223 Michael Bonn Looking for resources for resident property rights 222 Nora F. Curtis This is a great site, full of important information that is not put together anywhere else, congratulations for a job well done! I manage the web: www.floridacondomediation.com, where we educate owners and boards on the convenience to use mediation for condo disputes. It\'s affordable, faster than going to court, and can help repare relationships with your neighbors. We offer a Free \"Condo Living Report,\" and you can get your copy here: www.floridacondomediation.com/condolivingreport.pdf If you need someone who can do a presentation about how to improve condo life, ease tensions and promote cooperation, we have mediators who can do it. Just give us a call. Let\'s stop nasty confrontations and hatred in community living! 221 Cheri Amoruso Love the site \"rights\" for cyber citizens for justice! 220 Michael Harwsood Past President of 142 unit condo , many stories to tell ! 219 Anthony You have a great website full of great information and we would like to just say Thank you for being there for the Homeowners 218 joseph robert clementz i live in a condo and am this year a current board member. thanks. 217 Connie Chillemi Thanks for keeping us informed. :) 216 Frances Griner I would like to join, AND I need to talk to somebody that knows association laws. I have to go before the Judge in a few weeks to try to get him to vacate an order for $66,000 attorney fees against my association. I think the judge also violated association law by appointing a receiver when there was a full quorum of officers on the board. A handful of begruntled homeowners filed suit against the association for potholes in the roads! What an expensive mess. Does anybody know the proper way members should be notified of a lawsuit. I didn\'t even know about one until a judge had already entered orders!! 215 Darrell W. Mackovic I have really enjoyed learning from some of many Condominium articles that I have been allowed to browse. 214 Mr.&Mrs.Elliott Singer We appreciate the communication please keep us informed!! 213 Charles Matthews Please add me to your e-mail list. 211 Elvin Santiago There is no community but it is communism, next will be rules telling us when to enter and exit our presume houses. Some need to control the hoa\'s, I don’t see the concern about value depreciation, and frankly I won\'t matter if no want wants to live in your community. This is my second hoa, is a complete 180 from my first one. If I had the opportunity I move back to my first house. This hoa is going to make me set camp on the new developments to let people know what they are getting into. 210 Jim & Linda Deel/Lattin For complete story of Woman chains herself to fence in protest please go to the following websites: Baynews 9 report: http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2008/3/16/332856.html WWSB-7 TV report: http://www.hoanewsnetwork.com/media/video/woman-chains-herself-to-gate-to-protest-hoa.php I use a wheel chair; and my able bodied co-owner of our Condominium Villa; installed a free-standing gate that closes in our patio area. I did not get permission from the Board of Directors to put a gate up first, I thought it was my right under ADA. The Board of Directors has retained a lawyer to make me take the gate down. I am the only person named on the violation, and they know that I did not install it physically. I want to know \"why\" they decided to charge ME with the violation. There is a need for the gate on the patio: which houses my puppy when someone comes to the door. I have fallen out of the wheel chair many times as I am trying to hold him back so I can open the door. In an email the President of the Board of Directors, in which she refuses to give me the needed permission she said: \"There is no way this is a case of discrimination. If anyone should feel harrassed it is Ellen and I who keep getting the ADA thrown in our faces when people go ahead and do things without explaining what they are doing. That\'s all we are looking for - all you had to do is consult the board. And if we continue to let board members get away without following procedure, what does that say to the rest of community? Procedures still need to be followed, even by people with disabilities. You and Jackie have both gone ahead and had work done to your units without getting approval (that probably would have been given if all the facts and reasons had been given) and then cried discrimination. It is what gives people with disabilities a bad name.\" Sheryl Randall is the President of the Board of Director\'s which is in Palm Cove Villa\'s in Ellenton Florida. I was sent certified letters dated March 7th and March 19, 2008 telling me I had to take the gate down. The letter is signed Stephen W. Thompson of: Porges, Hamlin, Knowels, Prouty, Thompson & Najmy, P.A. of Bradenton, FL 34205 Tel. (941) 748-3700 I do not know what to do. I have told HUD about the problem, but I do not know if that will have an affect on my situation. I guess I will just keep on refusing to take it down. They are also threatening me with paying \"the legal expences\" they are incurring. I live on my Social Security Dissability Income, SSDI, which is about a thousand dollars a month. I cannot afford to hire an attorney and I can not be held responsible: physically and/or financially. We don\'t want sympathy, we just want justice. linda34222@tampabay.rr.com 209 Tony Masso In my opinion the fault lies at the Tallahasse Legislative Branch of Gov. They alone have created a MONSTER ie:HOA\'s and CONDO ASS.\'s. Now they do not want to take care of it properly as they now realize that it has become and will be a Nightmare to control and administer. We as Homeowners must unite to let Tallahassee know we want Boards to follow well defined rules and laws. New laws must be enacted to bring present Boards under control. I\'m sure the Building and Housing developers are pouring thousands of dollars to back present and proposed future Association Boards. 208 Cathie Rockwood I would NEVER buy into another home with an association. Hard lesson learned! Now I am stuck until the RE prices improve. Our HOA is going through helter skelter and no relief in sight. Got rid of one board, new board has no clue and yet is doing as they please. Very confusing for the rest of us. 207 Bob Maddern Would like to be informed about HOA issues 206 Robert M. Sullivan I am interested in helping to change existing law. Currently, the statutes provide protection to Homeowners Assoiations against SLAPP suits. This protection is not availavble to members of Condo Associations. I recently settled a lawsuit brought against me by two members of the Board who claimed defamation and slander based on my complaints against them. They did not prevail but it was expensive to hire lawyers to defend it. Had a SLAPP defense been available to me, I could have saved a lot of money. 205 Carolyn Arsenault We\'re having major problems with our condo association board of directors, who seem to think that State statutes and condo regulations are just a hiderance to them. Anyone who disagrees with them are labled as \"trouble makers\". We tried to get help from the Ombudsman\'s office with unsatifactory results. We need major help. We are joining CCFJ. 204 Kevin McGrath Yes, I live in a condo. Yes, we have officer/director vs. owner membership conflicts. I went and got a FL CAM license and I\'d like to know more about CCFJ. Kevin McGrath. 