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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs. M. G., INC.; BELLO RIO CONDOMINIUM; ET AL., 82-003451 (1982)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 82-003451 Latest Update: May 21, 1983

Findings Of Fact M. G., Incorporated, a real estate developer in Brevard County, Florida, caused to be constructed The Bello Rio Condominium complex at 255 South Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, Florida. On January 25, 1979, the Chief, Bureau of Condominiums, Department of Business Regulation, State of Florida, advised the attorney for the Developer that, pursuant to Rule 7D-17.05, Florida Administrative Code, the condominium documents submitted for approval for the project in question here had been reviewed and were considered proper for filing, and that the Developer could lawfully close sales contracts on units within the project. Units were sold; and on September 1, 1981, the project was "turned over" by the Developer to the association. At the meeting held for this purpose, several documents were delivered by the Developer to the association's Board of Administration (Board) in the person of Faye Shaffer, a resident of the development. These documents consisted of: Three (3) checks totaling $1,800; The association seal; The original recorded copy of the Declaration; The original copy of the Articles of Incorporation; A condominium insurance policy; A flood insurance renewal declaration; and Certificates of Occupancy for twelve (12) units. All plans and specifications in the hands of the Developer were released to the association's attorney sometime in that general time frame. Further, because there were no common areas covered by warranties, none were available to turn over. Either at the time of turnover or shortly thereafter, during the month of September, 1981, Mrs. Shaffer also received from the Developer five sheets of check ledger paper reflecting the following categories of entries: Date of check; Payee; Check number; Amount of check; Lawn maintenance; Utilities; Insurance; Garbage pickup; Bank service charge; Miscellaneous; and Management fee (10 percent). These ledger sheets were not certified as reviewed by a certified public accountant and constituted the only financial records turned over to the association by the Developer at any time. The accounting and bookkeeping functions for this project were accomplished initially in the offices of the Developer. Thereafter, the Developer retained Guest Realty, Inc., to manage the facility, including the collection of maintenance fees and making payments as required for utilities, etc. During the period of that company's stewardship, all accounting for funds and bank statement reconciliations were handled by Guest Realty, Inc. Any deficiencies resulting between fees collected and expenses paid during that period were made up by the Developer, and Guest Realty, Inc., received a fee of 10 percent of the maintenance fees received for its services. Any bills, receipts, cancelled checks, or other records kept during the period are now in storage; and Mr. Guest, on behalf of Respondent, M. G., Incorporated, will not make the effort to retrieve them unless required to do so by some competent authority.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED: That Respondent be assessed a penalty of $500 under the provisions of Section 718.501(1)(d)4, Florida Statutes (1981) RECOMMENDED this 13th of May, 1983, in Tallahassee, Florida. ARNOLD H. POLLOCK, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 13th day of May, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Helen C. Ellis, Esquire Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 William C. Irvin, Esquire Post Office Box 606 Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931 Mr. Gary R. Rutledge Secretary Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Mr. E. James Kearney Director Division of Florida Land Sales and Condominiums Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 ================================================================= AGENCY FINAL ORDER =================================================================

Florida Laws (1) 718.301
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INA LUDKA vs WINSTON TOWERS 600 CONDO ASSOCIATION, INC., 13-003704 (2013)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Sep. 24, 2013 Number: 13-003704 Latest Update: Oct. 13, 2014

