In the Community / News

Attorney Kistemaker Featured in Observer News Article About Local Real Estate Law

5/6/26

Local attorney Erum Kistemaker, who specializes in real estate law, said that while state law doesn’t implement a cap on lot rent increases, it does create a mechanism to challenge them.

In 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 613 into law, which amended the mediation framework regarding lot rent increases.

Kistemaker said she doesn’t see the state implementing legislation to place a cap on lot rent increases anytime soon. The underlying issue, she said, is citizens not being knowledgeable of what they’re buying when purchasing a home in a manufacturing home community, and not seeking legal counsel before such a big purchase.

“Most of the owners should be well aware of what they’re getting into,” she said. “It’s spelled out really well, number one in the statute, as well as in their governing documents, and if they don’t understand them — that’s the concern.”

Read Full Article: https://www.observerlocalnews.com/news/2026/may/06/High-lot-rents-a-political-campaign-and-seniors-defending-their-ormond-beach-community-whats-going-on-at-the-falls/

Attorney Erum S. Kistemaker and Kistemaker Business Law Group Selected to GATOR100!

4/8/26

gator 100

Erum S. Kistemaker, Managing Attorney and Shareholder of Ormond Beach’s Kistemaker Business Law Group was announced to the prestigious 2026 Gator100 list! This inspiring and noteworthy honor recognizes the Law Firm as one of the 100 fastest-growing businesses led by University of Florida alumni. The Gator100 not only honors these Gator business leaders but has created a vibrant community of Gators dedicated to excellence.

In order to meet the rigorous qualification for Gator100 recognition, a company must have met the following criteria – been in continuous business for five years or more as of 10/31/25; be Gator-owned or led by a University of Florida alum or former student who served as a chief executive (e.g. CEO, President, Managing Partner, Owner, etc.) for the period of 1/1/22-10/31/25; operate in a manner consistent with the values and image of the University of Florida. Rankings are calculated by independent accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP using a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).

“This Gator100 recognition is incredibly meaningful to myself, my firm and my family – especially this year, as our son will be entering his freshman year at the University of Florida! I am so proud of this and am so excited to share this with other wonderful Gator entrepreneurs!,” noted Attorney Kistemaker.

From the Gator100, “Your achievement is a testament to your dedication, innovative spirit, and commitment to excellence. As a shining example of entrepreneurial leadership, your success inspires fellow Gators and the broader community, embodying the values that the University of Florida proudly fosters. The UF Alumni Association is honored to celebrate your accomplishments and welcomes you to this distinguished group of Gator entrepreneurs.”

Kistemaker Business Law Group Receives Platinum Award from Florida Community Association Journal (FLCAJ)

3/9/26

Florida Community Association Journal (FLCAJ) magazine announced its 2026 Readers’ Choice Award winners in their March issue, profiling select award recipients, including Ormond Beach’s own Kistemaker Business Law Group once again.

After having received the publication’s Gold Award in 2025, the Firm is proud to announce its new Platinum Award for 2026. Erum S. Kistemaker is the Managing Attorney and Shareholder of Ormond Beach’s Kistemaker Business Law Group, founded in 2007. The condo, construction, HOA, real estate, business law and landlord and tenant law attorney has had an incredibly active role in new and changing legislation regarding Florida condo law – being featured as a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (FDBPR) authority on multifarious state-wide panels discussing the latest regulatory changes and Legislative Updates.

Attorney Kistemaker stated, “Being recognized by FLCAJ’s audience and receiving the Platinum Award this year for our expertise within this very important category of professionals in the state of Florida is incredibly meaningful and appreciated.”

The FLCAJ Readers’ Choice Awards is a unique recognition program that shines a spotlight on the positive contributions of community association service providers throughout Florida. Awards are presented to companies that demonstrate, through their commitment to the community associations they serve, an exemplary level of proficiency, reliability, fairness, and integrity. The FLCAJ Readers’ Choice Awards is an annual recognition program that debuted in 2014 with 37 award recipients. This year over 13,000 ballots were cast and more than 250 companies recognized as award recipients. See profiles of select winners at www.fcapgroup.com/rca.

Kistemaker Business Law Group Welcomes Former Intern as New Law Clerk

1/30/26

Mackenzie Allen, a participant in Kistemaker Business Law Group’s Summer Internship program in 2025 as a law school Intern, started working at the firm this January. Allen is a 2026 Juris Doctor candidate at Stetson University College of Law, where she is completing her business law concentration and will receive Stetson’s Business Law Certificate in conjunction with her juris doctor, according to a press release.

“I am excited to continue with Kistemaker Business Law Group and to help support its business, real estate, and community association practice while I grow into my career,” Allen said. “I truly appreciate this opportunity with Attorney Kistemaker and am looking forward to my new role.”

