Journal Notes—December 2020

by Michael Hamline, Editor / Published December 2020

     This December 2020 is a time for reflection and celebration. We reflect on what this year has brought—good and bad, blessing and suffering, life and death—and what it means for each one of us as we anticipate 2021. Celebration comes in the form of a variety of holidays observed by most Americans. Hannukah will begin the evening of December 10 and continue through the evening of December 18. Christmas, with its remembrance of the promised Christ child, Jesus, will be commemorated on December 25. Kwanzaa is a celebration of life focusing on the importance of community for African Americans and is held December 26 through January 1. Of course, gatherings may need to be smaller, and following recommended CDC guidelines in order to reduce catching and/or spreading COVID-19 will make the celebrations look different this year. However, even in the midst of a pandemic, there is still opportunity to come together as family and friends.

     In the pages of the Florida Community Association Journal, December is a time to celebrate those in the legal profession. Starting on page eight, more than 50 attorneys are profiled who have obtained their board certification in condominium and planned development law from the Florida Bar. A profile photo, contact information including city location, and a brief description are provided to help familiarize your communities with some of the attorneys who have chosen to excel in legal representation of community associations.

     From pages 28 to 66 multiple legal topics from eight different Florida law firms are addressed in detail. The articles address the following community association topics: the enforcement of HOA restrictions, the future of association rules adopted during COVID-19, the necessity of rules enforcement and collection, the annual update of the frequently asked question and answer sheets, the bane of parking areas, the laws governing short-term rentals, the important K.I.S.S. principle when filing an insurance claim, the IconBrickell decision and its meaning for condo hotels, and the relationship of a master association to Chapter 718. There is plenty of information to absorb and digest.

     Two non-legal articles on pages 68 and 72 deal with the topics of reserves and parking systems. Your association will improve its finances and operations in heeding the wisdom shared in both articles.

     FLCAJ wishes you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!

Editor