The Issue Whether Respondents committed the unlawful housing discrimination practices alleged in the Housing Discrimination Complaint filed with the Florida Commission on Human Relations ("FCHR") and, if so, what relief should Petitioner be granted.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner is an African-American female. Petitioner is a "unit owner" of a condominium located at 210-174th Street #310, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Said unit is located in the Winston Towers 600 Condominium ("Condominium"). Respondent, the Association, is a Florida non-profit corporation and the entity responsible for the operation of the Condominium. Respondent, Board of Directors, possesses the powers and duties necessary for the administration of the affairs of the Condominium. Pursuant to the Association By-Laws, the affairs of the Association are to be governed by a board of initially three, and not less than three, nor more than nine directors. Respondent, Jorge Nunez, was the President of the Association's Board of Directors at all times material to the Complaint. During his tenure, Mr. Nunez was also the chairman of the financial committee.4/ Respondent, Monica Zarante, possesses a Florida Community Association Manager ("CAM") license and at all times material was the Association's manager. Condominium Facilities and Services Pursuant to the Condominium prospectus, the following facilities have been constructed in the Condominium, and form a part of the "common elements" of the Condominium and are to be used exclusively by the unit owners, their tenants, and guests: clubroom and entertainment areas (billiard room, library, men's and women's card rooms, meeting room and kitchen, bicycle room, and large screen television room); (b) main lobby; (c) mail room; (d) laundry room and vending machine room; (e) association office; (f) four elevators; (g) recreational facilities (tennis court, recreation pavilion, men and women's health clubs, party room, and sun deck); (h) L-shaped swimming pool; (i) jogging trail; (j) two shuffleboard courts; and (k) an irregularly-shaped reflecting pool. Pursuant to the Condominium prospectus, the following are the delineated utilities and services available to the Condominium: electricity, telephone service, waste disposal, domestic water supply, sanitary sewage, storm drainage, and master antenna service. Association Committees As noted above, Petitioner's Complaint alleges that, "sometime in 2012 she was denied her right to participate on Association committees because of her race." Association By-Law 5.2 addresses committees and provides as follows: Committees. The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees which shall have the powers of the Board of Directors for the management of the affairs and business of the Association to the extent provided in the resolution designating such a committee. Any such committee shall consist of at least three members of the Association, at least one of whom shall be a Director. The committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors, and any such committee shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and report the same to the Board of Directors as required. The foregoing powers shall be exercised by the Board of Directors or its contractor, manager or employees, subject only to approval by Unit Owners when such is specifically required. Respondent Nunez credibly testified that the availability to participate on committees is open to all unit owners. If an owner wishes to be on a committee, he or she simply needs to communicate that desire to the particular committee chairperson. Mr. Nunez, at some point in time, was apparently the chairman of the financial committee. In Petitioner's direct examination of Respondent Nunez, the following exchange occurred: Q. Okay. Did you say, "You sit at this table with us, never?" A. Never. I can't say that. I can't say "never." I cannot reject anybody to belong to any committee. I can't. It's impossible. Q. Okay. A. I like you, I don't like you, you want to be on the committee, you have a right to be on the committee. Petitioner testified that she was denied access to the financial committee to which Mr. Nunez chaired. Petitioner failed, however, to present sufficient evidence for the undersigned to determine whether this alleged denial occurred during the time relevant to the allegations of Petitioner's Complaint. Even if relevant, outside of her bare assertion, which is not credited, Petitioner failed to present sufficient evidence to establish that she was ever denied the right to participate on any Association committee. As a subset, Petitioner argues that she was denied "meaningful participation" on the committees, and thus, in condominium decision-making. In support of this contention, Petitioner references the testimony from Association Board Member Audrey Bekoff. In response to Petitioner's question of "why did the Petitioner point her finger at you?," Ms. Bekoff responded as follows: I haven't got the slightest idea. When you get angry, you pull your hair, you scream, you yell, you wipe the things off Monica's desk. You knock the things off. Everybody knows you on the Board. When you come into the meeting, everybody leaves. Petitioner contends that the "refusal to allow her to participate arose from Respondents' extreme dislike for her, and this extreme dislike was likely based, at least in part, on her race." Petitioner's contention, however, is belied by the record evidence. Indeed, audio recordings of various Association meetings provide multiple examples of Petitioner's robust participation in a variety of condominium issues. Assuming, arguendo, that Petitioner provided evidence to support the position that she is not well-liked, aside from her bald allegation, she failed to present any evidence of discriminatory animus in regards to Association committee participation. Association Records Petitioner claims she was denied access to the Association's financial records (in general) and records related to a particular condominium unit, Unit 2007, on the basis of her race. Petitioner alleges that the records requests were made on July 30, 2012, and November 1, 2012. Monica Zerante testified that the Association's protocol for requesting records from the Association included submitting a request in writing, and, thereafter, the Association provides a copy of the requested document or the requesting party may be given access to find the document. She further explained that the Association's policy is to charge 25 cents per copy; however, that charge is frequently waived. Mr. Nunez provided the further detail that once the Association receives a records request, the Association has ten days to accommodate the request. Although the Association has established rules regarding the frequency and time of record inspections and copying, Mr. Nunez credibly testified that same were not enforced concerning Petitioner. It is undisputed that on at least one occasion, while Petitioner was present in the Association's office for the purpose of inspecting/reviewing Association documents, a conflict arose between Petitioner and Monica Zerante such that Ms. Zerante requested law enforcement assistance. In support of her contention that she was treated differently because of her race, Petitioner testified as follows: Okay. Mr. Nunez, while not on the Board, goes to the office and he gets a monthly statement of the Association operating budget on a monthly basis and he is entitled to that. I go and request the same thing and I'm told I have to pay for it. And if I object to paying for it, then the police is called. * * * Q. You have no evidence that Mr. Nunez, when he was off the Board, did not similarly have to pay for records, correct? A. I have seen with my eyes that he has not. Q. Well, you have no idea if he actually paid for those records separately, do you? A. I've never seen him pay for that. Inconsistently, Petitioner subsequently testified that, at times, like Mr. Nunez, she was also provided documents free of charge. Petitioner