THE FLORIDA HOA & CONDO BLOG

2022

NEW LAWS – WILL THEY AGAIN BE IGNORED BY MANY BOARDS?

By Jan Bergemann

Published August 12, 2022

Year for year we see new community association bills passed, claiming to close more loopholes in laws that have ...

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DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP…

By Rafael Aquino

Published August 10, 2022

For the past three weeks, the blog has been focused on all the changes that recently came into effect; however, it's not ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published August 8, 2022

Today, we finally conclude all off the new condominium laws that were passed in 2022 by The Florida Legislature...

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MORE LAWS WITHOUT TEETH?

By Jan Bergemann

Published August 5, 2022

The so-called CONDO SAFETY REFORM BILL (SB 4-D) contains a lot more provisions, but as usual without real ...

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PARTNERSHIPS ARE CRUCIAL…

By Rafael Aquino

Published August 3, 2022

Challenges are part of leadership and sitting on a board or being a community association manager; whether you like ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published August 1, 2022

DISTRIBUTION OF THE INSPECTION REPORTS: Upon completion of a phase one or phase two milestone inspection and receipt of the inspector-prepared summary of ...

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MORE LAWS – NO ENFORCEMENT!

By Jan Bergemann

Published July 29, 2022

Let’s face it: The recently enacted CONDO SAFETY REFORM BILL (SB 4-D) is definitely well intended, trying ...

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INVEST IN YOUR ASSOCIATIONS FUTURE

By Rafael Aquino

Published July 27, 2022

This year will be very interesting for associations that don't have reserves or have minimal reserves. I say this because...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published July 25, 2022

We all know by now the myriad of new safety laws condos that are 3 stories or more are required to follow. They ...

DIVERSITY CREATES PROBLEMS!

By Jan Bergemann

Published July 22, 2022

In his Blog on Monday Eric named 5 European Countries that are – so far – not overrun by immigration. Denmark ...

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HOW TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

By Rafael Aquino

Published July 20, 2022

A little consideration goes a long way. Read the following tips from eHow.com on how to be a good neighbor beyond...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published July 18, 2022

I’m lucky and privileged. Over the past few summers, I have had the opportunity to travel to so many of those countries ...

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FINANCIAL CHAOS?

By Jan Bergemann

Published July 15, 2022

I don’t think there is any doubt that the provisions contained in the CONDO SAFETY REFORM BILL SB 4-D were ...

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HOW TO TERMINATE YOUR CONDO?

By Rafael Aquino

Published July 13, 2022

Termination may be at the top of mind for many condo boards and associations that don't have the money to follow...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published July 11, 2022

In a word --- YES. Are all these new laws really necessary? In a word –YES. This is all happening due to a complete ...

By Jan Bergemann

Published July 8, 2022

Well, normally a birthday is a day to celebrate, a day to have fun and enjoy. But in all reality I think our Founding Fathers...

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TIME IS NO LONGER ON YOUR SIDE

By Rafael Aquino

Published July 6, 2022

The second half of the year is over, and the talks of the United States being or going into recession are intensifying. ..

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FOR ONE DAY……………

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published July 4, 2022

For the past 364 days we have all been labeled at one time or another as either Democrat, Republican, Independent, ...

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MANDATORY RESERVES

By Jan Bergemann

Published July 1, 2022

Finally the Florida Legislature got the message they should have gotten 20 years ago: FULLY FUNDED RESERVES...

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CAM’S BUSY SEASON IS HERE…

By Rafael Aquino

Published June 29, 2022

Tomorrow is the last day of June, and we will start the year's second half. While many enjoy their summers, community...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published June 27, 2022

THE BIG CHANGE: NO LONGER IS THERE THE ABILITY TO WAIVE RESERVES OR USE THEM ...

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RESERVE STUDY REQUIRED!!!!

By Jan Bergemann

Published June 24, 2022

It is now in the statutes: STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY RESERVE STUDIES ARE REQUIRED for condominiums...

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WHAT NOW IF I HAVE A RESERVE STUDY?

By Rafael Aquino

Published June 22, 2022

Reserve studies are an essential tool every association should have. I've written about its importance many times ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published June 20, 2022

Over the last few weeks, I blogged about every condominium in every county now needing a “milestone ...

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MANDATORY BUILDING INSPECTIONS?

