Part I: New Educational and Regulatory Requirements for HOA Board Members, Community Association Managers, and Homeowners’ Associations
On July 1, 2024, CS/CS/HB 1203 became effective, which created significant changes impacting homeowners’ associations (“HOA”) in Florida. Those changes include new educational
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Navigating HB 59: Homeowners’ Associations Are Now Required to Provide Copies of its Rules & Covenants to Members
On July 1, 2024, HB 59 became effective. This bill created new requirements for Homeowners’ Associations (“HOA”) to provide copies of certain records to members of the HOA, including the HOA’s declaration of covenants, amendments to the declaration of covenants,
Insurance Costs on the Rise: What Can Community Associations Do?
by A. Hunter Faulkner and Maxwell A. Salain
With a major hurricane making landfall somewhere in Florida on nearly an annual basis over the past several years, Florida’s property insurance market is in turmoil. Many carriers have left the state
Changes to the Homeowners’ Association Act: HB 437 Expands Property Owners’ Rights to Use Their Property
“Why does the HOA care what I do in my backyard?” is an all-too-common question posed by homeowners. Responsible for maintaining the community rules, facilities, and appearance, homeowners’ associations have an important role in upholding community standards. However, a common
A Comprehensive Guide to Key Changes and Impacts Under the Homeowners’ Association Bill of Rights
On October 1, 2023, House Bill 919, also known as the “Homeowners’ Association Bill of Rights” took effect. This comprehensive bill provides several crucial changes related to the removal of homeowners’ association (“HOA”) officers and directors, fines and suspensions
Can a Community Association Restrict Solar Panel Installation?
Solar power is gaining traction as a common source of meeting Floridians’ electricity needs. In most cases, homeowners capture solar energy through the installation of roof mounted solar panels. Though readily accessible to most, solar panels are often unsightly and
Florida’s Homeowners’ Association Act: Recent Changes Effective October 1, 2023
In Florida, homeowners’ associations (“HOA”) are governed by Florida Statute Chapter 720. That chapter is known as the “Homeowner’s Association Act” (the “Act”). The Act governs issues ranging from member assessments to arbitration to conducting meetings. The Act is constantly
Recent Florida Case Makes Clear That Settlement Agreements Reached in Connection with Mediation Must be Signed by All Parties to be Enforceable
Many disputes that result in litigation are resolved through the mediation process prior to trial. In fact, Florida’s Homeowners’ Association Act, Chapter 720, Florida Statutes, requires mandatory mediation for certain types of disputes between homeowners and the association before any
How Long Does a Florida HOA or Condominium Association have to foreclose on a HOA/COA Lien?
Florida law provides that community associations may collect assessments from unit owners to cover operating and maintenance costs. If a unit owner fails to pay, the association may record the unpaid assessment as a lien against the property and eventually
What Does the Building Safety Act for Condominium and Cooperative Associations Mean for My Association?
On May 26, 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Building Safety Act for Condominium and Cooperative Associations (“Building Safety Act”) into law. The Building Safety Act brings sweeping changes to Florida’s condominium and cooperative association laws, particularly regarding building