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From DBPR – Florida Dept. of Professional Regulation

An interview with Erum Siddiqui Kistemaker, J.D. ‘00

By Mandy Martin – 09-03-2024

Erum Siddiqui Kistemaker, J.D. ‘00, always wanted to be a lawyer, and now she runs a thriving private practice.

An interview with Erum Siddiqui Kistemaker, J.D. ‘00

Erum Siddiqui Kistemaker, J.D. ‘00

By Mandy Martin09-03-2024

As early as second grade, Erum Siddiqui Kistemaker knew she wanted to be a lawyer. In high school, she participated in debate team and was invited to participate in a Model UN international debate at Georgetown University, further solidifying her dream. She attended the University of Florida from 1993-1997 for undergraduate school with her sights set on law school. While at UF, she was a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority and the Florida Blue Key with concentrations in Political Science and Journalism.

Kistemaker knew she wanted to practice international law – as she approached the end of her time at UF, she decided to commit to Miami Law because of the strong international law program as well as the cosmopolitan city environment …. Read full article here!

June Legislative Updates Presentation

The below documents and video are a summary of the most recent and relevant changes promulgated by the Florida Legislature impacting homeowners associations.

Discussed herein are the recent statutory changes including HB 1203 (effective on July 1, 2024), HB 59 (effective on July 1, 2024), HB 293 (effective on May 28, 2024), and HB 1645 (effective July 1, 2024). Should you have any questions concerning the contents of this letter or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact our Firm.

Senate Bill 154 requires all condominium and cooperative associations with buildings 3 stories or higher to report the following information to the Division of Florida Condominium, Timeshares and Mobile Homes on or before January 1, 2023.

Condominiums and Cooperatives – Building Reporting

https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/condos-timeshares-mobile-homes/building-report/

718.501(3)(a), F.S./Senate Bill 154 requires all condominium and cooperative associations with buildings 3 stories or higher to report the following information to the Division of Florida Condominium, Timeshares and Mobile Homes on or before January 1, 2023.

  • Contact Name, Phone Number, and Email Address
  • Name of Project
  • Project License # ( To find license # please click here)
  • The number of buildings on the condominium property that are three (3) stories or higher in height.
  • The total number of units in all such buildings
  • The addresses of all such buildings.
  • The counties in which all such buildings are located.

You may provide your association’s information to the Division by simply completing and submitting the Building Reporting form below. You may also submit this information via email at: ctmhbuildingreporting@myfloridalicense.com or by USPS mail or hand delivery to:

Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes
Attention: Building Reporting
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1030

Updates – HB 1203; HB 59; HB 293 and HB 1645

Kistemaker Business Law Group is pleased to present a summary of the latest and pertinent changes enacted by the Florida Legislature affecting homeowners associations. This summary outlines the recent statutory amendments, including HB 1203 (effective July 1, 2024), HB 59 (effective July 1, 2024), HB 293 (effective May 28, 2024), and HB 1645 (effective July 1, 2024)

Please note that the attached document is simply a summary of some of the more what I consider important changes in the law that may affect your Association and its members, and does not necessarily include all changes in the law pertaining to homeowners’ associations.

2024-Legislative-Update-HOA-Final.03 (1)

The Florida Condo Education Initiative Series: Condominium Assessment Collection Webinar

The Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, & Mobile Homes’ Education Section Presents the Condominium Assessment Collection Webinar with Guests Erum Kistemaker, Managing Partner of Kistemaker Business Law Group; Leslie-Ann Downer, CTMH Education Supervisor; and Alan Schwartzseid of Kaye Bender Rembaum Attorneys at Law. 

The Florida Condo Education Initiative is a partnership between the Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes Education Section, and the Condominium and Planned Development Committee of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar.

Special Assessments and SIRS/MIRS UPDATE

DBPR Panel – Part 2, February 29, 2024 

Attorney Kistemaker is a voting member of the Florida Bar Condominium & Planned Development Committee and as such, serves as Co-Chair of the Education Sub-Committee and additionally, serves on and the Senate Bill 4D/154 Substantive Legislative Committee Task Force and Board Certification Course Committee. 

Special Assessments

  1. How are special assessments handled at the time of closing? If the seller discloses special assessments properly, the parties must negotiate their payment method. They are negotiable as to who will pay them and should be noted on any purchase agreement – The seller may elect to pay the full amount due at closing, or the seller may pay prior to closing, and the buyer shall pay the amounts due after closing.
  1. What should a buyer look for to avoid getting hit with a special assessment as soon as they buy? Need to review condo rider and note they only have a 3 day right of rescission in the condo rider the special assessments that are contemplated must be identified in the disclosure – take note of any upcoming restoration projects and review the budget and reserves for the last year. Review minutes and agendas for the last year. 

