Author Archives: Jay Butchko
State Law Gives Florida Real Estate Buyers Information On Past Floods
Florida has historically been a seller-friendly environment when it comes to real estate, but a recently altered law solidifies a new protection that applies to buyers, renters, mobile home owners, and property developers. In 2024, the state passed a law requiring sellers to disclose to buyers whether flood insurance claims have been filed for… Read More »
My Safe Florida Grant Program Aims To “Harden” More Condo Associations
In 2024, the My Safe Florida Condominium Grant Program was signed into law, intended to help condo associations put better hurricane protections in place via grants and free inspections. However, it has had a somewhat troubled launch, with this year’s launch being pushed back to August. Still, barring catastrophe, condo associations will still have… Read More »
How Many Is “Too Many” People In One Rental House?
On average, a Florida rental property will have an occupancy limit, even if it is not communicated to a potential renter at first – many landlords simply assume that a tenant will not breach it, and thus it is not worth bringing up. However, tenants may also simply ignore the limit if they choose… Read More »
Why Is A Title Search So Important In Florida Real Estate Transactions?
When a person is interested in buying a piece of property in Florida, the next step for them after making an offer is a title search. A title search is a crucial step in the real estate process, as it can uncover any potential irregularities in the chain of ownership. Without a title search,… Read More »
Protecting Your Condo Association In Third-Party Contracts
Traditionally, summer is when many Florida condo associations reevaluate their relationships with third-party companies, such as landscapers, security staff or property management companies. If you are a board member, it is important to be aware of exactly what your association may need, rather than what a third-party can offer. The right attorney can help… Read More »
Security Deposits In Landlord-Tenant Law
Nowadays, most residential leases require what is known as a security deposit, given to the landlord before a tenant can move into a home or apartment. Security deposits ostensibly provide some financial protection to landlords, though they can also be the impetus for some of the most common disagreements between landlords and tenants. If… Read More »
What A Deed Does & Does Not Convey
A deed is the legal instrument that officially conveys an interest in a piece of property from seller to buyer; thus, a real estate transaction is not definitively concluded until the buyer has the deed in their possession. However, what the average real estate buyer may not be aware of immediately is that there… Read More »
Condominium Associations & Security – Who Is Liable After A Crime?
It is more and more common in recent years for condo associations in Florida to enlist outside security companies to protect their premises. While this can provide residents with some peace of mind, it does open up potential legal issues, particularly if crime persists. It is crucial that a condo association understand the rights… Read More »
Landlord Responsibilities For Repairing Florida Dwellings
If you are a landlord and enter into a contract with a tenant to rent your dwelling, both you and the tenant have certain responsibilities you must uphold in order for the contract to exist unbroken. One of a landlord’s major duties is to ‘upkeep’ the residence, including heat or air conditioning if it… Read More »
Should I Ever Waive The Appraisal Gap When Buying A Florida Home?
Purchasing a Florida home can sometimes be a highly complex endeavor, with so much depending on short-term supply and demand. One major part of a real estate purchase is the appraisal – after all, a purchase and sale agreement cannot usually be created without both potential parties being aware of the value of the… Read More »