Contrary to popular belief, obtaining a final judgment in a lawsuit should not be treated as a “game over” scenario. It is indeed a crucial first step toward obtaining what you’re looking for, but in reality, it means little more than that a judge agrees that you are entitled to something from the person you have sued. This could mean the judge has confirmed the defendant owes you money, or that the defendant can’t (or must) take certain actions, etc. Regardless of what relief you have been found entitled to receive, there is generally still more to do despite having taken that significant, crucial “first” step toward your end goal of actually receiving the relief sought in the lawsuit.

A lender's foreclosure action can create challenges for community associations seeking to collect past-due charges. Because a first mortgage lender can generally eliminate the association's lien and/or ownership, as well as certain pre-title charges, some associations cease collection when a lender files a foreclosure action. Such measures impress upon owners that there are no consequences to overdue charges, and increase the financial burden on paying owners. It also eliminates the opportunity to be paid.

Today we are at the virtual halfway point of this year’s legislative session. Most years there are a number of bills that are proposed that attempt to either regulate or impact community associations. This year, that is an understatement. We are currently monitoring more than eighty (80!) bills that seek to have an impact on residential communities and/or community associations. This article, while short, will emphasize those bills that we have seen moving quickly through the legislature that appear to have the greatest impact on our community association clients.

As Floridians should be aware, Florida is inundated with bears. In fact, many communities experience bears riffling through their dumpsters and trash cans. Therefore, Owners need to be vigilant with respect to when their garbage is put out, as well as, how it is contained. Hopefully, your community is aware that members can purchase and obtain “bear-proof” trash cans. However, you may not be aware that communities with dumpsters can actually purchase bear proof dumpsters. Unfortunately, communities whose dumpsters are not bear proof, or where the residents fail to properly place their trash in the dumpster and properly close and secure the dumpster – it may be at risk.

Numerous communities throughout Central Florida are experiencing encounters, many are very unpleasant, with coyotes. Numerous coyotes are in the Metro West area and are responsible for the deaths of several pets. West Orange County Cities, Ocoee, Windermere, and Winter Garden also report sighting of this predator roaming their neighborhoods. Osceola County issued a rabies alert after two people were bitten by a rabid coyote. A Manatee County family’s four dogs were left in their fenced yard while the owner was shopping and all four dogs were killed by a coyote.

Most Florida Community Associations, (Condominiums, Homeowners Associations and Cooperative Associations) are organized as “Not-for-Profit” Corporations. So, no need to file a tax return-right?