SIRS and MIRS

  1. How important is the SIRS Reserve Study? It is mandatory so it is extremely critical for associations to comply with this law. The statute which is law now requires that each condo buildings 3 stories or higher must complete a SIRS at least every 10 years after the condo’s creation. Additionally, Associations must also have a Milestone Inspection by December 31 of the year in which the building reaches 30 years of age. (These are condo buildings 3 stories or higher)
  2. At this time, structural integrity reserve study is not very clear and open to see in most Associations. Advice for buyer? Review budget and ensure they have mandatory reserves for the sirs and they have at least hired the expert to perform the inspections – should be in the minutes. 

Estoppel FAQs

Attorney Kistemaker is a voting member of the Florida Bar Condominium & Planned Development Committee and as such, serves as Co-Chair of the Education Sub-Committee and additionally, serves on and the Senate Bill 4D/154 Substantive Legislative Committee Task Force and Board Certification Course Committee.

  1. What are the statutory estoppel requirements for a condo association?

An estoppel letter/certificate is used to facilitate a closing by providing a snapshot of the fees or assessments that a seller may owe to their association. Property owners who live within a community association must contact the association to get an estoppel letter when they sell their home or condominium unit (usually through title company or attorney).

The association is obligated by statute to provide an “estoppel certificate” within 10 working day of receipt of a written request. 

At closing assessments will be prorated per the estoppel and both the buyer and seller will contribute and pay (similar to taxes). 

If the title company does not verify the amount of assessments that may be due, the new owner becomes liable for all past due assessments and could then make a claim against the title insurance company for contribution.

When the association represents that a certain amount of money is due for a unit, the title company and the closing agent rely on that number in calculating the closing adjustments and issuing title insurance. In other words, when the association responds that a certain amount is due, it is “estopped” from later claiming some other amount is due, because the parties have relied upon the numbers provided. That is why it is important to be very careful in preparation of these documents, which under current law, also require the provision of additional information not related to assessments, such as if the if the property is in violation and the following items:

  • The monthly, annual or quarterly association dues; 
  • Any outstanding payments and fines;
  • The name of the management company or association that payments need to be made payable to;
  • Any parking space, storage unit, or dock space that comes with the unit;
  • Whether the subject condo unit or HOA property has any violations imposed against it;
  • The amount and frequency of any special assessments;
  • Whether the association has the right of first refusal;
  • Any transfer taxes or other fees that must be paid at closing;
  • Whether association approval is required and whether it has already been applied for; and
  • If there are any other associations that need to be contacted for an estoppel statement (such as a master association).

The Condominium Act, the Cooperative Act, and the Homeowners’ Association Act, all regulate the amount the associations can charge for “estoppel certificates.” Lawyers can charge more. 

2. Whose responsibility is it to pay the estoppel fees? Seller pays for these fees 

  • For non-delinquent accounts, the association may charge no more than $299. 
  • For delinquent accounts, the association may charge up to an additional fee of $179. 
  • If the estoppel certificate is requested on an expedited basis, the association may charge an additional fee of $119.

3. What are the obligations of condo Association when an estoppel is requested? The association is obligated by statute to provide an “estoppel certificate” within 10 working day of receipt of a written request. 

At closing assessments will be prorated per the estoppel and both the buyer and seller will contribute and pay (similar to taxes). 

If the title company does not verify the amount of assessments that may be due, the new owner becomes liable for all past due assessments and could then make a claim against the title insurance company for contribution.

So, when the association represents that a certain amount of money is due for a unit, the title company and the closing agent rely on that number in calculating the closing adjustments and issuing title insurance. In other words, when the association responds that a certain amount is due, it is “estopped” from later claiming some other amount is due, because the parties have relied upon the numbers provided. That is why it is important to be very careful in preparation of these documents, which under current law, also require the provision of additional information not related to assessments, such as if the if the property is in violation and the following items:

  • The monthly, annual or quarterly association dues; 
  • Any outstanding payments and fines;
  • The name of the management company or association that payments need to be made payable to;
  • Any parking space, storage unit, or dock space that comes with the unit;
  • Whether the subject condo unit or HOA property has any violations imposed against it;
  • The amount and frequency of any special assessments;

A Guide to Transferring Property to a Trust in Florida

By: Rima Suleiman, Esq.

Transferring property to a trust can be a strategic and beneficial estate planning move, providing a
seamless transition of assets and ensuring a smoother distribution of your estate. Understanding the
process of transferring property to a trust is crucial for effective estate management. This blog aims to
shed light on the key aspects of transferring property to a trust in Florida.

