A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog called  “It’s Time To Stop A True Florida Farce.”  I then wrote a blog thanking Senator Anna Maria Rodriguez for filing Senate Bill 394 which does away with the possibility of  members of community association boards of directors getting certified without taking an educational class.  Instead, they can sign a rather silly piece of paper that states they have read their governing documents and promise to enforce them. 

We were half way there.  We now needed a member of Florida’s House of Representatives who would file a companion bill in Florida’s House, mirroring the bill filed by Senator Rodriguez.  I received a phone call from Representative Borerro about 2 weeks ago.  He grilled me as to why I thought my bill was so important.  The silliness of the form that directors can sign.  The fact that there is going to be lots of new laws passed by The Florida Legislature in regards to condominiums, but no requirement that directors have to learn these new laws.  And finally, the fact that mandatory education can and will save lives.

I am honored and now happy to report that Representative Borerro has now filed bill 547 in Florida’s House of Representatives.  It mirrors the bill filed by Senator Rodriguez.  There is no way I can thank Representative Borerro enough. 

There is no doubt in my mind that mandatory education will save the lives, properties and money of the millions of people who live in condominiums throughout the state.  Florida would be the first and only state to require a board member to take an educational course.  That would be an amazing bright spot for our state and no doubt would lead other states to eventually adopt similar requirements.

Over the last few weeks, I had the pleasure of teaching my Condo Craze and HOAs Board Certification class in Broward, Miami, Tampa, Palm Beach and Orlando to so many people.  I taught the importance of having reserve accounts, having reserve studies done by qualified people and the danger in completely waiving the funding of reserve accounts year after year after year.  Interestingly enough, when I asked the crowd if they thought education for board members should be mandatory, everyone raised their hand.  Almost everyone said they would never vote for a director who refused to take an educational class.

      Anyone who won’t devote a few hours a year to learning the new condo laws does not deserve to be on the board in the first place.

In any event, we owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Rodriguez and now Representative Borerro for their efforts in taking this matter seriously.  Keep track of Senate Bill 394 and House Bill 547.  Urge your local House Member and Senator to please support them.  If I never get another piece of legislation passed, this is the one that is nearest and dearest to my heart.  This would really be my greatest honor and legacy.  Education is the key to running a safe community.