The introduction of new reserve funding requirements for condominiums in Florida has sparked significant debate, particularly concerning whether these requirements can apply retroactively to condominiums with existing conflicting language in their governing documents. This issue hinges on several legal interpretations and past arbitration rulings. Kaufman Language The "Kaufman" language refers to a provision in a […]
Recent legislative changes in Florida, specifically House Bill 1021 and House Bill 1203, have introduced new educational requirements for Board Members, effective July 1, 2024. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has developed a 4-hour Board Member Certification Program designed to help Board Members understand their responsibilities under the new statutory requirements. […]
In recent legislative sessions, Florida lawmakers have passed significant legislation affecting homeowners' associations (HOAs). House Bills 1203, 59, and 293 introduce various changes aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and homeowner rights within community associations. This post will focus solely on HB 1203 to outline the key changes of which our clients must be aware: As […]
Negotiating the lease for your first commercial space? Here are 3 tips from our seasoned attorneys! We have the privilege of representing many first-time business owners pursuing a dream. Our clients include dentists opening up their own practice after years working in corporate and even engineers who are tired of the grind and looking to […]
In representing hundreds of small business owners and non-profits (including homeowners associations and condominium associations), our Firm has been asked several times about how the Corporate Transparency Act ("CTA") would affect their business and impact their own individual privacy. When enacted, the CTA required certain entities to disclose information about their "beneficial owners" to the […]
The landscape for condominium home ownership is undergoing significant changes. Recent reports from Redfin indicate a stark contrast between the national trend of rising condo prices and the reality in Florida (https://fortune.com/2024/02/27/florida-condo-prices-dropping-insurance-hoa/). Condominium sales prices in Jacksonville have seen a nearly 7% decrease year over year, while Miami experienced an almost 3% decline. The culprit […]
Should all homeowners pay for estoppel certificates when one owner is looking to sell? The Florida Senate is considering a new law to eliminate estoppel fees charged by homeowners and condominium associations (See, 2024 Senate Bill 278, https://legiscan.com/FL/text/S0278/id/2852034). An estoppel certificate is typically ordered by a title company as part of a closing for a […]
The sign at the entrance or reception area of a business is often one of the first things you notice when you enter. More than just displaying the business’ branding and identity, it sends a subtle message that the business is established and, hopefully, here to stay. When I started DHN Attorneys in November 2013, […]
Our townhome and condominium association clients are required to commence with multiple construction projects to meet the needs of their members. These primarily involve roofing or repainting projects but can also include upgrading amenities and common areas, improving security systems, or even improving energy efficiency through insulation or solar panel installations. Despite spending millions of […]