203 DUDLEY J Alsop We have some real problems in the Cascades at Estero, Fl 202 Milly Cestone I am concerned about ignorant members of my association giving up there private property rights. The senior citzens that live here at Whitehall are turning this into a century village. They have taken away the right to rent for 2 years of ownership and now they are reducing the percentge of rentals to 15%. Owners that cannot sell are going to be walking from their properties as they cannot sell. These ownership restrictions are shrinking the pool of available buyers. At the condo meetings the BOD tell the members how to vote! A disagreeing member is silenced or ignored and treated like a trouble makes,. They want their own kind in here and are structuring the association to be so. I want to set up a forum and contact members, let them know that they have place to voice their issues and also to educate these owners as to why their vote and input matters. I had a sign to vote No on changing the By laws, etc. and a got an angry letter attacking me and they sent it to my company\'s CEO and to the Regional President as well. This was sent by a person who\'s name does not appear as an owner. ...so I need to tke action. The owners have no forum in which to discuss their concerns as they hush them up and meeting, ignore their e-mails. I want to educate,so these good folks can enjoy their properties that they are paying to maintain and keep up. 201 Simon Zielonka Jan - Add me to the members list! I have just been fined by my HOA ($50 per day) for not pressure washing my roof, when I cannot due to the water restriction ($10000 dollar fine). Damned if you do, Damned if you don\'t. Our board is way out of control, and needs reeling in. Going to try and get on the board and then raise hell. Keep up the good work. 200 Anne Berry Thanks for all the good info. How about a sections that \"rates\" management companies? 199 rose coley Continuously trying to educate myself and stay atop of the much needed and prayed for changes regarding the operations and conduct of Condo community, from repairs, finances, etc. Have previously forward information founded within your site to other unit owners within the community hopefully they will join in the fight also. Thanks for being there and keep up the good work. And I am a new member!!! 198 Hobson D. Beeman I,M one of those Retires that fled Florida Due to Hoa that refused to abide by Fl. statures and put out financial statements (None since forming in 1970) HIGHER TAXES HIGHER INSURANCE. I have been beaten down by the existing board which remains the same majorty in the last 5 years I am certainly looking forward for laws to be enforced by the state that were created. I still own property there .. Will be glad to be a member just to help make sure that these HOA can be made to conforn to the LAWS. 197 Susanne Lenahan I am a new member and have found your site very helpful. I enjoyed reading all the comments from others. I will research all my new information this week. Thank you!! 196 Winifred Conners As one who has been beaten down by the Condo Association Board, I really appreciate what you folks are doing to improve life for all of us. 195 Carol Pattison Reference to me in your files 194 Heinz Herbertz I am a new member 193 Donna Livaudais I am a member 192 Elizabeth Pickens I am concerned about John Frances and his unrealistic sentence and the way the the homeowners association is being \"run\" by Danny Cross. 191 BETTY PUTNAM i AM USUALLY IN fLORIDA INTHE WINTER AND OWN A CONDO IN FORT MYERS BEACH, BUT BECAUSE OF MY HUSBAND\'S ILLNESS HAVE NOT BEEN THERE FOR TWO WINTERS....hE HAS PASSED AWAY, AND i WILL BE FLYING DOWN IN MAY, AND FROM NOW ON PLAN TO RETURN TO FL. EACH WINTER...tHIS SOUNDS LIKE A WELL NEEDED ORGANIZATION....... 190 Nancy Graham Our condo association needs direction and I need advise. I hope you are the answers and I can be an advocate for other members. 189 Fernando VAca My communty is being abuse by the Bord in charge and the previous one.We have been paying $ 358 for maintenance+$156 for an assessment every single month for more than 3 years.( we have 14 months left) Now they want us to pay an assessm. For $1500.00( to be paid in 2 times , plus another assessment for $150.00 ( monthly ), for the following 5 years.. They assessed us double \'because the people in the previous board plus the current bord misused the funds.(they stole it in my opinion).I pay all my bills but this is to much and the management company ( Alliance) threat us to be lien!!!!!.I HAD TO CUT MY Health INSURance FOR THE INTiRE FAMILY INCLUDING MY 11 MONTHS BABY, TO BE ABLE TO PAY aLL MY BILLS, BUT NOW IS GOING TO BE VERY HARD FOR MY FAMILY TO AFFORD THAT MUCH($664PLUS $1500)I \'d like to hire a lawyer to suit the boArd ...but I do not have money.PLEASE WE NEED HELP!!!!!!!! Is there any way to stop them stealing our money!!!!!!!!???? We live in Westview Condo Phase III. pEMBRIKE pINES, flORIDA, Broward County. 188 Aisha Ellzey I am so glad I received the Opinion and Report by Jan Bergemann. We also have many issues concerning our Condo Association (Casablanca Condominium Association of Miami Beach). We are planning on going to Tampa tomorrow. Your dedication is appreciated. I just read the presentation and will be sending my donation. Thanks for caring and defending those who need assistance. 187 barbara muchnick I came across your site while looking for help with my condo situation. 186 G Woods I think what you do for the Home Owners’ of Florida is great. I’m about to go to battle with my HOA, They have spent thousands of are hard earn money on attorney fees. That we do not have. So they think “No problem we will just slap a Special Assessment fee on the Owners.” I think it is a very sad day when people have to live in fear, because a group of people get the power to control your life and money, and are not held accountable for there actions. Keep up the great work 185 zaharia levy interested in questions and answers 184 JaNeen Hedquist having probs with condo property manager renting to people who are not following the ordinances of the property and refusing to enforce them...I need help and have been unable to find an attorney interested. 183 PJP Keep up the good work! 182 Mike Baron A sincere THANKS Jan, for all the past help. CCFJ is invaluable. Great work,articles and news. Keep it coming! 181 David Holt I am the President of an HOA (2 years since turnover from developer) and am curious whether you would welcome my participation in your group? 180 Linda Chartier Thank goodness, seems like there is hope against these maniacs after all. 179 Raymond Casey I am having issues in Woodbine Jardin POD with a board that ironically is not enforcing Ordinance Section 8 and I am not sure if this site will help me or hurt me :). Not into bucking the system by I am getting jerked around by the \"board\" which is really just one person, Carol Pattison. Can i use this site to educate myself re how to get people to comply with Section 8 Ordinance? Or shoud I look elsewhere? 178 Henry Dunn Howdy, I\'m a home owner and now a board member of an all volunteer HOA with a \"live and let live\" credo. I believe in reason and communication, but from what I\'ve read so far it\'s a good thing folks such as CCFJ take such an interest and offer such a supportive forum. Thank You. 177 Joy Interested in your opinions and updates. Thank you 176 R. H. Ayer We read about the 2-day conference in the newspaper. My wife and I drove to Century Village and were turned away at the gate because we didn\'t have an \"invitation\" that was not mentioned in the newspaper. We were not the only ones turned away. Please ask the newspapers to mention such requirements in the future. 175 Mr. Ren Lueder I attended Friday night on the Galt and enjoyed getting educated. 174 Nirupa Achaibar I just saw an article in SunSentinel regarding your upcoming conference this evening. I love that there is such an organization as I just moved into a community where the HOA is in total control of telling us who can visit, where to park, how to care for our homes and yard, etc. I feel it is to the extreme because some residents who are in cahoot with the HOA gets away with things while others cannot. I understand there are some regulations to follow but not the extreme!! 173 Dorothy Brown I\'ll study your site, looks like a lifesaver. 