Posted:
Hi Karen
It is possible your CCR's may not say anything. However, you need to bring this to the attention to the Board, and make it very clear that Florida Statue of law, "617.0505 Payment of dividends and distribution of income to members prohibited; issuance of certificates of membership; effect of stock issued under prior law.--
(1) A dividend may not be paid, and any part of the income or profit of a corporation may not be distributed, to its members, directors, or officers...."
Continue to add what their consequences are, since you refuse to back down. If this Board refuses to listen to you, then they give you no choice but to take them to mandatory mediation. Afterwards, they will probably continue to do whatever they want to anyway, leaving you still no choice but to take them to civil court, where you, Karen, will win the court case, causing the Board to pay your attorney's fees and court cost. The Board not the homeowner's pay your court cost and attoreny's fees. Because they have made this mistake and refuse to correct it, the Judge will find that the Board not the members of the Assocition will pay from their own pockets.
The is no doubt, the law is very clear, this Board member is receiving a portion of the Association's dues, and because she/he is, this is called a missapropriation of funds. The treasurer has no choice but to return the money she/he has received thus far, or be brought up on legal charges for emezelment. These things are what I was told by an attorney, as I am not an attorney myself. Saying such things which are legally true, might get them off their behinds and fix there wrong. It is called, "emezelement, missapropriation of funds, especially when there is a statue to law that says,
"any part of the income or profit of a corporation may not be distributed."
These Boards do not expect anyone to challenge them in anyway. So, if this is a battle you have chose to fight, good for you, they are wrong and you are right. So, stick it out to the very end. Do not let this go. It is against the law of Florida for this to continue.
If you have any problems please feel free to contact me.
Good luck,
Audrey