Associations lose some power over lawns
A new law allows homeowners to ignore some community’s covenants and deed restrictions if they create a Florida-friendly yard.
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DBPR accelerates licensing for appraisers, approves FSU pilot program
ORLANDO, Fla. – March 9, 2009 – College graduates hoping to become real estate appraisers may be able to go through an accelerated licensing process under a new initiative, which seeks to eliminate submission of college transcripts as part of the application. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Real Estate recently completed a pilot program with Florida State University to pre-certify the educational requirement for graduates based on university degree requirements.
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DBPR launched statewide unlicensed activity operation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 3, 2009 – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Regulation last week rolled out a statewide unlicensed activity enforcement operation aimed at protecting the public from the dangers caused by unlicensed individuals. Working in 10 regions throughout the state, staff investigators checked over 500 licenses during the operation, which resulted in 86 citations, 41 arrests, 16 cease and desists orders and 15 notices of non-compliance.
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ONE STOP STATE LAND SHOP
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of State Lands launched a redesigned Web site to streamline access to Florida’s land resources.
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Florida department to discuss proposed septic system rule
ORLANDO, Fla. – Feb. 16, 2009 – A move by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) to limit nitrogen seepage through septic systems could force some homeowners to install new and expensive septic systems. However questions remain, and one component worries Realtors: It calls for a septic inspection at the time of a home sale.
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SAVE THE DATE
Sept. 16: FREC to set penalty for new escrow rule
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Worker’s comp claims could drop 14.1% on Jan. 1
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sept. 2, 2008 – While health and property insurance costs more each year, business owners can take small comfort in the cost of workers’ compensation insurance rates that continue to decrease. The cumulative rate decrease since 2003 is 58 percent.
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IT’S THE LAW
Governor Crist yesterday signed SB 464 into law, which prohibits private transfer fees on real estate sales – a costly problem for future homebuyers. Here’s how the scheme works: In a property’s covenants, codes and restrictions, a property owner reserves the right to receive a percentage of all future sales – usually 1-2 percent.
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Florida files lawsuit against developer for violating “do not call” law
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – May 13, 2008 – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced that he has taken legal action against a Sarasota County company for violating Florida’s “Do Not Call” law.
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NO NEW TAXES – BUT NEW FEES
Florida lawmakers approved numerous new fees this year but not new taxes. Still, landlords will now pay $265 to file eviction actions against tenants, marking a 400-percent jump from $75. Florida Association of Realtors lobbyist Trey Price says the group opposes the dramatic increase, noting that renters will pay the price in the end.
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IRS ruling: State grants for hurricane mitigation are tax-free
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Dec. 13, 2007 – Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced yesterday that grants awarded to homeowners through the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program are not taxable income and do not have to be reported when filling out federal income taxes.
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HOW’S FLORIDA DOING?
Gov. Charlie Crist promised to make Florida government more accessible to the public, and a new Web site seems to do just that. Florida Performs compiles data from a variety of sources to provide a synopsis of the Florida’s current state of affairs on major issues.
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Florida laws effective today: Mortgage fraud and title insurance
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Oct. 1, 2007 – Two new laws approved during the regular session of the Florida Legislature take effect today. SB 1824 creates new mortgage rules and greater transparency in the lending process. HB 111 effectively deregulates closing services and requires out-of-state title insurance agents to follow the same legal rules as in-state agents.
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Gov. Crist signs carbon monoxide detector legislation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – July 25, 2007 – A carbon monoxide detector will be standard equipment in most new Florida homes. Gov. Charlie Crist last week signed SB 1822 in law, mandating the detectors in many new buildings, homes and hotel rooms located close to boilers. Sen. Rudy Garcia (R-Hialeah) and Rep. Eddy Gonzalez (R-Hialeah Gardens) sponsored the legislation.
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Florida closing costs third highest in nation
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – July 23, 2007 – Only two other U.S. states’ closings costs are higher than those in Florida, according to Bankrate.com’s annual survey. And it’s getting more expensive. Last year, Florida was No. 5, rising two points in the ranking this year.
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Crist signs home inspector licensing bill
June 28, 2007 – It’s official: Gov. Charlie Crist signed SB 2234, which creates a program to license home, mold and wind mitigation inspectors working in Florida. But don’t expect quick changes. The new law becomes effective July 1, 2010.
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Sure of that insurer?
Sure of that insurer?
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Florida insurer Vanguard ordered into liquidation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 26, 2007 –Leon County Circuit Court Judge Terry P. Lewis has ordered Maitland-based Vanguard Fire & Casualty Company into liquidation, effective Monday, to ensure policyholder claims continue to be paid. The Florida Department of Financial Services (FDFS) was named receiver in January for purposes of rehabilitation and has paid more than $6 million in claims using company assets, but has determined the company’s cash and reserves cannot keep up with claims. |
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