172 Amanda-Jayne Ross How do we rally apathetic community Telephone calls and door to door visits dont work 171 ROBERT CONNORS A GREAT WEB SITE. THANK YOU 170 VAlentina Corona This is a very interesting tool. 169 Suzana I would like to find feedback (complaints if any) on Management Companies 168 Gregory G. Wright see e-mail. 167 Beverly J. Molawka Please send materials. I wish to get better informed on HOA Boards. Thank you, Beverly J. Molawka 166 GRANT FEISS THE SILVER LAKES POA DEFAULTED ITS CC&R via MARTA IN 1994. SOME $POWER HUNGRY OWNERS WANT TO REVITILIZE. THEY REPRESENT THE SAME FACTION [ 5 OF 9 ON BOARD ] THAT WAS RECALLED IN 2005. THEY NEXT ELECTION IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF STATE LAW THE BOARD DENIED PROXY VOTES THUS RETAINING POWER. EVERYTHING I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET REGARDING LOSS OF CIVIL RIGHTS IN HOAs HAS HAPPENED IN THIS ASSOCIATION 165 ARLENE ASLANIAN Thanks for providing all of this information! 164 Stefan Bartelski keep up the good work, nice to see someone helping the ordinary people stand up to the power crazed HOAs (signed up for membership) 163 SBK Does anyone know the statues or rules regarding board members who are \'compensated for their time\' by having their monthly assessments waived? Our by-laws currently state the compensation is to be determined by the association members. But the statues - at least what I understand of them - say that directors are not to be compensated. Now that they\'ve raised our monthly yet again (3rd time in three years!) they are getting a 55% discount rather than the full exemption. How nice of the freeloaders to finally pay. What are the rules here? How do we go after the freeloaders and get the money they didn\'t pay back into our association coffers? 162 MIMI I have been involved in a law suite with four other unit owners, our board has refused to replace windows after Wilma. Instead they defy the laws in Fl. and told all owners that they were to replace thier own windows at thier own expense by a date they set April 2007 \". At the same time they informed owners that they were not going to call our insurance (which the condo pays specifcly to cover all windows and doors) adjuster because A member of the board worked as a appraiser for insurance forty years ago. Another member of the board hired a contractor to fasciltatre the repairs. Following that they assesed every unit for repairs. Roughly half of the 25 units had window damage. I really hope the powers that be open thier eyes to whats going on and give owners reasonable say so in thier communities. The court in Fl. move very slow. We are now waiting for a court date with our patched up windows. I will be joining you and your group. Most fo all I want to \" Thank You \" for posting the \"Plaza East\" documents we hope that will help us in front of a Judge. . 161 Chely Schwartz I would like to become a member. I didn\'t know you had membership available. Please let me know how. 160 Dennis Mozier I am a home owner in a HOA in Boynton Beach, Fl. Our bylaws clearly state that any betterment expenditure by the Board over $25,000 requires prior membership approval. My Board violates this bylaw. I bring it to their attention and get no satisfaction. What can I do? 159 Rose Patterson I was with Paul Fappiano at the L:egislation Meeting in Fort Pierce on Tuesday. You are absolutely correct when speaking to the fact that the very law, Articles 718 and 719 iof the Florida Statute have holes in it that cripple anyone living in a condo situation from getting help save putting money out of their pocket to pay a private attorney. The very people who need help and cannot afford it are stuck within a law grouping that is not only unfair but totally unjust. Whomever wrote these articles should be shot! They protect the Boards and give them undo power, which leads to corruption and unfair practices. So in essence, these laws do not protect the very citizens that they claim to protect. Thank you for your work in the effort to change these unfair laws. Perhaps we could talk Jan? 772-464-2432 158 Steve Rimar There is great information at this web site. I hope it will help our association. 157 Pat Keep up the good work Jan. There are many bad LCAM\'s out there and it makes it worse for the good LCAM\'s. Your website is a very informative one for HOA\'s and Condo residents and managers alike. 156 Richard A. Rainville We live in a HOA that does not enforce the covenants and rules unilaterly through out the community. They have spent money on certain things that should have been voted on by the members of the association. Sometimes it feels like they are dictators and at times it feels like we live in mini Russia. There should be a committee that would put these people in their place. I am a former board member of this community and I did not like the operating procedures of the Board of Directors at that time. I am glad I was not re-elected. They do as they want and that should come to a halt. Great site you have here and I will be joining. I found your link on TBO.com and saw the segment on channel 8 WFLA. 155 Maggie Great site! Thank you for all the hard work and dedication! 154 ANN DAVIS Certainly need this kind of organization. One for the homowners not against. 153 Roberta Hi Jan: We exchanged links, but I thought I would join CCFJ also. Roberta 152 arnold pross excellent site 151 Joseph R Marsar Jr I\'m a member of an HOA, and a at-large Board Mmeber. I\'m very frustrated at our \"do what they want\" Board! I will be joining your org soon. Loved the web site and the \"One way ticket to hell\" song. 150 Linda Sadeek My community consists of single family homes and townhomes. There are seperate dues, single family owners pay once a year annual dues. Townhome owners pay the once a year annual dues as well as monthly dues. We have had the same manager and management company for the eleven years I\'ve lived here. The management company was sued by the townhome owners. They have now railroaded the townhome owners into a 75% a year increase in monthly dues while decreasing the once a year annual dues. It\'s complicated, but we are being used and abused. 149 Gordon Malone l Just looking for information and help in dealing with our Board. 148 Kenneth Hawke Appears your group is largely a South Florida organziation. 147 Robert Duggan Looking for information and help in dealing with our Board. 146 Daniel Collins Our HOA stinks. 145 Evan Gillespie I love the song! AMEN! 144 carmen Great! 143 carmen I am interested in finding out more about your organization. 142 M. S. Thank you for this site!!!!! 141 John Cerqueira Been dealing with problems of a dishonest board, and a Division of Land Sales and Condominiums that seems not at all interested in owner\'s rights, based on this one individual\'s experience 140 Kenneth Forseth Thinking about a condo in NH; I know the laws are different in different states, but reading your articles is educational and in many cases \'eye opening\' 139 Suzanne Reynolds interested in hearing what is going on in florida HOA\'s 138 Iraida Lopez Looking for advice since we are experiencing simlar situation as expressed in your web site. Keep up with all the good work! 137 Alice Brown Your web site is fantastic. I was extremely happy to come across it and see that my condo is the only one with a dishonest board. The things that have gone on here are outrageous! 136 Javier Mazzotti Exelent tool to get info about problems in condos, please let me know if you available in other languages, like creol & spanish, i have a lots of neigbors dont read english , its really very interestin to let this people know they have support and they are not alone. Thank you . Gracias por la ayuda que me puedan prestar para informar al resto de gente. 135 Joan Tibbetts Excellent web site. My condo association learned of this during a recent petition to recall 2 board members for insubordination. Condo owners were successful and peace was restored after a prolonged power struggle by the 2 members\' dictatorial conduct. 