failed to present sufficient evidence to establish that any document that the Association was required to maintain (and not prohibited from disclosure) was not, in fact, provided or made available for inspection. Respondents' witnesses credibly testified that Petitioner had access to all available documents, and their testimony was buttressed by the record evidence. Furthermore, a review of the record reveals that Respondents' legal counsel, on multiple occasions, provided written responses to Petitioner's document requests.5/ Even if Petitioner had presented sufficient evidence to establish that she was denied access to the Association's records, Petitioner failed to present sufficient evidence to establish that any such denial was due to any discriminatory animus on the basis of her race.6/ Access to Property Petitioner's Access The original Condominium Rules and Regulations provided that, "[a]utomobiles belonging to residents must at all times bear the identifying garage sticker provided by the Association." On July 27, 2011, Ms. Zarante, on behalf of the Condominium, authored a memorandum to all residents. The contents of the memorandum are as follows: DEAR RESIDENT, PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT AS OF TODAY, YOU MUST DISPLAY THE CAR BARCODE LABEL IN YOUR CARS AT ALL TIMES, WHILE COMING INTO THE BUILDING SO YOU CAN USE THE RESIDENT'S ENTRANCE GATE AND WHILE YOUR CAR IS PARKED IN YOUR ASSIGNED PARKING SPACE. ALSO, THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR'S WINDSHIELD MUST DISPLAY THE WINSTON TOWERS LABEL SHOWING THE SPACE NUMBER. IN CASE YOU DO NOT HAVE THE BARCODE LABEL OR THE WINSTON TOWERS LABEL, PLEASE, STOP BY THE OFFICE IN ORDER TO GET THEM. IF YOU ALREADY HAVE THE CAR BARCODE LABEL DISPLAYED IN YOUR CAR, WE ASK YOU TO PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING THE VISITOR'S GATE AND TO ALWAYS USE THE RESIDENT'S ENTRANCE GATE. On that same date, Ms. Zarante, on behalf of the Condominium, authored a memorandum to the gate security personnel. Said memorandum set forth the same information as above, and further advised the gate personnel to advise residents without the requisite barcode and label to stop by the office to obtain the same. The memorandum further instructed the security personnel as follows: SHOULD THE RESIDENT WITH A CAR BARCODE LABEL ALREADY PLACED IN THE CAR STILL DECIDES [sic] TO USE THE VISITOR'S GATE, PLEASE TELL THEM THAT YOU WILL ONLY OPEN THAT TIME FOR THEM, THAT IN THE FUTURE THEY MUST USE THE RESIDENT'S ENTRANCE GATE AS YOU WILL NOT OPEN FOR THEM. SHOULD THEY HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE BARCODE LABEL, PLEASE TELL THEM TO STOP BY THE OFFICE. On September 8, 2011, the Board of Directors issued a memorandum to "Residents Using Visitor's Gate" entitled "FINAL NOTICE/RESIDENT BUILDING ACCESS." The memorandum advised the residents as follows: DEAR RESIDENT, PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT YOU MUST DISPLAY THE CAR BARCODE LABEL IN YOUR CARS AT ALL TIMES. YOU MUST USE THE CAR BARCODE LABEL AND USE THE RESIDENT'S ENTRANCE WHEN ENTERING OUR BUILDING. SHOULD YOU CONTINUE USING THE VISITOR'S GATE, WHICH IS FOR VISITORS AND DELIVERIES ONLY, YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED. AS AN OWNER/RESIDENT YOU WILL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER; HOWEVER, YOUR AUTOMOBILE WILL NOT. IF YOU LEAVE YOUR AUTOMOBILE IN THE VISITOR'S ENTRANCE THE POLICE WILL BE NOTIFIED AND YOUR AUTOMOBILE WILL BE TOWED. PLEASE, ABIDE BY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS TO AVOID FUTURE PROBLEMS. The Condominium maintained regular office hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for residents to obtain the aforementioned barcode/label. On or about September 14, 2011, Petitioner attempted to enter the Condominium using the visitors' gate. Despite being advised of the barcode/label requirement and the admonition against using the visitors' gate, Petitioner had not acquired the barcode/label. After the security officer advised Petitioner that he was not permitted to open the visitors' gate for residents, Petitioner entered the security gate house and opened the gate herself. As a result of her actions, law enforcement was called to the scene, and ultimately Petitioner gained access to the Condominium. Subsequently, as a result of Petitioner's actions, she was advised via correspondence that her actions were improper.7/ After obtaining the requisite barcode/label, there is no evidence that Petitioner experienced any further inconvenience regarding the gate. The undersigned finds that Petitioner was not denied access to her property. The undersigned further finds that Petitioner presented no evidence that any inconvenience regarding the gate was due to her race. Petitioner's Son Visitors of unit owners were required to pay $2.00 to park in the guest parking lot. Unit owners, like Petitioner, for the convenience of their guests, were permitted to pre-pay for a guest if the guest was anticipated to arrive that day. Carlos Devesa, a security guard at the front gate, testified that a special exception was made for Petitioner, wherein she was allowed to accept a deposit for her guests for a longer period of time. Petitioner testified that on one occasion, a security guard, who is not an employee of the Condominium or the Association, delivered a package to Petitioner's son at the front gate. Petitioner extrapolates that benefit into a denial of access to her property: Security was trying to be nice by greeting him off the property with a package that was left on the property for him. Q. Okay. What evidence do you have that was based on race? A. In the case of my son, again, he was denied access to come to the property. It wasn't because of parking, so maybe you should have been asking security what was his motivation. Q. I'm asking you because you made the allegation. A. Well, I believe that he met him out at the street because he wanted to interfere with his right to come on the property. The undersigned finds that Petitioner's son was not denied access to Petitioner's property. The undersigned further finds that Petitioner failed to present any evidence that Petitioner's son's access to Petitioner's property was denied due to her or his race. Lien Between the twelfth and fifteenth day of each month, the Association runs a "delinquency report." If it is determined that a unit owner or resident is delinquent (in maintenance fees, assessments, etc.) an initial letter is issued reminding of the delinquency. If the delinquency is not then satisfied, a thirty (30) day certified letter is issued. Thereafter, if the delinquency is not cured, the Association ceases to be involved and refers the matter to the Association's legal counsel for further handling. It is undisputed that Petitioner became delinquent in maintenance fees. Following the above protocol, a lien was ultimately placed on Petitioner's unit. Thereafter, Petitioner satisfied the maintenance fees; however, she refused to pay the attorneys' fees associated with the legal process. Petitioner contends that she was treated differently in the lien process due to her race. In support of her position, Petitioner believes that Unit 2007 was not subject to the same protocol. The evidence establishes that Unit 2007 was delinquent for a longer period of time than Petitioner's unit prior to being sent to the Association's counsel. Unlike Petitioner's unit, however, Unit 2007 was placed in foreclosure, and was ultimately sold through a foreclosure sale. The undersigned finds that a lien was placed on Petitioner's unit. The undersigned finds that Petitioner presented no evidence to establish that the lien process was initiated due to her race.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Florida Commission on Human Relations enter a final order dismissing the Petition for Relief. DONE AND ENTERED this 17th day of July, 2014, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S TODD P. RESAVAGE Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 17th day of July, 2014.

