With full restrictions yet to be lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with a high unemployment rate and virtual schooling for most of the country, stress-related incidents and escalating tensions within community associations are on the rise. Mental health concerns have been exponentially compounded by the fact that social distancing is still enforced and many...Read More

As we continue to struggle with the social, economic, and emotional side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, many are now looking towards re-opening and re-starting their lives. Over the course of the last few days, there has been much discussion about the re-opening of businesses and resumption of normal daily activities. There is no consensus...Read More

FORMER UNIT OWNER ALLOWED TO CHALLENGE ASSESSMENTS Real Estate Sols. Home Sellers, LLC v. Viera E. Golf Course Dist. Ass’n, Inc., 288 So. 3d 1228 (Fla. 5th DCA 2020), reh’g denied (Feb. 3, 2020) An investor purchased a home in the Viera East Golf Course Community at a foreclosure auction and objected to assessments made...Read More

On March 27, 2020 the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued Emergency Order 2020-04 in response to the COVID-19 crisis. It was the first time the DBPR weighed in on the global pandemic, attempting to clarify ambiguities for the thousands of community associations throughout the state. It is estimated that more than...Read More

Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19 ISSUES EMERGENCY ORDER 2020-04 WHEREAS, Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory illness that can spread among humans through respiratory transmission and presents with symptoms similar to those of influenza; and WHEREAS, as of March 23, 2020, numerous counties in Florida have positive cases for COVID- 19, and...Read More

By: Carolina Sznajderman Sheir, Esq. and Alessandra Stivelman, Esq. It is estimated that 70 percent of Floridians either live in a community association such as a condominium or homeowner’s association. With residents living in relatively close quarters to their neighbors and sharing common areas, it’s understandable there is a rising concern and heightened anxiety about...Read More

Loud Noises, Foul Odors, Shake the Walls Vibrations, Barking Dogs and Late Night Dancers – Is it a Nuisance? WHAT: Condominium residents and board members are invited to attend a free Condo Rights Workshop to explore a variety of nuisance topics: from loud noises at all hours, barking dogs, cigarette smoke, confrontations with neighbors, hoarding...Read More

American with Disability Act Requirements and Potential Legal Consequences When Going Digital By: Carolina Sznajderman Sheir, Esq. and Jonathan Garber Like it or not, many Florida condominium associations are now digital. As of January 1, 2019, Florida condominium associations with 150 or more units are required to maintain a website pursuant to Fla. Stat. §718.111(12)(g)....Read More