134 Anita Very informative. Maybe you can help me. Our hoa is only responsible for the 2 common areas. One being the boat dock area , the other is the clubhouse. We are classified as a county subdivision not a mobile home park. Everyone owns a poertion of the common areas and it is on our deeds. When we moved in it was a voluntary hoa($25.00). In 2003 the board decided to change that. Now the say if you own a home here , you are a member of the hoa, and the voluntary hoa fee is now a manditory maintenance fee. Anyone who doesn\'t pay gets their name put on the front page of our community newsletter for everyone to see. Can they do this. 133 Nancy Black We are struggling with an HOA that has become a dictatorship and continues to impose more and more restrictions on owners 132 Lynne Bizness I found your site quite by accident in looking for information to write in our New HOA Newsletter. You look like you might be the answer to some of our prayers. Our Co-op is suing us in their attempt to dismantle the HOA and we, as of yesterday, are countersuing. Needless to say, it\'s ugly and it\'s going to get uglier. Help! 131 Charlie Provenza Hello, I found you guys through a search on Google and I love the site! I am about to embark on a fight with my HOA so I am preparing and doing as much homewas possible. I recently signed on with a local environmental organization to convert my landscaping to a \"Florida friendly\" yard. I recieved about $2K in free plants and trees but had to do all the labor in ripping out the standard issue builder landscapping and plant the new stuff. It was a challenge getting \"approval\" from THE BOARD but we did and my yard looks awesome. HOWEVER, I just recieved a threatening letter from my HOA saying that I agreed to replace the sod near my mailbox and have not done so yet, so this is a FINAL WARNING. They say that if I do not comply they will force me to replace my new landscaping with sod. I am pissed and sent them a very strong response that basically told them to KMA in a \"G\" rated way. Who the hell do they think they are??? I am sick of these power hungry little bastards and plan to put up a fight. Sorry for rambling. Thanks and best regards, Charlie 727-560-7164 130 cristina tamargo I need to get in touch with humberto Sanchez in reference to some research he was doing for me in reference to my appeal case. I need an attorney to help me. Can you refer me. 129 Ernie Johnston Great site. learned a lot. cej 128 Donna Roussell I\'ve just found your site! Very informative. Our unit is our second home. Sorry to say I have to look through these type of sites.We are trying to rennovate our building which will be a big expense and a long time in the works.There is lack of communication from our current board( Who Have All The Control) to the homeowners(Who Have No Rights) to put it mildly. Nice to have this site! Keep up the good work. 127 John Potter Keep up the good work....F.S. 718 and 720 should allow owner votes on all major decisions, with ballots collected and counted by an elected oversight committee. Collecting and counting of votes, by incumbent boards is corrupt. If you can collect several hundred thousand endorsements for these reforms...Tallahassee will finally listen. 126 Jennifer Miller I have just sent a lengthy correspondance regarding my problem to your wedsite help site. I am interested in becoming a memeber of the organization as well. 125 Rayleene Lang My employers find themselves doing battle with an HOA, the inital problem was that the HOA did not want them to own the Clubhouse within their gofling community, they have made doing business hard since they purhcased the clubhouse in 2005. They \"changed\" the holes on the golf course because they said that the new developers were going to build a bigger and better clubhouse so the last holes were moved to the area where the new clubhouse is to be built, note they have not done any kind of work on a new clubhouse to date. They have caped of the leach field to the clubhouse saying it \"trespassed\" onto someon else\'s land however this land is Greenbelt land and has been on that land since 1983 only now it seems to have become a problem. They have received \"fines\" from the HOA totaling over 13,000.00 if not more, they have had members of the HOA \"break\" into the building and take photos of what was \"wrong\" with the building then with this information have called the land use and building deparment to inspect the building, half of which is no longer in use due to the resturant having to be shut down due to having no customers due to the hole change. The new developers have removed road signs for the clubhouse stating they are the only owners of the clubhouse and not my employers. They continue to be fined by the HOA for a trailer that has not been on the property near the clubhouse in over 7 months. My employers have filed suit against the HOA in District Court and won their suit. However the HOA is now in contempt for NOT paying the back dues owed to the owners since 2005 when they purchased the clubhouse from the second developer. The HOA has now filed an appeal with the courts saying they do not agree with the decision that they should have won and the clubhouse that exists now should not be called the clubhouse. I have never been involved with an HOA and after this incident I can tell you that I will never be involved with one, they are nothing more than power hungary individulas who think that everyone and everything needs to be the same and look the same. Do as we tell you and its going to be fine, don\'t leave your garage door open, don\'t make a mess in your own home, pay your dues and go on. When did anything in the US become a police state? HOA\'s are pretty much that nothing more than a police type state once given some power they run with it and end up having more power than given however trying to get rid of an HOA is harder than one thinks, rules seem to be set in stone and hell harder to follow than those our government hands down to us. My question is this, does anyone out there know of a similar situation in case law that we might use against them? They want the clubhouse to provide all the stuff it used to however that is impossible when the HOA runs rough shod over the ARC and you can\'t do ANYTHING within a planned community without the ARC approval. They have to sign off on everything how do you do this when the HOA has done everything they can to run you out of business? At this point this has become nothing more than pure harassment of the clubhouse owners, they are willing to provide a resturant and other amenities however they know that the facilities will not be used by many causing them to fail. Since this is a smaller town, it is obvious that they are wanting the clubhouse to go out of business so that the new developers can purchase the land and building for less than it is worth effectively running the current owners out of business. My background is criminal law and I can tell you one thing I have never in my 8 years in law enforcement have I ever seen people be more vendictive and hateful than those involved with an HOA. Any help anyone could give us on this it would be appreciated, at some point the harassment needs to stop, the HOA enforces the rules for one entity however they \"overlook\" certain things for others. The HOA has gone so far to tell them they have to place locks on the gates to the Tennis Courts as they don\'t want anyone being able to gain entry into the courts or the rest of the building when an attendant is not on duty in case someone were to get hurt. Residents of the community have complained about having to seek out an attendant to open these gates as well as not having access on Sunday\'s and Monday\'s when there is no attendant on duty. What purpose does an HOA really serve? From what I can see they are more hassel then they are helpful I would never live anywhere