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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs. RIVERWOOD CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., 85-003573 (1985)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 85-003573 Latest Update: Apr. 24, 1986

The Issue The issue is whether Riverwood Condominium Association, Inc., ("the Association") violated Section 718.112(2)(i), Florida Statutes (1984 Supp.) by collecting $18,625 as common element security deposits from October 1, 1984 through March 31, 1985 in connection with leases of condominium units. There is little dispute as to the facts; this matter turns on the meaning of the terms "charge" and "fee" in Section 718.112(2)(i), Florida Statutes (1984 Supp.). The refundable security deposit of $1,000 which tenants of condominium unit owners post at the beginning of a tenancy, and which is returned to the tenant on the termination of the tenancy, (less any amounts assessed as fines or for damage done to common property by the tenant), does not constitute a "charge" or a "fee" which is forbidden by Florida Condominium Act. The Notice to Show Cause should be dismissed.

Findings Of Fact The Respondent is an association, as that term is defined in Section 718.103(2), Florida Statutes (1984 SUPP.) which is responsible for the operation of the 128-unit Riverwood Condominium. The condominium has undergone a substantial demographic change from the time it first began operation. Originally it was occupied by unit owners. Now about 43% of the units are rented out by their owners. The Directors of the Association found it useful to institute the security deposit program because as the character of the residents of the condominium changed from owners to tenants, damage was caused to common elements by tenants and their children, including but not limited to the following: backing into fences with automobiles, causing damage; knocking down light posts with automobiles; maliciously attempting to set fires to the clubhouse; knocking over concrete stanchions in entrance ways appurtenant to the Condominium; causing damage to electrical connections servicing the common elements by performing unauthorized repairs to the common elements adjacent to units; malicious damage to items of personally belonging to the Association; clogging swimming pool filters; defecation in swimming pool; damaging grassy areas with automobiles, necessitating the replacement of sod; and discharging of B-B guns through windows of the clubhouse. Tenants have also violated Association rules, for which fines are prescribed in the rules. The Association found, however, that it paid $3,000 in legal fees to collect a $345 fine from a tenant. Owners and those for whom they are responsible also have damaged common elements. The Declaration of Condominium for the Riverwood Condominium provides that "[u]nits shall not be leased without the prior written approval of the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding the lease of his unit, the liability of the unit owner shall continue" (See Respondent's response to request for admissions, filed January 30, 1986.) The Association does take applications to screen prospective tenants, but it has never charged an administrative fee in connection with the processing of those applications (id.) A resolution enacted by the Board of Director of the Riverwood Condominium Association and adopted as a rule or regulation permits the Association to collect a $1,000 refundable security deposit from each new tenant who leases a unit at the Riverwood Condominium (id.). The Declaration of Condominium, Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Association do not themselves provide for the collection of security deposits. Under the authority of the resolution, the Association has collected a $1,000 refundable security deposit for each new tenant who leases a unit at the Riverwood Condominium (id.). At the conclusion of a tenancy, the security deposit is refunded in full unless the tenant was found to have damaged common property or violated Association-rules (id.). During the period October 1984 through March 1985 the Association collected security deposits in the amount to $18,625.00 (id.) 1/. The $1,000 refundable security deposit is invested at interest, but the interest is maintained by the Association, in part to defray the cost of administering the security deposit program. In the event officers or employees of the Association believe that damage has been caused to a common element by a tenant or the tenant has violated a rule, the Association gives the tenant a written notice to appear before the Board of Directors of the Association. In the event the tenant does not appear at the meeting, a second notice is provided to appearing at the following Board meeting. When the tenant appears, the tenant is given the opportunity to answer the allegation. The Board determines upon the evidence presented at the Board meeting whether damage was caused by the tenant or a rule has been violated, the amount of any damage is determined, and that amount, or the prescribed fine, is deducted from the security deposit. No evidence was presented that a security deposit has been reduced without the tenant having the opportunity to be heard on whether he is responsible for damage or has violated a rule. As of the time of the hearing, the Association maintained over $50,000 in the interest-bearing security deposit account. While the $1,000 security deposit is not collected from unit owners at the condominium, it is collected from all tenants regardless of the length of tenancy, number of persons occupying the unit or the age of those occupants. The problems of finding a way to deal with misbehavior of tenants encountered by the Association is similar to problems experienced by other condominium associations in its geographical area.

Recommendation The Notice to Show Cause should be dismissed. DONE AND ORDERED this 24th day of April 1986 in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. WILLIAM R. DORSEY, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 24th day of April 1986.

Florida Laws (3) 120.57718.103718.112
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DIVISION OF LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs. GRAYSTONE R. S. CORPORATION, 85-002261 (1985)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 85-002261 Latest Update: Dec. 16, 1985

Findings Of Fact Respondent, Graystone Fairways Corporation (GFC), is wholly owned by Louis Wingold, a Canadian developer. He is also its president. In January, 1979, GFC entered into a five-year joint venture with Tamway Corporation (Tamway), whose president was Harvey Kaliff. The agreement provided that GFC and Tamway would construct, develop and market a two phase condominium project in Tamarac, Florida known as Fairways of Tamarac III (Fairways or project). Each phase of the project was intended to have thirty units. To date only the first phase of the project has been constructed. Building permits for the second phase have been obtained, but no construction work has commenced. The project was apparently subject to registration requirements with petitioner, Department of Business Regulation, Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes (Division). It is that agency which has initiated the complaint herein, of which two of three counts therein remain pending. Under the foregoing joint venture agreement, GFC generally provided the financing for the project while Tamway provided the site construction and sales of units. The agreement further designated Tamway as the managing partner to conduct the day-to-day business of the joint venture. Among other things, Tamway was authorized to enter into purchase and sale contracts for the sale of individual units in the project. Accordingly, Wingold had no active participation in the management of the project's day-to-day business, for the agreement provided that Kaliff would have that responsibility. After Fairways of Tamarac III was constructed, Kaliff hired Ron Settler and Victoria Falzone as salespersons to market and sell the individual units. The first unit was sold by Settler to Irving A. Goodman in November, 1982. Goodman was represented by counsel at the closing and, through counsel, received a packet of documents. In the summer of 1984 Goodman learned that he should have received a prospectus prior to closing, but did not. He was given a prospectus by the present project manager, Joan Nathanson, after asking for a copy. Two other units were purchased in July and September, 1983, respectively, by Sidney G. Resnick and Morton Tolmack. Both were sold by either Settler or Falzone. Tolmack was represented by counsel at closing while Resnick had no attorney. Although both executed receipts for condominium documents which reflected a prospectus was included in their packet of documents, their oral testimony to the contrary is accepted as being more credible and persuasive, and it is found that neither received a prospectus at or before closing. When they discovered at a later date they were supposed to have received one, they were given one by Nathanson. Wingold had no knowledge of Tamway's failure to give a prospectus to Goodman, Resnick and Tolmack. He first learned of this when the complaint herein was filed. Sometime in 1983 or early 1984, Wingold discovered that Kaliff was not fulfilling the terms of his obligation under the joint venture. Beginning in February, 1984, three circuit court actions were filed, and a settlement, the joint venture was dissolved, and GFC was given exclusive title and rights to the project by Tamway/Graystone. According to Wingold, Settler was convicted on 22 counts of theft from the project. He was dismissed from employment around May, 1984. During the course of the above litigation, no units could be sold because Kaliff would not agree to sign any documents conveying clear title to the purchaser. Consequently, no sales efforts could be made during this period of time. Except for the time when the litigation was pending, the unsold project units were being offered for sale by the developer in the ordinary course of business. When the settlement was executed on September 5, 1984, thirteen out of thirty units had been sold by Kaliff and Tamway. The last closing under Kaliff's management occurred in May, 1984. Wingold hired a new project manager that same month, and after the litigation was settled, began advertising in local newspapers in an effort to sell the remaining units. This included periodic advertising in two Fort Lauderdale newspapers in September and October, 1984 and January, 1985. This effort met with little or no success due to the then-existing "glut" of condominiums in South Florida. Wingold then searched for a broker to sell the units. Although he had a difficulty in finding a broker who was interested in marketing the units, in February, 1985 he executed a six-month agreement with Condovest, Inc., a firm in Miami that specializes in such sales. Since September, 1984 the developer has closed on six units and has four more under constract at the present time. This leaves seven unsold units, all of which are now rented except one which is used as a model apartment and office. The office is open only on week-days except by special appointment. The unsold units were rented by Wingold due to a large monthly payment ($15,000) on the construction loan. Such units were offered for rent in local newspaper advertisements and at one time on a sign appearing at the front entrance to the property. The rents are used to cover the debt service until the units are sold. The oldest lease agreement expires in May, 1986. Therefore, only the model unit is immediately available for occupancy by a buyer. All others must be sold subject to the lease. Even so, four units are now under contract subject to the leases, and Wingold continues to seek buyers for the remaining rented units. Subsection 718.503(2), Florida Statutes (Supp. 1984), requires that a prospectus be given to purchasers of condominium units prior to closing. Goodman, Resnick and Tolmack were not given such documents as required by law. This finding is based upon the testimony of the three unit owners which is accepted as being the more persuasive evidence on this issue. However, there is no evidence that any of the three was harmed or disadvantaged by their failure to receive copies of the prospectus until 1984 or 1985, particularly since two were represented by counsel at closing. Subsection 718.301(2), Florida Statutes (Supp. 1984), also requires that a meeting be called to allow unit owners to elect a majority of the members of the board of administration when none of the unsold units in the project are being "offered for sale by the developer in the ordinary course of business." There is no evidence of record as to how the agency construes that term, or what is the generally accepted meaning within the condominium industry. It is undisputed that no meeting has yet been called by Wingold. However, Wingold has not done so nor is he required to do so since units have been and are still being offered for sale in the ordinary course of business. Besides this, he fears that he cannot fulfill the terms of the four pending purchase and sell contracts if control of the project is turned over to the present unit owners.3 But this concern is irrelevant to a determination of the issue presented herein.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that respondent be found guilty as charged in Count II of the amended notice to show cause, and that it be fined $500.00 to be paid within thirty days from date of the Final Order in this Cause. Count I should be DISMISSED, with prejudice. DONE and ORDERED this l6th day of December, 1985, in Tallahassee, Florida. DONALD R. ALEXANDER Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 16th day of December, 1985.

