Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can HOAs Regulate Political Signage In Members’ Yards?
Elections are relatively frequent in the United States, from homeowners’ association board members to presidential contests. It has become common practice to put signs on a person’s lawn in order to signify one’s support for their chosen candidates – but in some places, it is permissible for those expressions of support to be regulated…. Read More »
Condominium Mold Law In Florida
There are a variety of reasons why mold may appear in a Florida condominium, from sea air to plumbing damage to natural disasters. Many condo owners operate under the assumption that the condominium association is on the hook to cover any damage, but in reality, most insurance policies of this type have explicit mold… Read More »
Can A Florida HOA Restrict Solar Panel Installations?
In early 2022, Florida Agriculture Commissioner ‘Nikki’ Fried announced her office’s intent to set goals for the state to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. While the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) governs utilities, and has shown little interest in starting the transition, individuals throughout the state have begun to switch their… Read More »
Are You Ready To Close On Your Real Property?
A real estate closing can be a momentous, life-changing event for a person or a couple, particularly if it is their first time buying a home. However, it can be quite intimidating for the same reason, especially if you are trying to navigate the process alone. There are several different factors that go into… Read More »
The Role Of A Home Inspection In Florida Real Estate
When trying to conclude a residential real estate transaction in Florida, it is recommended (though not required) to have a home inspection performed before going to closing. A licensed, certified home inspector can do this, providing you with vital information about the state of the property, and may sometimes catch a defect of which… Read More »
Judge OKs $1.1B Settlement For Victims Of Surfside Collapse
In late June, a judge in the Miami-Dade Circuit Court gave final approval to a $1.02 billion settlement worked out between the victims and several parties accused of contributing to the Champlain Towers disaster. Approximately one year ago, the south tower at Champlain Towers partially collapsed, killing 98 people, and while no ultimate cause… Read More »
Dealing With Condo Termination In Florida
When you buy a condo in Florida, you are likely doing so with the expectation that you can live your golden years out there. However, recent years have given the lie to that statement, due to the evolution of a process that is known as condo termination. There are various reasons why this might… Read More »
Real Estate & Probate In Florida
When a person passes away, and their will is read, it is not uncommon for them to have left real property or land to one or more of their heirs. However, before the person’s heir can take possession of the property (or sell it, should they wish), the bequest usually has to go through… Read More »
Woman Arrested & Charged Over Real Estate Scam
In May 2022, a woman from Loxahatchee was charged with multiple fraud crimes after she stole thousands of dollars in a real estate scam spanning six Florida counties. She listed properties for sale or rent without the residents’ knowledge, and then posed as both the owners and as a title agent in order to… Read More »
HOA Disputes & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Disputes between members of a homeowners’ association (HOA) and its board are fairly common, but the methods by which they are resolved will differ. Community associations in Florida have quite a lot of power, but they cannot simply act with impunity. One of the requirements that the law imposes is that most disagreements between… Read More »