We have talked a lot about boards and management companies taking their “sweet” time responding to applications from potential buyers and/or renters. We talked as well about ordinances passed by some Florida counties trying to speed up responses to these applications.

Now the Florida legislature added a provision – effective July 1, 2016 -- to Section 83.683(2), Florida Statutes, also known as the Landlord Tenant Act, that forces community associations to respond to lease applications filed by "any person serving as a member of the United States Armed Forces on active duty or state active duty and all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces" within seven days after the completed application was filed.

But never forget: Only community associations who have the right to approval of potential owners/renters given to them by their governing documents can demand applications in the first place. I know there are lots of communities who just think they have the right of approving or disapproving potential buyers/renters.

Make sure your governing documents really give you these rights – otherwise you may face a very expensive lawsuit by an owner who wants to rent or sell his unit/home. This is not a rule that can just be made up by the board members!