida reopened on April 30 with social distancing rules in place, along with bans on groups of 10 or more. Most cities also opened their parks with some exceptions. See the complete city-by-city list of park openings here.
  • STATE PARKSState parks around Florida started to reopen May 4 in phases, with the exception of those in South Florida including Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach and Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach.
  • BEACHES: All beaches in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties remain closed, even to casual strollers. Beaches in other parts of the state have started to reopen with restrictions.
  • BOATING: South Florida’s counties began opening boat ramps and marinas on April 29. Congregations on sand bars remain prohibited.
  • GOLF COURSES: South Florida’s counties as well as most cities have now allowed golf courses to open with restrictions on group size and use of golf carts.
  • GYMS, THEATERS, ARCADES: All are included in the business closure orders that were issued in South Florida’s three counties and are being enforced by cities. Concert venues, auditoriums, movie theaters and playhouses are also closed.
  • CASINOS: South Florida casinos — including Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, the Seminole Classic in Hollywood, just south of the Hard Rock, the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek and the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming casino — are closed until further notice.
  • FLORIDA KEYS: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that the Florida Keys are closed to all tourists and visitors because of the coronavirus. Although some beaches have begun to reopen, the Keys are closed to visitors.
  • CRUISES: The three major cruise lines that sail out of South Florida have suspended service at least into the summer.

 

Schools and colleges

  • PRE-K AND K-12 SCHOOLS: Schools across Florida are closed for the remainder of the school year. Classes and graduations are being held virtually.
  • COLLEGES: Public and private colleges and universities have closed or moved to online classes. On-campus events are part of the state-wide ban on large gatherings. Graduation ceremonies for state colleges have also been canceled.

Eating and shopping

  • BARS, RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTCLUBS: Bars and nightclubs are closed, and restaurants are closed to dining. But many eateries are open for takeout and delivery. We have been compiling a list of Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade eateries offering takeout and delivery. All food-delivery apps are waiving delivery fees until further notice.
  • GROCERY STORES: Supermarket across South Florida are changing their hours as well as designating certain days and times exclusively for senior citizens or people at higher risk of coronovirus. In addition, all three South Florida counties are requiring customers and employees to wear face masks at all times in the stores.
  • FREE MEALS FOR STUDENTS: Public schools in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties are providing free meals at selected locations on days that school would have otherwise been in session. Broward County: Breakfast is available 8-10 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at select schoolsPalm Beach County: 35 schools will distribute free meals this week Monday through Thursday, and can receive Friday’s meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for two meals each day. Meals and are free to anyone under 18 years of age regardless of financial need. Miami-Dade: Students and families may pick up hot meals to go, both breakfast and lunch, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Help with finances

  • HOW TO GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We won’t lose our homes because of the coronavirus crisis. Our power won’t be shut off. And we’re not going to go hungry. Financial services companies, nonprofit relief programs, utilities and government assistance agencies are offering ways to help consumers get through layoffs, business interruptions and self quarantines.
  • HELP FOR RESTAURANT WORKERS: Restaurant workers have been hit hard by the coronavirus crises, particularly here in South Florida, a resort region and tourist destination known globally for being a foodie paradise. But there are efforts here to ease the burden facing kitchen staff, servers, bartenders and others.

 

Staying safe

  • WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE SICK: If you wake up with a cough or fever and are worried you have coronavirus, you have several options. In Florida, as in other states, hospitals and doctors have been primed on how to screen patients who come into their offices or the Emergency Department with symptoms. Only people who have severe symptoms should go to a hospital. If your symptoms are mild, call your doctor or the health department to get an appointment for a test. Some local test sites can now get results in up to 15 minutes with rapid tests but will turn away people without appointments.
  • WHERE TO FIND TESTING SITES: Drive-thru testing sites are being set up at locations around South Florida. Testing may be limited to individuals who meet the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines: Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions who have fever, cough or any type of respiratory distress; any people — including healthcare workers — who within 14 days of symptom onset had contact with a suspected or confirmed coronavirus patient; and any people with history of travel from an affected area or an area with community spread. Here is complete list of testing sites in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.

 

Tags: , , , ,