Doing Business in Florida Blog

Should AED’s be Installed in Association Facilities?

March 9, 2022
Jeffrey R. Margolis  |  AED, Condominiums Association

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical instrument that delivers an electrical impulse to the heart to disrupt and correct an otherwise fatal irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and allows a normal rhythm to resume.  AEDs have been credited with saving countless lives by making it possible for non-medical individuals to respond to a medical emergency, leading the question whether AED’s should be installed in community association facilities. 

E-Mails Are Official Records

February 10, 2022
Condominiums Association

The Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes (the “Division”) recently considered the question whether e-mail communications regarding association business between and among the board of directors of a condominium association which are sent to and/or from the board member’s personal computers and devices are official records of the condominium association that must be maintained and made available to unit owners.  

New Fannie Mae Requirements for Condominium and Co-Op Projects

January 28, 2022
Jeffrey R. Margolis  |  Condominiums, Condominiums Association

Following the tragic collapse of the Champlain Tower South Condominium and the resulting concerns over buildings with aging infrastructure, Fannie Mae issued new temporary eligibility requirements for loans secured by units in condominiums or co-op projects with five or more units and insured by Fannie Mae (“Loans”). The temporary requirements became effective as of January 1, 2022, and apply to Loans purchased on or after January 1, 2022, and to Loans delivered into MBS pools with issue dates on or after January 1, 2022.

Client Alert: Condominium Association and Homeowners Association Legislative Update

June 17, 2021
Jeffrey R. Margolis  |  Real Estate, Condominiums Association, Homeowners Association

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 56 and Senate Bill 630, into law on June 16, 2021.  The legislation, which is effective July 1, 2021, affects the operation of homeowners associations and condominium associations, including collection practices, notices of meetings, transfer fees, electronic vehicle charging stations, dispute resolution, emergency powers, official records, reserves, and leasing.  Below are highlights of SB 56 and SB 630 and the legislation changes to the laws governing homeowners associations and condominium associations.