By Jan Bergemann

Published June 17, 2022

The new Condo Safety Bill, just signed by Governor Ron DeSantis into law, will require mandatory inspections for ...

By Rafael Aquino

Published June 15, 2022

Many buildings in South Florida are finding themselves in a challenging situation. Many of the standard services within...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published June 13, 2022

So last week we discussed the fact that the change in the law will now require every condominium building in the state ...

By Jan Bergemann

Published June 10, 2022

The ink of the Governor’s signature under the Condo Safety Bill isn’t even dry yet – and we already see the so-called ...

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DON’T SAY WE DIDN’T WARN YOU

By Rafael Aquino

Published June 8, 2022

The changes that came to our industry via SB-4D have been our industry's talk since it passed. I've had so many ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published June 6, 2022

Let’s start discussing the new condominium laws that go into effect on July 1^st. We won’t cover them all in one week, ...

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WILL THESE BILLS REALLY HELP?

By Jan Bergemann

Published June 3, 2022

During the special session the Florida Legislature passed two bills that were quickly signed into law by Governor ...

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MUCH NEEDED CHANGE ARRIVED…

By Rafael Aquino

Published June 1, 2022

Change finally came for condos and cooperative associations, and no one expected it to happen at a special ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published May 30, 2022

I know that the intent of Memorial Day is to honor those who have previously fought and died for this country. I certainly...

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PROXY VOTING?

By Jan Bergemann

Published May 27, 2022

LET’S FACE IT: THIS COUNTRY HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH ELECTIONS! No matter what system is ...

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WHAT’S A MOTION?

By Rafael Aquino

Published May 25, 2022

A motion is a proposal that the association’s membership take action or a position on a specific topic or issue. The ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published May 23, 2022

The term “proxy” is often thrown around incorrectly. In simple English, if you can’t make it to a meeting to actually ...

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LAST CHANCE?

By Jan Bergemann

Published May 20, 2022

Next week’s special session will be the last chance for Florida’s legislators to get things right -- a chance they ...

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HOW WILL YOU PREPARE?

By Rafael Aquino

Published May 18, 2022

This year has turned out to be interesting thus far, and we still aren't even halfway. The overall market has seen losses...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published May 16, 2022

I really hate to be a Debbie Downer, but I have never been more afraid of an economic collapse in Florida, especially...

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LEAVE KEYS? BUT BEWARE!!!

By Jan Bergemann

Published May 13, 2022

There is a lot to consider if you’re leaving your unit for a longer period of time – like our so-called “snow-birds” do...

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5 TIPS BEFORE YOU GO BACK HOME…

By Rafael Aquino

Published May 11, 2022

In today's blog, I wanted to provide five tips that snowbirds should follow before leaving home. ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published May 9, 2022I like to re-publish this article every few years because it is so important. As we get closer to ...

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EASY LIVING? WHAT A JOKE!

By Jan Bergemann

Published May 6, 2022

Eric talked on Monday about “FALSE ADVERTISING ON CONDO LIVING” that dated many, many years ago. Don’t...

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IF I HAD ONE WISH…

By Rafael Aquino

Published May 4, 2022

Problems are part of life and business; however, it's how we deal with the problems that separate those that move on to ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published May 2, 2022

I remember as a kid growing up in Brooklyn, Red Buttons would do a commercial that aired in New York, promoting...

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FIRE SAFETY SYSTEM -- FAIR WARNING?

By Jan Bergemann

Published April 29, 2022

A serious DEADLINE (January 1, 2024) is creating another serious expense for Condo owners in the near future: FS 718.112 (l) -- Firesafety.—Any high-rise association ...

EXTINGUISHING THE FLAMES

By Rafael Aquino

Published April 27, 2022

Most in-home fires are caused by ordinary things like a stove burner, candle, or extension cord. Mental lapses, poor ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published April 25, 2022

As we know, The Florida Legislature is having trouble fixing the problems of allowing condominium buildings to ...

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FINANCES = UPROAR!

By Jan Bergemann

Published April 22, 2022

Apathy is rampant in community associations. Participation at board meetings – or even annual meetings with elections...

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WHICH REPORT DO YOU NEED?

By Rafael Aquino

Published April 20, 2022

Financial Reporting requirements are outlined in the Florida Statutes for both Condos and HOA’s with the specific ...

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THE TAX MAN COMETH TODAY

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published April 18, 2022

We got three extra days this year to pay up. Three extra days to turn in our income tax forms and pay Uncle Sam. Instead...

