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SB154 DID IT BRING CLARITY?
By
Rafael Aquino
Published May 17, 2023
In response to the challenges faced during the
implementation of SB 4-D in 2022, the Florida legislature has passed
SB 154, also known as the Surfside Legislation. The new legislation,
SB 154, incorporates several changes that the Community Association
leaders requested throughout our industry to provide clarity and
guidance for condos regarding milestone inspections and the Safety
Inspection Report System (SIRS).
One significant clarification brought by SB 154
is related to milestone inspections. Previously, condos were
required to undergo milestone inspections immediately when the
building reached 30 years of age. However, the new legislation
allows condos to conduct milestone inspections at the 30-year mark
and then every ten years after that, providing more flexibility for
planning and implementation.
Furthermore, the bill empowers local
jurisdictions to determine the frequency of studies based on their
region's specific needs. This provision acknowledges the diverse
requirements of different areas and allows for more tailored
approaches to ensure safety and compliance.
For mixed-use condos, SB 154 addresses the issue
of cost responsibilities. The governing documents of these condos
can now clearly direct who is responsible for bearing the costs
associated with inspections and necessary repairs. This
clarification helps eliminate confusion and potential disputes among
owners and associations.
In conclusion, while the Surfside Legislation (SB
154) brings some much-needed clarity and guidance to milestone
inspections for condos, it is essential to acknowledge that, as I
have emphasized in multiple blogs, not much has changed in terms of
reducing the financial burden on associations with insufficient
reserves. As such, if your community finds itself in this position,
you must start communicating with your residents about what’s to
come.
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As the Co-Founder and CEO
of Affinity Management Services, Rafael P. Aquino leads his team to
redefine excellence. They serve community associations
efficiently |
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and effectively with
dedication and passion. Rafael’s energy and positive
spirit is the foundation of Affinity Management
Services’ company culture, which instills enthusiasm and
excitement when providing expert advice to its board
members and relieving the day-to-day burdens of running
a community association.
Since 2007, Rafael has
developed a work culture that values responsive and
high-quality services. He has led his team by following
a proactive vs reactive philosophy. The same approach
Rafael instills in the day to day operations of each
association. Today, Affinity Management Services
maintains its success and benefits as a result of the
foundation Rafael has built and continues to foster by
providing educational seminars, continuing education
classes for association managers and board members
alike.
Rafael and his team help condominium and homeowners’
associations save money and improve their communities.
His calm, personable, and service-oriented nature helps
him to establish strong relationships with ease. Rafael
is known as a sincere and honest leader who looks out
for the best interests of his clients and communities,
and he strongly advocates for their needs. His role
requires coordination and communication, as such he
takes logical and intelligent steps to approach
challenges head-on.
As a graduate of Florida International University’s
electrical engineering program and a licensed community
association manager, Rafael’s education and skills equip
him with unique insights to tackle complex problems
through critical thinking. He understands how each
component within a system works together in order to
effectively arrive at solutions, techniques, and
conclusions. Therefore, as he manages the multiple
challenges of running a community association management
company, he understands how each property is its own
unique system and tailors’ specific services to assure
that all their needs are met.
For more information about Rafael P. Aquino and Affinity
Management Services please visit
www.ManagedByAffinity.com or call 1-800-977-6279
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Doral Office: 8200 NW 41st ST
Suite 200
Doral, FL 33166
Broward Office: 150 S Pine Island RD Suite 300
Plantation, FL 33324
O: 800-977-6279 ● F: 305-325-4053
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