Community Association Law

2013 Legislative Changes to Florida’s Condominium Law

Published on: December 2, 2013 | by ESQ.title

By: Daniel Pascale, Esq.

Offices located in Delray Beach and Coral Gables, FL

Florida’s condominium laws change frequently and affect hundreds of thousands of unit owners in the process. During Florida’s last legislative session, the legislature enacted a number of changes to Chapter 718, Florida Statutes (Florida’s Condominium Law). The highlights of the 2013 amendments to Florida’s Condominium Law are summarized below:

Elevator Retrofitting: Associations do not have to involuntarily retrofit elevators pursuant to local ordinances unless their building’s elevator is replaced or requires a major modification.

Association Acquisition of Lands of Recreational Leases: Associations can now upon a vote of, or written consent by, a majority of the total voting interests or as authorized by the declaration as provided in s. 718.113, acquire lands of recreational leases.

“Insurable Event”: as defined in s. 718.111(11), has been clarified to include damage occurring to a portion of the condominium property for which the unit owner has responsibility.

Condo & HOA Disputes

Published on: November 19, 2013 | by ESQ.title

By: Daniel T. Pascale, Esq.

Offices located in Delray Beach and Coral Gables, FL

Condominiums offer a long list of benefits to those who opt to reside in them. Condominium unit owners have the advantage of owning property without the hassle of property maintenance, repairs, and security concerns. Condos are very popular in the city for practical purposes and many times can be cheaper than a single-family home. It is no wonder why there is a high-rise residential structure being constructed or about to open soon in almost any prime location in the Palm Beach, Miami, and Broward areas.

Is a New Owner Responsible for Condo or HOA Liens After Buying a Foreclosure in Miami or Broward County?

Published on: September 1, 2013 | by ESQ.title

By: Daniel T. Pascale, Esq.

Offices located in Delray Beach and Coral Gables, FL

Given that there are literally tens of thousands of homeowners and condominium associations in South Florida, it is no wonder that purchasers of foreclosure properties in Miami-Dade and Broward County frequently have questions about whether they are liable for past due homeowners or condominium assessments after purchasing property at a foreclosure sale. Once the initial excitement of the new purchase wears off, foreclosure purchasers frequently find themselves the target of associations seeking to collect past due assessments owed by the previous homeowner.

When confronted with this scenario, new property owners often recoil at the notion that they are responsible for the past due assessments: “What do you mean I owe the association $10,000 in back assessments, I just bought the property at a foreclosure sale free and clear last week? Those fees are the responsibility of the prior owner, not me!” Although this reaction is understandable, it is only partially correct.