Florida Laws (4) 120.57718.301718.503718.504
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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs. VILLAS OF ORLANDO, LTD., 83-001748 (1983)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 83-001748 Latest Update: Aug. 12, 1983

Findings Of Fact Respondent is a Florida limited partnership which developed a 230-unit condominium in Orlando, Florida, by conversion of existing rental apartments. The condominium was registered with Petitioner, and Respondent received written notice of approval of the condominium documents in January, 1980. Respondent recorded the Declaration of Condominium in June, 1980, and closed the first sale of a condominium unit in September, 1980. The condominium documents prepared by Respondent and approved by Petitioner in January, 1980, included an estimated operating budget for the condominium Association for the year 1980. This budget proved sufficiently accurate that it was used for the years 1981 and 1982 without amendment or republication. This budget established a reserve for replacement of $1,500 per month. Paragraph 20 of the Declaration of Condominium provides: The Developer shall not be liable for the payment of ordinary common expenses on units which it owns. Unless and until the Developer elects to pay the regular assessments for common expenses charged against all other unit owners, the Developer guarantees that: (1) monthly assessments for common expenses shall not increase over the amounts set forth in Schedule B and (2) it will pay all actual ordinary common operating expenses in excess of the amounts collected from unit owners other than the Developer at the amount stated above. Pursuant to the developer's understanding of this provision, no payments were made by the developer for any unit which it owned, i.e., which remained unsold. However, as the units were sold, common expenses were charged to each new owner. No separate agreement was entered into between the developer and the unit owners regarding the former's contribution to the common expenses. Reserves for replacement are a necessary expense for the operation of improved real estate. Here, where the building was not newly constructed but converted from an existing apartment building, the remaining life of the building is shorter than would be the life of a new building, therefore a greater need exists for immediately commencing the funding for replacement than would exist with a new building. Respondent made no contribution to the reserve account for those units it owned before they were sold, but commenced charging the new owners for those expenses as soon as the units were purchased. In February, 1983, Respondent turned over control of the condominium Association to the unit purchasers. At this time there was $24,228.15 in the Association's bank account. Although the unit owners approved a proposed 1983 budget in June, 1982, no proposed budget was submitted to the unit owners in 1980 or 1981 for use in 1981 and 1982. The initial operating budget was used for 1981 and 1982, and this same budget was approved by the unit owners for use in 1983. Respondent failed to provide an annual accounting to each unit owner within 60 days of the end of fiscal years 1980 and 1981. No unit owner requested such an accounting until May of 1982, at which time Respondent' prepared an accounting for the operations of the condominium Association from its inception and delivered it to those two unit owners. Respondent fully accounted for all receipts and expenditures accruing to the Association from its inception until turned over to the unit owners in February, 1983. Petitioner did not audit the books and records of the Association until late in 1982 when the alleged discrepancies were noted.

Florida Laws (3) 718.111718.112718.116
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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs. NINE-EIGHT CORPORATION, D/B/A HIDDEN BANYAN CONDOMINIUM, 83-002775 (1983)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 83-002775 Latest Update: Jul. 30, 1984

The Issue Whether Respondent, the developer of Hidden Banyan Condominium, violated provisions of Chapter 718, Florida Statutes, and implementing rules by failing to timely call a meeting to allow unit owners, other than the developer, to elect one-third of the members of the board of directors; by failing to include reserve accounts in the condominium association's 1982 and 1983 budgets; by failing to call an annual meeting in 1981, 1982 and 1983; and by failing to pay its share of common expenses.