where a select group of people could tell me what I could and could not do inside of my own home this is America and well quite frankly things need to change. There was an episode of the X-Files that dealt with this kind of thing and I do belive that bad things began to happen when residents went against the HOA and did something they did not like. Its about time those that have ever been harassed or wronged by an HOA took a stand and did everything in their power to right the wrongs these people have done, the more that stand up to them the better things need to change we already have a government that is quasi corrupt we don\'t need to have smaller governments that are worse. Sorry about the ranting but this is ridiculous and overboard for anyone to do this kind of thing to anyone. If there is anyone that has information or case law or anything that might help I would appreciate it. I have been researching this for months now and its about time for something to give. Thanks so much Rayleene 124 mary durham Is there a state in the Union without HOA problems? How could lawmakers create laws but neglect to put them under any jurisdiction? As a co-owner my ONLY help is through the courts, and that can be a toss-up. 123 Neil Leavitt we have a terrible siuation at our association here in hollywood. we believe that hundreds of thousands of dollars have been stolen by several members of the board when they were in power. they are still on the board. these are intelligent people some of whom are accountants and they have political ties to the city of hollywood. they try to stop us from using proper vendors because we believe they are getting kickbacks from the property manager and other vendors. our accountant is involved also we believe and we can\'t get proper records. we desperately need hands-on help from a local attorney or state agency person. 122 Al Richardson I would appreciate any information you could send that might be useful fighting the good fight in Nevada. I was surfing the net to see what there might be out there and ran accross your page. Keep up the good work. Al Richardson Las Vegas by the way I\'m being held acountable for telling the HOA VP she was psychotic. They can\'t figure out what CCr I violated yet. 121 kim ferris yes i would like to join . 120 Debi Green I am a board member and have a question or two 119 Janet Thompson Thanks! 118 GIL GARCIA WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING THIS ORG... ?? I WOULD LIKE TO RECALL OUR PRESIDENT DUE TO SHE HAVING A VIOLATION,, AND IS NOT TO BE ON THE BOARD TRUE ? 117 Monica Bradlee I am so happy to have found a group that fights for homeowners! I would like to help. What can I do??? 116 Judy Potts I have been very pleased with this website for a couple of years. My email address has changed and I don\'t want to miss receiving CCFJ information. 115 Eli Soffer I need to join right away :) Congratulations to all of you for the great job. Specially to Eddy. I am going to post the letters sent by Continental managers and BOD to homeowners, a total abuse of power The threats from this people will not slow me down. 114 VAIOS KOUTSOYANNIS AS A CONDO DWELER,YOUR WEBSIDE KEEPS AS INFORMED WITH ALL GOOD A BAD EVENTS IN OUR PLACE WE CALL HOME. HOPE YOUR EFFORTS ONE DAY BRING PEACE AND HARMONY IN OUR ASSOCIATIONS, IN THE MEANTIME GOOD HELPS US. 113 w david collins I am interested in havinf the fEDERAL gOV. control homeowners, no state seems to be the least interested in homeowners rights vs boards and realtors. If you think Fl is bad try NC. 112 E. J. Piesco Hoa rules, Bo you answer questions on hoa problemes. With membership in cyber c. for j. 110 HAMMER HEAD COUNT ME IN !!!!!!! FOR YEARS NOW WE HAVE BEEN LQQKING FOR JUSTICE AND HELP AND ( ANSWERS ABOUT OUR MONEY). IN JANUARY WE WERE THE ONLY LITTLE FISH IN A ROOM OF SHARKS. NOW, OUR LITTLE GROUP OF FISH ARE GROWING AND WE ARE TURNING INTO THE SHARKS! THANK YOU LYNDA WATCH OUT FOR SHARKS IN YOUR ROOM! 109 Kari Bahour-Daoud Please include me in your membership. Thank you. 108 Russell Reinke Very informative website. Information is very useful 107 Ron Favali When I arrived at the ccjf site I was \"AMAZED\" at the wealth of information it contains. It will most definitely cause me to visit the site frequently and spend a great deal of time there in order to consume all the information available. Ron Favali 106 Randy Stanard I\'m trying to buy a condo. But the HOA there is flatly denying our application. The reason they say is because of their 55+ age restriction. My wife will be 55 in 51 days. I will be 55 in slightly over 3 years. They are rejecting our residency without discussion. One of the board members made a comment to our real estate agent that they did not like the fact that we bought the condo so cheaply thereby affecting THEIR property values. Also, all the board members seem to Jewish, however we have a GENTILE surname, but (unknown to them) my wife IS Jewish, though I am Christian. We believe there could be ethnic/religious discrimination occuring because they believe us not to be Jewish. Maybe they are trying to maintain a Jewish community. We know for a fact that there are other under 55 aged people living there, but yet they are trying to bar us from purchasing for that (phony) reason. Could you point us to any resources that might help us in this struggle? This is my first battle with an HOA and I\'m not sure what our best strategy might be to battle this evil organization. Thanks!! 105 Josef-Peter Leiher I believe that your website provides a valuable service in educationg condo owners. 104 Dixie Taylor Interested in selective enforcement in community. (playsets). Have mailed in payment for membership as of today. 103 susan a williams hi i have been in a subdivion for 2001 . didn,t know what a hoa was . there is a clubhouse in the subdvision. that has been here for 20 yrs. now the man wants to sell the clubhouse to hoa for 120,000.00. it was builded in 1982. there is 105 homes in here. some wants it some don,t. board says if it is voted in they will put a lien on our homes. if we can,t pay for this. we know once they get there foot in the door. it will be something every year. their,s nothing fair about our board or there way of voteing. the building needs work it holds only 74 people. it has to be updated for the codes. it is a mess and we have been to 4 lawylers still know help. thank you sue williams 102 harvey finkel have a condo board who refuses to communicate.. 101 Michael Fortier Our board has decided to hire a Property Mgt. Company w/o any owner input, meetings, or approvals!!! Then used the new Prop. MGT. Co. to implement a $10,000.00 special assessment - NO meeting, no notices, no email, just a threatening letter in the mail to pay in full or half now and half in 30 days. Supposedly for Hurricane damages relating to Jean and Frances. What kind of criminal orginazation can do this to it\'s owners?? 100 Patrick Durso Jan, It\'s been awhile and still being terrorized by the Summer Brook Preserve HOA here in Melbourne. I put up a website summerbrookpreservehoa.com and would like to link to your site.I never got renewel stuff,so could you please check out the site and let me know what you think, and forward me the renewel info. Thanks, Patrick Durso 99 Herb Potish I am happy to have found your website. I would like to thank Joe Kollin, staff reporter for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. He answered my request for your website. 98 Deanna Denmead What recourse does the owner have when the board spends money on things and in ways they wouldn\'t if they had control? 97 Diana Zambernardi I was really excited to see some justice being done with the arrests at the Hallandale fiasco. Keep up the good work....... 96 Julio Andino Great Information, keep up the good work 95 Jerry J. Bentley I am a condo unit owner and based on condo documents I have been able to acquire, there appears to be numerous instances of the board\'s missappropriation of condo funds. I have been unable to acquire other key documents which I suspect will show additional malfeasance by the board. I got your email address from Joe Kollin\'s Sun-Seninel column dated May 30, 2007. 