Moving into a new condominium in Florida often means that you need to register with a condominium association. A condominium association can be beneficial in a variety of ways including community safety, development of common areas, and assisting in disagreements between tenants. In a recent move by the division that monitors condominium associations, timeshares and mobile homes, homeowner associations that meet certain criteria will also be required to register with the Florida division.
Homeowner associations have been in existence for a very long time, and it is still unclear why the state has suddenly decided to monitor the associations. This bill became active in July 2013 and is set to remain in effect until July 2016. Homeowner associations that fit the criteria have until Nov. 23 to register with the division. The association must provide the Florida Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshare and Mobile Homes (LCSMH) all relevant information that proves that it is indeed a legal homeowners association.
Some suspect that this new bill is simply the first measure that the state of Florida is initiating in order to gain more control over homeowners associations, like it does with condominium associations. Currently, condominium associations pay a monthly fee per unit in order to help defray the costs of the services LCSMH offers. One of the key services that is provided to association members is their arbitration procedures.
When LCSMH receives a complaint, they can utilize the arbitration system in order to bring resolution to the situation. Adding this service to homeowner associations may be the direction that the state of Florida is headed and could help by potentially limiting court caseloads. Those affected may benefit by gaining an understanding all their rights and responsibilities with respect to a Florida condominium association so that any disputes are handled properly and according to applicable laws and procedures.
Source: naplesnews.com, All homeowners' associations must now register with the state, Rob Samouce, Nov. 3, 2013