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The April Issue Includes:
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The "Quick and Dirty" Mid-Legislative Session Update
- Landscaping is the Key to Happiness
- Coming Attractions
- Executive Producer Highlight
- Pet Corner - Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue
- Kudos
- Who's The Most Awesome In Your Association?
- Florida Statute Service
- Testimonials
- Closed for Good Friday!
- Want to be Featured on our Web-Site?
- Quote of the Month
- May Birthdays
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The "Quick and Dirty" Mid-Legislative Session Update
By Brian Hess, Partner at Clayton & McCulloh
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.
SB 610- This is this year's omnibus bill for condominium associations. As has been the trend over the last several years, the current iteration of this bill seems to impose greater penalties for "bad actors" and "bad actions" by associations and Board members, as well as increase the responsibilities of associations for official records productions, creating a website, and conducting elections. If the legislation as currently proposed becomes law, expect significant increases in costs to your condominium association.
SB 908/1152 and HB 647/723- These bills address different approaches to the ongoing concerns over retrofitting of fire sprinkler and life safety systems in condominiums, especially including high rise condominiums, as well as signage and related issues.
HB 1075- This is this year's general omnibus bill relating to homeowners associations, cooperative associations, and condominium associations. There are a large variety of topics addressed in this bill, including contracts, documents, records, assessments, fines, liens, improvements, online voting, and electronic notice.
SB 824 and HB 987- This bill relates to short term and vacation rentals. In its current rendition, the bill would preempt short-term vacation rental and leasing covenants in homeowners associations and condominiums... making such rentals instead subject only to statewide regulation.
SB1128 and HB 721- This bill attempts to place greater specificity on the rules and regulations related to emotional support animals. What remains to be seen is what role federal regulations on these issues would play regardless of any Florida legislation on this topic.
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Time is Running Out to Register for the Premieres!
Join us for the Hollywood Premiere of "The Magnificent Board Members: The 2019 HOA Board Certification Class" in one very special location, inside The Flying Tigers 34 Club (private ticket holders club). The club has a beautiful room overlooking the baseball stadium. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. and classes start at 8:30 a.m., and end approximately 12:45 p.m. There will be Interview Sessions (Question
and Answer time) during the Blockbuster Premiere and additional
individual interview time to ask all those "off the record" questions at the Wrap Party! Walk the red carpet and the Hollywood Walk of Fame! We might even have the paparazzi calling to you asking "What designer are you wearing?"
We even have an Oscar Presentation! Yes, you might win an Oscar for Best Board Member or for Best Dressed. Dress is casual, unless you want to join us in wearing Hollywood Premiere attire and possibly win the Oscar for Best Dressed.
Want an extra chance at free swag? Bring a pet item to be donated to the abandoned pets of Central Florida and get an additional swag ticket. Please help us to make these abandoned pets' lives easier until they find their "forever" home.
Featuring a HOA class, this is the last Saturday morning class of the year. For more information and to make a reservation, see the information below.
Last Chance to Register Online! Indoor Event!
Walk-in are Welcome to attend
Calling Polk County!
On
April 13
, join us for the Premiere of
"The Magnificent Board Members: The 2019 HOA Board Certification Class"
in Lakeland. Come walk the red carpet at the private Flying Tigers 34 Club at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Inside Event!
Select the
HOA class to register
. Space is limited this year so sign up now to enjoy the glitz!
Having
Collection of Delinquent Assessment Problems?
Sign up for this Seminar!
at our Melbourne Office on
Tuesday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m. This will be the last time this year that this informative Hollywood Premiere will be featured at our Melbourne Office. Covering all you need to know about collections in a one hour class, our Leading Man will be on hand early, and after the event to answer any questions not covered in this seminar.
Register here!
Complimentary Four Course Dinner, Fine Wine, and Great Conversation!
What More Could a Board Member Ask For?
Our very own
Neal McCulloh will be speaking at
Castle Group "Nights" of the Round Table at the elegant 310 Lakeside Restaurant (301 East Pine, on T
uesday, April 16, at 6:00 p.m.
