Orlando Law Scoop - HOA/COA Issue

Orlando Law Group • August 8, 2023

Need help with your HOA? We are here for you

If you're like most people, you live in a community governed by an association.

You've probably paid homeowners' association dues. You may have spent time on the board, or just volunteering around the community. You might have had a bit of a battle over some improvement in your house.

While you may find them frustrating and wonder why you are paying dues, keep in mind, the best-looking and most desirable neighborhoods were kept that way through the work of their association.

At The Orlando Law Group, we specialize in working with associations for homeowners and for condominium owners. Remember, these organizations are some of the most regulated in the state with the Florida Legislature writing the hundreds of laws that cover these groups. We make sure you and your community are following these regulations.

I'd love to be a resource for you and help your community. If you're on the board of your neighborhood community, please reach out to me about assisting your community.

If you just own a home or a condo and just have a question about an issue with your community, please just reply to this email.

I'm here to help!

Sincerely,

Jennifer

HOA/COA Information for You

Common Misconceptions about Homeowners/Condominium Owners Associations

Living in a community with a Homeowners Association or a Condominium Owners Association has its benefits as well as its drawbacks. No matter where you are from, we’re sure you’ve heard of some HOA or COA horror stories from a friend or family member.

Although these stories can be intimidating for those looking to purchase property within an HOA or COA, oftentimes, these stories are not necessarily the norm for all Associations.

In fact, while the vast majority of people living in a community Association are satisfied with their Association, according to a 2022 study by the Foundation for Community Association Research, there are many misconceptions about Associations perpetuated not only by homeowners or condominium owners but even by Association board members themselves.

HOA/COA Fees – Why Do I Have To Pay For Them, and Where Is That Money Going?

Many homeowners ask, why do I have to pay HOA or COA fees? And, where is that money going towards?

When you purchase property located within the jurisdiction of an HOA or COA, you become a member of that Association, responsible for paying community expenses called Assessments or, more commonly, referred to as HOA dues or fees.

These contributions are collected on a fixed time schedule (such as on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis) to pay for standard maintenance and upkeep of the community’s facilities and common areas, as well as to improve the community by implementing new facilities and features.

The Ins and Outs of the Association Collections Process

Most Associations have the legal right to place a lien on a home or unit to secure the payment of past-due assessments.

To determine if your Association has this right, you will look to your Association’s Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. In the Declaration, there will be a section that details what happens if an owner is delinquent in the payment of assessment to the Association and it typically grants the Association the right to secure that debt by recording a lien against the owner’s property.

But what does this really mean? It means that an Association does not have to sit and wait for the sale of the property for the Association to get paid, as the Association can force a sale on the property.

Emotional Support Animals & Community Association Rules: What Does the Law Say?

Many Community Associations adopt rules and restrictions to limit pets within a community.

When purchasing a home, this can be especially appealing to those who suffer from allergies, those that have animal phobias, or those who just simply dislike animals in general because of the noise they make or the mess they sometimes leave behind.

However, it has been well established that service animals, “trained to do the work or perform a task for an individual with a disability, whether physical, sensory, intellectual, or other,” cannot be kept out of a community based on a Community Association’s “pet restriction policy.”

Jennifer Englert

Known for a caring heart, as well as a drive to make a difference, Jennifer Englert is the driving force behind The Orlando Law Group as it enters its second decade serving the Central Florida community.

Englert is the managing partner and founder of OLG. For over 22 years, she has focused on business disputes, business law, general civil litigation, special needs & education law, family law, personal injury, and real estate.

She has represented entities and individuals in both federal and state trial and appellate courts.

Jeffrey W. Smith

Jeffrey W. Smith’s life is a tale of two careers. The first chapter saw him serve our country as a machine gunner with the United States Marine Corps, then return and begin a civilian career as a facility / services technician with AT&T.

The second chapter saw him not only earn his bachelor of science degree, but also his juris doctor, enabling him to start a career in law.

