Article Courtesy of The Sun
Sentinel
By Fallan Patterson
Published December 11, 2008
As the condo
election season revs up, the Florida condo ombudsman office is offering
classes to educate condo board candidates about the laws, as per a change
this year to the Condominium Act.
Any unit owner wanting to run for the board must submit a signed form
provided by the Division of Business and Professional Regulation, which
certifies that he or she has read and understands to the best of their
ability the governing documents of the association, Condominium Act and
administrative rules.
This form, available online at the Division's Web site and sent to each
unit owner after it is signed, must be returned to the Division by the
candidates no fewer than 35 days prior to the election.
"If I were a board member, I'd want to take these courses to be
educated," said Bill Raphan, head of the ombudsman's satellite office
in Fort Lauderdale.
Raphan and his
wife, Susan, began teaching classes three years ago and hope to clarify
any condo laws and regulations for unit owners considering running for
office.
These courses are specific, comprehensive classes that have mock meetings
and elections and have a graded quiz at the end.
"I feel it's helpful to [board members] to have someone who knows the
law and can explain it to them," said Colleen Donahue, interim state
condo ombudsman, about the classes.
Rep. Julio Robaina, who sponsored and passed the Condominium Act, said
this particular section of the bill insures condo boards are fair and
lawful.
"If you elect someone, you know they will understand the laws and
know their responsibilities," Robaina said.
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