94 Hope We are having problems with our HOA Board and I am looking for answers. The board cannot be sued by the homeowners but can a sitting board member sue the rest of the sitting board? 93 Stephanie After reading all the comments, I have come to the conclusion that the condos of Florida have Boards that are totally out of control with residents kept as lambs to the slaughter. Thank goodness CCFJ has come along to provide an avenue of assistance. There seems to be a great need. My condo Board is a group of 5 with decisions made by 1 with residents from all over the world not always in residence. Does Florida law have a way of keeping this \"Hitler\" in check? 92 Rudy Sullivan Your site has been very helpful on numerous occasions as I have dealt with my rogue board. 91 Emery FEKETE I am mobile home owner at Holly Lake Pembroke Pines Broward Co. Are you doing anything for groups like ours? Sincerely: Emery Fekete. 90 ds lamb What is your proposal to fix property taxes? 89 Steve Badly need reference point to begin addressing multiple Condo Board self- serving and arbitrary actions. Looking for owner oriented competent counsel. 88 Michelle I live in the Hamptons @ Palmer Ranch, in Sarasota. We\'re having a problem with our association allowing us to convert over 250 street/house lamps to solar and wondered if anyone could be of any assistance. There have been 2 gas leaks/fires within the past 3 months. 87 George Mollin I am willing to participate in getting Florida Seniors back their rights to enjoy their domiciles. I am in an oceanfront HOA that has shown what happens when a handful of the worst kinds of people take over a Board, Your song is right on the money. George 86 Todd Morgan I want to Join! Best Regards, Todd Morgan 85 CJ Vanacore CCFJ has been informative and a great aide to all my questions. Thanks the most to Jan Bergemann. 84 Marjorie A. Wheeler Love the Owners Bill of Rights! 83 Roy Gibson Not clear if yours is the right forum for my complaint with the City. Any citizen\'s rights group, is OK by me, though. 82 Bob Julian What a blessing to have this site! Thanks Jan! Bob Julian 81 Maryon Goodell Live in a small home owners association run by old fossils who have trouble reading the law. 80 kathryn bowns I live in a 54 unit condominium and am a former board member and am seeking information and education on how to best work with the present board when possible violations may have occurred such as using reserve money (over 100,000 $) to cover operational expenses. 78 j d lesende Later on 77 GASTON ARELLANO Your web page is great, I\'m glad I found it, I didn\'t know that CCFJ, inc existed. I would like for the people in my community to know about you also. I have a web page about my condo in Miami Beach, which is http://www.thecarriagehousenews.com and I would like to place a Link to your web page with your authorization. I would also like to know if I can put a link of this web page in my bussines real estate web page which is http://www.arellanorealty.com, also in my wife\'s web page http://www.ginaoarellano.dpishowcase.com. 75 Maurice Wick We\'re continuing a 2+ year struggle with the HOA. For the last 5 months I\'ve been working with a new Board President. The last 3 months I\'ve gotten the impression he has no intention of exercising due diligence. \"Oh, the Board has not decided what it would do (if anything)\" regarding a sweetheart deal with another member. I asked him what he thought the options were, and what time frame we could expect a decision....this is part of his last email. \"With respect to options which, in my opinion, are being considered, a statement of my opinions in this regard on my part would not be appropriate. They would simply represent my own thoughts and are not necessarily reflective the Board\'s thinking. \" ...ya\' can\'t make this stuff up. 74 Bob White I am very interested in HOA rules and regulations.Thanks 72 Ronald S Ward Would like to be on your email list. Thanks for the hard work you and your friends are doing Ronald 71 Mr. & Mrs. Tulk Living in an association, being under the control of a board that disregards the individual members to do what they please, has given me the experience of what it must be like to live under communist rule. I pray that The Community Association Bill goes through! Thank you! 70 sid lipson your stuff is easy reading please keep it that way 69 Gerald McKelvey Just found you. Looking to get some answers. thanks 68 ed kellert join 67 Carlos Gutierrez Would like to be on your e-mail list 66 kimberly This site is very informative and empowering! I wish we had such a knowledgeable resource in Ohio. We have endured abuse by a tyrannical board for 3 years now. 65 Tom Johnson Just found your website, what a breath of fresh air! We have a HOA BOD that is out of control. When we\'ve gone (paid) for advise (attorney\'s) we\'ve been told there\'s nothing we can do but to change it from within. Understand that, but what do we do until that can happen? So many snowbirds & apathy. We\'re having problems when a resident has a disagreement with an employee, the Gen. Mgr. is the judge & jury and finds the resident guility and he determines the fine/penalty. If the resident feels he is falsely accused (the GM was present when the employee yelled to the resident as the resident was leaving the clubhouse, \"If you don\'t like it, move!\"), he may write for an \"appeal\" hearing (there never was a hearing so I don\'t know how you can have an appeal hearing). Only the employee submits a statement of the incident & any witnesses they have, the resident isn\'t able to read the alleged charges until AFTER his appeal hearing. It\'s like the fox guarding the hen house. There\'s no \"due process.\" Later, the GM went so far as to phone the police to get this resident removed from the Clubhouse, but was told by the police that this was private property and the resident paid for the clubhouse so the police left. Has anything like this happened to anyone? What other ways can we challange the BOD? 64 Don Hoblit Just found your site looking for answers regarding admendment changes by HOA. Please contact me via email as I may join. Thank you Don Hoblit 63 Bill Dell There is a tremendous need for the aid that a website of this type can provide. 62 Eve Gregory Congratulations and thanks to the founders and all those who made this site and undertaking possible. We have our similar project but and it is only now that I discovered your site. The problems are similar - no need to re-invent the wheel. Let us now if you are open to membership across the borders. 61 Sandra L. Palmer I have been referred to your organization by Joe Kollin at the Sun-Sentinel. 60 michael leone I am a condo owner who feels the entire legal system has completely let the majority of individual condo owners down, and I would like to see legislative changes to the Fla Condo Act especially concerning placing a limitation on an associations ability to enact overly restrictive rental policies greatly affecting our ability to be competitive in the marketplace robbing us of years of hard earned appreciation. 58 Stan Smith Great site. Put me on the mail list. 57 marte mcmurry i have downloaded your application and will be mailing it, with my moolah, tomorrow. my condo, del mar,is having serious trouble with a board that is out of control. i want to become involved on a state level to change florida law to be owner friendly! 56 Byron Tucker I am interested in organizing to support the effort to get HR 676 (Medicare for all) which would create a single payer health insurance system in this country. If this organization is active about other issues than HOA/property rights law then let me suggest it consider joining Healthcare-NOW.org in bringing healthcare justice to all Americans. 