Findings Of Fact Respondent is the developer of Hidden Banyan Condominium, a 24-unit condominium located in Lantana, Florida. This condominium was created, in law, on March 6, 1980, with the filing of a Declaration of Condominium, and construction was completed soon thereafter. Under the Declaration of Condominium, Hidden Banyan Condominium Association, Inc., a Florida not-for- profit corporation, was responsible for the operation of the condominium. Respondent sold the first condominium units on April 18, 1980, May 15, 1980, July 1, 1980, and two units on August 1, 1980. Consequently on August 1, 1980, unit owners other than Respondent owned more than 15 percent of the condominium units. Respondent controlled the condominium association until September 26, 1983, when a duly noticed condominium association meeting was held. Four non- developer unit owners were elected to the five seats on the governing board. Sam Seppala, a contractor and president of the Respondent corporation, was formerly director of the condominium association's governing board. Although several informal meetings of unit owners were held, no duly noticed annual meeting was held in 1982 or in February, 1983. 1/ As Mr. Seppala explained, he was "too busy" and unaware of the February annual meeting date designated by the Declaration. Respondent admits that, during the time it controlled the association, it failed to call a meeting of the unit owners within sixty days of August 1, 1980, to allow unit owners (other than the developer) to elect one-third of the membership of the governing board. The budgets for the condominium association during 1982 and 1983, when the association was controlled by the developer, contained reserve accounts but did not separately designate or "line itemize" reserve accounts for roof replacement, building painting, and pavement resurfacing. Both before and after July 1, 1980, 2/ - until August 5, 1983, when the Notice to Show Cause was issued - Respondent paid no monthly common expense assessments for the units which it owned. It did, however, pay all of the condominium association's budgetary deficits during that period, and no net amount is now owed by it to the association. There is no evidence that the condominium association suffered any monetary loss from Respondent's failure to itemize reserve accounts for roof replacement, building painting, and pavement resurfacing, or from its failure to pay common expenses otherwise due for the units which it owns. Beginning in March, 1982, the Division notified Respondent - on four separate occasions - of the alleged violations which later became the subject of its Notice to Show Cause, resulting in this proceeding. Respondent was given ample opportunity to voluntarily comply with the statute, yet did not do so until September 1, 1983.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That respondent be fined $3000 for multiple violations of Ch. 718, Florida Statutes. DONE and ENTERED this 5th day of June, 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida. R. L. CALEEN, JR. Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 5th day of June, 1984.

Florida Laws (6) 120.57718.112718.115718.116718.301718.501
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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs. OCEAN DUNES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, T/A OCEAN DUNES, A CONDOMINIUM, 85-003015 (1985)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 85-003015 Latest Update: Dec. 22, 1986

