11. Access Ramps (720.304(5)) A homeowner, at the owner’s expense, may install an access ramp within ten (10) feet of any entrance to their home if they meet certain conditions. The owner must submit to the association an affidavit from a physician attesting to the medical necessity or disability of the resident or occupant of the parcel requiring the ramp. The ramp must be unobtrusive as possible, be designed to blend in aesthetically as practicable and be reasonably sized to fit the intended use. Additionally, the owner must provide the association, in advance, with the plans for the ramp so that the association can request modifications if necessary to achieve architectural consistency with surrounding structures and surfaces.
Effective October 1, 2004
12. Security Sign (720.304(6)) A homeowner may display a security services sign of reasonable size on his/her lot within 10 feet from the entrance.
Effective October 1, 2004
13. Fines Cannot Be Liens. (720.305(2)) Regardless of any provision to the contrary in the association’s governing documents, fines cannot become liens on parcels. The association can bring a lawsuit (most likely a small claims action) against an owner to collect a fine and the prevailing party is entitled to collect its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs from the non-prevailing party.
Effective June 23, 2004
14. Competitive Bidding For Certain Contracts (720.3055) Requires bids for certain types of contracts. The new statute which is modeled after the condominium act, requires the association to obtain competitive bids for certain types of contracts if the contract requires payment by the association of an amount that exceeds 10 percent of the total annual budget of the association, including reserves. The statute does not require the association to accept the lowest bid. Additionally, this statutory provision does not apply to contracts with employees of the association, contracts for attorneys, accountants, architects, community association managers, engineers and landscape architects.
Effective June 23, 2004
15. Membership Meetings (720.306(5) and 720.306(6)) The association must give at least 14 days notice of all member meetings. The association must provide an affidavit of compliance with the 14-day notice requirement, which shall be an official record of the association. This minimum notice requirement would prevail over any provision in the governing documents requiring a shorter time period.
Parcel owners have the right to speak on all items opened for discussion or included on the agenda. Owners must submit written notice prior to the meeting of their intent to speak and will have 3 minutes to speak on any item.
Next
Back to Florida Legislation
|
