THE BOSS (Boards & Owners For SucceSS) CONDO FAQ's
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If there is one thing I’ve learned from our owners and board members, it’s that “condo life” often comes with more questions than a toddler on a road trip. Navigating the rules of the road shouldn’t feel like you’re reading a map in a storm.
Because clarity is a luxury you deserve, I’m launching a dedicated Q&A Forum right here on this page as your official “one-stop shop” for answers—no more digging through old emails or guessing at bylaws. As the questions roll in, the answers will go up.
Think of it as your community cheat sheet, minus the detention.
You asked – We delivered.
How it Works:
The Archives: Below, you’ll find an evolving list of the most frequent questions regarding Florida Law and our Association. Just ask a question or enter keywords in the search box below. If you don’t see the answer, reduce the number of words in the search box.
Your Turn: Have a question that isn’t answered yet? [Submit it here].
The Update: We’ll post the answer right here for everyone to see. No more hunting through old meeting minutes or “he-said, she-said” in the lobby.
We will continue to add new questions regularly, so hit me up on the Contact Us page or click the SUBMIT link in yellow above and we’ll get it added Likity-Split!
We’re taking the mystery out of the statutes so we can get back to the best part of living here: actually living here.
Common Elements (1)
In Florida, the responsibility for paying a hurricane insurance deductible is governed by Florida Statute 718.111(11). The law divides responsibility between the association and the individual unit owners based on what property was damaged.
1. The Association’s Responsibility
Under Florida Statute 718.111(11)(j), the cost of any insurance deductible and any damage in excess of insurance proceeds is considered a common expense of the association.
- Payment: The association typically pays the deductible upfront.
- Funding: Because it is a common expense, the board usually funds this through the association’s reserve accounts or by levying a special assessment against all unit owners.
- Coverage Area: The association’s master policy generally covers the building’s “envelope” (roof, exterior walls, structural components) and all property “as originally installed” according to the original plans and specifications.
2. The Unit Owner’s Responsibility
While the association handles the building’s master deductible, unit owners are responsible for specific items within their units.
- Individual Property: Owners must pay for damage to floor, wall, and ceiling coverings, electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, built-in cabinets, countertops, and window treatments (curtains, blinds, etc.).
- HO-6 Policy: Unit owners should have their own insurance (HO-6 policy) to cover these items and their own personal deductible.
- Loss Assessment Coverage: Most HO-6 policies in Florida are required by law to include at least $2,000 in “Loss Assessment” coverage. This can often be used to help the owner pay their share of a special assessment levied by the association to cover the master policy’s hurricane deductible.
3. The “Opt-Out” Exception
There is a specific provision under 718.111(11)(k) that allows an association to “opt out” of the statutory allocation described above.
- If a majority of the total voting interests of the association votes to opt out, the association can instead allocate repair and reconstruction expenses according to the specific language in the community’s original Declaration of Condominium.
- If your association has opted out, you must refer to the Declaration to see if the responsibility for deductibles is assigned differently (e.g., making the owner of the damaged unit responsible).
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The Association (1)
In Florida, the responsibility for paying a hurricane insurance deductible is governed by Florida Statute 718.111(11). The law divides responsibility between the association and the individual unit owners based on what property was damaged.
1. The Association’s Responsibility
Under Florida Statute 718.111(11)(j), the cost of any insurance deductible and any damage in excess of insurance proceeds is considered a common expense of the association.
- Payment: The association typically pays the deductible upfront.
- Funding: Because it is a common expense, the board usually funds this through the association’s reserve accounts or by levying a special assessment against all unit owners.
- Coverage Area: The association’s master policy generally covers the building’s “envelope” (roof, exterior walls, structural components) and all property “as originally installed” according to the original plans and specifications.
2. The Unit Owner’s Responsibility
While the association handles the building’s master deductible, unit owners are responsible for specific items within their units.
- Individual Property: Owners must pay for damage to floor, wall, and ceiling coverings, electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, built-in cabinets, countertops, and window treatments (curtains, blinds, etc.).
- HO-6 Policy: Unit owners should have their own insurance (HO-6 policy) to cover these items and their own personal deductible.
- Loss Assessment Coverage: Most HO-6 policies in Florida are required by law to include at least $2,000 in “Loss Assessment” coverage. This can often be used to help the owner pay their share of a special assessment levied by the association to cover the master policy’s hurricane deductible.
3. The “Opt-Out” Exception
There is a specific provision under 718.111(11)(k) that allows an association to “opt out” of the statutory allocation described above.