An elegant four course dinner (appetizer, salad, dinner, and dessert, with alcohol) allowing you to chat with the experts one on one. Also joining Neal are two of the most notable specialists in the community association industry - Lou Biron of Silhe Insurance and Bill Jackson of William Jackson CPA. Each guest will receive a gift bags with special gifts and prizes inside. Complimentary parking is available in the garage directly across Pine Street. Please bring your parking ticket with you to have it validated.
Reservations are required by Tuesday, April 9.
If you would like to make a reservation for this event, please reserve your spot
Click Here.
This event is for sitting board members and their guests only, and seating is limited. Need more information? Please call 407-204-1757. Please join Neal, Lou, and Bill for an evening of fine dining and great conversation.
Weeknight Premiere for "The Magnificent Board Members"
Neal McCulloh
will be presenting
"The Magnificent Board Members: The 2019 HOA Board Certification Class"
Thursday, April 25th, at 6:30 p.m. The premiere will be featured in Orlando. The event is being hosted by Clayton & McCulloh in the Backcourt Room, RDV Sportsplex, 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd., Orlando, FL 32810.
Clayton & McCulloh is presenting the 2019 Joint Board Certification Class on Friday, May 10th at 10:30 a.m. at the Imperial Lakes Country Club (6 Country Club Lane, Mulberry, Florida). This event is being hosted by All Coast Realty & Management. The class is open to the public and is for Board Members of HOAs, Condos, and Co-operatives.
Please make your reservation here
.
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Landscaping is the Key to Happiness
By Kelly Vickers,
Corporate Communications and Strategies Manager
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Landscaping can be considered as a metaphor for life; there are those moments when happiness is elicited by its simplicity and beauty. Other days the frustration and disappointment created by the turf that resembles the color and texture of wheat or the greenness that is only visible due to the presence of weeds can be overwhelming. It can invoke an ire in rational individuals. How difficult can it be to properly care for landscape materials? One must only mow, trim, and spot treat visible predators such as pests or disease; it is a rote process, right? In theory, but the reality is that landscaping is a blend of sweat and science tempered with an artistic flair.
The aesthetic visibility of landscaping can be greatly hampered by forces seen and unseen including soil conditions, climate variables, water accessibility, and a bevy of diseases and pests that can take root. As we are rapidly approaching spring we find ourselves yearning for vivid green grass and vibrant colorful flowers. Prior to the installation of perennials or annuals in flower beds it is imperative to know if the intended installation areas can sustain their already shortened life span. What are the soil compositions of the bed areas? The primary soils in Florida include loam, clay, sand, silt, and peat, and each one presents unique obstacles to plant materials obtaining the proper nutrients.
Soils that are high in acidity significantly reduce a plant's access to potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) while increasing their exposure to potentially toxic elements such as aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). On the opposite end of the spectrum are the soils that are high in alkaline causing deficiencies in iron and zinc among other nutrients. Although soil pH can be manipulated through the use of dolomite and other products, it is essential to grow the correct plant in the soil type available. Coreopsis, the official state wildflower of Florida, can thrive in most soil types; however, it has a preference for well-drained soils. Pentas, ideal for attracting pollinators including butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, can also thrive in most soil compositions preferring moist, well-drained environments.
As in life, landscaping is dynamic and ever changing, and its success lies in the details. Partnering with a contractor who understands the nuances of the science of landscaping will provide you more opportunities to appreciate the beauty rather than experience the frustrations. To learn more about the soils in Florida visit the website for the University of Florida's Institute of Florida and Agricultural Services (
https://ifas.ufl.edu/
). To win a $50 gift card be the first reader to email a picture of yourself holding a sign that names the official state soil of Florida to
kelly.vickers@LMPPRO.com
.
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Executive Producer Highlight
This month, we are highlighting one of our Executive Producers, ISA Insurance Solutions of America. ISA is a commercial insurance company that works with associations across Florida. They handle insurance products such as General Liability, Directors & Officers, and Commercial Property coverage.