Findings Of Fact Based upon my observation of the witnesses and their demeanor while testifying, the documentary evidence received and the entire record compiled herein, I hereby make the following Findings of Fact: The Respondent, Ocean Dunes Development Corporation, is the developer of a residential condominium known as Ocean Dunes, located in Highland Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida. Count One The first closing on a unit in Ocean Dunes occurred on April 30, 1982. The Respondent controlled the operation of the condominium association from the incorporation of the association up to February 4, 1986, when unit owners other than the developer elected a majority of the members of the board of administration of the condominium association. Pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation of the condominium association, the board of directors is composed of three members. According to the by-laws of the association, unit owners other than the developer are entitled to elect at least one-third of the members of the board when they own fifteen per cent of the units in the condominium. The by-laws further provide that within sixty days after unit owners other than the developer are entitled to elect a member of the board, the association shall call and give not less than thirty days notice of a meeting of the unit owners for this purpose. on July 15, 1982, unit owners other than the developer owned fifteen per cent of the total number of units in the condominium. The first association unit owner meeting after July 15, 1982, occurred in April of 1983. Present at the meeting were several unit owners and Mr. Philip Connor, president of both the association and the developer corporation. According to the association by-laws, a quorum is achieved by a majority of the votes of the entire membership. In April of 1983 there were 48 units in the condominium, 17 units were owned by someone other than the developer. Therefore, the developer's unit votes were absolutely necessary to achieve a quorum. At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Connor, the president of the developer corporation, stated that he was not authorized to utilize the developer's unit votes through proxy or otherwise. Mr. Connor stated: First item, obviously is to determine whether we have a quorum in order to properly conduct business. I am not voting on behalf of the developing company this evening. Mr. Hubert (the general counsel of the developer) as far as I know we do not have a quorum. Therefore, the meeting is officially adjourned. But, Mr. Connor went on to add: However, I would like to spend some time with you this evening to go over and formulate any questions or problems, et cetra. Unit owners other than the developer did not elect a member of the board of administration of the association until April 17, 1984. Count Two While operating the condominium association, the Respondent used condominium association common funds to pay for certain carpentry expenses in the amount of $1,836. The carpentry expenses were the responsibility of the Respondent as developer. During the initial phases of the investigation of this case by the Department of Business Regulation, the Respondent agreed that the carpentry expenses were the developer's responsibility and reimbursed $1,836 to the association on August 29, 1984. Count Three An "election period" is a mechanism by which the developer, as the owner of units, is excused from the payments of assessments against those units for a certain period of time. See Section 718.116(8)(a)(1), Florida Statutes. During an election period, the developer does not pay assessments on developer-owned units, but instead pays the difference between the common expenses of the association and monies received from other unit owners in the form of assessments during that period of time. In other words, if assessments collected from other unit owners are insufficient to meet common expenses, the developer is required to pay the deficiency. The election period must terminate no later than the first day of the fourth calendar month following the month in which the first closing of a unit in a condominium occurs. See Section 718.116(8)(a)(1), Florida Statutes. The first closing on the first unit in Ocean Dunes Condominium occurred on April 30, 1982. During the election period, the developer periodically funded the association and made available to it funds to pay required bills on a current, "as-due" basis. Thus, the Respondent attempted to satisfy its election period payment requirements on a cash accounting basis. The developer did not perform an election period calculation on the condominium's books and records to determine the difference between expenses incurred during the election period and assessments collected form other unit owners. Mr. Larsen, a certified public accountant and the Petitioner's expert witness, reviewed the condominium's financial records and calculated an election period deficit of $45,077.88. Mr. Larsen arrived at the figure of $45,077.88 by calculating that assessment revenues from non-developer unit owners amounted to $5,393.92 and that common expenses during the period amounted to $50,471.40, the difference being $45,077.88. The $45,077.88 figure arrived at by Larsen was composed in part of unfunded reserves during the election period, certain association bills which were left unpaid during the election period but had balances which came due later and certain prepaid assessments from other unit owners paid in advance, but which would have come due after the expiration of the election period. In arriving at the election period deficit of $45,077.88, Larsen completed a review or compilation of the financial records of the association using generally accepted principles of accounting for a review or compilation of financial statements. Count Four Unit owners other than the developer remitted their assessments on a quarterly basis. In contrast, the Respondent developer provided some funds to the association on a monthly, "as-needed" basis. Typically, when the association funds became inadequate to pay outstanding bills, the developer would contribute its assessments. At the end of each calendar year, the developer calculated an outstanding assessment liability on its inventory units and recognized that liability on the association's books. The Declaration of Condominium at Article 6.2, provided that assessments not paid on a timely basis would bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum from the date when due until paid. Although unit owners were paying their assessments on a quarterly basis, neither the Declaration of Condominium nor the by-laws established a date when assessments were due. Count Five The percentage of ownership interest of each individual unit owner in the common elements of Ocean Dunes Condominium is set forth in Exhibit B to the Declaration of Condominium. The percentage of common elements per unit ranged from a minimum of .01959 to a maximum of .02170. The quarterly assessments to unit owners were not based on the percentages of their ownership of the common elements as outlined in the recorded Declaration. Prior to the formal hearing, the Respondent acknowledged that the proper percentages were not being assessed, and adjustments were made for all unit owners' assessments. Count Six A condominium association's annual budget must include a reserve account (unless specifically waived by the association) for capital expenditures and deferred maintenance. The reserve account of the association is set aside for long term items such as roof replacement, building painting and pavement resurfacing. See Section 718.112(2)(f), Florida Statutes. Ocean Dunes Condominium Association established a budgeted annual reserve figure of $6,000 per year (reserves were not waived). On December 31, 1984, the reserve account, if fully funded, would have contained $16,569.86. While in control of the condominium association, the Respondent did not maintain a separate, funded reserve account. Rather, the Respondent showed the reserve account as a liability in its accounting statements. The listing of a reserve account as a liability on a financial statement would not violate, nor be contrary to, generally accepted principles of accounting. The Respondent believed in good faith that it was allowed to carry reserves as liability in the association's financial books. Count Seven The Respondent employed the accounting firm of Coopers and Lybrand to handle the financial books and records of the condominium association. Coopers and Lybrand has offices in both Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Although the Respondent maintained the corporate books and records of the association at the Royal Palm Beach Bank in Palm Beach County, portions of the accounting records were routinely transferred between Coopers and Lybrand's offices in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. Count Eight On February 4, 1986, unit owners other than the developer assumed control of the condominium association. After turnover, the Respondent provided the association with the annual audits performed by the accounting firm of Coopers and Lybrand. The annual audits did not cover the election period and the period early in 1986 which the audit for the year 1985 did not cover. After turnover of counsel of the association, the annual audits were the only review of the association's financial records provided to the association by the developer. After turnover, the association at all times made the corporate books and records available to the developer. Upon turnover, the Respondent offered to the association 9 pages of separate plans and specifications utilized in the construction of the condominium. Although the plans contained the certificate of a surveyor, only one of the nine plans contained a signed affidavit that the plans were authentic.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is. RECOMMENDED that a Final Order be entered: Requiring the Respondent pay to the association $45,077.88 (representing the deficit which existed during the developer election period) no later than 45 days from the date of the Final Order; Requiring that Respondent obtain, and provide to the association, no later than 60 days from the date of the Final Order, a turnover review of the financial records of the association prepared in strict compliance with Section 718.301(4)(c), Florida Statutes, and Rule 7D-23.03, Florida Administrative Code; Requiring that Respondent obtain and deliver to the association no later than 60 days from the date of the Final order, a copy of the construction plans of the condominium with a certificate in affidavit form prepared in strict compliance with Section 318.301(4)(f), Florida Statutes; and Assessing a civil penalty of $5,000. DONE AND ORDERED this 22nd day of December, 1986, in Tallahassee, Florida. W. MATTHEW STEVENSON, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 22nd day of December, 1986. COPIES FURNISHED: Karl M. Scheuerman, Esquire Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Philip R. Connor, Jr., President Ocean Dunes Development Corporation Suite 205 2929 East Commercial Boulevard Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33308 James Kearney, Secretary Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Thomas A. Bell, Esquire General Counsel Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Richard Coats, Director Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 APPENDIX The following constitutes my specific rulings pursuant to Section 120.59(2), Florida Statutes, on all of the Proposed Findings of Fact submitted by the parties to this case. Rulings on Proposed Findings of Fact Submitted by the Petitioner: Addressed in Procedural Background section. Adopted in Finding of Fact 1. Adopted in Finding of Fact 3. Addressed in Conclusions of Law section. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 4. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 5 and 9. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 6, 7 and 8. Addressed in Conclusions of Law section. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 10 and 11. Addressed in Conclusions of Law section. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 12. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 13. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 16. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 17. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 15. Rejected as a recitation of testimony. Rejected as misleading as stated, but adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 18. Rejected as misleading as stated, but adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 19, 20 and 21. The last sentence of Paragraph 19 is rejected as not supported by the weight of the evidence. Addressed in Conclusions of Law section. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 22. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 23. Addressed in Conclusions of Law section. Addressed in Conclusions of Law section. Partially adopted in Finding of Fact 25. Matters note contained therein are rejected as subordinate. Partially adopted in Findings of Fact 25 and 26. Matters not contained therein are rejected as subordinate. Addressed in Conclusions of Law section. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 29. Addressed in Conclusions of Law section. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 32. Rejected as a recitation of testimony. Rejected as a recitation of testimony. Partially adopted in Finding of Fact 34. Matters not contained therein are rejected as argument and/or subordinate. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 33. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 35. Rulings on Proposed Findings of Fact Submitted by the Respondent: Partially adopted in Findings of Fact 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Matters not contained therein are rejected as Subordinate and/or a recitation of testimony. Rejected as not supported by the weight of the evidence. The first sentence of this paragraph is rejected as contrary to the weight of the evidence. The remainder of the paragraph is adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. Matters contained in Paragraph 3 which are inconsistent with the Findings of Fact previously mentioned are rejected as contrary to the weight of the evidence and/or subordinate. Partially adopted in Findings of Fact 19, 20 and 21. Matters not contained therein are rejected as contrary to the weight of the evidence and/or subordinate. Adopted in substance in Findings of Fact 22 and 23. Partially adopted in Findings of Fact 24, 25, 26 and 27. Matters not contained therein are rejected as contrary to the weight of the evidence. Adopted in substance in Finding of Fact 29. Rejected as contrary to the weight of the evidence and/or a recitation of testimony.