- If a majority of the total voting interests of the association votes to opt out, the association can instead allocate repair and reconstruction expenses according to the specific language in the community’s original Declaration of Condominium.
- If your association has opted out, you must refer to the Declaration to see if the responsibility for deductibles is assigned differently (e.g., making the owner of the damaged unit responsible).
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Unit Damage (2)
Under the statute’s insurance provisions, the unit owner is responsible for insuring and replacing all floor, wall, and ceiling coverings, as well as electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, and built-in cabinets/countertops within the unit. The association’s master policy generally covers only the “unfinished” structure.
0
0
Leave a Reply
In Florida, the responsibility for paying a hurricane insurance deductible is governed by Florida Statute 718.111(11). The law divides responsibility between the association and the individual unit owners based on what property was damaged.
1. The Association’s Responsibility
Under Florida Statute 718.111(11)(j), the cost of any insurance deductible and any damage in excess of insurance proceeds is considered a common expense of the association.
- Payment: The association typically pays the deductible upfront.
- Funding: Because it is a common expense, the board usually funds this through the association’s reserve accounts or by levying a special assessment against all unit owners.
- Coverage Area: The association’s master policy generally covers the building’s “envelope” (roof, exterior walls, structural components) and all property “as originally installed” according to the original plans and specifications.
2. The Unit Owner’s Responsibility
While the association handles the building’s master deductible, unit owners are responsible for specific items within their units.
- Individual Property: Owners must pay for damage to floor, wall, and ceiling coverings, electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, built-in cabinets, countertops, and window treatments (curtains, blinds, etc.).
- HO-6 Policy: Unit owners should have their own insurance (HO-6 policy) to cover these items and their own personal deductible.
- Loss Assessment Coverage: Most HO-6 policies in Florida are required by law to include at least $2,000 in “Loss Assessment” coverage. This can often be used to help the owner pay their share of a special assessment levied by the association to cover the master policy’s hurricane deductible.
3. The “Opt-Out” Exception
There is a specific provision under 718.111(11)(k) that allows an association to “opt out” of the statutory allocation described above.
- If a majority of the total voting interests of the association votes to opt out, the association can instead allocate repair and reconstruction expenses according to the specific language in the community’s original Declaration of Condominium.
- If your association has opted out, you must refer to the Declaration to see if the responsibility for deductibles is assigned differently (e.g., making the owner of the damaged unit responsible).
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Who Don’t like to Play Nice…
1. General Information Only: All content provided on this website, including blogs, FAQs, and downloaded materials, is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific legal, financial, or professional advice. 2. No Attorney-Client Relationship: The owner of this website is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice. Use of this website, or the receipt of information from it, does not create an attorney-client relationship. Because Florida statutes and community association laws are subject to frequent change, you should consult with a qualified professional or attorney regarding your specific situation. 3. Accuracy and “As-Is” Provision: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the owner makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. 4. Limitation of Liability: In no event will the owner be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from the use of this website or reliance on any information provided. The recipient is free to accept or reject any information provided at any time. 5. External Links: Through this website, you may be able to link to other websites which are not under the control of the owner. We have no control over the nature, content, and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. 6. Intellectual Property, Copyright and Trademarks: Unless otherwise noted, the design, text, and original materials on this website are the intellectual property of the site owner. You may view or print content for your own personal use. Copying, reproducing, or redistributing this material for commercial gain without prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Third-party trademarks, product names, or corporate materials referenced on this site belong to their respective owners.
Common Elements (1)
In Florida, the responsibility for paying a hurricane insurance deductible is governed by Florida Statute 718.111(11). The law divides responsibility between the association and the individual unit owners based on what property was damaged.
1. The Association’s Responsibility
Under Florida Statute 718.111(11)(j), the cost of any insurance deductible and any damage in excess of insurance proceeds is considered a common expense of the association.
- Payment: The association typically pays the deductible upfront.
- Funding: Because it is a common expense, the board usually funds this through the association’s reserve accounts or by levying a special assessment against all unit owners.
- Coverage Area: The association’s master policy generally covers the building’s “envelope” (roof, exterior walls, structural components) and all property “as originally installed” according to the original plans and specifications.
2. The Unit Owner’s Responsibility
While the association handles the building’s master deductible, unit owners are responsible for specific items within their units.
- Individual Property: Owners must pay for damage to floor, wall, and ceiling coverings, electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, built-in cabinets, countertops, and window treatments (curtains, blinds, etc.).
- HO-6 Policy: Unit owners should have their own insurance (HO-6 policy) to cover these items and their own personal deductible.