55 Joan Panrell I just joined and want to subscribe to your mailing list. I am looking for information and guidance. Owning a condominium here in Florida has been a long nightmare. Moving to Florida was the biggest mistake of my life. Joan 54 Marta G. Revilla Hello, I spoke with you today via phone. Sent an e-mail per your request about the Mission Bay HOA totalitarian board of governors. 53 John Lilygren Interesting adjunct for dedicated condominium directors. 52 Janet Talavera No comments just yet!!! 51 Janet Talavera No comments just yet!! 50 Mia Loser You people all signed a legal document to follow the rules of a HOA and now whine like babies because you want to do whatever you want. No one forced you to buy in a deed restricted community, yet you act like you are so surprised. I bet you speed and then blame the cop for giving you a ticket. Move out and do us all a favor!!! 49 Oliver Brown I live in a condo, with a confusing HOA. The Board dropped our current Property Management Group and have no plans of finding another. The Board also took over \"Condo Fee Collection\" and set up a seperate bank account for owners to mail their fees to. The Board also hired another board member to provide accounting. Several owners refuse to pay until a property mgt group is found, and/or more explanation is provided about the new account. The board is now threatening liens against owners. Any quick advice is welcome.. 48 EDDE GARTH MOORE I am in need of information and recommendations regarding condo owner vs Condo Board which refuses to recognize Statue 718.111. 47 Jim Schwentker I once lived in a HOA in Palm Springs, FL., Palm Beach County and had nothing but problems with the b.o.d, condo cammandos, violating the rules, wasting money, terrible attorny, the whole nine yards!!! I\'ll try to come back and explain in detail in a couple weeks. I\'ve been looking for a forum like this to discuss my problems and what we must do to make things better for all members of a HOA. I\'ve studied the Statutes for many years governing HOA and things can get better, if we work for it together!!! (AZ1) I can be reached at : Jimsview@Comcast.net Thank You; Jim 46 Deborah Temple My husband and I have been living in a HOA since 1999 when we inherited our home from his father. We were totally unaware of the power of the Board until just recently, when our new Board, who are power hungry and spend money crazy, started raising the annual assessment 33-1/3, from $90 to $120 a month and are doing things without regard to the community as they feel that they were elected and have the support of the people behind them. Recently submitted a petition for amendment to them asking for a restriction on the annual assessment of an increase of no more than 10% without a 75% vote of approval of all homeowners. This amendment required 101 signatures and carried 103 signatures in total when finished, but they, the Board, somehow managed to convince 4 residents to remove their names. Was given two names of those residents, but told two others did not want their names mentioned, so as far as I am concerned the petition stands at 101, but am stuck with the Board\'s final dicision. Don\'t know what else to do. 45 Marc N. Gibault Currently our property taxes are exempt from federal taxes. If things progress to that point where we lose the properity tax in Florida. How would that sit with all Floridians? Could we then blame Mr. Rubio for this action? The second question that I have is in respect to CDD\'s and how would they be effected by Mr. Rubio\'s proposal? There are other items that are of intrest that I will bring up later. Thank you for this site. Kerep up the good work. Marc N. Gibault 44 Terry Paschal Currently looking for information. Thanks 43 Angelo Maldonado ; 42 Anthony V. Carella, M.D. I am the owner of two (2) shares in a cooperative building in S. Palm Beach, which has functioned as a not-for profit community for forty-seven (47) years. The current Board has removed all shareholder power whereby decisions are made by the \"majority of the Board\".. They have solicited for sale of the property without shareholder input and are in collusion with the management company which provided this Board with an interested developer to purchase the property. We have attempted to obstruct their operations with a complaint to the State of Florida and a Written Recall statement from 51% of the shareholders. As of yet, the state has not stepped in, however the sale process has been temproarily frustrated. The Board is now contracting for building improvements and obligating the shareholders behond their financial ability. The Annual Election of the Board is scheduled this month and all ballots and proxies of shareholders not attending are to be sent to the management comapny. We the shareholders do not feel confident of this arrangement and have never had a third party proctor and evaluate a Board Election. We are in persuit of instituting controls that will make this Election a fair one for the stockholders. 41 Don Pressman It\'s my first time to this site. Appears to be very worthwhile don 40 Lester F. Hamrick Jr. Thanks for this web site, this is my first home with HOA\'s and by most accounts my last. I\'m not sure what rights I have yet, but I refuse to be bullied by my HOA. When I bought my home there were roughly five homes in the subdivision, in three short years there are now 196 homes I was aware when I bought there was a HOA, but had no idea really what that meant other than dues to take care of the common areas and that\'s what it did for up until our HOA elected officials decided to hire a management company; then life changed. Now, three years and 190 more personalities later I hate where I live. I have more retired people walking in my neighborhood with nothing to do but find issues on MINE and everyone elses property. If they feel it necessary to get out of the house and work, Walmart is always hiring greeters, but keep you nose out of my life. After a 22 year Air Force career, the last thing I ever expected was to retire, buy my retirment home, then get harrassed for one thing or another. I got told what to do everyday for 22 years, I don\'t need any more guidance in that department. So, I\'m putting my house up for sale and will buy in a non-deed restricted area. I appreciate this web-site, I may need some of the info off of it to battle these idiots in my neighborhood then I\'m gone. I just wanted to enjoy the rest of my time on this earth and not be harassed. After all, I did fight for these rights and will enjoy them. Good Luck to the rest of these folks who put up with this harassment. Now, if state laws are passed that give us back or rights then I will reconsider living near people again. It must be clear, that I believe things should be nice, clean, mowed, and well taken care of, but for christ sakes people do have lives other than their yards and homes. 