ADDRESSING THE GOVERNANCE CRISIS IN FLORIDA

By Rafael Aquino

Published December 6, 2023  

 

The recent discussions and testimonies before The Florida Senate's Regulated Industries Committee on the state of condominiums and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) have brought to light issues in parts of community associations. These include the struggles against corrupt association boards, vendors, and the ineffectiveness of current regulatory mechanisms in holding them accountable, reflecting a broader challenge in our system: the absence of strong, enforceable measures for responsible governance in condominium associations.

 

This situation underscores the need for a systematic collection and analysis of data on complaints and the functioning of these associations. Understanding the distinction between self-managed and professionally managed associations can offer critical insights. For instance, implementing a requirement for a management company in associations with budgets exceeding $500,000 might introduce a necessary level of professionalism and accountability.

 

Educating board members is another crucial factor. If we can identify where most infractions occur, we can tailor educational initiatives more effectively. Board members must be well-informed and trained to manage their responsibilities effectively. The concept is straightforward: if a board member doesn't have the time to commit to a few hours of training each year, they likely don't have the capacity to serve on the board responsibly.

 

Creating laws without the means or intent to enforce them is counterproductive. It's akin to having a beacon without light - visible but not fulfilling its purpose. New legislation must be accompanied by enforceable measures; otherwise, we risk creating a false sense of security without real change. The path forward is twofold: either ensure robust enforcement of the laws we create or heavily emphasize mandatory education for board members. Only through these approaches can we see a tangible improvement in Florida's governance and management of condominium associations.

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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

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

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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