Florida's
condo and homeowners associations have faced extensive legislative
changes this year that weren't necessarily written in clear language.
Director abstention, insurance, repairs and construction are among the
topics affected by new legislation for associations.
To help local boards and property managers understand these laws, a Fort
Lauderdale
-based law firm will offer a series of free seminars through
November and December.
"There is a lot of confusion. We thought it would be important to
give a word," said Robert Kaye, attorney at Robert Kaye &
Associates, the firm specializing in the representation of community
associations that is offering the seminars.
Not
all associations are clear on their new responsibilities. An example is
the Coral Ridge Colony Condo Association, which usually relies on its
attorney to explain new law changes. This year, however, there are so
many new items that the association was looking forward for a seminar to
explain them, where they could follow-up with questions, said Kathy
Santoro, the association's president.
"I
don't get anything from the state other that what I hear on television.
We have to implement the laws but no one explains them to us,"
Santoro said.
The Coral Ridge Colony board will attend the seminar and follow up with
new bylaws.
"Any truly educational program to assist owners, board members and
property managers understanding the laws that govern condominium
associations is a positive step in insuring a harmonious living
environment," said Pio Ieraci, president of the Galt Mile
Condominium Association in Fort Lauderdale.
Among the issues likely to be a debated by both owners and associations
are changes to insurance legislation. Some requirements have been
shifted from owners to associations and now are part of a common
expense.
Jan Bergemann, president of the consumer alliance group Cyber Citizens
for Justice, said the wording is vague.
"Even insurance companies don't know how to deal with it,"
Bergemann said. "Owners and associations can benefit from any kind
of education if it is being done by a neutral source. All in all, it was
a very good bill and it will help the owners."
The condo and homeowners association law seminars will take place from 7
to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort
Lauderdale. Additional seminars are set for 7 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at
Brian Piccolo Park, 9501 Sheridan St. in Cooper City and from 7 to 9:30
p.m. Dec. 1 at Cypress Park Hall, 1300 Coral Springs Drive in Coral
Springs.
For reservations call 954-776-1999, ext. 222.