Need a New Attorney Florida

Started by RebaF • 6 replies • 2176 views

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RebaF (Florida)
Posts: 2

Posted:

I am the President of our HOA, and we are seeking a new attorney in the Fort Myers area. Our homeowners association presently has an attorney that charges us outrageous fees and doesn't always complete the requested work. If anyone can make any suggestions please send me the law firm name and address, that would be greatly appreciated. We are a small mobile homeowners park that is deed restricted and we need legal help that won't cost us all of our annual maintenance fees. Thanks for any help and advise!
Reba

RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067

Posted:

Reba, I can't help on finding a good attorney in your area but hope you can find one. My advice is for your Board to set up procedures and involve and educate owners. This can result in significantly reducing attorney's expenses. Also, Board members need to be educated on HOA matters to effectively utilize an attorney.

RebaF (Florida)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Roger, How can I educate myself (more thoroughly) and the rest of my board? Where can I get books, classes etc?? Thanks for your help.
Reba

RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067

Posted:

You could start with this board. Click on search and type in CAI, reference books, or other subjects you are interested in learning about. Go to www.caionline.org for more info on publications and info. In Florida there are 7 chapters of CAI, check out the one near you. They may also have a list of attorneys.

AlbertD (Florida)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Reba;

I don't know what your Legal & Professional Fee Budget is for 2006 or issues you're likely wishing to address, but a firm I have become impressed with in Ft Myers is ... Becker & Poliakoff, 14241 Metropolis Ave., Ft Myers, Fl., 33912 (239)433-7707.

This firm specializes in condominium and homeowner associations and are very well versed in many of the issues typically facing community associations.

No fee is cheap if the problem is not resolved. Conversely, ANY fee is cheap if the problem IS resolved.

AlbertD (Florida)
Posts: 3

Posted:

MikeJ (Florida)
Posts: 9

Posted:

Reba

Becker & Poliakoff is a good firm. We have used them and find their fees reasonable. Plus, they are well versed in association law and have a good newsletter they send out to keep you up to date.

Also, you should read Florida Statute 617 which governs Not-For-Profit organizations (of which the HOA is) and Florida Statutes 720 which governs Homeowners Associations. You can find both these online. Just do a Google search for Florida Statutes. Plus, make sure you read your Declaration, Articles of Incorporation and your By-laws.

I also recommed a book called "The Law of the Florida Homeowners Association" by Peter Dunbar and Charles Dudley. It puts the Florida Statutes in understandable language and gives samples forms. Do a search at Amazon for it.

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