Latest Trend: Remote Condo/HOA Meetings
During the pandemic, condo and HOA meetings take place online to support social distancing mandates. However, some boards are considering keeping the remote sessions. Many are happy to continue to stay at home to connect when engaging with the world remotely. Overall, HOAs and Condo Associations may be able to continue holding virtual meetings, even when the coast is clear of the pandemic.
Florida Law on Remote Meetings
Florida Statute 617.0721(3) allows not-for-profit corporations to hold virtual meetings. Florida Statutes 718.128 and 720.317 authorize condominium and homeowners associations to conduct elections through an online voting system. These statutes provide associations with the essential flexibility in planning meetings and holding elections during the COVID-19 era. However, condominium and homeowners associations in Florida have already pivoted to virtual meetings to avoid contagion risks. Many associations have yet to discover the feasibility and cost-saving potential to allow their members to communicate and hold board elections electronically.
Remote Meetings Cut Expenses
Remote meetings may help associations cut the cost of fees for its' board members. Board members prefer it because they don't have to pay travel charges, and they're saving money. Sometimes there are evening meetings. By attending remotely, you may not have to stay for the call's duration, thus giving yourself more time to focus on other issues.
Possibility of a More Diverse Board
It's also opened the door to more candidates to run for the board because of the flexibility on location," she states. "We've got a lot of Midwesterners who are snowbirds. If they have the opportunity to use a remote platform to attend meetings, serving on the board is more feasible now."
Remote Meetings Make Sense for Snowbirds
According to HOAleader.com, board members like virtual meetings. Owners like them a lot, too, especially in Florida, where so many homeowners are snowbirds. Many owners don't attend meetings for six months out of the year because they're not in Florida, and remote meetings allow them to be more present."
Contact Us
Remote meetings permitted in these extraordinary times may still require you to check your Florida law and governing documents to determine if you can keep meeting virtually. Does your Board of Directors need advice on how to push forward with virtual meetings? Contact Condominium Associates today; we are here to help our Florida Homeowners make the best decisions for their community.