We asked President Roland Mastandrea about how his company can assist your association.
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Q:
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How can Associations benefit from your service?
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A:
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"ISA only writes HOA's and COA's insurance. We specialize in only that market. We have relationships with carriers that other agencies do not.
There are many coverages Associations need and should consider that many policies and agencies do not offer. We provide a detailed assessment
of what you probably have and offer you multiple options."
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Q:
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What is the one thing that people probably won't know about your service?
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A:
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"ISA offers insurance workshops that inform the Boards on the Association insurance market."
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Q:
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From your experience, what advice would you give to an Association?
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A:
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"From our experience we have found that the majority of Associations have NEVER had a complete assessment done of what their policy covers and what other carriers' policies can offer. We find that all coverage are deficient in many cases. We find this to be true especially in the Directors & Officers and Liability coverage."
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Q:
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How can an association save money by using your service?
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A:
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"It is possible that in most cases for the exact insurance coverage's we can save the Association money. In addition to just the cost of the policies we
many times are able to offer lower deductibles and increased coverage."
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Q:
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What sets your company apart from your competition?
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A:
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"What sets us apart is that in all cases we provide the detailed analysis of what your existing policies offer you, compare that to multiple options and multiple pricing. What we have found in many cases is that property managers continue to purchase your insurance from the same agencies year after year. We also find that Boards and the Management companies are not aware of the many changes that have taken place in Association insurance over the last several years.
"
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If you want to learn more about ISA, you can contact Roland Mastandrea at
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Pet Corner - Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue
Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue is dedicated to rescuing and placing unwanted companion pets into loving homes. Heidi's legacy has helped thousands of animals find forever homes. Heidi's rescue was established in 2002 as an all breed rescue in honor of Heidi. Heidi was a German Shepherd that died shortly after she was rescued.
Heidi's Legacy is a nonprofit charitable organization that is staffed entirely by volunteers who love animals. Heidi's Legacy depends on all your generous contributions in order to continue the day to day operations. 100% of all donations go toward veterinary needs and every day care for the animals. To learn more about Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue Click Here.
Super Duper sweetheart and a WONDERFUL girl. SusieQ was dumped in the country to fend for herself. She has been fully vetted and yearns for a person of her own to love because that is her nature. She has the sweetest demeanor, loves to play with other dogs and is truthworthy in the home. We think she is about 7 years old. This sweetheart will make some retired person or couple a marvelous companion.
Please email Lenore.D@HeidisLegacyDogRescue.com with any questions.
**Our companions MUST live in your home as part of your family. **We also WILL NOT adopt to anyone who keeps their dogs outside. **We also WILL NOT adopt to homes with unaltered dogs or cats. **We do not transport. **See our website for more information. www.HeidisLegacyDogRescue.com ADOPTION PROCESS: 1. Fill out our ADOPTION APPLICATION at www.heidislegacydogrescue.com 2. Meet with the dog(s) 3. Verification of Home 4. Adoption Contract 5. Donations begin at $125 up to $350 6. Bring treats. 4/8/19 10:29 AM
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If you would like to give Kudos to someone at our firm please
Click Here. We want to hear from you.
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Who's The Most Awesome In Your Association?
Board Members and Managers often work tirelessly with very little appreciation, but you have an opportunity to change that! Nominate your favorite Board Member or Manager who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for your Association. The 1st Quarter "Most Awesome" nomination deadline is April 16, 2019.
Use the buttons below to nominate a Manager or Board Member you know who has truly gone above and beyond the call of duty for your Association. Be sure to elaborate
so we know why your nominee is the Most Awesome!
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Clients and Non-Clients
Get Yours Now! Limited Amount Available!
The Florida Statute Service
The Florida Statute service provides the prefect place to organize all the Florida Statutes you need for your Community Association in a green beautiful leather-like, gold leaf embossed three ring binder. The service binder features all the pages in plastic sheet protectors and indexed with numerous "how to" articles included as a bonus. Our newly improved binder is larger than our previous binder to accommodate any of your Association's Governing Documents.