Read the full article: https://www.observerlocalnews.com/news/2026/jan/30/kistemaker-business-law-group-in-ormond-welcomes-former-summer-intern-as-new-law-clerk/

Attorney Kistemaker Selected to Florida Super Lawyers for 10th Consecutive Year

7/14/25

Erum S. Kistemaker, Esq., Managing Attorney and Shareholder of Ormond Beach’s Kistemaker Business Law Group, has been selected to Florida Super Lawyers for the 10th consecutive year. The condo, construction, HOA, real estate, business law and landlord and tenant law attorney has had an incredibly active role in new and changing legislation regarding Florida condo law – being featured as a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (FDBPR) authority on multifarious state-wide panels discussing the latest regulatory changes and Legislative Updates.

Since 2004, Attorney Kistemaker has served on the Real Property, Probate, Trust Law Section (RPPTL) and is a voting and Executive member on the Florida Bar Condominium & Planned Development Committee where she serves as Co-Chair of the Education Sub-Committee, among others. Additionally, she serves on the Senate Bill 4D/154 Substantive Legislative Committee Task Force and Board Certification Course Committee. 

This is the 12th straight year Attorney Kistemaker has been recognized by the organization (voted a Rising Star previously), “It’s an incredible honor to be selected by peers in this capacity and to be working with the ever-evolving condo law legislation in our state,” she noted.

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a research-driven, peer-influenced rating service of outstanding lawyers. No more than five percent of attorneys are selected annually in the state using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, peer nominations, independent research by Super Lawyers, and evaluations from a highly credentialed panel of attorneys. The objective of Super Lawyers is to create a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys to be used as a resource for referring attorneys, consumers, and business professionals seeking legal counsel.

A graduate of Ormond Beach’s Seabreeze High School, Attorney Kistemaker received her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Florida. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law – cum laude, where she also served as a teacher’s assistant. She was a certified Legal Intern for the Office of the Public Defender in Miami, as well as for a federal court judge there. Ms. Kistemaker is licensed to practice law in New York, Florida, England and Wales.

Real Estate Insider Podcast with Erum S. Kistemaker

7/8/25

Join us for a quick dive into the latest condo rules with condo attorney Erum S. Kistemaker of Kistemaker Business Law Group and Association President Kristin Petersen as they break down what it all means for our community.

Attorney Kistemaker Nominated Community Leader for News-Journal 2024 Impact Award

3/18/25

“The Community Impact Awards celebrate businesses and civic leaders who shape our community. They honor outstanding individuals and businesses who have made significant contributions to the Volusia/Flagler community! Congratulations to our Winners!”

Kistemaker Business Law Group Receives Gold Award from Florida Community Association Journal

3/7/25

“The FLCAJ Readers’ Choice Awards is a unique recognition program that shines a spotlight on the positive contributions of community association service providers throughout Florida. Awards are presented to companies that demonstrate, through their commitment to the community associations they serve, an exemplary level of proficiency, reliability, fairness, and integrity. The FLCAJ Readers’ Choice Awards is an annual recognition program that debuted in 2014 with 37 award recipients. This year more than 12,000 ballots were cast, and over 250 companies were recognized as award recipients.

About the Florida Community Association Journal: A monthly print and digital periodical for over 35 years, Florida Community Association Journal is the leading source of educational information and services for Florida’s 45,000+ community associations. Our readers are condominium and homeowner association board members, community association managers, property management companies, and service providers for the industry. The print edition is systematically mailed to virtually every board and manager on a rotating statewide circulation.”

Attorney Kistemaker Featured in Property Insurance Report

12/3/24

Older coastal buildings in rough shape with unaffordable special assessments will likely be sold to developers and torn down for new luxury high-rises. Condo units worth hundreds of thousands of dollars on valuable land will be foreclosed upon and replaced with condos worth millions of dollars, said Erum Kistemaker, an attorney in the Daytona Beach area who represents condominium associations. “These condos became almost like retirement living facilities – people with fixed incomes – that is what is going to change,” she said. “You’re going to see a different [type of owner] in condos.” Read more in the Property Insurance Report and subscribe!

Attorney Kistemaker Invited by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to Speak at Special Assessments Event

1/10/23

This is a FREE and virtual event hosted by the Education Section of the Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes. This special event is a webinar series called the “The Florida Condo Education Initiative”. The Education Initiative is a partnership between the Division of Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes’, Office of the Florida Condominium Ombudsman, and the Condominium and Planned Development Committee of The Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar.

This presentation will contain comments and viewpoints from attorneys which will be provided for informational purposes only. The comments and viewpoints should not be construed as legal advice.

Erum Kistemaker

Erum Kistemaker

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