Florida Laws (5) 718.111718.112718.115718.116718.301
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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs. MARCO BAY ASSOCIATES, 82-002667 (1982)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 82-002667 Latest Update: Jun. 14, 1983

Findings Of Fact The original developer of Anglers Cove condominium was Peel Properties, Anglers Cove of Marco, Inc., who filed the original condominium documents with Petitioner and entered into contracts with 124 purchasers. Before any of these contracts to purchase closed, Respondent purchased the condominium project. Peel Properties had furnished to each of these purchasers a prospectus containing all of the documents required by Section 718.504, Florida Statutes. This prospectus was contained in a 115-page booklet. At the time of the purchase Petitioner advised Respondent that a change of developer would require a refiling for the condominium (Exhibit 1). In compliance with this directive Respondent filed a new set of documents with Petitioner, which, after some changes, were approved by Petitioner. Between the time of filing of the Peel Properties condominium documents and the filing by Respondent, several changes in the condominium laws had occurred and Respondent elected to file new documents rather than attempt to amend the existing documents. After receiving approval from Petitioner, Respondent prepared a new prospectus containing 121 pages and distributed it to existing purchasers along with a letter stating that should the changes be material and adverse to them as purchasers, they would have 15 days in which to rescind and void the contract to purchase. Of the 124 to whom these documents were sent, 64 demanded rescission of their contracts. Numerous lawsuits for rescission have been filed, with the parties disputing the materiality of the changes to the condominium document. That is not an issue in these proceedings. Petitioner contends that in addition to submitting the prospectus to the 124 purchasers with the letter advising them of their right to rescind the contract to purchase if the changes were material, Respondent should also have provided the purchasers with a detailed list outlining each change between the original condominium documents and the new documents. Respondent contends that by submitting the prospectus containing the new condominium documents to those purchasers who had received the original prospectus, it has complied with the disclosure requirements of the statutes and regulations.

Florida Laws (3) 718.202718.503718.504
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FLORIDA LAND SALES, CONDOMINIUMS, AND MOBILE HOMES vs. 67 BOCA DEL MAR ASSOCIATION, LTD., D/B/A LA RESIDENCE, A CONDO, 85-000278 (1985)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 85-000278 Latest Update: Mar. 23, 1987

Findings Of Fact Based upon the pleadings and responses thereto, an Order imposing sanctions for Respondent's failure to submit discovery as required by the undersigned dated October 15, 1986 and the entire record compiled herein, I hereby make the following relevant factual findings. Respondent is the developer of a condominium known as La Residence. As Presently developed, La Residence consists of sixty units. La Residence is located in Boca Raton, Florida. Respondent failed to meet the completion date for the subsequent phases of La Residence as is described in the declaration of condominium of La Residence. According to the Declaration of Condominiums for La Residence, the scheduled dates listed for construction of the subsequent phases of La Residence were June, 1982 for phase II; February, 1983 for phase III, and November, 1983 for phase IV. Amendments to the Declaration of Condominium of La Residence were recorded on June 30, 1981, March 22, 1982 and August 2, 1984. Respondent did not furnish the Division with copies of the above-referred amendments. Additionally, Respondent failed to provide purchasers of units within La Residence, copies of the above-referred amendments. Respondent failed to hold annual members meeting for the years 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984. Respondent failed to call a members meeting to allow non-developer unit owners to elect a director after fifteen percent of the available units had been conveyed. Respondent failed to mail to unit owners, copies of the proposed annual budget for the years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Respondent failed to include the statutory reserves and the proposed annual budget as required for the years 1982, 1983 and 1984. Respondent failed to fund reserve accounts for the years 1982, 1983 and 1984. Respondent failed to provide unit owners with financial reports for fiscal years 1982, 1983 and 1984. Respondent failed to pay the developer's share of assessments due to be paid by the developer after June 30, 1982. The Declaration of Condominium for La Residence was recorded in the public records of Palm Beach County in 1981. Control of the Condominium Association was turned over to non-developer unit owners on February 16, 1985. No "turnover report" was prepared by a certified public accountant nor was such a report ever furnished to the Condominium Association by Respondent. Respondent has not provided the Condominium Association copies of all canceled checks and bank statements for the time period dating from the recordation in 1981 to January 31 1984. Respondent, or a representative on its behalf, did not appear at the hearing to refute or otherwise contest the alleged violations set forth in the Notice to Show Cause filed herein.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions, of a Law, it is hereby RECOMMENDED Respondent pay to the Division, within thirty (30) days of issuance of the Division's Final Order, a civil penalty in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). Respondent secure the services of an independent certified public accountant who shall review the condominium records and submit a turnover review in accordance with the provisions of Section 718.301(4)(c), Florida Statutes (1985) and rule 7B-23.03(4)(5) and (6), Florida Administrative Code. Within thirty days of the Division's Final Order, it is recommended that the Division issue guidelines to Respondent to ensure that the condominium records are reviewed in accordance with the above-referenced statutory and rule provisions. Provided that monies are found to be due and owing the association based on the review, Respondent shall be directed to remit such amounts to La Residence of Boca Del Mar Condominium Association. Recommended this 23rd day of March, 1987, in Tallahassee, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 23rd day of March, 1987.

Florida Laws (7) 120.57718.110718.111718.112718.116718.301718.403
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