By Jan Bergemann

Published April 15, 2022

In earlier posts I had already pointed out that there are quite a few board presidents who think their names are Adolf, Joseph ...

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5 TRAITS OF A GREAT BOARD MEMBER

By Rafael Aquino

Published April 13, 2022

Do you have what it takes to be a good board member? Chances are you do. If you have a mix of some of the ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published April 11, 2022

(We blogged about this nearly 3 years ago, but in light of recent events, it bears repeating.) Here’s an issue that ...

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BOARD OFFICERS = DEEDED OWNERS?

By Jan Bergemann

Published April 8, 2022

When reading the Florida statutes in regards to meetings and elections you will find that the word “MEMBERS” can be...

By Rafael Aquino

Published April 6, 2022

Community Association Board Members help associations run smoothly. The board consists of volunteers who execute ,,,

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published April 4, 2022

Now that Covid is basically and finally in the rear view mirror, most associations are having their annual elections in ...

By Jan Bergemann

Published April 1, 2022

After looking into all the details and the excuses made to explain the failure of the CONDO SAFETY BILL it’s pretty obvious ...

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PAY NOW OR LATER…

By Rafael Aquino

Published March 30, 2022

The use of associations funds is one of the most critical roles a board of directors manages on behalf of its members. Many times ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published March 28, 2022

I always thought that the dry part of the Board Certification Course was teaching about budgets and reserves. The material ...

By Jan Bergemann

Published March 25, 2022

After many not-so-good experiences I’m not really a fan of Advisory Councils or Task Forces any more. The HOA Task ...

By Rafael Aquino

Published March 23, 2022

The topic of reserves is so important, and it's one that is needed to be had even more so in today's environment. With...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published March 21, 2022

Even after the death of 98 innocent people at The Champlain Towers in Surfside, the fact is…….The Florida Legislature ...

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DID 98 PEOPLE DIE IN VAIN?

By Jan Bergemann

Published March 18, 2022

After the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside on June 24, 2021 about everybody ...

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WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

By Rafael Aquino

Published March 16, 2022

Many industry leaders thought this would be the year of change. After the tragedy at Surfside, we all believed that ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published March 14, 2022

Today, I feel sadness for the victims in Surfside and their families. I said a million times on the air and in columns ...

By Jan Bergemann

Published March 11, 2022

As Eric stated in his blog on Monday enforcement of unpaid dues has been made a lot more difficult by the Florida ...

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STAY AGGRESSIVE...

By Rafael Aquino

Published March 9, 2022

Staying on top of your association receivable should always be top of mind for any Board Member, especially the ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published March 7, 2022 W

hen I started practicing law in 1992, condominiums and HOAs had it a lot easier when it came to collecting their ...

By Jan Bergemann

Published March 4, 2022

Well, the 2022 Legislative Session is nearly over and no matter what condo laws will pass one thing is obvious: The...

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GETTING EDUCATED IS KEY…

By Rafael Aquino

Published March 2, 2022

In this coming year, we can expect many changes to our industry. Some of the changes that are expected are: ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published February 28, 2022

I first want to give you some good news. On the more broad scale, I want you to know that the listeners and viewers of ...

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WAITING FOR THE CHALLENGE?

By Jan Bergemann

Published February 25, 2022

The fight over e-mails among board members being “PUBLIC RECORDS” or not has gone in the next round ...

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EMAIL TIPS

By Rafael Aquino

Published February 23, 2022

Emails have become a necessary evil throughout the years. While it has helped us communicate, speed up response ...

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BEFORE YOU HIT THAT “SEND” BUTTON

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published February 21, 2022

Florida Statute states: 120.565 Declaratory statement by agencies.— (1) Any substantially affected person may ...

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THINGS CAN CHANGE QUICKLY!

By Jan Bergemann

Published February 18, 2022

Remember last year in January? Our government changed – and things quickly began to unravel. Remember the gas ...

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PROACTIVE VS REACTIVE

By Rafael Aquino

Published February 16, 2022

Much has changed in our condo and homeowners associations over the past year. As Eric mentioned on ...

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WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published February 14, 2022

It’s almost a dream, but a year ago things were certainly different in the condo world than they are today. I was ...

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BILLS ON THE MOVE?

By Jan Bergemann

Published February 11, 2022

We are past half-time of the 2022 Legislative Session and so far the only owner-friendly bill on the move is SB 394 ...

