Florida Realtors Legal News

To determine if a home is in an HOA community, check the deed and closing documents. If recorded, the annual fee is required; if not, it’s optional.

Real estate scams are on the rise, from wire fraud to fake rentals. Verify wiring instructions, check property records and be cautious with unsolicited emails.

Compassion for a homeless family turned into a months-long legal battle over eviction that left a Florida property owner with a damaged home and strained finances.

RE Q&A: Owners are required to pay special assessments. Boards may allow payment plans, while options such as reverse mortgages or selling may help manage costs.

A converted garage that wasn’t properly permitted can lead to citations, but options may include retroactive permits, compliance or legal action.

When a Listing Broker took the listing, the Seller made it very clear what price they wanted the property to be listed and sold. After weeks of marketing the property, the Listing Broker concluded the property was overpriced. The Listing Broker shared this opinion with their sales team but failed to share with the Seller. Was this a violation of the Code of Ethics?

A growing number of Florida HOAs are using license plate readers and speed cameras to fine speeders on private roads, prompting legal and privacy concerns.

When you encounter a buyer who has already signed an exclusive agreement with a brokerage firm, remember a Realtor^®’s ethical duty to avoid interfering with another firm’s exclusive relationship.

Juana Watkins reminds members that even if a form looks familiar, be sure to review the contract, line by line, to make sure something isn’t missed, changed or added by the other side.

Repeated unfounded complaints are often legally protected. Maintain your property, document incidents and work with code enforcement to reduce issues.