- Loss Assessment Coverage: Most HO-6 policies in Florida are required by law to include at least $2,000 in “Loss Assessment” coverage. This can often be used to help the owner pay their share of a special assessment levied by the association to cover the master policy’s hurricane deductible.
3. The “Opt-Out” Exception
There is a specific provision under 718.111(11)(k) that allows an association to “opt out” of the statutory allocation described above.
- If a majority of the total voting interests of the association votes to opt out, the association can instead allocate repair and reconstruction expenses according to the specific language in the community’s original Declaration of Condominium.
- If your association has opted out, you must refer to the Declaration to see if the responsibility for deductibles is assigned differently (e.g., making the owner of the damaged unit responsible).
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0
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The Association (1)
In Florida, the responsibility for paying a hurricane insurance deductible is governed by Florida Statute 718.111(11). The law divides responsibility between the association and the individual unit owners based on what property was damaged.
1. The Association’s Responsibility
Under Florida Statute 718.111(11)(j), the cost of any insurance deductible and any damage in excess of insurance proceeds is considered a common expense of the association.
- Payment: The association typically pays the deductible upfront.
- Funding: Because it is a common expense, the board usually funds this through the association’s reserve accounts or by levying a special assessment against all unit owners.
- Coverage Area: The association’s master policy generally covers the building’s “envelope” (roof, exterior walls, structural components) and all property “as originally installed” according to the original plans and specifications.
2. The Unit Owner’s Responsibility
While the association handles the building’s master deductible, unit owners are responsible for specific items within their units.
- Individual Property: Owners must pay for damage to floor, wall, and ceiling coverings, electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, built-in cabinets, countertops, and window treatments (curtains, blinds, etc.).
- HO-6 Policy: Unit owners should have their own insurance (HO-6 policy) to cover these items and their own personal deductible.
- Loss Assessment Coverage: Most HO-6 policies in Florida are required by law to include at least $2,000 in “Loss Assessment” coverage. This can often be used to help the owner pay their share of a special assessment levied by the association to cover the master policy’s hurricane deductible.
3. The “Opt-Out” Exception
There is a specific provision under 718.111(11)(k) that allows an association to “opt out” of the statutory allocation described above.
- If a majority of the total voting interests of the association votes to opt out, the association can instead allocate repair and reconstruction expenses according to the specific language in the community’s original Declaration of Condominium.
- If your association has opted out, you must refer to the Declaration to see if the responsibility for deductibles is assigned differently (e.g., making the owner of the damaged unit responsible).
0
0
Leave a Reply
Unit Damage (2)
Under the statute’s insurance provisions, the unit owner is responsible for insuring and replacing all floor, wall, and ceiling coverings, as well as electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, and built-in cabinets/countertops within the unit. The association’s master policy generally covers only the “unfinished” structure.
0
0
Leave a Reply
In Florida, the responsibility for paying a hurricane insurance deductible is governed by Florida Statute 718.111(11). The law divides responsibility between the association and the individual unit owners based on what property was damaged.
1. The Association’s Responsibility
Under Florida Statute 718.111(11)(j), the cost of any insurance deductible and any damage in excess of insurance proceeds is considered a common expense of the association.
- Payment: The association typically pays the deductible upfront.
- Funding: Because it is a common expense, the board usually funds this through the association’s reserve accounts or by levying a special assessment against all unit owners.
- Coverage Area: The association’s master policy generally covers the building’s “envelope” (roof, exterior walls, structural components) and all property “as originally installed” according to the original plans and specifications.
2. The Unit Owner’s Responsibility
While the association handles the building’s master deductible, unit owners are responsible for specific items within their units.
- Individual Property: Owners must pay for damage to floor, wall, and ceiling coverings, electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, built-in cabinets, countertops, and window treatments (curtains, blinds, etc.).
- HO-6 Policy: Unit owners should have their own insurance (HO-6 policy) to cover these items and their own personal deductible.
- Loss Assessment Coverage: Most HO-6 policies in Florida are required by law to include at least $2,000 in “Loss Assessment” coverage. This can often be used to help the owner pay their share of a special assessment levied by the association to cover the master policy’s hurricane deductible.
3. The “Opt-Out” Exception
There is a specific provision under 718.111(11)(k) that allows an association to “opt out” of the statutory allocation described above.
- If a majority of the total voting interests of the association votes to opt out, the association can instead allocate repair and reconstruction expenses according to the specific language in the community’s original Declaration of Condominium.
- If your association has opted out, you must refer to the Declaration to see if the responsibility for deductibles is assigned differently (e.g., making the owner of the damaged unit responsible).
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0
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