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WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE FUNDING?

By Rafael Aquino

Published February 9, 2022

It seems as if we are moving toward reserves being required within our communities or, at a minimum, associations have ...

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published February 7, 2022

The Florida Legislature is in full swing. Each year lots of bills get filed, but few make it to the finish line and ...

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WILL CONDO OWNERS EVER LEARN?

By Jan Bergemann

Published February 4, 2022

Anybody who thought that the collapse of the Champlain Towers South would be a wake-up call for condo owners ...

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THE TIME IS NOW…

By Rafael Aquino

Published February 2, 2022

Many within our industry understand the challenges associations face; however, no challenge is more prominent...

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HOW IN THE WORLD DID WE GET HERE?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published January 31, 2022

So, I get a call a few weeks ago from a reporter at The New York Times. He was doing a story about the incredible ...

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LOANS AND MORTGAGES FOR CONDOS?

By Jan Bergemann

Published January 28, 2022

The collapse of the Champlain Towers South has changed a lot in the condo world. New laws, new insurance policies ...

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CHANGE IS COMING… ARE YOU READY?

By Rafael Aquino

Published January 26, 2022

Changes are coming to condo associations, and this recent update by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to its underwriting...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published January 24, 2022

As if condos didn’t have enough problems, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have just come out with new guidelines that ...

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NEW SHERIFFS IN TOWN?

By Jan Bergemann

Published January 21, 2022

On Monday Eric talked in his blog about Senate Bill 274, a bill filed by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Miami). To be ...

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THESE INFRACTIONS NEED TO END

By Rafael Aquino

Published January 19, 2022

I'm all for the proper policing for our community associations. The funds within community associations ...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published January 17, 2022

Senator Anna Maria Rodriguez filed our mandatory condo education bill in Florida’s Senate. But if you think she’s ...

By Jan Bergemann

Published January 14, 2022

It will be a busy legislative session this year. Just look at all the owner-friendly community association bills are filed. I ...

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CHANGE IS NEEDED NOW

By Rafael Aquino

Published January 12, 2022

Over the next few months, we will see how much change will be coming to our condominium associations. Multiple...

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published January 10, 2022

I’ll tell you something – I give a lot of credit to Kathy Fernandez Rundle, The State Attorney for Miami-Dade County...

ARCHIVES 2021

ARCHIVES 2020

ARCHIVES 2019

II.,III.and IV. QUARTER

ARCHIVES 2019

I.QUARTER

ARCHIVES 2018

ARCHIVES 2017

ARCHIVES 2016

ARCHIVES 2015

ARCHIVES 2014

ARCHIVES 2013

ARCHIVES 2012

About HOA & Condo Blog

Eric Glazer graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1992 after receiving a B.A. from NYU. He has practiced community association law for three decades and is the owner of Glazer and Sachs, P.A. a five attorney law firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Eric is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Condominium and Planned Development Law.

Since 2009, Eric has been the host of Condo Craze and HOAs, a weekly one hour radio show that airs at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday on 850 WFTL.

See: www.condocrazeandhoas.com.

Eric is the first attorney in the State of Florida that designed a course that certifies condominium and HOA residents as eligible to serve on a Board of Directors and has now certified more than 20,000 Floridians all across the state. He is certified as a Circuit Court Mediator by The Florida Supreme Court and has mediated dozens of disputes between associations and unit owners. Eric also devotes significant time to advancing legislation in the best interest of Florida community association members.

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 41^st 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

Jan Bergemann is president of Cyber Citizens For Justice, Florida 's largest state-wide property owners' advocacy group. CCFJ works on legislation to help owners living in community

associations. He moved to Florida in 1995 - hoping to retire. He moved into a HOA, where the developer cheated the homeowners and used the association dues for his own purposes. End of retirement!

CCFJ was born in the year 2000, when some owners met in Tallahassee - finding out that power is only in numbers. Bergemann was a member of Governor Jeb Bush's HOA Task force in 2003/2004.

The organization has two websites to inform interested Florida homeowners and condo owners:

News Website: http://www.ccfj.net/.

Educational Website: http://www.ccfjfoundation.net/.

We think that only owners can really represent owners, since all service providers surely have a different interest! We are trying to create owner-friendly laws, but the best laws are useless without enforcement. And enforcement is totally lacking in Florida !