A No-Nonsense Guide to a Hassle-Free Job Relocation

February 17, 2025

Moving for a job is a big deal. It can mean exciting new opportunities, but let’s be real—it’s also a lot to handle. From packing up your life to figuring out your new city, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you're chasing a promotion, switching industries, or just looking for a fresh start, making the transition smooth (and affordable) takes some planning. But don’t stress—there are plenty of ways to make moving for work easier, faster, and way less of a headache. Level Up Your Career With Online Education If you're in a field like nursing, getting an advanced degree can open a lot of doors. An online master’s in nursing, for example, can help you move into leadership roles like administration or education, which often come with better hours and higher pay. The best part? Online MSN degree programs make it easier to juggle work and school since you can study on your own schedule. Plus, you’ll save time and money by skipping the commute. Investing in your education isn’t just about earning more—it puts you in a position to make a bigger impact in your field. Make House Hunting Easier With Local Real Estate Pros Finding a place to live in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance your budget, commute, and lifestyle all at once. Want to make things easier on yourself? Get yourself a real estate agent who actually knows the area. They’ll point you toward the right neighborhoods, keep you from making expensive mistakes, and take a ton of stress off your plate. Sure, you could spend hours lost in online listings and market trends, but why make it harder than it needs to be? Let someone who does this every day (like Brown Home Group ) handle the tricky stuff so you can focus on the move itself. Keep Your Important Stuff Safe While Moving Packing up and moving is already chaotic enough—you don’t want to add losing important documents or valuables to the mix. Keep things like passports, birth certificates, and financial documents in a separate bag that stays with you at all times. If you want extra protection, a fireproof or theft-proof bag can help keep everything secure. Having all your essentials in one place means you won’t be scrambling to find them when you need them. Understand How Taxes Affect Employer-Paid Moving Expenses If your employer is covering your moving costs, don’t assume it’s all free money. Right now, employer-paid moving expenses are considered taxable income, which means you’ll owe taxes on them. But keep an eye on tax law changes—by 2026, moving expenses might become tax-deductible again. Either way, save your receipts and keep track of everything. It’s better to be prepared than surprised when tax season rolls around. If you're unsure about what applies to you, checking IRS resources or talking to a tax professional can help clear things up. Find a Job Faster by Understanding the Local Market Even if you’re moving for a specific job, understanding the job market in your new city can help you plan for the future. Some industries, like healthcare and tech, are growing in certain areas, while others may be more competitive. Checking out local job boards or resources can give you a sense of what to expect . Knowing which industries are booming and what skills are in demand can also help you negotiate better pay or prepare for future career moves. Meet New People by Getting Involved in Hobbies Moving to a new city can feel lonely at first, but getting involved in local activities is one of the best ways to meet people. Whether it’s joining a hiking group, attending a book club, or signing up for a class, shared hobbies can lead to great personal and professional connections . If you’re in a field like tech or design, events like hackathons or art meetups can even open up new job opportunities. Making connections through hobbies isn’t just fun—it can also help you feel more at home in your new city. Stay Organized With a Moving Timeline A solid game plan can make your move way less chaotic. Creating a timeline for everything —from giving notice at your current job to setting up utilities in your new place—keeps you on track. Breaking things down into small, manageable tasks makes everything feel less overwhelming. Sharing your plan with your employer, family, or anyone else involved helps avoid last-minute surprises. And don’t forget to book movers or rental trucks early to get the best rates! Moving for work can be a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a total headache. With a little planning, some local know-how, and a flexible mindset, you can make the whole thing way easier. Stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be unpacked, finding your new favorite coffee spot, and settling into your next adventure! Discover the key to your real estate dreams with Brown Home Group —your trusted partner in buying, selling, or investing in Central Florida’s vibrant market!

The Orlando Law Scoop - Take Charge of 2025: A Practical Checklist for Your Peace of Mind

By Rick Brown • January 15, 2025

Start the New Year with Confidence: Your Essential Legal and Financial Checklist for the New Year As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reassess our goals and ensure our affairs are in order. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s future, streamline your business, or simply get a fresh start, our New Year Reset Checklist is here to guide you. From updating your estate plan to revisiting your insurance coverage, these straightforward tips will help you begin the year with clarity and confidence. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! N ew Year Reset Checklist Review or Update Your Estate Plan Confirm wills, trusts, and healthcare directives are up to date. Make sure beneficiaries and key contacts still reflect your current wishes. Verify Insurance Coverage Check life, home, auto, or business policies for accuracy and adequate coverage. Add new, high-value items (like holiday gifts) to your policy. Organize Important Documents Safely store originals (wills, titles, deeds) in a secure location. Keep digital backups in an encrypted folder or password manager. Assess Your Finances Review your budget and set savings goals for the year. Check beneficiary designations on bank, retirement, and investment accounts. Consider Charitable or Non-Profit Involvement Think about attending our Non-Profit Bootcamp if you’re interested in establishing or growing a charitable organization. Explore tax benefits and community impact of giving back. Plan for Business Updates (if applicable) Ensure business licenses, permits, and corporate documents are current. Schedule time to review or revise your operating agreements. Schedule Professional Consultations Estate Planning Attorney: Secure or update your plan. Financial Advisor: Review investment strategies, retirement, and tax planning. CPA or Tax Professional: Get organized ahead of tax deadlines. Starting the year off with a clear plan sets you on the right path—less stress, fewer surprises, and more peace of mind. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. Call 407-565-HELP to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Make 2025 the Year You Secure Your Legacy Planning for the future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In our latest YouTube video series, Attorney Erika De Jesus breaks down the basics of estate planning—from wills to trusts. If you’ve been putting off this vital task, now’s the perfect time to learn how to safeguard your loved ones and secure your legacy.