The U.S. Constitution provides that every ten years, the United States must conduct a census to count the entire population of the nation. Moreover, federal law requires each person to complete the census. Each year, the federal government distributes more than $675 billion to states and communities based on Census Bureau data. Additionally, information gathered in the census is used to determine how many Representatives each state has in Congress and is used to redraw the congressional district boundaries. Local communities rely on census data to plan for new roads, schools, and emergency services. In the private sector, businesses use the census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores which create jobs in the community. In order for your community to receive the maximum benefit from the 2020 Census, every member must be counted.
Broward ordered to close pools
An order released April 3, 2020 has Broward County joining Miami-Dade and Palm Beach with closing pools. You can view the complete order HERE.
COVID-19 Update: Your Questions Answered
OUR KBR TEAM OF ATTORNEYS OFFER GUIDANCE TO YOUR MOST PRESSING COVID-19 QUESTIONS
1. If we have a resident who tested positive for Covid-19 should we inform the entire community?
If the positive test has been confirmed, while it is ok to alert the entire community that a member has tested positive for Covid-19, it is definitely NOT ok to identify the infected person by name and/or property address. It is recommended that you contact Association counsel for assistance in preparing or reviewing the notice to the membership.
2. What do we do if a confirmed, infected person in our community refuses to self-quarantine? Read the rest…
Florida Executive Order on Vacation Rentals
On March 27, 2020 Governor DeSantis signed an Executive Order concerning Vacation Rentals and COVID-19, for the entire state. Click HERE to view the Order.
Florida D.B.P.R. Confirms Emergency Powers for Boards
On March 27, 2020, the Secretary of the Florida D.B.P.R. confirmed the application of the Emergency Powers for all Boards during the current State of Emergency. View the order HERE.
Amazon suspends all shipments other than medical supplies, household staples to warehouses amid coronavirus crisis
Amazon told sellers and vendors on Tuesday that it was suspending shipments of all nonessential products to its warehouses to deal with the increased workloads following the coronavirus outbreak. Amazon is now prioritizing medical supplies, household staples, and other high-demand products to its warehouses until April 5. The change only affects shipments to Amazon’s warehouses, not the last-mile deliveries to consumers. “We are temporarily prioritizing household staples, medical supplies, and (Read the rest…)
It’s Official: IRS Delays Filing Deadline to July 15, 2020, Munchin Says
“All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.” Read it in Forbes…
Mortgage Relief Tracker: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief for Homeowners
The federal government and states are implementing protections for homeowners and renters who can’t make payments due to COVID-19. Read it in Forbes
Renewal deadlines extended for all department-issued licenses, permits, registrations, or certificates
Governor DeSantis has directed Florida Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears to issue an emergency order suspending renewal deadlines for all department-issued licenses, permits, registrations or certificates set to expire in March and/or April (this includes CAM licenses).
If there are requirements that people have to complete continuing education hours to renew their professional licenses, those will also be suspended for 30 days from the existing renewal deadline.
More information on other department matters related to emergency actions, calendar changes for the board and department meetings, and other operational announcements during this state of emergency can be found at myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/emergency.
Special Coronavirus Emergency Powers Edition: Board Emergency Powers
For Condominium, Cooperative & Homeowners’ Associations
All board members and managers should take a few moments and brush up on emergency powers approved by the legislature and codified into Florida Statutes in Chapters 718, 719 and 720 for use during a “state of emergency.” Hopefully, your association will not need to use them. But just in case, now is the time to familiarize yourself with this important legislation.
No doubt the emergency powers granted by the Florida legislature to a condominium, cooperative and homeowners’ association board of directors for use during a “state of emergency” were intended for hurricanes and the like. Nevertheless, should circumstances warrant, they can be utilized during this state of emergency caused by the Coronavirus. However, use of these powers should be reasonably related to the threat at hand. In other words, there should be good reason for their exercise such that there is a nexus between the emergency action taken and the situation at your association as related to the Coronavirus.
Due to the Coronavirus, a myriad of other issues present themselves for consideration, too. Should board meetings be held and if so, how? Should the board learn of an infected member living in the association, what next? Should the infected person be identified to other members? What type of notice should be provided? Should an entire condominium be quarantined due to one case of coronavirus or should only those members who were in contact with the infected member be in quarantine? These are issues of first impression and the list goes on… Read the Rest (including the actual legislation)