Journal Notes

by Michael Hamline, Editor / Published December 2023

The first four years of this third decade in the 21st century have seen quite a few serious and deadly challenges, though I think it’s fair to say that if one looks back in history none of them, unfortunately, are unprecedented. There have been COVID-19, supply chain disruptions, continuing inflation, and an ongoing war in Europe.

In addition, we have tragically witnessed a massacre of well over a thousand innocent civilians in Israel, which has led to Israel rightly protecting its citizens by waging war against Hamas, a well-known proxy for a state sponsor of terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran; this war holds the possibility of expanding into a global conflict. These are dark and dangerous times, and yet we are not the first to witness such days, and in spite of these weighty events and their consequences, we continue to have to deal with the daily events of life that living in a Florida community association brings in 2024.

In the pages of the Florida Community Association Journal, December is a time to focus on community association attorneys as well as legal issues. For instance, there are more than 40 community association attorneys profiled this month. Many of these attorneys have gone above and beyond by obtaining their board certification in condominium and planned development law from the Florida Bar. A profile photo, contact information including city location, and a 50-word description are provided to help familiarize your communities with some of the attorneys who have chosen to excel in legal representation of community associations. *Special to Magazine Subscribers

Legal articles in this issue deal with the following topics: political yard signs and political events, a 2023 legal review, an HOA bill of rights, the importance of annual meetings, and landscaping falls and parking prohibitions.

The 2024 Products & Services Showcase highlights a product or service that FLCAJ’s advertising partners offer to make life run more efficiently and effectively in community association living. Pick up the phone, send an email, or visit their websites to find out more.

We pray that 2024 will be able to be rung in with true peace. As the editor of this publication, I pray you might find comfort in the Prince of Peace that the Bible talks about in Isaiah 9:6.

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

Editor