Free homeowner association course to be offered Sept.21

A free certification course designed to satisfy new requirements for homeowner association (HOA) and condominium owner association boards has been arranged for Kendall area members by a Miami law firm.

One of three new HOA laws approved by the Florida Legislature effective July 1 requires a certification that a newly elected or appointed condominium or HOA member (within 90 days) has read and will uphold governing documents for the community.

In place of such certification, proof of attendance at an educational course through a provider approved by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is acceptable.

The Board Member Certification Course will be conducted on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Civic Pavilion, 8625 SW 124 Ave. A complimentary breakfast precedes the course at 9 a.m. Those attending will receive a certificate of completion. The seminar also qualifies for 2 CE credits.

Leading the course is attorney Maria U. Arias with colleagues Caridad Ausconi and Jonathan M. Mofsky of the SRHL law firm, one of the largest specializing in condominiums and HOAs in South Florida.

Representing Winston Park and The Hammocks, the legal firm’s attorneys previously have addressed special KFHA meetings dealing with HOA legislation.

Miles Moss, president of Winston Park HOA since 1979, said “most people who serve on boards know nothing about the new requirements, and they’re eager to get this kind of information about what service on an association board entails.”

According to Joseph Adams in the Legislation Reader, new legislation also will require each HOA to file a report with the DBPR by Nov. 22, allowing the department to take inventory of how many homeowner associations exist in Florida. The DBPR must set up an Internet registration system by Oct. 1 for reporting.

In addition, all HOAs now are required to maintain a fidelity bond (sometimes called “crime coverage” or “theft insurance”) for all persons controlling or disbursing association funds, Adams said. Coverage must be purchased covering maximum funds held by the association; requirement for a fidelity bond may be waived only by a majority vote of the HOA voting interests.

For information regarding the free course, contact Stephanie Bonilla 305- 442-8536 or send email to sbonilla@srhl-law.com


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