There are four books:
Homeowners Association (Chapter 720)
Condominium Association (Chapter 718)
Mobile Home Park (Chapter 723)
Cooperatives (Chapter 719
There are how to articles and the following topics:
Amending Governing Documents
Collections
Covenant Enforcement
Fiduciary Duty of Board Members
How to be a Director
Annual Meeting
Marketable Record Title Act
Complimentary annual updates to the books will be provided electronically by request on the 15th of September and January of each year. The cost of each book is $69.23 (tax included) or $96.23 (Deluxe Edition includes tax). Order yours today through our website using the button below
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Featured Flat Rate Service -
The Pounder Covenant Enforcement Letter Package
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When an Association prefers to take a more serious approach to bring enforcement of the community's covenants and restrictions, a "Pounder" letter is our recommendation. The Pounder is an aggressive, detailed, demand letter sent to the owner (and tenant, if applicable) outlining the violations. The Pounder is aptly named because the letter literally weighs approximately one (1) pound to mail. The flat fee for the Pounder Package includes any fees associated with the initial intake of the covenant enforcement matter, copy charges, and postage. Additionally, we will send a "risk letter" to the Association explaining the risks involved in pursuing the covenant enforcement matter. The "risk letter" is part of the Pounder Package. If an additional letter is required due to a tenant being involved, a separate letter will be addressed to the tenant at an additional fee. This letter to the tenant is usually sent at the same time we mail the letter to the owner.
Clients, please contact our Coordinator of Client Services,
David Batan,
and non-clients,
Arlene Ring,
our Director of Public Relations, is your contact person.
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Want to be featured on our Web-Site?
Would you like your non-profit organization featured on our web-site? Did you know we have a page that is devoted to non-profit organizations with their meeting dates, times, and locations? We do! On our
Resources Page
,
we list the non-profit organizations that are designed to service the needs of community associations. If we have inadvertently left yours off and you would like to add it, then please complete this
brief form
.
Please allow up to two weeks to add your organization to our web-site.
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Join Us In Celebrating These Birthdays!
May Birthdays
May 3 - Michelle Bibeau, Melrose-Sovereign Companies
May 7 - Eric Byrd, Fair/Way Management of Brevard
May 11 - Robert Nicolette, HMS of Brevard
May 13 John Wiegand, The Hampton's Neighborhood Association
March 15 - Barbara Rights, Sentry Management
May 19 - Jane Fredericks, Thatcher's Landing Condominium No. 11 Association
May 23 - Wendy Thrower, Sentry Management
May 24 - Kevin Marrs, Space Coast Property Management of Brevard
May 27 - David Salih, Formosa Garden Residential Community Assaociation
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Orlando Office: Maitland
The Clayton & McCulloh Building
1065 Maitland Center Commons Blvd.
Maitland, FL 32751
Phone: (407) 875-2655
Fax: (407) 875-3363
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Melbourne Office: Suntree/Viera
Baytree Corporate Park
1301 Bedford Drive, Suite 102
Melbourne, FL 32940
Phone: (321) 751-3449
Fax: (321) 751-3450
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Toll Free: (888) 793-1486
After Hours - 24/7: (407) 808-2553
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You are receiving this e-mail as you fall into one of the following categories:
* You are currently a client or client's manager;
* You have requested to be on our mailing list;
*as a former member of BCAM, you are provided a subscription to the C&M mailing list; and/or
*as a former member of NECAM, you are provided a subscription to the C&M mailing list.
If you elect to be removed from this e-mail service, we will no longer be able to send you seminar invitations, information on changes in the law concerning Community Associations, newsletters, or any other information regarding the Community Association industry. You will not receive solicitation for business unless you have requested that information. We sincerely hope we can continue to assist you with the challenges that face Community Associations today through this service.
When replying with a question please include your full name
and the legal name of your Association (no acronyms, please, unless your legal name on the Article of Incorporation lists an acronym.)
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