b'CAIs Florida Legislative Alliance began working with FINES LEVIED BY ASSOCIATIONFAILEDstate legislators after the condominium collapse in CAI opposed this legislation. Guardrails currently existSurfside in June 2021 to provide support, research, sub- for fining for violations such as setting statutory limits,ject-matter expertise, and public policy recommenda- requiring the creation of a Fining Committee separatetions. We remain committed to condominium safety from the HOA board, etc. Fines are a invaluable tooland to working with legislators in Florida and around that HOAs use to assure with compliance of the com-the country to pass legislation that will result in safe munity and resident agreed to rules. CAI advocatedand well-maintained condominiums with properly strongly to oppose this legislation and we are pleasedfunded budgets.the bill failed. !SUPPORT FOR SURFSIDE VICTIMS ANDFAMILIESPASSED As part of the property tax relief Formed in 1987, this diverse group of homeownerpackage, Champlain Towers South survivors and family leaders, community managers, and representativesmembers will benefit from tax relief legislation that from community association business partnerspassed.provides perspective on how proposed legislationIn addition, legislation passed that will fund a could impact people living and working inmemorial for the victims of the Champlain Towers community associations.South condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida, CONSTRUCTION WARRANTY FOR COMMUNI- Florida Contact InformationTY ASSOCIATIONS - FAILED CAI opposed this leg- CAIFlorida Legislative Alliance:islation.SB 736/HB 583 created impractical and government@caionline.orgimpossible obstacles for community association Community Associations Institute Florida Chaptersclaimants that will, in some cases, eliminate the oppor- Central Florida Chapter 407.850.0106tunity to address legitimate defect issues. Further, it Gold Coast Chapter 561.716.3646would have increased costs to home/property owners, Northeast Florida Chapter 904.907.7234delay resolution of disputes, and intensify the legal/liti- North Gulf Coast Chapter 850.797.3472gation process rather than get the repairs needed to Southeast Florida Chapter 954.816.0661ensure safety and quality. This legislation would have South Gulf Coast Chapter 239.466.5757impacted seniors living in active adult communitiesthroughout the state of Florida and homeowners in Suncoast Chapter 727.345.0165affordable townhomes and garden style condominiums. West Florida Chapter 941.927.1910CAI advocated strongly to oppose this legislation andwe are pleased the bill failed.Your Assistance is NeededOMBUDSMANFAILED CAI opposed this legisla- Expenses incurred by the LAC are paid for withtion. CAI helped create the condominium ombudsman donations and by Advocacy Fund fees. Corporateby working with all stakeholders and creating a fair and contributions are allowed and appreciated.equitable program. This proposal adds additional bur-densome layers to HOA administration by mandating Most community association boards can legallythe creation of an Appeals Committee to go along with allocate money to support the FL LAC. Please visitthe currently required Fining Committee, dilutes the www.caionline.org/lacdonate/ and donate to Floridaalready stretched condo arbitration program by adding to support our continued efforts.HOAs into the mix, adds this new state governmentprogram with money out of General Revenue while still For more information visit www.caionline.org/FLA.requiring condo residents to pay for their ombudsmanand the entire arbitration program out of their annual$4 a door fee. Spring 2022 Suncoast Review - 13'