Tag: Insurance Disputes

Anyone who’s lived in Florida knows that we go through a “state of emergency” from time to time, either due to heavy rains, tropical storms, hurricanes, or other natural disasters. When there are events which give rise to property damage, this will inevitably lead to insurance disputes, as upkeep and welfare issues arise with respect to all of the various types of damage these disasters can bring.

With the number of condominiums and homeowners associations on the rise in the Sunshine State, inevitably, questions come up concerning whose responsibility it is to ensure that property and people are protected when these disasters occur. In that respect, it can be helpful for association boards to make it clear to residents, beforehand, what their responsibilities are with respect to their authority under the law.

The Law in Florida

Homeowners and condominium associations are provided with a certain amount of powers and protections under Florida laws. For example, under the Florida Condominium Act, the board of administration—in response to damage caused by an event for which a state of emergency is declared—may partake in activities necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the association and mitigate any further damage, such as conduct board meetings, name assistant officers, enter into agreements with local counties and municipalities and/or contracts for items or services, implement a disaster plan, require evacuation, and engage in other necessary activities to protect the property and its residents.