Journal Notes—July 2020

by Michael Hamline, Editor / Published July 2020

Since the month of March 2020, the U.S. has experienced several challenges, with a threat to health, an economic recession, and civil unrest chief among these. Even while continuing to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida is now a full month into hurricane season, which has already seen three tropical storms form before or by the beginning of the season on June 1. The bulk of the season remains, and it is never too late to get your community prepared to face a hurricane or another natural disaster. In the article “Prepare Now” on page eight, more than 20 service providers share the steps to take to prepare for a variety of disasters and to respond after the disaster has impacted the community.

FLCAJ is excited to present for the second summer in a row the “Leaders in the Industry” special. More than 40 leaders are profiled starting on page 32. Almost all facets of the industry are represented here: community management as well as professionals in fields such as security, banking, insurance, law, reserve planning, asphalt, engineering, repairs and maintenance, pest control, etc. These professionals—men and women alike—have made a positive impact on the community association industry in Florida, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have each made a difference in their respective fields. They are deserving of our congratulations and recognition.

Starting on page 56 and continuing through page 84 are several legal articles. Topics addressed in these articles range from financial concerns to amendments to the community’s governing documents. Additionally, there are legal articles that deal with hurricane preparedness, lessons learned from COVID-19, and the ongoing use of technology in association operations. Use these resources to improve your association.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July and the establishment of the United States, let me encourage all of us to read both the Bill of Rights (rights that are for all U.S. citizens) found in the U.S. Constitution and to reflect on these words from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” May our country rise to uphold these truths for all its citizens in these turbulent times.

Editor