New law empowers condo boards in a hurricane

Florida's approximately 25,000 condominium boards can exercise broad new emergency powers if a major storm hits the state. The powers, which address both preparations and damages, are part of a comprehensive package of community association reforms passed this year by the Florida Legislature.

Donna DiMaggio Berger, executive director of the non-profit Community Advocacy Network and a partner in the law firm Katzman Garfinkel, said that condo advocates had been working hard to pass the emergency powers bill for the past several years.

"When we saw the great difficulties some condominium associations had in preparing and repairing their communities during storm season because of the restrictions placed on them by state law, we knew that something had to be done to take some of the legal shackles off their hands," Berger said.

When the new laws take effect July 1, condominium boards will be able to impose assessments, freely utilize reserve funds and make necessary repairs when a state of emergency has been declared to make sure their buildings and units are fit and safe for habitation.

The emergency board powers, which would be in effect for a limited time after a storm, include:

· The power to order a community-wide evacuation if the local authorities issue an evacuation order and provide the board with freedom from legal liability for any residents who ignore the order and stay.

· The power to levy special assessments without a vote and to borrow money for emergency repairs.

· The right to declare any portion of the property unavailable for entry or occupancy.

· The ability to contract for any services that are necessary to prevent further damage and necessary for health and safety.

· The power to implement a disaster plan, which could include shutting off utilities.

· The ability to call board meetings with reasonable notice rather that normal notice requirements and to cancel and reschedule meetings.

· The authority to name assistant directors to temporarily take the place of officers who are unavailable or incapacitated.

"Before and after a hurricane, board officers need the ability to react quickly to protect the common elements and the units, and now they have that ability," Berger said. "There are safeguards to assure these emergency powers are not abused, but when a natural disaster strikes some of the normal rules need to be temporarily suspended for the benefit of everyone living in a condominium complex."

However, even with the new powers, it's often the actions a board takes before a storm that makes the major difference in recovery efforts said Alan Garfinkel, founding partner of Katzman Garfinkel, and a nationally-recognized leader in natural disaster law.

"The proper preparations are essential to maximizing your insurance benefits and achieving a full recovery," Garfinkel said.