The Florida Commission on Human Relations (the FCHR), established in 1969, is the state agency responsible for enforcing Florida’s civil rights laws, and preventing discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The FCHR also acts as an investigative agency for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in investigating possible violations of the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and operates under a “Work-Sharing Agreement” with HUD. Among other duties, the FCHR investigates, and attempts to resolve, discrimination Complaints brought by Owners, Residents, and potential Owners or Residents, against HOAs and COAs, regarding unlawful housing discrimination. (Please understand, an FCHR Complaint can be filed against a Community Association, even if the Association is not engaged in rentals in the Community).

C&M is sharing with our COA, HOA, Co-Op, Mobile Home and Timeshare Association Clients a preliminary legal update for the 2025 Florida Legislature as drafted by counsel from The Fund. C&M and its affiliated Title Agency, Community Association Title (CAT) are members and title companies affiliated with and agents for The Fund and Old Republic National Title Insurance Company.

For Florida Homeowners and Condominium Associations, following these basic guidelines will help make your Official Records Inspections run smoothly, and take time and hassle out of arranging Official Records access, for you and your Association Management:

Partner, Russ Klemm, recently argued before the US Court of Appeals, for the 11th Circuit. The case in question is Affordable Housing Group, Inc. v. Florida Housing Affordability, Inc.

C&M is sharing with our Clients a direct quote issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) lifting their threat of fines and penalties to small businesses (such as Community Associations) for not filing their BOIR or maintaining updates. This in effect postpones the latest deadline given as March 21, on which date FinCEN plans to announce further modifications to the program.

C&M is sharing with our Clients a direct quote issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) temporarily staying compliance with the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) filing requirements about which we have been advising our Clients.

Think of your Annual Meeting as a Theatrical Production to Ensure Success It's Showtime! Your annual meeting is the most important meeting of the year and it is your time to shine. Think of your annual meeting as a theater production and your owners are the audience. If the production is appealing, they will attend.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury, lists two types of corporations required to file Beneficial Ownership Information. These are domestic and foreign. A domestic reporting company is defined as having its creation filed with a Secretary of State Department or similar governmental institution under state law.

ATTENTION BOARD MEMBERS! It has been brought to our attention some management companies and/or companies are offering board certification classes. Please understand that the new law is very clear that effective July 1, the previous board certification classes are not "legitimate" classes and do not meet the requirements of the new 4-hour class. If you should be invited to one of these classes, do your homework. Ask if the class is the new class that meets the July 1 requirements and if it was approved by the State. Is it an attorney or another industry professional that is presenting the class?