Flood insurance rate hikes take effect; most to see small increases [4-10-18]

Article Courtesy of The Sun Sentinel By Ron Hurtibise Published April 10, 2018 Flood insurance premiums just got more expensive — again. Effective April 1, the average premium rose 8 percent, from $866 per policy to $935. But the vast majority of …

Florida building codes thwarted hurricane damage, report shows [3-26-18]

Article Courtesy of The Orlando Sentinel By Mary Shanklin   Published March 26, 2018 Florida ranked top in the nation for its building codes, according to a new report that cited newer construction better withstanding hurricane damage. The nation’s biggest hurricane target unseated …

High-rise fire kills 80-year-old man, forces 100 residents out of homes [3-15-18]

Article Courtesy of  The Sun Sentinel By Doug Phillips, Amy Beth Bennett and Linda Trischitta Published March 15, 2018 As fire alarms rang through a 15-story condo tower in Pompano Beach, Amber Webb grabbed her young nephew and joined a …

America’s flood insurance chief has a message for all Floridians: You’re at risk

Article Courtesy of The Miami Herald By Jenny Staletovich Published March 7, 2018 If you’re a homeowner in Florida relying on flood zone maps to decide whether to buy insurance, you may want to check your drivers license instead. “If it says …

Whose poop is that on the lawn? DNA testing cracks down on doggie-doo offenders

Article Courtesy of The Miami Herald By Linda Robertson Published February 11, 2018 Nothing ruins a fine day like an unwelcome encounter with dog excrement. That unmistakable squishing sensation underfoot triggers instant resentment. The mess, the stench, the indignity. What’s …

Senate Bill 398 (Estoppel Certificates)- Will it become law on July 1, 2017? [6-5-17]

Senate Bill 398: The bill revises requirements for estoppel certificates for condominium, cooperative, and homeowners’ associations. Under current law, when an ownership interest in a condominium unit, cooperative unit, or homeowners’ parcel is transferred, the new owner is jointly and …

Summary of 2017 Florida Condominium and Homeowner Association Legislation

By Susan P. Bakalar, Esq. During the legislative session which ended on May 5, 2017, the Florida legislature passed 5 bills which will become law on July 1, 2017 unless some or all of the proposed bills are vetoed by …