  1. Why Transfer Property to a Trust?:
    Before delving into the specifics of transferring property to a trust in Florida, it’s essential to grasp
    the advantages of utilizing this estate planning tool. A trust offers several benefits, including:
    • Probate Avoidance: Transferring property to a trust helps your heirs avoid the often time-
      consuming and costly probate process. This means that your assets can be distributed to
      beneficiaries without court intervention, providing a more efficient transfer of wealth.
    • Privacy Protection: Unlike a will, which becomes public record during probate, a trust allows for
      a private transfer of assets. This confidentiality can be crucial for individuals who value their
      privacy and wish to keep their financial matters confidential.
    • Incapacity Planning: Trusts can be designed to manage your assets in the event of your
      incapacity. By appointing a successor trustee, you ensure that your financial affairs are handled
      seamlessly without the need for court-appointed guardianship.
  2. How to Transfer Property to a Trust:
    The first thing a person will need to do to transfer property into a trust in Florida is to prepare and
    sign a new deed. The two most common kinds of deeds are warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds.
    Warranty Deeds vs. Quitclaim Deeds:
    Warranty deeds provide a warranty against liens on the property and third-party claims to the property, while quitclaim deeds offer a simple transfer of ownership interest without the same title insurance.
    Deed Preparation:
    When preparing a deed, accuracy is paramount. The property owner must use the exact name from the trust agreement and the original deed transferring the property to them. Furthermore, the property owner must include the property’s current owner(s) name(s), the new owner(s) name(s), and a proper legal description of the property. Trustee names should align with the trust document, and the date of trust document signing must be included. The legal description on the deed should match the original, and if co-owned, specify the transfer of a specific share.
    Notarization and Recording:
    After preparation, the deed must be signed and dated in front of a Florida notary and two witnesses.
    Subsequently, the deed should be recorded in the county office responsible for property records.

3. Unique Considerations and Challenges: Handling Multiple Properties through LLCs:
For those owning several commercial investment properties under individual LLCs, transferring 100%
ownership of each LLC to the trust simplifies the inheritance process for beneficiaries.
Documentary Stamp Tax:
When transferring real estate, a documentary stamp tax is applicable in Florida, excluding Miami-Dade
County. This fee, payable to the county clerk’s office, is $0.70 per $100 of property value.
Mortgage Considerations:
Property owners must be cautious when transferring properties with mortgages into trusts, as it may
trigger due-on-sale or due-on-transfer clauses. Lenders should be consulted beforehand, and
notification is necessary even if no accelerated repayment is required.
Title Insurance and Endorsements:
Checking with the title insurance company is crucial before transferring property into a trust. Depending
on the location and company, an endorsement on the title insurance policy or even the purchase of a
new policy may be required.
Insurance and Taxes:
Transferring property into a trust generally does not necessitate changes to property taxes or insurance.
However, communication with insurance carriers is vital to update ownership status in policies.
Step-Up on Basis and Property Taxes:
Retaining documentation of the ownership change is vital for tax purposes. With a revocable trust, the
benefit of a step-up in basis is preserved upon the property owner’s death. Property tax assessments
remain unchanged when transferring 100% ownership to one’s trust.

Mobile Home Park Rent Gouging – What Can Be Done?

By: Erin Glover-Frey, Senior Attorney

One of the issues our firm is seeing more and more of are dramatic increases in lot rent in mobile home communities. Most often, these communities are 55+ communities, meaning the vast majority of the residents are retirees, who thought they were moving to Florida to live the good life, but instead have been shouldered with ever-increasing expenses while still trying to live on a fixed income. 

This phenomenon is not limited to Florida and is happening nationwide. In September, a class-action lawsuit was filed in Illinois against the nation’s largest mobile home park management companies, alleging a conspiracy to inflate lot rental prices for older and low-income residents. How do management companies do this? Don’t these people have contracts that would prevent such drastic rent increases? Unfortunately, the answer is often no.

In Florida, mobile home parks are governed by a document called the “prospectus.” The prospectus sets out the terms of living in the mobile home community. Often the prospectus sets a “maximum” amount that rents can go up, such as tying rents to the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). If the CPI goes up 5%, then rents go up 5%. Simple. But maybe not.

Florida law also provides a way for mobile home park owners to increase rents beyond that authorized in the prospectus. They simply have to give owners 90 days notice of the increase and provide evidence of comparable rents in other parks, presumably to show that the cost of living has increased in the community at large, and so should rents increase to keep up. Here is where the collusion with other park owners comes in. If all the companies agree to a set price they can artificially make it look like the rents are the “market” price for rent. The silver liming is that the rent increase process is technical, and park owners must follow it to the letter or else they may not succeed in raising rents.

Another way that park owners raise rents is when new tenants move into the park. Generally, all lot leases in the park start on the same day of the year – typically September 1. When a new tenant buys their mobile home and leases the lot, they take over the lease of the previous tenant for the remainder of the year. However, when September 1 comes around, this new tenant has to enter a new lease that the park owner will set at the “market rate,” which is generally set much higher than whatever rent the previous tenant was paying. Again, collusion comes into play to set the “market” price. The more new tenants who move into a park, the higher the average rent becomes, and the more park owners can justify raising rents for everyone to keep up with the market. It’s a vicious cycle.

The attorneys at Kistemaker Business Law Group are experienced with challenging mobile home park rent increases. While not every rent increase is unjustified, a skilled attorney may be able to assist you with challenging your rent increase.