CAN THE HOA DO THAT?
In any conflict between an owner and a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), the underlying question to be answered by both parties, and ultimately by the court is: ‘Can the HOA do that?’
Arbitration and Mediation for Florida
In any conflict between an owner and a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), the underlying question to be answered by both parties, and ultimately by the court is: ‘Can the HOA do that?’
The United States Supreme Court in June of this year, once again, entered an opinion enforcing the right to require bilateral arbitration.
The message from the Florida Legislature is clear: Mediation works. Litigation should be a last resort. Such an approach is particularly important due to the historic backlog facing our courts.
The Florida Legislature in its 2021 session specifically recognized the value offered by mediation and in several areas dealing with condominiums, HOA’s and other entities changed the laws that previously required pre-suit Arbitration to now require either pre-suit Mediation or Arbitration.
Legislative Changes Both the Condominium and HOA statutory chapters specifically state: “The legislature finds that alternative dispute resolution has made progress in reducing court dockets and trials and in offering a more efficient, cost-effective option to litigation.” FS §720.311 (1). See also, 718.112 (3)(b). The previous law required arbitration before suit could be filed in …