Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Sunshine Laws & Condominium Associations
Sunshine laws are regulations essentially requiring openness and transparency from governmental actors, which in turn allows the public to have a better understanding of (and often, more of a role in) governance and politics. The state of Florida has its broad Sunshine In The Government Act, allowing access to almost all public records, though… Read More »
Different Types Of Florida Real Estate Deeds
When one is looking to conclude a real estate transaction in Florida – whether buying or selling – one should be familiar with the different types of deeds that are used in the state, as one type may be better suited for your purposes than others. An ability to understand and appraise a proposed… Read More »
How Far Can Community Associations Go?
When one purchases a home or condominium governed by a community association, one tacitly grants that community association a modicum of control over certain things in their lives. A homeowner in a homeowners’ association (HOA) cannot, say, paint their house in a color that is not acceptable to the association. However, the power granted… Read More »
What Should I Look Out For As A Florida Real Property Investor?
2021 has been a tumultuous year for those who invest in Florida real estate. As of this writing, the market is in good shape for sellers, but the current low interest rates favor buyers. However, there is so much more that an investor needs to be aware of before dipping into the somewhat volatile… Read More »
Issues After The Florida Eviction Moratorium
The eviction moratorium instituted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), intended to aid those experiencing difficulties in finance, was allowed to expire in August 2021, according to a per curiam (unsigned) opinion from the Supreme Court opinion issued late at night. Since then, some states have begun to institute their own eviction moratoria,… Read More »
Major Changes In Florida Community Association Law
On July 1, 2021, Senate Bill 630 was signed into law by Florida’s governor, making sweeping alterations to several of Florida’s community association laws. Major changes have come into effect with the law’s passage, and if you are a member of a homeowners’ association (HOA) or are under the aegis of a condominium board,… Read More »
What Is A FAR-BAR Contract?
The process of buying and selling a house in Florida is a fairly standard process in most cases, but there are still many details that can be missed without the right help. In order to help facilitate easier real estate transactions, the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) and the Florida Bar teamed up to… Read More »
Homestead Exemptions & HOA Parcels Or Condominiums
One of the most attractive things about Florida for many who chose to move to the state is its homestead property exemption. A person’s homestead can be exempt from property taxes up to a certain amount, depending on the value of the property. It is also protected from foreclosure or other adverse action from… Read More »
Common Misunderstandings About Homeowners’ Associations
The Foundation for Community Association Research (FCAR) estimates that in 2020, more than 73 million people in the U.S. live in some type of community association (a homeowners’ association, condominium board, cooperative, or other planned community). Florida has the second highest number of community associations, with almost 10 million Floridians in them. Homeowners’ associations… Read More »
Clearing Up Florida Real Estate Boundary Disputes
Boundary disputes between neighbors are much more common than one might imagine, and they can be quite acrimonious if neither party is willing to budge. It is possible for boundary disputes to be resolved amicably, but if this becomes unlikely, it is crucial that you be aware of your rights and responsibilities with regard… Read More »