39 Robert Robertson Looking for information 38 debora cremring Thanks 37 Cheryl Lilley I saw the report on Fox news and was relieved to see it. I feel like condo owner\'s have no power!!! Is there a statutory limit to the number of years a board member can serve? I didn\'t see anything. I need to determine whether the new, hurricane code 4, doors I put in are common elements, but the association will not send me a current copy of the documents and bylaws per my statutory letter of over a year ago. This is soooo frustrating. Keep up the good work!!! I\'ll be watching the web site on my favorites. Cheryl Lilley owner Sandy Cove Condominiums Altamonte Springs 36 patricia kinley As a condo owner for 6 1/2 yrs, I hope I have found some sanity in this little world of ours with giant problems. Looking forward to someone, or several people to tell me I\'m wrong (or right ) about our boards actions based on thier versions of the rules and regulations. Having a members metting on 3-20-07 will be another feasco, but I\'ll go anyway. How do I get a medatior to come and watch this side show? Our president slandered (big surprise) my husband at last board metting, as a matter of fact in every meeting she goes off on us (we are only owner/residents of 16 units) in some form or another. Any advice? talk to all soon. 35 Linda P Cramer I , too live in an HOA governed by school yard bullies who have no regard for the laws of the state of florida.........I applaud your effort ...Linda 34 John Norman Hello, I have been in a year long struggle to have some code violations and construction defects repaired in my new home. The builder is Harmony / Drees Homes. I filed a complaint with the DBPR that was dismissed. I saw my senator about this and the case was reopened and is currently under investigation. Can you e-mail you some documents related to this case? If so please advise on where to send them. Regards, John Norman 33 Dick Lamontagne To CCFJ and especially Jan Bergeman we (I) sincerely appreciate your efforts , you have been a great source of information to our Association 32 Fran Schoolcraft What a helpful and informative site! I look to it for many condo association answers. 31 Lawrence Anderson Enjoyed the site. I am a member of a HOA with a BOD that refuses to follow the DCR\'s and bylaws. Their arrogrance of deciding to \"interpret\" DCR intent led to an approval of an for a pool and enclosure construction that blocks an ocean view of another homeowner. The construction clearly violates the DCR. As a result the injured homeowner has filed a lawsuit against the board and association. In addition, the BOD condtinually violates the HOA bylaws. The continued disregard for DCR\'s and bylaws puts the organization at financial risk. It is amazing that most homeowners just don\'t want to get involved. So, I am not sure we can get a recall at this time. It sound like the only recourse is for a number of concerned homeowners to hire an attorney. Any comments are welcome. 29 Joseph Lipsky I am looking for assistance for a better understanding when there is a conflict between 720 and or DCCE and Rs. 28 DANILO GALLARDO Interested in Condo Association problems 27 Guillermina Rivera Need information regarding HOA Thanks 26 Margot Senter-Deckel Are the politicians really going to listen? Do they really care? I am disillusioned and can no longer believe anyone would take our plights seriously. However, the efforts being made by your organization is admirable and I fully will support your actions. Thanks 24 Peter Im looking to this site for help in educating other members of our HOA. As is most often the case with HOA 99.9% of its owners do have any involvement in monthly meetings. While many HOA make out alright in our case our community is in disaray, we face many serious problems and to make matters worse our Association is virtually bankrupt. Im hoping to get owner involvement through our new online community board and educated with the help of CCFJ. 23 Kathy send me your Email news letter 22 Samuel L Kaplan I am Condo President. Any info would be helpful 21 john lent Thank God for your organization. It is a breath of fresh air! John 20 Koreen G.Kruger Please add us to your mailing list. Keep up the good work! 19 charlene acciarito I have found your information in the past to be very useful . Your honest and forthright answers make me come back to your site time and time again. Thanks for being there. Charlene Acciartito 18 Jose Campos I concurred with your assessment and letter. 17 Citezens For Political Reform Keep up the good work Paul Bates CPR chairman 16 p.a.Seery I own a condo in Brevard Co. I bought it over 3 years ago...After we purchased the condo and meet our neighbors they told us how nice our uit turned out, as the privious owner closed in his porch....We were just assessed over $6400 per unit to get new3 windows and slilders....We have 16 units in our condo...Some units have 12 windows others like mine 1 window and 1 slider....I am the Pres. of the condo....Well it seems that the sectretary of the ass. wants me to pay for my own sliders as the other owner changed the condo and she said they were afraid of him so they let him do it....I had no idea....We had a title company and no one said anything to us. I called a lawyer and he said the Association has to pay and we bought the condo as it is....They title company says the same thing, the condo association had a form sent to them and it came back that everything was ok....No liens no problems.... I hope they are all right....This women is just making me crazy....She is trying to take ovser....And by the way I spoke to the Vice Pres. and he agreed with me, we bought the condo just the way we got it...So as a board the two of us agreed....Thank you 15 Jerome A wonderful site. Thanks for your efforts. I am a dedicated sports fan. My association prohibits placing a National Football League Flag on my flagpole. Does this not violate Freedom of Speech when the rules and regulations state that only the American Flag can be attached to the flag pole? 14 Marlynn Marcks Why must HOA\'s contain so many power hungry condo nazis? 13 Bill Cockerham In light of problems within our Assoc., Holley By the Sea, I would like to join. Refered by Melissa Lambert 12 Mike Reardon Jan, I have heard quite a bit about you. You are doing a great job in advocating for homeowners. A group of us from MA testified before the State legislature in support of some fairly benign bills that would protect homeowners from unreasonable fines by HOA\'s. What an eye opener that was! The CAI was there to cry havoc and anarchy! They had also obviously greased the palms of the members of the housing committee. Our bills were sent to \'study\'; read, oblivian. It is wonderful to see that the AARP has come out so strongly in favor of homeowners rights! The tide may soon be turning. I will be in touch. Mike Reardon 11 Isaac Valancy Condo board Is mandate all unit owners to install impact windows. Even if our windows do not leak. 10 Susan Bennett Daly Am living in an 88 unit, over 55 development with a homeowners association. Our problem is a board that does NOT want to raise the quarterly assessment, has still not made a decision on hurricane repairs, waits until things are in disrepair before addressing the situation, tears down and doesn\'t replace, etc. What can we as homeowners do? Seems like we are at the mercy of the boards decision/or indecision. 9 Rocco John I would like to join. 8 Peter Patton Sounds great. Expect to join. Want to read some of your e-mails 1st. 7 ned arnold I am currently a board memeber of my HOA that has a \"power hungry\" president that completely dominates the rest of the board, runs the landscape committee and generally makes most of the decisions in a dictatoral manner. Many of the residents are \"snowbirds \" and have no idea nor care for the daily living as they are here for a few days or weeks to relax and don\'t want hassels. There are two of us on a board of nine that fight her but are outnumbered and persecuted for our efforts. We can try for a recall of this president but it will be close because of the apathy of the snowbirds. Any ideas? 6 Vivienne Parker I live in California but my condo unit is in Miami Beach and there are certain issues that need addressing there. Have been looking at the CCFJ website for the last year. Regards, Vivienne 5 Bill Sparklin I am currently fighting my small homeowners association. We have come a long way but still need help in getting the members to control the assoc. instead of a few Board members. I am so tired board member tells me its the law or we have that right because we are on the board while the majority feel helpless. They of course get this from the managemnet co and thier attorney! We need a democratic system to follow. i know the Fl statues but that still doesn\'t stop a lein because someone has weeds! Or they don\'t like the fendce that was approved prior. etc. etc. etc.